lottery in tagalog When more than 20,000 people hit the streets of downtown San Jose for the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, they’ll be part of a tradition celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Carl Guardino still remembers waking up with his wife, Leslee, to a KCBS radio report about how 20,000 people were starting their Thanksgiving morning with a run to support local charities. The only problem was that run was in Sacramento, not San Jose. ”We thought, ‘Why doesn’t somebody do that here?’,” said Guardino, who was CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group at the time. “Then we realized, maybe somebody was us.” There are Turkey Trots all over the Bay Area now, but the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot remains the gold standard. People come with their co-workers or family members, hundreds dress up in costume even if they don’t take part in the official costume contest and people line the race route through downtown San Jose to cheer everybody on — whether they’re running the 5K or 10K, walking the course or pushing a stroller. But, like most things in Silicon Valley, it began as a startup. Both Leslee and Carl Guardino were both competitive runners — Leslee Guardino was an established triathlete — but starting a race from scratch was something new for them. Everything started falling into place when Applied Materials Vice President Joe Pon called Guardino to let him know that the Silicon Valley giant would sign on to be the run’s title sponsor. “With that green light, we were literally off to the races,” Guardino said. But the big question in 2005 was — would anyone wake up early on Thanksgiving morning to run through the streets of downtown San Jose? A week before the race, the answer did not look promising as only 100 people had registered. There were actually more volunteers signed up than runners at that point. But about 1,000 more people registered in that last week, and even more showed up to register on the morning of the race — delaying the start by about 25 minutes. In the end, 1,932 people took part in that initial race. There were 3,200 in the second year, 6,400 the following year and 9,600 the year after that. “By about year 12 or 13, it became the largest timed Thanksgiving Day run in the world, and it held that title seven straight years,” Guardino said. But Guardino said the key to making the race a real success was focusing it on the community benefits. “The three-legged stool on which we tried to build the Turkey Trot was build community, help the needy and start the holidays in a healthy way,” Guardino said. More than $12 million has been donated over those two decades to the race’s beneficiary partners — currently the Health Trust — the Healthier Kids Foundation, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. And with more people in the Bay Area needing help than ever before, those agencies have often said they’re very thankful for the race’s participants and the huge network of Silicon Valley companies that sponsor the race. The Turkey Trot was just the start, too. A few years later, the SVLG Foundation started the Santa Run to support Christmas in the Park, and later Heart & Soles, a spring run that originally was started to put salad bars in schools and which continues to support youth fitness and healthy eating. After Carl Guardino left the Silicon Valley Leadership Group in 2020, he started the Stars and Strides run to benefit the Valley Health Foundation. When Ahmad Thomas took over as CEO, he knew that keeping the Turkey Trot going as a “virtual” run during the COVID-19 pandemic — and bringing it back in person in 2022 — were important to the community the organization was serving. “It’s been an honor of mine to build upon this tradition and continue to grow and scale this race and achieve a positive impact,” Ahmad Thomas said. “Carl has been so kind, and that legacy of kindness in our community is at the core of this event. Those who participate in it and have the opportunity to give back are better people for it. And our community is better for it.” Carl and Leslee Guardino will be at the race Thursday, as is their Thanksgiving tradition. Their 20-year-old daughter, Jessica, has participated in every race and is now a Division I cross-country runner. Their daughter, Siena, will be singing the National Anthem to start the race. “It’s what we do as a family,” Guardino said. “We hope this lives on well beyond us and continues to grow.” EARLY THANKSGIVING: Tanya Moniz-Witten has been president at San Jose Water for less than a year, but Thursday she got to participate in Operation Gobble, one of the utility company’s most heartwarming events. In partnership with the California Water Association, San Jose Water distributed Safeway gift cards to several nonprofit agencies in the valley to help families facing hardship this year. The agencies nominated by local elected officials were: East Palo Alto Senior Center and Fondo de Solidaridad de Mountain View; West Valley Community Services; Mandas Amino Y Amistad (M.A.Y.A) Services; Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County; the Afghan Coalition; and Sunnyvale Community Services. WALL BUSTING: Usually, you see elected officials lining up to shovel dirt or cut ribbons on a new building. But Friday, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Dev Davis grabbed a sledgehammer and took a few whacks at the ranger station slated to be demolished at the Guadalupe River Park’s Confluence Point downtown. “This may have been a good idea when it was built,” Mahan said, “But it’s overstayed its welcome. It’s unused, it’s been abandoned, it’s unfortunately been lived in, had fires and trash. It’s become a symbol of blight in one of the most important gateways in our downtown.” The station, which was originally built in 1997 but has been vacant and unused for more than a decade, has been a target for vandalism and graffiti in recent years. Then intention is to turn the space into an open plaza with views of the river and the opportunity for educational experiences. “This is arguably the best ground-level view of the city anywhere in the city, and it’s finally going to be revealed,” said Carl Salas, a member of the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy board, who also took some swings with the hammer. He wasn’t the only one. Guadalupe River Park Conservancy Executive Director Jason Su, Garden City Construction CEO Jim Salata and even Commonwealth Club of California CEO Gloria Duffy donned hard hats and took their shots. I’m no therapist, but it seemed like some of them may have been venting their frustrations on the poor wall. If the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy had charged residents $5 for a 5-minute session, they could have made a mint. POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE: If you’re still trying to make sense of the Nov. 5 election, Garrick Percival, chair of San Jose State’s political science department, is here to help with an unbiased analysis. He’ll be giving an online presentation for the South Bay Democratic Coalition at 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 to cover how pollsters and pundits missed the mark. Go to www.southbaydemocraticcoalition.org for information on how to attend.

Passenger train collides with fire truck, injuring 3 firefighters and 12 others in Florida

Newly released pictures show then-Vice President Joe Biden meeting some of his son Hunter Biden’s Chinese business partners during an official visit to the country, as well as Hunter meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials. This is the first time these images have been made public, even though the photo ops and meetings they depict have been known about for years. The National Archives and Records Administration released the images after a public records request from a pro-Trump right-wing legal group. The photographs are from Joe Biden’s visit to China in 2013. In one set of images, Hunter Biden is seen, along with his father, meeting and chatting with Xi. In another set of images, Joe Biden introduces his son to Li Yuanchao, who was China’s vice president at the time. Another group of pictures shows Hunter Biden introducing his father to his Chinese business partners, some of whom were executives at the private equity firm BHR Partners. After handshakes and hugs, the Bidens posed for a group picture with a few of the Chinese businessmen. These images are notable because they further undercut Joe Biden’s already-diminished unequivocal assertions that he never had any business-related contact with his son. In fact, the House Republicans’ impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden uncovered at least two dozen interactions between him and his son’s business partners from China and other countries. However, Hunter Biden and others involved have testified that — despite occasional phone calls, meet-and-greets and dinners with Joe Biden — business was never substantively discussed. Hunter Biden’s former main US business partner later testified that Hunter was selling the “illusion” of access to his father, but “nothing of material was discussed” during these interactions. Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell criticized the Trump-aligned groups that fought to obtain and release the images, saying in a statement, “There is simply nothing new here.” “The photos match perfectly to Hunter’s congressional testimony description of who he saw at this public event during a 2013 trip to China,” Lowell said, referring to Hunter Biden’s closed-door deposition in February, during which he was grilled by Republicans for six hours. “These attacks trying to twist these images into something they are not is just more of the same old tired, misinformation spin from some Republicans who can’t let go of their ridiculous conspiracy theories and baseless accusations,” Lowell said in the statement. America First Legal, a pro-Trump group, filed the records request in 2022 and later sued the National Archives to obtain the records. The group is led by Stephen Miller , who served in President-elect Donald Trump ’s first White House and is set to return next year as deputy chief of staff for policy. “These photos corroborate the House Oversight Committee’s investigative findings that Hunter Biden arranged for his father to meet with Jonathan Li and other BHR executives during the 2013 China trip, where ‘Mr. Li sought — and received — access to Vice President Biden’s political power,’” America First Legal said in a news release last week. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment about the newly released pictures. Hunter Biden’s foreign business deals drew intense scrutiny from Hill Republicans and Justice Department investigators. Federal prosecutors charged him with tax crimes partly stemming from unpaid taxes from his overseas deals. He was never accused of corruption or illegal lobbying, despite GOP claims that he engaged in criminal influence-peddling. In a controversial postelection move, Joe Biden pardoned his son for the 12 tax and gun crimes he was convicted of earlier this year. The sweeping pardon also shielded Hunter Biden from future prosecution for any potential federal crimes he may have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.Lauren Betts recorded 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four blocks as No. 5 UCLA held off No. 17 Louisville 66-59 on Monday in Paris, France. UCLA led the game 32-29 at halftime and 50-46 after three quarters. Isla Juffermans made a jumper to cut the deficit to 50-48 before the Bruins rattled off 11 of the next 14 points. Betts had the final four points of that surge. Her layup gave UCLA its largest lead at 61-51 with 4:02 to play. Oregon State transfer Timea Gardiner put up 15 points in her team debut and Londynn Jones had 13 for the Bruins. Tajianna Roberts finished with 21 points for Louisville to lead all scorers, while Jaleah Williams had 11 points, nine assists and four steals. --Field Level Media

Picture credit As we approach the end of 2024, it’s clear that the personal loan landscape has undergone significant transformations over the past year. From the widespread adoption of digital technologies to the increased emphasis on personalized and sustainable lending practices, the personal loan industry has been shaped by a number of key trends that are set to define the future. When asked, “What is the future of personal lending?” Matt Mayerle, Personal Finance Editor at CreditNinja , responds, “The future of personal lending is all about accessibility, personalization, and technology. We’re seeing lenders use AI and alternative data to make lending more efficient and tailored to each individual’s unique financial profile. This means faster approvals, more flexible terms, and loan options that are accessible to a broader range of people. Additionally, the focus on sustainable lending practices is growing, with lenders increasingly prioritizing financial inclusion and responsible lending standards. Together, these trends are shaping a lending environment that’s more adaptable and inclusive than ever before.” In this article, we will explore these emerging trends and examine how they are shaping the future of personal loans. The personal loan industry has been undergoing a digital revolution, which has only accelerated in 2024. Lenders are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies to streamline the application and approval process, providing borrowers with a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have played a pivotal role in this transformation, enabling lenders to make more informed credit decisions, automate underwriting, and personalize loan offerings. By harnessing the power of data analytics, lenders can better assess risk, identify potential fraud, and tailor their products to meet the unique needs of individual borrowers. As consumer expectations continue to rise, lenders have placed a growing emphasis on offering personalized lending solutions that cater to the diverse financial needs of their customers. This year, we’ve seen a wider range of loan options, flexible repayment terms, and tailored interest rates, all designed to meet the specific circumstances and goals of borrowers. The rise of alternative data sources, such as employment history, education, and social media activity, has empowered lenders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a borrower’s financial profile. This has allowed them to make more informed decisions and provide customers with personalized loan products that better fit their individual needs. Mayerle explains, “In 2024, lenders are recognizing that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for personal loans. By using alternative data sources, lenders can better understand a borrower’s unique financial background and offer tailored loan options that truly meet individual needs. This approach not only improves access but also enhances the borrower experience.” Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns have become increasingly important in shaping consumer behavior and regulatory landscapes, and the personal loan industry has responded by embracing sustainable lending practices. We’ve seen a greater focus on responsible lending, with lenders strongly emphasizing financial inclusion, ethical underwriting, and the long-term financial well-being of their customers. This shift towards sustainable lending has involved introducing “green” personal loan products, which may offer incentives or favorable terms for borrowers committed to eco-friendly practices or sustainable lifestyle choices. Additionally, lenders have implemented more robust credit counseling and financial education programs to empower borrowers and promote financial literacy. Traditional financial institutions like banks and credit unions have often dominated the personal loan market. However, the rise of alternative lenders, including peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms and fintech companies, has introduced a new level of competition and innovation to the industry. In 2024, these alternative lenders have continued to disrupt the personal loan landscape, offering faster, more flexible, and even affordable borrowing options. Leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven decision-making, these lenders have been able to cater to underserved or niche segments of the market, providing opportunities for borrowers who may not meet the stringent criteria of traditional lenders. One of the most promising trends in the personal loan industry has been the growing focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Lenders have recognized the importance of reaching underbanked and underserved populations and have worked to develop lending solutions that cater to a diverse range of financial needs and backgrounds. “One of the most impactful trends this year is the push for inclusivity,” Mayerle remarks. “With alternative credit scoring and mobile lending platforms, lenders are reaching populations who may have been underserved in the past. This accessibility allows more people to achieve their financial goals and makes personal loans a more viable option for diverse groups.” This has involved the use of alternative credit scoring models, the expansion of online and mobile lending platforms, and the implementation of more flexible underwriting criteria. Additionally, lending companies like CreditNinja have provided a lifeline to those who may not have access to traditional banking resources in times of emergency or unexpected expenses. The personal loan industry has bridged the financial divide and empowered more individuals to achieve their financial goals. As we reflect on the trends that have shaped the personal loan industry in 2024, it’s clear that the future of this market is both exciting and transformative. From the widespread adoption of digital technologies to the increased emphasis on personalized and sustainable lending practices, the personal loan landscape has evolved to better serve the diverse needs of borrowers. So, as you consider your borrowing needs, consider these trends and leverage the right lending solutions to unlock the power of personal loans.

CHICAGO (AP) — N.J. Benson had 22 points and 17 rebounds in DePaul's 84-65 victory over Loyola Maryland on Saturday. Benson added 17 rebounds for the Blue Demons (9-4). Jacob Meyer added 12 points while shooting 4 for 11 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line while they also had five rebounds. CJ Gunn went 4 of 11 from the field (1 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 11 points. The Greyhounds (5-6) were led in scoring by Jacob Theodosiou, who finished with 22 points. Milos Ilic added 13 points, six rebounds and two steals for Loyola (MD). Jordan Stiemke had 10 points. DePaul took the lead with 18:45 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. Benson led their team in scoring with 14 points in the first half to help put them up 44-26 at the break. DePaul extended its lead to 64-36 during the second half, fueled by an 8-0 scoring run. Isaiah Rivera scored a team-high 10 points in the second half as his team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

A half-dozen state Senate committees will have new chairpersons heading into the 2025 session, with Democrats releasing the lineup on Thursday. The caucus also outlined who will hold other leadership positions and unveiled a change to the structure of the budget-writing Ways & Means Committee. Democrats will likely have eight new Senate members come January following seven retirements and a possible pickup in the 18th Legislative District where Democrat Adrian Cortes is leading Republican Brad Benton. “Washington voters sent a clear message this year — they want quality public schools, affordable housing and health care, a clean environment, and safe communities,” Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said in a statement. “With an expanded majority, we’re ready to tackle these priorities in the 2025 legislative session.” Pedersen was elected to his new post earlier this month. The Ways and Means Committee will get a new vice chair of finance position . Sen. Noel Frame, of Seattle, will hold that job. In her time as a legislator, Frame has put an emphasis on fixing Washington’s regressive tax code, including by pushing for the capital gains tax now in effect and a wealth tax proposal that has not passed. The committee will have two other vice chairs. Sen. Derek Stanford, of Bothell, will be the vice chair of the operating budget, and Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, of Tacoma, will be the vice chair of the capital budget. The caucus is getting some new faces in its leadership as well. Sen. Liz Lovelett, of Anacortes, will join Sen. Manka Dhingra, of Redmond, as deputy majority leader. Sen.-elect Marcus Riccelli, of Spokane, will become the majority floor leader, replacing Pedersen. In a statement after the vote, Riccelli said he was looking forward to being a voice for the Spokane area in the Democrats’ leadership. “Eastern Washington needs strong voices for growing and protecting good, living-wage jobs, increasing housing access and affordability, and improving our health care system,” he said. The chamber will also see a new president pro tempore following Sen. Karen Keiser’s retirement next month. Sen. Steve Conway, of Tacoma, will take over that role. Here’s a look at other leadership changes hitting the caucus this year: The Washington State Standard is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet that provides original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state government and politics. We seek to keep you informed about Washington’s most pressing issues, the decisions elected leaders are making, how they are spending tax dollars and who is influencing public policy. We’re part of States Newsroom , the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.Montreal Canadiens (8-11-3, in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Rangers (12-9-1, in the Metropolitan Division) New York; Saturday, 1 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rangers -206, Canadiens +170; over/under is 6.5 BOTTOM LINE: The New York Rangers host the Montreal Canadiens after the Canadiens knocked off the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime. New York has a 12-9-1 record overall and a 5-4-1 record on its home ice. The Rangers are 5-2-1 in games they score one or more power-play goals. Montreal has a 3-6-1 record on the road and an 8-11-3 record overall. The Canadiens serve 10.6 penalty minutes per game to rank eighth in league play. The teams square off Saturday for the second time this season. The Rangers won the last meeting 7-2. TOP PERFORMERS: Artemi Panarin has 12 goals and 13 assists for the Rangers. Will Cuylle has five goals and five assists over the last 10 games. Cole Caufield has 13 goals and five assists for the Canadiens. Nicholas Suzuki has scored four goals and added three assists over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Rangers: 4-6-0, averaging 2.6 goals, 4.7 assists, 2.9 penalties and 5.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game. Canadiens: 4-4-2, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.6 assists, 3.9 penalties and 9.4 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game. INJURIES: Rangers: None listed. Canadiens: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press

AP News Summary at 4:53 p.m. ESTCranlana, Noorlim Estate: Victoria’s multimillion-dollar mansions that are still yet to find a buyer as 2024 draws to a closeNEW YORK (AP) — Kaapo Kaako scored a power-play goal with 24 seconds left, and the New York Rangers stopped a five-game slide by topping the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Saturday. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Rangers, who got their first win since a 4-3 victory at Vancouver on Nov. 19. Adam Fox had two assists, and Jonathan Quick made 25 saves. With Montreal’s Kirby Dach serving a four-minute, high-sticking penalty, Kaako got his fourth goal of the season. The Canadiens trailed 3-1 after two periods. But Cole Caufield scored his 14th goal 4:16 into the third and Nick Suzuki tied it at 14:07. Trocheck tipped the puck past Montreal goaltender Sam Montembeault at 19:56 to put New York ahead after Panarin and Montreal’s Mike Matheson scored earlier in the first. Panarin put the Rangers ahead at 9:02, scoring on a 5-on-3 for New York’s first power-play goal since Nov. 12 at home against Winnipeg. Matheson tied it at 11:47. Montembault made 24 saves for Montreal. Takeaways Canadiens: dropped to 3-7-1 on the road. Rangers: Forwards Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil returned to the lineup. Kreider missed three games with an upper-body injury while Chytil was out for seven after colliding with teammate K’Andre Miller on Nov. 14. Reilly Smith and Jonny Brodzinski were scratched. Key moment Seeking an early spark, New York captain Jacob Trouba fought Montreal’s Josh Anderson 1:58 into the contest. It appeared to give the Rangers a collective jolt that was missing in recent games. Key stat The Rangers are 11-1-0 when scoring first. It was the 1,700th home win in franchise history. Up next The Canadiens visit the Boston Bruins on Sunday. The Rangers host the New Jersey Devils on Monday. ___ AP NHL: