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demo jili super ace login Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong receives an interview with Xinhua in Singapore in April 2019. Photo: Xinhua Senior Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, also the former prime minister of the country, was set to kick off a six-day visit to China on Sunday, which Chinese experts believe will further inject stability to bilateral ties amid rapidly changing world dynamic. At the invitation of the Chinese side, Lee will visit China from November 24-29, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced on Friday. According to the Singaporean Prime Minister's Office, Lee will first visit Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu Province, where he will participate in commemorative activities for the 30th anniversary of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), together with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. "This is a significant milestone for the first Government-to-Government project between Singapore and China," the office said in a press release on Sunday. Lee will then arrive in Beijing. Lee will make his third and final stop in Shanghai, where he will meet overseas Singaporeans, per the press release. Lee's visit to China reflects a smooth transfer of power during the country's leadership transition from Lee to Lawrence Wong, said Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute at Hainan Tropical Ocean University. This is Lee's first visit to China since stepping down as Singaporean prime minister in May and handing the leadership reins to Lawrence Wong, Channel News Asia reported. Lee, now a senior minister of the new government, is one of China's most frequently visiting foreign leaders, making more than 10 trips as prime minister in the two decades from 2004, per a South China Morning Post report. In recent years, including after the new government took office, China and Singapore maintained close high-level interactions, with effective communication at both political and functional department levels. On the morning of November 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima. Lee's trip to China will continue to deepen exchanges, reflecting their high regard for regional stability and cooperation, Chen Hong, executive director of the Asia-Pacific Studies Center at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Sunday. Lee will be accompanied by other ministers and senior officials in foreign affairs, education, national development, trade and industry, culture, community and youth, among others, the Prime Minister's Office announced. "Another significance for Lee's trip is that, in a world fraught with uncertainty, especially with Donald Trump returning to the White House, Lee's trip will promote bilateral ties while seeking a coordinated space in light of the uncertainties surrounding future China-US relations," Gu told the Global Times on Sunday. The senior minister's trip to China comes less than two weeks after a visit to the US, which concluded on November 14, according to the Singaporean Foreign Ministry. "Although Lee stepped down as prime minister, he still wields significant political influence. This is not only due to his family background - his father, Lee Kuan Yew- but also because of the extensive network of relationships he has built with leaders from countries like China and the US over the years," Gu said. "In today's international landscape, there are only a limited number of individuals who can engage in direct and candid communication with both the Chinese and American sides, and Lee is one of them," Gu noted. The expert believes that Lee will leverage his political resources to further advance China-Singapore relations during the trip while also playing a unique role in facilitating communication between China and the US. The Asia-Pacific is a key engine driving global economy. Its peace and prosperity has far-reaching implications for global stability and development, Chen said, adding that Singapore has a special importance given its strategic location at the crossroads of two oceans. Currently, several countries in the region are undergoing leadership transitions, including Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. While these countries continue to uphold a friendly stance toward China, the rapid changes in international dynamics make it particularly important to deepen partnerships. Lee's visit to China will help consolidate this cooperative foundation and provide new opportunities to address future challenges, Gu said. Echoing Gu, Chen said China has long valued its relationships with neighboring countries, extending cooperation to fields including trade and security, as well as political and socio-cultural areas. "In the face of potential impacts from Western countries, Asia-Pacific nations need to strengthen cohesion and promote deeper interactions within the region," he said.FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — An Atlanta man has been arrested and charged with fraud after George Mason University's men's basketball team was forced to cancel a trip to the Bahamas earlier this year after it paid for travel that was never actually booked. Charges against Maurice Smith, 44, the CEO of the Eugene Toriko travel agency, were unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va. According to an FBI affidavit, George Mason paid nearly $160,000 for a team trip to the Bahamas in August that was to include a pair of exhibition games and sightseeing excursions like a catamaran tour. The money was paid to a sports marketing firm that subcontracted with Smith's company, according to the affidavit. The team canceled the trip a day before the scheduled departure after learning all of its travel reservations had lapsed for nonpayment. The FBI affidavit alleges that Smith ran his travel company like a Ponzi scheme and that the money the Virginia university paid was used by Smith on personal expenses and to provide partial refunds to previous clients who similarly had their travel plans canceled. An email to Smith's company was not returned Friday. Court records do not list an attorney. The affidavit states that Smith wrote a letter to the university in September attributing the cancellation to a “logistical error” and saying that he was “committed to learning from this experience and implementing stricter controls and procedures to prevent any future occurrences.” Prosecutors say the George Mason University Foundation has still not been reimbursed. George Mason, located in Fairfax, Virginia, and a member of the Atlantic 10 conference, is currently 7-3.

PHILADELPHIA , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philadelphia intellectual property law firm of Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP is pleased to announce that partner Jeffrey W. Gluck , Ph.D. again has been named among IAM's Strategy 300 Global Leaders 2025, an honor recognizing the world's leading intellectual property strategists. IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders showcases the top experts in the IP world, acknowledging leaders from across in-house, private practice, and service provider roles. These specialists work in major IP markets around the world, and their approach to intellectual property is regarded by peers as truly strategic in nature. With careers as an engineering researcher and as an intellectual property attorney, Gluck brings both perspectives to the table when serving clients. His legal practice spans a broad range of areas, including patent application and prosecution, IP counseling, providing legal opinions, serving on litigation teams, and appellate litigation. He also advises clients on matters relating to software copyright/licensing issues, including open-source licenses. With a technical background in the electrical and computer areas, Gluck specializes in sophisticated electrical and computer-related technologies, including telecommunication systems, signal processing, control systems, solar energy technology, semiconductor devices, and high-performance computing. Gluck earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland , his master's degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Massachusetts , and his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University . IAM provides worldwide news, analysis, and data on the management of intellectual property as a key business asset. It serves an in-house counsel audience, featuring current updates and commentary on the most pressing global issues and strategies in the IP space. Read the full list of IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders. About Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP – Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP is a boutique intellectual property law firm with offices in Philadelphia , Wilmington, Delaware , and Alexandria, Virginia . The firm's IP law practitioners provide strategic litigation, licensing and counseling services relating to patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, domain names and internet issues domestically and internationally. The firm's long-standing relationships with a network of associates worldwide enable its attorneys and advisors to provide clients with global intellectual property advice and protection. Contact: Sarah Larson sarah@furiarubel.com / 215.340.0480 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panitch-schwarze-partner-jeffrey-w-gluck-named-among-iam-strategy-300-global-leaders-2025-302315766.html SOURCE Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLPNo. 8 Kentucky flying high ahead of Western Kentucky meeting

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As China deploys the most warships around Taiwan in its largest maritime operation in three decades, scrutiny of the potential military operations Xi Jinping envisions is long overdue. This second part of a two-part series , based on the Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute’s new edited conference volume, “ Chinese Amphibious Warfare: Prospects for a Cross-Strait Invasion ,” distills key findings from the book regarding scenario factors and policy recommendations, and highlights areas of ongoing research. A comprehensive net assessment of the cross-strait military balance is beyond the scope of our unclassified project. We instead focused on China’s amphibious-related developments and identify key dynamics and trends. Part 4, “Scenario Factors,” therefore considers specific elements vital to the success of a Taiwan invasion. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is laser-focused on accounting for all relevant variables, but retains considerable challenges and shortcomings even as it builds and deploys forces at a rate unprecedented in the postwar era. A large-scale amphibious invasion is one of the most complex, difficult military operations of all. It is extremely challenging to achieve. Success hinges on comprehensive planning, complex command and control architectures, massive force employment, and precise synchronization. It can be thwarted by factors ranging from inclement weather to enemy countermeasures to unexpected contingencies. There is no better acknowledgment of these inherent uncertainties than the “ In case of failure ” message drafted by U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 5, 1944, the day before the monumentally successful D-Day Invasion. As Lieutenant General Charles Hooper – formerly a U.S. defense attaché in Beijing – points out in his foreword to our volume, the last major opposed amphibious landing was the U.S. assault on Inchon, South Korea in 1950. Beijing is now contemplating one of history’s most ambitious amphibious operations, including the largest-ever civilian ship mobilization – greatly exceeding the Dunkirk evacuation in ship numbers and the Falklands War in tonnage. China lacks experience operating under wartime conditions at that scale. Its airborne forces, for example, have historically had a regime preservation role – as seen in suppressing the 1967 Wuhan uprising during the Cultural Revolution and in the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre. Under a variety of scenarios, Beijing might have to send some forces on a one-way mission. Envisioning a PRC Invasion As John Culver underscores, China is pursuing an “all of regime” approach to “unifying” Taiwan, but has not yet built – let alone integrated operationally and trained with – the complement of smaller amphibious vessels required to provide sufficient traditional sealift for a cross-strait amphibious operation. Meanwhile, the PLA Navy Marine Corps (PLANMC) is not optimizing itself for an amphibious invasion of Taiwan, but rather for a range of operations that might address China’s interests in the South China Sea, across the region, and even around the world. Later in our volume, Sam Tangredi describes this trajectory as “trading places” with the U.S. Marine Corps, which is controversially shifting from its previous full spectrum of traditional global operations to a more PRC-focused subset. On the other hand, China’s determination and progress are formidable. It is rapidly improving in key areas. William Fox and Roderick Lee assess that PRC strategists regard air and sea supremacy as preconditions for a successful Joint Island Landing Campaign. Through a painstaking cataloging of sensors available for such an operation in the near term, they assess that China’s military likely has moderate confidence in its ability to seize and maintain control of the air and high confidence in its ability to achieve localized sea control. But key PRC sensors are far less numerous than key PRC shooters, and hence a logical single-point-failure target for limited U.S. and allied fires. PLA logistics support would critically undergird any successful invasion; three chapters probe that vital subject. Kevin McCauley examines the assessments of PRC military experts themselves, particularly through an authoritative internal-circulation volume from the PLA’s logistics research center. Contributing PLA authors documented manifold weaknesses, particularly insufficient transportation capabilities and war reserves. While these have doubtless improved since the study’s publication in 2017, a successful invasion would require far greater preparations. Many analysts contend that China would focus its invasion on a limited number of large beaches on Taiwan’s main island, where Taiwan could prepare defenses pre-conflict. In keeping with CMSI’s commitment to considering diverse, creative perspectives, Ian Easton challenges the conventional wisdom that China’s military would assault Taiwan only over the beach in a limited number of prime locations. He instead considers the possibility that the PLA might seek to avoid logistics bottlenecks and exposure by centering its amphibious assaults around Taiwanese ports, which is where he believes the majority of invading forces would likely disembark. Easton evaluates specific Taiwanese ports in relation to PLA requirements to establish lodgments with at least one working port. J. Michael Dahm bookends Lonnie Henley’s consideration of militia and commercial vessels as providers of logistics over the shore with an in-depth study of related civil-military integration exercises. Despite clear progress, he assesses, China’s commercial fleet is not yet ready to furnish the requisite logistics support under realistic conditions. In sum, our findings will shock the greatest of optimists with how little margin is left in this perilous situation, yet inspire even the most hardened pessimists with evidence that deterring an invasion of Taiwan is still completely feasible. Possible U.S. Responses While our volume focuses on offering dispassionate analysis over making policy recommendations, given the stakes at hand we felt duty bound to offer some targeted suggestions. Admiral Michael McDevitt anchors the concluding section – Part 5, “Implications” – in its operational context by considering in detail how a PRC attempt to invade Taiwan might play out, and how the United States and key allies such as Japan might respond. He offers recommendations for how the U.S. Navy should proceed if tasked by the National Command Authorities to help Taiwan frustrate a PRC invasion attempt. Heretofore, the saving grace has been that Taiwan enjoys formidable defensive geography, and that a large-scale amphibious invasion is one of the most difficult military operations to accomplish. Taiwan’s most fundamental advantage is that its geophysical defenses offer formidable protection and a firm foundation for further fortification. The “moated” Taiwan Strait, tides, currents, weather, mudflats, and coastal terrain and infrastructure make an amphibious invasion especially challenging. Imperial Japan built resolutely on these endowments to deter the United States from launching Operation Causeway as its ultimate island hop to wrap up World War II in the Pacific, a feat my colleague Ian Easton elucidates with fresh archival sources in a new CMSI China Maritime Report . Similarly, in a recent article , Dr. Scott Savitz of RAND explains how Chinese forces repulsed France’s attempted invasion of Taiwan in 1884–85 during the Sino-French War. Many lessons linger, but time is running short. Under Xi’s concerted directives, China’s military is reforming relentlessly, bringing critical new capabilities to bear, and training tirelessly to improve its wherewithal to execute the operations on which it is laser-focused. For the United States to relentlessly prioritize safeguarding Taiwan in these critical times, Taiwan must relentlessly prioritize its defense where it matters most . In our concluding chapter, based on principles of physics and operational realities, former CMSI researcher Gabriel Collins and I outline six concrete areas that Taiwan should prioritize above all else, including legacy systems: air defense, mines, antiship missiles and munitions, coastal artillery, information warfare, and critical infrastructure resilience. The situation is critical, and time is running out. A Blockade Scenario China’s latest in a series of Taiwan-focused military pressure exercises suggested that the types of operations for which the PLA is preparing include a significant maritime component. Increasingly, I believe that the most likely/worst consequence PRC military operations against Taiwan might be a blockade/quarantine campaign. It will be particularly dangerous if Xi comes to believe this sort of operation has reasonable prospects for success. Such an approach may tempt him as a lowest-barrier-to-entry “way-to-have-it-all.” What might make this option attractive? From a PRC perspective, a blockade/quarantine could employ China’s numerically superlative world-leading sea forces and supporting assets and infrastructure to best advantage. It could draw on political-legal arguments, messaging, and information operations, in which the Chinese Communist Party has long been maximally invested and has deepest experience. It is scalable and could preserve greatest ambiguity and flexibility, at least in the early stages, and it could impose the burden of escalation on U.S. forces (and those of allies and partners that joined them). Finally, whereas a Joint Island Landing Campaign would target Taiwan’s most dedicated, professional frontline forces, and a Joint Firepower Strike Campaign would likely target key military and political nodes precisely, a Joint Blockade Campaign would target Taiwan’s true Achilles’ Heel: the resilience and resolve of its society writ large under protracted stress and discord. Taiwan has complex social fissures and factions, including cohorts of postmodernist youth and elderly Sinophiles. Conclusion War represents the highest of stakes, and no one can confidently predict how events might unfold. Outcomes would hinge on the specific circumstances of the moment and unpredictable factors such as chance, weather conditions, leadership decisions, intelligence, and the combat capabilities of each side in what would undoubtedly be their greatest crisis and defining challenge. Missing the operational forest for the technical trees could generate grave miscalculations. While we can pinpoint the essential variables involved, we lack the key to conclusively decipher the mysteries of an uncertain future. This book, therefore, provides readers with a framework to critically analyze a Taiwan invasion scenario and draw their own conclusions about what might transpire under what conditions. What is clear is that Beijing recognizes the inherent difficulty of a cross-strait invasion and is rapidly building combat power and capabilities that make such an action ever more feasible. However, the outcome would hinge on so many variables that it would be irresponsible to speculate beyond the parameters we offer. One thing we did not cover in the conference and volume (because we did not know about them yet) is the proliferation in the commercial sector of what Conor Kennedy now terms “ deck cargo ships ” in his related research. These simple but practical platforms may partially substitute for the purpose-built small amphibious vessels (Landing Ship, Tank and Landing Ship, Medium vessels) that Jennifer Rice covers in her chapter. Along with the large roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) vessels that Lonnie Henley and Michael Dahm discuss, these smaller but very numerous payload-delivery workhorses could very significantly augment any amphibious effort. They might contribute to mitigating the need for the greatly increased amphibious shipbuilding which would otherwise be required to support an operation of this magnitude. Another particular area to watch moving forward is that China is increasingly exercising cross-strait capabilities at an ever-larger scale – as seen in the ongoing military drills . This represents an enormous dedication of resources, which suggests just how seriously PRC leadership views the issue. Joint exercises are growing larger and more complex every year. It is, however, important to note that large-scale amphibious operations are exceeding difficult to execute successfully under even the most benign and permissive conditions. The defender gets a vote, and this is not a static problem but rather a very dynamic one, which Taiwan and its security partners have an opportunity to influence through wise investments in specific capabilities as well as proper, thorough preparation and resolve. CMSI will endeavor to offer research-based insights regarding these and other critical areas while there is still time to deter disaster. Stay tuned ! This second part of a two-part series offered larger implications from the penultimate and concluding sections of “ Chinese Amphibious Warfare ,” as well as showcased areas of continuing related research. Part 1 summarizes key findings from this CMSI volume’s earlier sections: China’s amphibious history and doctrine, its current joint force, and its supporting enablers.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has died at 100Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds Business | How to protect your communications through encryption Business | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? Business | Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases Business | Bank groups sue the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over a proposed cap on overdraft fees Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

INDIANAPOLIS — Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions spent three months scoring at a historic rate. Now with the weather changing outside, they’re winning with old school football, too. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for two scores , David Montgomery added a third TD run and Detroit's increasingly stingy defense kept the Indianapolis Colts out of the end zone on Sunday, leading the Lions to their ninth straight win, 24-6. “This is, whatever it is, 10 quarters without allowing a touchdown and the three last games in the second half we're not allowing it,” coach Dan Campbell said. “We talk about it all the time — limiting points, play physical style, shut down the run — we were able to do that.” They've been doing it all season in their greatest run in decades, but have been more effective lately and it has shown. The Lions improved to 10-1 for the first time since 1934, their inaugural season in the Motor City. They own the league's longest active winning streak and are 6-0 on the road this season. While the Lions have scored points by the dozens all season, Campbell's preference for physical football means they're equally capable of grinding out wins with the combination of a ball-control offense and an ascending defense that propelled them to this win. Gibbs finished with 21 carries for 90 yards on a day Goff went 26 of 36 with 269 yards and no touchdowns. And for the third straight week, all against AFC South foes, the Lions had a second-half shutout. “If you can win on the road, you're normally a pretty damn good team,” Campbell said. “And we can win on the road.” The Colts (5-7) found out the hard way by losing their second straight home game and for the fourth time in their past five games. Anthony Richardson had another up-and-down game , going 11 of 28 with 172 yards while rushing 10 times for 61 yards. But it was Indy's inability to finish drives with touchdowns that again cost the team. That flaw was evident right from the start when Richardson took the Colts inside the Lions 5-yard line on the game's first series and settled for a short field goal when they couldn't punch it in. “We've got to take advantage of our opportunities,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “This league comes down to inches, it comes down to yards and you've got to take advantage of those opportunities. We've had issues down in the red zone and you have to look at the tape and clean it up.” Detroit made Indy pay dearly for its offensive miscues. Gibbs' 1-yard TD run on the Lions' second series made it 7-3 early in the second quarter and after Indy settled for another short field goal, Montgomery spun his way across the goal line for a 6-yard TD and a 14-6 lead. Detroit's defense made sure that was all the scoring punch it needed. “Those players, we've been around each other long enough, they've been around each other to know exactly what we're looking for,” Campbell said. “We have an identity about us. We know the critical factors as they pertain to winning, and those guys take that stuff serious.” Gibbs' 5-yard TD run late in the third quarter gave Detroit a 21-6 lead and they closed it out with a 56-yard field goal midway through the fourth. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six passes for 62 yards for Detroit while Michael Pittman Jr. had six catches for 96 yards for Indy despite leaving briefly in the first half with an injured shoulder. Gibbs' first score extended Detroit's league record to 25 consecutive games with a TD run, including the playoffs. He's also the third Lions player with 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 TDs in each of his first two pro seasons with Detroit, joining Billy Sims and Barry Sanders. Gibbs and Montgomery have each scored at least one TD in the same game nine times. Lions: Things got ugly during a third-quarter flurry. Receiver-punt returner Kalif Raymond (foot), left tackle Taylor Decker (right leg) and Montgomery (shoulder) all left in quick succession. Raymond and Montgomery did not return. Decker did. CB Carlton Davis II left early in the fourth with what appeared to be a left knee injury. Colts: Indy deactivated left tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee), forcing the Colts to again use three rookie linemen. Receivers Ashton Dulin (ankle) and Josh Downs (shoulder) both left in the second half. Downs returned, Dulin did not. Lions: Host Chicago in its traditional Thanksgiving Day game. Colts: Visit New England next Sunday.Mental Health Workers and Kaiser Permanente to Resume Negotiations Next Year

Happy scores 16 as Princeton downs Portland 94-67 at Myrtle Beach InvitationalSambhal mosque imam fined Rs 2L for loudspeaker noise violationTilray Inc ( NASDAQ:TLRY – Get Free Report )’s stock price traded down 3.4% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $1.42 and last traded at $1.43. 20,938,324 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 20% from the average session volume of 26,251,064 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.48. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Roth Mkm dropped their price target on Tilray from $2.00 to $1.75 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 11th. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Tilray Tilray Trading Down 3.4 % Tilray ( NASDAQ:TLRY – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 10th. The company reported ($0.04) EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $200.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $218.70 million. Tilray had a negative return on equity of 2.00% and a negative net margin of 26.79%. The company’s revenue was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.10) EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Tilray Inc will post -0.14 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at Tilray In related news, CFO Carl A. Merton acquired 26,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 15th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $1.36 per share, for a total transaction of $35,360.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief financial officer now owns 26,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $35,360. This represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Company insiders own 0.87% of the company’s stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tilray Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TLRY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Tilray by 32.4% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 432,031 shares of the company’s stock valued at $760,000 after purchasing an additional 105,803 shares during the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp increased its stake in shares of Tilray by 176.7% in the third quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 36,092 shares of the company’s stock worth $64,000 after buying an additional 23,046 shares during the period. Barclays PLC raised its holdings in Tilray by 600.4% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 204,144 shares of the company’s stock valued at $359,000 after buying an additional 174,997 shares during the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its position in Tilray by 454.5% during the 3rd quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 128,923 shares of the company’s stock valued at $227,000 after buying an additional 105,671 shares during the period. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd grew its holdings in Tilray by 1,079.7% in the 3rd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 281,504 shares of the company’s stock worth $495,000 after acquiring an additional 257,641 shares during the last quarter. 9.35% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Tilray Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Tilray, Inc engages in the research, cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis. The company offers its products in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Germany, New Zealand, and South Africa. Tilray, Inc is headquartered in Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tilray Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tilray and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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“Good news, I just finished my last assignment for this year. I am so ready for next year.” My daughter texted this to me while I was writing this article. This year isn’t quite over, but next year is all she can think about. Investors also can’t stop themselves from looking ahead to 2025, and I think they will like what they see. Looking back, 2024 was another good year for stocks. Stocks were driven higher by AI technology, feisty consumers whose spending continues to propel the economy, a leveling off of inflation, Fed rate cuts and, as of late, the excitement of investor-friendly policies from the incoming administration. As we look towards the stock market in 2025, there are a few key issues investors should be watching for. Upside potential: The ingredients that gave us a good 2024 could continue in 2025, namely a continued leveling off of inflation, lowering of interest rates and strong corporate earnings. If these things continue, they could support the current high valuations. Wells Fargo announced a year-end 2025 target range for the S&P 500 Index of 6,500-6,700, which would be a 7-10% increase from 12/11/24. LPL was more conservative with its predicted year-end 2025 target range for the S&P 500 Index of 6,275-6,375, which would be a 3-5% increase from 12/11/24. For the Wells Fargo prediction to become a reality, rates would need to steadily move lower, companies would need to see strong productivity gains and the often talked about market-friendly policies would need to be enacted. Avoid a recession: Historically, the stock market has had single-digit returns in the 12 months following the first Fed rate cut but increases to low double digits when a recession has been avoided. Outside of some unexpected manmade disaster, I don’t see the makings of a recession in 2025. Potential risks: Some market conditions make me a little queasy. The economy could be weaker than the numbers show. The numbers show consumers continuing to spend with abandon, but the people I’m around at church and socially are beginning to pull back their spending. They are not stopping their spending completely, but they are not buying the big-ticket items and are buying more off-brand products. Also, if the inflation rates start rising again and the Fed has to pause its rate-dropping program, it could scare investors and negatively affect the market. We also need to see how Trump's tariff and immigration policies play out and if they help or hurt the economy. It won’t be smooth: Even if we avoid a recession, it wouldn’t be surprising for stocks to pull back 10% at some point and then recover from it. Be prepared for these times of volatility and be ready to buy stocks during market pullbacks. These are the days when active investment managers are worth their expense. I wouldn’t be surprised by a market dip in the coming weeks and months, but overall, I expect stocks to be positive in 2025 but not as good as they were in 2024. I am maintaining a neutral stance on stocks as 2025 approaches but keeping funds available to buy when the market dips. I still prefer U.S. stocks over international ones because of much better earnings and because the new trade policies and tariffs will hurt international companies. My daughter has good reason to be excited about next year. In 2025, she will buy her first house, get married and graduate from college. Investors might not have an exciting new year, but I think they will be happy with their returns. Have a blessed week. Fervent Wealth Management is a financial management and services entity in Springfield, Mo. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Opinions are for general information only and not intended as specific advice or recommendations. All performance cited is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and can’t be invested in directly. The economic forecast outlined in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. Visit www.ferventwm.com for more information.Millions of meals served at St. Vincent de Paul each year

An Absurd play in Parliament: Qualifications versus educationIntel’s latest graphics card release has ignited excitement but securing one is a challenge. Yesterday, Intel unveiled its highly anticipated Battlemage series, rolling out the Arc B580 GPU, featuring the advanced Xe2 architecture. This Limited Edition release has sparked a frenzy among tech enthusiasts. Exclusivity Drives Demand The Arc B580’s debut was met with immediate high demand, causing it to rapidly sell out. According to sources, the card was seen on Newegg for an introductory price of $249.99. This model stands out with its 12 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, a solid 192-bit bus, and 20 Xe2 cores. Gaming performance reviews highlight its potential, especially at 1440p, surpassing competitors like the RTX 4060 and RX 7600. Despite minor driver issues, it’s a serious contender in the budget GPU market. Challenges in Availability Finding this GPU in stock presents a challenge. Newegg anticipates restocking by January 3, 2025, amid numerous pre-orders. Similarly, Amazon lists several versions expected in early January. B&H and LDLC have also opted for pre-order models due to the scarcity. The Limited Edition status bolsters its allure, with Intel planning no further production once stock runs out. As consumers eagerly await availability, a cheaper option, the Arc B570, is on the horizon, hitting stores on December 16. This launch offers tech aficionados a promising alternative to experience Intel’s latest innovations. Unlocking the Secrets: Intel’s Revolutionary Arc B580 GPU Intel’s recent foray into the graphics card market with the Battlemage series has sparked widespread interest, and the Arc B580 GPU is at the center of this surge. This new offering promises to redefine performance in the budget GPU sector with its cutting-edge Xe2 architecture. Exploring the Power of Intel Xe2 Architecture One of the standout features of the Arc B580 GPU is its revolutionary Xe2 architecture. This architecture packs 20 Xe2 cores, aimed at delivering superior gaming and graphical performance. Combined with 12 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a robust 192-bit bus, it’s designed to handle games at 1440p resolution with ease, offering a competitive edge over NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 and AMD’s RX 7600. Performance Reviews and Comparisons Initial test results showcase the Arc B580’s impressive capability in handling demanding gaming titles, often trumping its competitors in the same price bracket. Reviews have highlighted its potential for smooth gameplay, particularly in 1440p settings. The Arc B580 has been praised for delivering an immersive experience without breaking the bank. Innovation Meets Affordability: Pricing Insights Launching at an introductory price of $249.99, the Arc B580 represents a strategic move from Intel to capture market attention in the competitive budget segment. Its pricing demonstrates a balance between performance and affordability, catering to an audience eager for high-quality graphics at a reasonable cost. Supply Challenges and Market Response Despite its promising features, securing an Arc B580 has proven difficult, with the initial release quickly selling out on platforms like Newegg. This scarcity has only heightened anticipation for restocks, anticipated in early January 2025. Retailers like Amazon and B&H have resorted to pre-order models to manage the high demand. Upcoming Releases: The Arc B570 Alternative For those unable to acquire the Arc B580, Intel plans to release a more affordable variant, the Arc B570, on December 16. This model will offer a more accessible entry into Intel’s advanced GPU technology, allowing a broader audience to experience its groundbreaking innovations. Predictions: The Future of Intel Graphics Cards As Intel continues to develop its graphics card technology, the Arc series is expected to expand further, potentially challenging established giants in the industry. Forecasts suggest that Intel’s continued innovation could lead to more robust and affordable options in future GPU lineups. Security and Sustainability Aspects Intel’s GPUs are designed with security as a priority, promising robust protection against vulnerabilities. Moreover, the Arc B580’s efficient power management indicates a step towards sustainability by reducing the environmental impact while maintaining performance. For more information on Intel’s technological innovations and product releases, visit their official website .

No. 24 Illinois cruises past Chicago State 117-64 behind Kylan Boswell's triple-doubleCompany develops unmanned aircraftCHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kylan Boswell had 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and Tomislav Ivisic scored 23 points to lead No. 24 Illinois to a 117-64 victory over winless Chicago State on Sunday. Boswell was one assist shy of his first triple-double and got it with a pass that set up Keaton Kutcher’s 3-pointer with 1:47 left. It was the seventh triple-double in program history. Dre Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 16 points, Kasparas Jakucionis had 14, Will Riley had 13 and Morez Johnson Jr. had 11 points and eight rebounds for the Illini (9-3). Gabe Spinelli, son of first-year Chicago State coach Scott Spinelli, led the Cougars (0-15) with 20 points and Noble Crawford scored 15. Illinois led 60-24 at halftime and built its lead to as many as 58 points in the second half. Illinois: This wasn’t much of a test for the Illini, who were facing a winless team that doesn’t have a player averaging in double figures and gives up 83 points per game. But it gave them a chance to shake off the rust from having a week off following their Braggin’ Rights win over Missouri on Dec. 21. Chicago State: It was another bad day for the Cougars, who were outrebounded 47-23, committed 15 turnovers and shot 37%. On a positive note, they were 4 for 4 at the free-throw line. A 14-point run over a 2 1/2-minute stretch early in the first half extended an 8-7 Illinois lead to 22-7 and propelled the Illini to the lopsided win. The Illini shoot a lot of 3s. They came into the day averaging 32 per game, No. 6 in the nation, and went 15 for 33. Illinois plays Thursday at No. 9 Oregon. Chicago State plays Friday at Wagner. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball