Wishing Merry Christmas to everyone from GuoweixingPanthers TE Ja'Tavion Sanders carted off field for neck injuryTwo dozen of them are gathered here, though the list is not a ranking, does not attempt to define “the most” of anything including republications by news partners. Rather, it is a collection of interesting, important and useful news and information delivered by The Center Square news wire service. Here’s 24 from 2024. • U.S. Census Bureau estimates have pushed the population to 11.1 million . • Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, among the matriarchs of the state's Democrats, will begin work next month with a sixth different governor. She is 79 years young and on track to have 32 consecutive years in the office. Marshall told The Center Square in a one-on-one interview in September , “It’s historic, and it’s also astonishing to me because I didn’t grow up dreaming that I would be even a lawyer, let alone running a major office in government. I didn’t dream big enough for myself.” • Actions of Carolina fraternity brothers with the American flag on the famed Polk Place campus quad drew the praise of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and led to a joint session of Congress rising for a standing ovation and chanting, “USA! USA! USA!” The April actions amid a protest about the war between Hamas and Israel also led to a guest spot at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. • First bet was the Legislature approving sports wagering. Through the first 265 days, North Carolina is averaging a gain of $372,177 per day on the $98,627,032 total. • VinFast, in line to be a recipient of $1.2 billion in taxpayer money through incentives, failed this summer to start production of its $4 billion plant in Moncure . It’s bleeding money, too, with a third-quarter net loss of $550 million – a tad less than half of the $1.15 billion Mega Millions jackpot drawing on Friday night. • North Carolina is expected to remain a destination for abortions in the South following two decisions in a federal case litigating new state law. Overall, most of the law enacted Dec. 1, 2023, in the wake of Roe v. Wade being reversed in June 2022 is in place. Included are no abortions after 12 weeks, down from 20, except in cases of rape, incest, or “life-limiting anomalies." • Well beyond the halcyon days of the Bible Belt, faith still matters in eastern North Carolina. Speaking to The Center Square at a Trump rally in Rocky Mount, 1st Congressional District candidate and retired Army Col. Laurie Buckhout said, “Faith matters in this state. Faith matters in this district, more than a whole lot of people think.” And, she says, not of the old Bible Belt way. “It did get shook,” she says of the moniker, “and it came to have a not great conversation. Now, it’s a loving, accepting positive environment. It’s a wide environment. I see it all over the state.” • Agriculture, North Carolina’s No. 1 industry forever, topped $111.1 billion in economic impact in 2024 with No. 1 in production rankings nationally for sweet potatoes, tobacco, and poultry and eggs. Growth since coming out of the COVID-19 era in 2022 is $18 billion. • The school choice waiting list of about 55,000 was wiped clean when lawmakers appropriated $463 million to the Opportunity Scholarship program. • The state’s 100 sheriffs, according to a new law, are to hold suspects believed to have illegally entered or be illegally living in the United States. The detainer is up to 48 hours, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement is to be notified . • With a ruling from Judge Melissa Owens Lassiter at the Office of Administrative Hearings, Aetna is in and BlueCross BlueShield is out as the State Health Plan. • Charlotte City Council approved allocation of $650 million to the stadium project of NFL Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and his companies. He’s the 94th richest person on the planet at an estimated $20.6 billion net worth and owns the stadium used by his Panthers, his Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer, and his Tepper Sports & Entertainment. • Kylee Alons, a two-time national champion and 31-time All-American for N.C. State, is among 16 collegiate athletes, including 12-time All-American Riley Gaines, suing the NCAA for letting men who say they are women compete against them and use the same locker rooms. • Payton McNabb, the volleyball player from Hiawassee Dam High School in the mountains injured in 2022 by a boy saying he was a girl so he could play, continued to lead the national fight to protect women’s spaces alongside notable figures such as Gaines and Paula Scanlan. The Independent Women’s Forum coalition and its Our Bodies Our Sports “Take Back Title IX” Bus Tour, of which she was a part of, was vandalized while making a stop in Chapel Hill. By year’s end, the Biden administration had withdrawn changes to Title IX in a true national grassroots movement victory. • In one of the two biggest legislative wins of the last 15 years for the fight against human trafficking, lawmakers made solicitation of prostitution a felony . Enactment was Dec. 1. • Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, 72, won a sixth term last month . North Carolina was more blue than purple in the 1990s when he felt Democrats were hostile to tobacco production and he left the party to be a Republican. • Gov. Roy Cooper, 67, was a strong consideration for the Democrats’ presidential ticket, ultimately saying he would support Harris but not be her running mate . He remains with a perfect election record, unbeaten in 13 – three for North Carolina House of Representatives, four in the state Senate, four four-year terms for attorney general, and two four-year terms for governor. There's a watch for his decision related to the U.S. Senate seat race in 2026. • Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson held a modest polling lead as late as May against Democrat Josh Stein in the governor’s race. The summer swoon of the Republican went to unthinkable depths – losing by 14 points on Election Day – in part ignited by a Sept. 19 report from CNN. • AI & Politics ’24, led by Lee Rainie and Jason Husser at Elon University, in May said 78% believe it is likely artificial intelligence will be abused to impact the outcome of the presidential race. • Between July 22 and Sept. 12, seven lawsuits were filed against the State Board of Elections that includes Democrats Alan Hirsch, its chairman, Jeff Carmon and Siobhan Millen; and Republicans Stacy Eggers and Kevin Lewis; and Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell. • Hurricane Helene killed 103 in the state, 232 across seven states, and caused an estimated $53 billion in damage to the state. Arguably, it is the state’s worst natural disaster. • Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as well as their vice president picks and for Harris presidents present and past, were regular visitors ahead of Election Day . Trump’s win kept intact a pattern now 60 years old. • Average household spending in North Carolina is $1,017 more per month today to buy the same goods and services as it was in 2021 according to a July report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 22% cumulative inflation. • Fifty-nine positions were eliminated and 131 realigned after the University of North Carolina System changed a diversity policy that ensures “equality of all persons and viewpoints.” Total reported savings are $17.1 million and total redirected savings are $16.2 million.ph365 forgot withdrawal password 。

AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:02 p.m. ESTQatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has announced the launch of seven new programmes for Fall 2025, ranging from bachelor’s to master’s degrees, all focused on hands-on learning and practical applications. These programmes are the result of strategic partnerships with key national and international entities, including local and international organisations in the aviation industry. Admissions for these programmes will open in January 2025 for the academic year 2025-2026. College of Engineering and Technology Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (BSc AeroE): Designed to prepare students for top positions within the aeronautical engineering technology field, this programme provides comprehensive knowledge and skills for roles in industry, solution providers, or governmental sectors. Graduates will be ready to work in the design, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair of military and civil aircraft, as well as aviation enterprises, and will be equipped to conduct research and apply studies related to aircraft and aviation. Master of Science in Telecommunication and Network Engineering (MSc TNE): Designed for professionals seeking to enhance their careers, this programme provides in-depth knowledge of telecommunications systems, including wireless communication, optical networks, and satellite systems. Graduates will be equipped to apply advanced knowledge to design, manage, and optimise complex network infrastructures, addressing local and global challenges in the telecommunications industry. College of Business Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management (BSc AM): This programme is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in both business management and aviation-specific knowledge, preparing them for leadership roles in the dynamic aviation industry. The programme focuses on developing leadership skills, understanding aviation regulations, and enhancing decision-making through data and technology. It emphasises the importance of safety management, strategic thinking, and systems analysis to improve operational efficiency. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared to pursue diverse managerial positions within airlines, airports, and other aviation-related organisations. Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MSc DSAI): This programme caters to graduates and professionals seeking to expand their expertise in these critical fields. The master’s covers topics such as AI and data privacy, and cognitive computing, as well as the latest advancements in AI and data science, empowering graduates the necessary competencies to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. College of General Education Bachelor of Science in Teaching STEM: Combining interdisciplinary teaching strategies with hands-on learning, this programme prepares graduates to create dynamic educational experiences. It is specifically designed to address the national demand for skilled STEM educators, ensuring graduates are ready to lead in classrooms and foster innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving among the next generation of learners. Master of Science in Teaching STEM: This bilingual (English and Arabic), two-year graduate programme combines cutting-edge research with practical teaching methodologies, empowering educators to create transformative learning experiences. Graduates will be prepared to shape the future of education, equipping students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. Master of Science in STEM Education and TVET: This comprehensive two-year programme is designed for qualified teachers who wish to advance their expertise in both STEM education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). It focuses on research and leadership, enabling educators to drive innovation, enhance teaching methodologies, and contribute to education policy development. Graduates will be equipped to lead transformative changes in schools, vocational training centres, and educational organisations, shaping future-ready learners for a dynamic global workforce. Commenting on the announcement Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST, said: “The university is proud to introduce these new programmes, developed after extensive consultation with industry experts, academic leaders, and our strategic partners. Our goal is to equip students with not only the skills needed for today’s workforce but also the foresight to thrive in tomorrow’s ever-evolving job market. We are seeing an increasing recognition from both students and their families of the value of applied education. At UDST, our students engage in hands-on learning in real-world environments, benefiting from the vast network of professional connections that our partnerships provide. This approach ensures that our graduates are not just educated but prepared to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.” UDST has now more than 77 programmes that are under five different colleges which include: Engineering and Technology, Business , Computing and Information Technology, Health Sciences and General Education. Applicants can apply for admissions online through the website www.udst.edu.qa. These new programmes are aligned with UDST’s mission to provide innovative and high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of Qatar’s rapidly developing economy. By introducing these programmes, UDST is reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in Qatar and the world’s most dynamic industries. The university continues to build on its strong relationships with global and local institutions, ensuring that its graduates are prepared to meet international standards while contributing to Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Copy 30/12/2024 10

How co-writing a book threatened the Carters' marriage(BPT) - The new year is a good time to reset. From a fresh start on lifestyle choices, hobbies or pursuits, to the less exciting — but no less important — aspects of life, like memberships, contracts and even health insurance. Health insurance deductibles reset in the new year, so it's a good idea to keep that in mind as you plan for healthcare expenses. Any changes made to your health insurance plan during open enrollment go into effect as well. "Even if you spent hours researching your health plan before making a selection, there's always a possibility for the occasional surprise once coverage kicks in, which is why it's important to assess your healthcare coverage and address any gaps before January 1," said Doug Armstrong, Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services, Inc. "AARP members can take advantage of benefits available to them to help find the coverage and savings information they seek." 1. Examine your vision coverage Eye health is important to quality of life, both in terms of moving around safely and appreciating your surroundings. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can help make sure your vision is sharp while also monitoring for any issues. However, many health insurance plans don't include vision coverage. If you do see a gap in your coverage, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 2. Plan for prescriptions While several health plans offer coverage for prescription drugs, discounts can vary, especially when it comes to different types of medication. AARP ® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum RX ® can help with savings. This program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. Additional benefits for AARP members include home delivery, deeper discounts on medications, coverage for dependents and more. 3. Confirm your primary care With a new health insurance plan, you might find that your primary care physician is no longer in-network or that they no longer accept your insurance. Perhaps you have relocated and are in the market for a new doctor. Whatever the case, there's no time like the present to search for a new primary care physician who meets your needs. If you're on Medicare, Oak Street Health can be a great resource. The only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, Oak Street Health provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location. 4. Protect your smile Optimal dental care includes daily brushing and flossing and a visit to the dentist every six months. During your visit, the dentist can monitor for and treat any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. However, not all plans include dental insurance, which means you might end up paying out of pocket for your cleaning and other procedures. To avoid that, take a look at your coverage. If needed, explore information on dental insurance options that offer individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures. Dental insurance generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection will benefit from it immediately. 5. Clarify your hearing coverage Hearing loss is a common age-related ailment. According to the National Institute on Aging , one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. Hearing aids can be an enormous help, improving socialization, boosting confidence and even helping to increase balance. However, many insurance plans do not include coverage for hearing aids. AARP ® Hearing SolutionsTM provided by UnitedHealthcare ® Hearing provides savings on hearing aids and hearing care . Members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories — no insurance needed. Plus receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. 6. Consider physical therapy Often, the only times that people consider whether their health insurance covers physical therapy is if they already participate in it or after the doctor has prescribed it. As we age, though, physical therapy can be a useful tool in improving balance or recovering from an injury or procedure to help you remain active. Fortunately, the question of coverage or finding an in-network location doesn't have to derail you. AARP ® Physical Therapy At HomeTM by Luna accepts most insurances and Medicare and is available to members and non-members alike. Plus, Luna's experts come to you, so you can receive quality care from the comfort of your home. If you're creating an end-of-year to-do list, consider adding an assessment of your healthcare coverage. After all, the best time to realize you have a gap in coverage is before you need it. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits . AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

Smart speakers, such as Amazon's Alexa, have become a household staple in recent years, offering assistance with daily tasks, providing news and weather updates, and playing music on command. However, tech experts have issued a warning that these devices could be recording our conversations. According to the Liverpool Echo , Dr Hannah Fry, a mathematician and expert on tech company algorithms, advises treating digital assistants like any other guest in your home, excluding them from private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms. Dr Fry, an associate professor at University College London , warns that smart technology can record conversations. She stated: "I think there are some spaces in your home, like the bedroom and bathroom, which should remain completely private. "This technology is activated by a trigger word but it keeps recording for a short period afterwards. People accept that, but we should all spend more time thinking about what it means for us." After requesting her data from tech companies, Dr Fry discovered recordings of conversations from within her home . She also revealed that 'very senior' individuals in the tech industry avoid bringing smartphones into their bedrooms and cautioned consumers to be wary of low-cost technology with internet-connected microphones. A Bloomberg report has raised concerns that many users are unaware that humans might be listening to their interactions with voice-activated devices, with staff potentially reviewing up to 1,000 audio clips per day. Carolyn Jenkins of EPSoft Technologies advised: "Voice-activated tech is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used well or badly. Start by understanding the privacy and security settings available in the voice tech you are using, as well as the data retention policies of the company supplying the tech." She also recommended users to "Presume everything you say is being listened to and recorded, and adjust the settings you can from there until you are comfortable." Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Brad Thomas from Prophecy International warned: "These technologies are great time-savers and make life easier, but they also make it easy to inadvertently share private information without thinking. These devices are always on, collecting data about you and your habits to better provide services-but there is no filter, and they simply collect it all." He highlighted the risk of sharing private data unintentionally with big tech companies. An Amazon spokesperson clarified: "Echo devices are designed to record audio only after the device detects your chosen wake word (Alexa, Amazon, Echo, Ziggy or Computer). You will always know when Alexa is sending your request to the cloud because a blue light indicator will appear on your Echo device. We manually review only a small fraction of one percent of Alexa requests to help improve Alexa. "Access to these review tools is only granted to a limited number of employees who require them to improve the service. Our review process does not associate voice recordings with any customer identifiable information. You can also easily opt-out of having your voice recordings included in the fraction of one percent of voice recordings that get reviewed." To delete Alexa conversations, you must do the following: visit the Alexa app, go to Settings > Alexa Privacy > Manage Your Alexa Data. From here, select Choose How Long to Save Recordings > Don't Save Recordings > Confirm. Finally, scroll down to Help Improve Alexa, and switch the Use of Voice Recordings to off. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .Shura Council hosts Finance Minister to discuss State Budget 2025

Elias Cato scores 23 as Central Arkansas tops UNC Asheville 92-83 in double OT

Khan Academy Pakistan launched, brings AI-powered tutor 'Khanmigo' to countryPutin apologizes for 'tragic incident' but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a “tragic incident” following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people. He stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. The Kremlin said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike as the plane attempted to land on Wednesday. Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev “for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace.” The Kremlin also says Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. Israel detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals during a raid DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals. The announcement on Saturday came after health officials said Israeli troops stormed the hospital and forced many staff and patients outside and told them to strip in winter weather. Israel’s military alleges the hospital director is a suspected Hamas operative and says it detained over 240 others. It acknowledges it ordered people outside and that special forces entered the hospital. It says it “eliminated” militants who fired at its forces. Kamal Adwan officials have denied that Hamas operates in the hospital. Abortions are up in the US. It's a complicated picture as women turn to pills, travel Even with abortion bans in place in most Republican-controlled states, the number of people obtaining them has grown slightly. That's part of a complicated picture of the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade two and a half years ago. Abortion pills are more common now. So is traveling to other states for care, often on journeys hundreds of miles long. Public support for the right to abortion has also increased since before the ruling. That's been reflected in most ballot measures to add the right to abortion to state constitutions being adopted. Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The Amazon rainforest staggered through another difficult year in 2024. A second year of record drought contributed to wildfires that worsened deforestation across the massive forest, which spans Brazil, Peru, Colombia and other Latin American nations and is a critical counterweight to climate change. There were some bright spots. Both Brazil and Colombia reported lower levels of deforestation compared to prior years. Experts say Amazon countries need to do more to strengthen cross-border collaboration and that the global community who reap the benefits of commodities from the rainforest also need to pitch in. Bloodied Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to Russia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Five months after their shock offensive into Russia, Ukrainian troops are bloodied by daily combat losses and demoralized by the rising risk of defeat in Kursk. Some want to stay in the region at all costs. Others question the value of having gone in at all. Battles are so intense that commanders are unable to evacuate their dead. Lags in communication and poorly timed operations have cost lives and commanders say they have little way to counterattack. The overstretched Ukrainians have lost more than 40% of the territory they won in the lightning incursion that seized much of Kursk in August. Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says its forces hit several points inside Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes. Pakistan last Tuesday launched an operation to destroy a training facility and kill insurgents in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province. The strikes killed dozens of people. The ministry said Saturday that its forces hit points “serving as centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan.” Pakistan accuses the Taliban of not doing enough to combat cross-border militant activity, a charge the Taliban government denies. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, has been cremated after a state funeral. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Later, his body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years until 2014. Sweden embarks on a sober search for more cemetery space in case of war GOTHENBURG, Sweden (AP) — Burial associations in Sweden are looking to acquire enough land for something they hope they’ll never have to do. And that's to bury thousands of people in the event of war. The search follows new crisis preparedness guidelines from the country's civil defense agency and the military. The issue is seen in a new light after Russia's invasion of Ukraine led formerly neutral Sweden to join NATO. Sweden and Finland sent out updated civil preparedness guides in November with instructions on how to survive in war. The guides are similar to those in Denmark and Norway, though they don't mention Russia by name. Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73 LONDON (AP) — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy. “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting. Decades later, the pair brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over nude scenes in the film they said they were coerced to perform. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023. Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. The estimated jackpot was the fifth-highest ever for Mega Millions.President-elect Donald Trump paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter , who passed away Sunday at the age of 100. What To Know "I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday shortly after news of Carter's death broke. "Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History," Trump wrote. "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. "Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time," he added. "We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers." This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Elon Musk got into the holiday spirit by dressing up as Old Saint Nick for a photo that showcased his slimmed-down physique. Musk, 53, posted the shot on his social media site X, formerly known as Twitter , on Christmas Day, December 25, captioning it "Ozempic Santa." He noted that the correct medication mentioned should "technically" be Mounjaro "but that doesn't have the same ring to it." He then joked that his odd costume combination is "Like Cocaine Bear, but Santa and Ozempic!" Musk also shared why he prefers Mounjaro: "High doses of Ozempic made me fart & burp like Barney from the Simpson's," he wrote. "Mounjaro seems to have fewer side effects and be more effective." Ozempic Santa pic.twitter.com/7YECSNpWoz The billionaire has been a proponent of GLP-1 medications . Originally intended to manage type 2 diabetes, the drugs became a popular tool for weight loss since they help regulate blood sugar and appetite. "Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan and quality of life for Americans than making [GLP-1 drugs] super low cost to the public. Nothing else is even close," the co-lead of Donald Trump 's newly formed Department of Government Efficiency wrote on X on Wednesday, December 11. Musk added, "A lot of people will complain about this post, but I am right." The Tesla founder joins a growing list of well-known people who have taken GLP-1 drugs to shed weight. Comedian Jim Gaffigan, 58, said he was "grateful" for Mounjaro because losing 50 pounds while taking the medication led to "such a better life," People reported in November. And Fat Joe, 54, dropped 200 pounds using Ozempic and cutting bread, pasta, rice and other carbohydrates from his diet. "Ozempic says you may only have two pieces of your favorite stuff," the rapper said in an October interview with Us Weekly . Other stars like Ashley Benson, however, note that there are ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle besides going on the medications. "I know a lot of people take Ozempic and that's totally fine. To each their own," the 35-year-old Pretty Little Liars actress wrote on Instagram in June of slimming down following the birth of her baby girl last winter. "But don't discredit people who also work very hard to get their body back like I've done with mine ... Getting back to work forced me to focus on my health and working out and I wanted to feel confident and good about myself."Castellum, Inc. Announces Proposed Public Offering Of Common StockPHOTO GALLERY: Bendigo and District Cycling Club's Christmas Carnival

( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) VIENNA, Va., Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) (the“Company” or“Castellum”), a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software services company focused on the federal government, announces that it intends to offer and sell shares of its common stock in a public offering. Castellum is offering all of the shares of common stock. The Company initially intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. Consummation of the offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed or the actual size or terms of the offering. Maxim Group LLC is acting as the sole placement agent for the offering on a reasonable best-efforts basis. A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-275840) relating to the securities being offered was previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the“SEC”). It became effective on December 12, 2023. The shares may be offered only by means of a prospectus. A preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the public offering are being filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at . When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the public offering may also be obtained by contacting Maxim Group LLC , at 300 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at (212) 895-3745 or by email at ... . Before you invest, you should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, together with the information incorporated by reference therein, for more complete information about the Company and the proposed offering. The final terms of the offering will be disclosed in a final prospectus supplement to be filed with the SEC. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Castellum, Inc. : Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) is a defense-oriented technology company that is executing strategic acquisitions in the cybersecurity, MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering), and information warfare areas - . Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. Words such as“will,”“would,”“believe,” and“expects,” and similar language or phrasing are indicative of forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control, that could cause actual results to differ (sometimes materially) from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: the Company's ability to close the described debt financing; its ability to effectively integrate and grow its acquired companies; its ability to identify additional acquisition targets and close additional acquisitions; the impact on the Company's revenue due to a delay in the U.S. Congress approving a federal budget; and the Company's ability to maintain the listing of its common stock on the NYSE American LLC. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in Item 1A.“Risk Factors” section of the Company's recently filed Form 10-Q, Item 1A. "Risk Factors” in the Company's most recent Form 10-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission which can be viewed at . These risks and uncertainties, or not closing the described potential debt financing in this press release, could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise. Contact: Glen Ives President & Chief Executive Officer Phone: (703) 752-6157 ... A photo accompanying this announcement is available at MENAFN26122024004107003653ID1109033669 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Mind the Gap: Six Tips to Assess Your Healthcare Coverage Before the New YearSouth Carolina F Ashlyn Watkins remains suspended