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The murder last week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan has spotlighted the fury that many Americans feel toward the nation’s dysfunctional health insurance system. It has also tapped a profane undercurrent in national discourse today that makes otherwise rational people think it’s acceptable to express such fury with dehumanizing jokes and memes about the violent taking of a life. What isn’t getting enough attention, but should, is the alleged instrument of that violence. Murder suspect Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania carrying a “ghost gun” that authorities believe was the murder weapon. It’s part of a burgeoning industry of untraceable weapons that Congress should have cracked down on years ago — but that, thanks to congressional paralysis on any issue addressing gun violence, might soon enjoy expanded federal protection. America’s federal gun laws are woefully inadequate, as proven by our worst-in-the-advanced-world firearms death rates, but there are some current restrictions that help. Firearms manufacturers are required to stamp each new gun with a serial number. Acquisition and transfer records are required when the weapon is sold and resold. Criminal background checks are required for any gun purchase made through a federally licensed dealer. All of it is designed to both prevent gun violence and to aid police in tracking down perpetrators of violence when it happens. “Ghost guns” are guns assembled by buyers from mail-order kits and/or 3D-printer plans instead of being sold as fully functioning weapons. The only logical reason for this roundabout process is to make it easier for people who aren’t supposed to have weapons to get them — and to make it harder for police to trace them when they’re used in crimes. Common sense dictates that, regardless of how a gun came into being, federal requirements regarding serial numbers and the rest should still apply. A gun assembled at home can be used to kill with just as much finality as one bought in a gun shop. Yet because of the gun lobby’s hold over American politics, the legal status of ghost guns today remains in limbo. Congress, at the gun lobby’s bidding, has refused to specify in federal law that ghost guns must come under the same restrictions as other guns. The Biden administration responded with administrative rules that require manufacturers of ghost gun components to adhere to the same regulations as firearms manufacturers, including stamping the parts with serial numbers and keeping relevant sales records. Opponents sued to overturn those restrictions, arguing that gun kits aren’t guns — never mind that they can be assembled by buyers into functioning weapons in as little as 30 minutes. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case (Garland v. VanDerStok) in October; its opinion is pending. But the incoming Trump administration could render the case moot. During President Donald Trump’s first term, he loosened federal regulations on 3D-printer technology related to ghost guns and sided with the gun lobby on most issues. Trump could summarily rescind the Biden administration’s ghost-gun restrictions upon retaking office. All indications are that his fellow Republicans who will control both chambers of Congress would back such a move. Congressional Republicans have consistently supported a hands-off approach to an industry that exists for literally no reason but to hamper law enforcement in criminal investigations. More and more criminals are figuring that out. The number of ghost guns recovered at crime scenes has exploded 10-fold in just the past five years, from under 1,800 in 2016 to more than 19,000 in 2021, according to data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. While the assassin in last week’s murder could just as easily have killed Thompson with a standard-issue handgun, the fact that it was apparently a ghost gun could conceivably complicate the case against Mangione. Police say the ghost gun found on Mangione is “consistent” with the type of gun used in the killing. But that doesn’t provide the solid link they might be able to establish if they could work with a serial number, manufacturing records, background checks and other law enforcement tools that are, by intentional design, not available for ghost guns. In other words, the fact that Mangione allegedly used such a gun to carry out the murder could in theory make it more difficult to prosecute him. If so, will Republicans continue to shield the unrestricted proliferation of this made-for-crime industry from even the minimum firearms standards currently on the books? It’s not a rhetorical question. By failing to pass commonsense legislation stamping ghost-gun restrictions into federal law, Congress aids the criminals who are aided by this niche of the firearms industry. Remember that the next time some gun-lobby politician waxes on about supporting “law and order.” ONLINE: https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-ghost-gun-in-ceos-murder-highlights-an-industry-custom-made-for-crime/article_ecbf810c-b8b2-11ef-a356-2f544c89ec2a.html
Daily Post Nigeria FCT: Wike vows to continue his support for judiciary Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News FCT: Wike vows to continue his support for judiciary Published on December 6, 2024 By John Owen Nwachukwu The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said that criticisms will not stop him from supporting the judiciary. Wike, who highlighted the importance of collaboration among the judiciary, executive and legislative arms of the government, spoke on Friday at the flagging off of the design, construction, and furnishing of the office annexe of the Body of Benchers of Nigeria in Abuja. The former Rivers State helmsman pointed out that provision has already been made in the supplementary budget of the FCT for the construction of the Body of Benchers office complex. The minister assured of the availability of funds for the project and thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the FCT Administration. Responding to a request to provide a fire service station within the Body of Benchers complex, the Minister also assured that the project would be included in the FCT’s 2025 budget. He said: “You can take it for granted; by 2025, we are going to establish a fire service station within this complex. I want to assure the Body of Benchers that I will make you proud, and you will see a difference as far as governance is concerned.” Related Topics: FCT Wike Don't Miss BREAKING: JFM building in Delta on fire You may like Tinubu, Wike’s support for judiciary commendable – Awomolo FCT: We did not construct road for EFCC — Wike clarifies new project PDP BoT resolves to meet Wike January over party crisis It’s covenant, Tinubu has come through me’ – Wike NUJ FCT Council elects new excos, first female chairperson in 43 years Dele Farotimi: Atiku, Wike’s aides trade tackle on X Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdOttawa police have located and arrested a 23-year-old man wanted in connection with a shooting in the Mooney's Bay area last week that critically injured a woman. Police responded to the shooting Dec. 3 in the 2800-block of Riverside Drive, just south of Heron Road. Ottawa paramedics said a woman was treated at the scene and transported to hospital in critical condition. An update provided last week by police said her injuries were not considered life-threatening. Police had been seeking public assistance in finding Ibrahim Abdullani of Ottawa in connection with the shooting. On Wednesday, police announced he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and multiple firearms-related offences. He appeared in court on Wednesday. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Gift Wrapping Supplies You Should Order Before The Holidays 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap 23 Great Secret Santa Gifts Under $15 From Amazon Canada Home The Good Stuff: Our Favourite Christmas Lights For 2024 Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 26 Crowd-Pleasing Gifts For The Pickiest People On Your List The Best Gifts To Give Teachers Under $25 15 Amazon Canada Stocking Stuffers Under $10 That Everyone Will Love Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday Ottawa Top Stories RAINFALL WARNING | Ottawa could receive up to 40 mm of rain Tuesday and Wednesday Council to vote on proposal to further reduce senior OC Transpo fares Ashcroft Homes receives court-ordered protection as it deals with $284 million in debt 111 tickets issued in first 8 days of winter no-stopping restrictions on street near Ottawa Hospital General Campus Here is where you can get up close to live butterflies in Ottawa Small businesses giving back in Leeds and Grenville with Giving Tree Campaign Threat near Parliament Hill deemed not suspicious Ottawa police arrest suspect in Mooney's Bay area shooting CTVNews.ca Top Stories UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: What are ghost guns and why are crime experts concerned? Luigi Mangione, the suspect charged with murder in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thomson allegedly had a homemade gun, known as a ghost gun, when police arrested him on Monday. Flair Airlines CFO Sumanth Rao charged with involuntary manslaughter after fatal crash in U.S. Flair Airlines' chief financial officer Sumanth Rao is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with a fatal crash involving an underage driver who had been drinking at his Atlanta-area home. DEVELOPING | Luigi Mangione shouts as he is led into courthouse where he contests extradition to N.Y. The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted Tuesday while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder. What Canadian landlords are charging for rent, according to a just-released report A new report says average asking rents fell nationally on a year-over-year basis to $2,139 in November, marking a 15-month low. What did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa América, here's what search trends show Google released its annual “Year in Search” on Tuesday, rounding up the top trending queries entered into its namesake search engine in 2024 Some added sugar sources are worse than others for disease risk, study suggests Sugar isn’t helpful when looking to reduce heart disease risk –– but sweet drinks are the worst, according to a study. There are better sweet treats. Company ordered to refund B.C. Telus customer who accidentally sent it payments A B.C. Telus customer who mistakenly sent online banking payments to a company with a similar name will get refunded after a small claims decision handed down Monday. Jamie Foxx reveals he suffered a brain bleed and a stroke, says 'I don’t remember 20 days' Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has opened up about the medical emergency he faced last year, revealing that he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke. Legal experts sound alarm on Legault's threat to use notwithstanding clause to ban public prayer Legal experts say the increasing tendency of provincial premiers to use the notwithstanding clause is a worrying trend that disregards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Atlantic Freezing rain warning issued in New Brunswick; rainy, windy weather expected Thursday A developing storm will move into Quebec late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing rain and strong southerly winds to the Maritimes. Nova Scotia passes motion to cut HST by one per cent next year Nova Scotia has passed a motion Tuesday to permanently reduce the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) next year. N.B. RCMP releases photo of 'vehicle of interest' in Chipman double-homicide case The New Brunswick RCMP has released a photo of a “vehicle of interest” in connection to the deaths of two people in Chipman last month. Toronto 'We are a threat to the U.S.': Ford suggests reason for Trump's proposed tariffs Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector, suggesting that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs may have something to do with him seeing the province as a “threat.” Police in York Region arrest 17 suspects allegedly part of criminal network involved in GTA home invasions Police in York Region have arrested 17 people and seized $14 million worth of drugs in connection with a 'criminal network' allegedly actively planning home invasions, armed robberies and drug trafficking. Ontario doctor sees licence revoked for sexually abusing patients: disciplinary tribunal A disciplinary panel has revoked the licence of a family doctor in Hamilton, Ont. after they found he sexually assaulted two patients and repeatedly disregarded an order not be alone with patients without a monitor present. Montreal Legal experts sound alarm on Legault's threat to use notwithstanding clause to ban public prayer Legal experts say the increasing tendency of provincial premiers to use the notwithstanding clause is a worrying trend that disregards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Longueuil sets 2025 property tax hike at 3.2 per cent, higher than Montreal and Laval Longueuil residents will see a slightly smaller property tax increase in 2025, with the average rise set at 3.2 per cent compared to 2024. CTV News anchor Mutsumi Takahashi to be named Citizen of honour in Montreal Longtime CTV News anchor Mutsumi Takahashi is being named as a Citizen of honour by the City of Montreal. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. man on probation charged with intimate partner violence, firearms offences New details have emerged about a police standoff in northern Ontario that sent a school and day care into lockdown last month after police lay intimate partner violence-related charges. Sault suspect tied snowblower to truck bumper, arrested for impaired, weapons offences A suspended driver in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with more than a dozen offences after someone reported a pickup truck driving around with a snowblower tied to the bumper. Two charged with assault following downtown Sudbury altercation Two people from Greater Sudbury have been charged with assault, weapons and several other offences following an incident Tuesday morning in downtown Sudbury. Windsor Charges dropped, pleas accepted, trial confirmed in murder of UWindsor student on Walpole Island Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader’s discretion is advised. Stretching holiday budgets: How shoppers at Devonshire Mall are navigating inflation Despite a challenging year marked by inflation and rising costs, holiday shoppers at Windsor's Devonshire Mall pressed on Tuesday, determined to check some items off their gift list. Municipality of Lakeshore proposing six per cent tax increase The Municipality of Lakeshore is proposing a 6.29 per cent tax increase for next year. London A chilly dip for a good cause: gearing up for the New Year’s Huron Polar Plunge Residents of Huron County will start the new year with a chilly dip in Lake Huron to raise money for the Huron and Area Search and Rescue Team, and Huron Perth Alzheimer's Society. Fog advisory issued for London area, with snowsqualls on the way Environment Canada has issued a fog advisory for London, Parkhill, and eastern Middlesex County – that fog advisory sprawls through much of southern Ontario this afternoon and isn’t expected to let up anytime soon. Pedestrian suffers life-threatening injuries in London crash Around 8 p.m., emergency crews responded to the intersection of Adelaide Street north and Huron Street for the crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Kitchener Waterloo Region mistakenly applied $13.7M discount to Amazon build in Blair The Region of Waterloo will not be able to demand $13.7 million from a developer after they said a discount was mistakenly issued for the development of an Amazon fulfillment centre. Petition seeks to save U of G greenhouse from demolition The fate of a historic greenhouse on the University of Guelph campus hangs in the balance. Canadian man sentenced to prison for embezzling US$1.4M U.S. authorities have sentenced a Canadian man to 20 months in prison for a US$1.4-million embezzlement scheme. Barrie Central Ont. auxiliary police officer credited with saving child's life at Santa parade An auxiliary South Simcoe police officer is credited with saving a child’s life during the Innisfil Santa Parade last month. Potential fire risks of everyday lithium-ion battery-powered devices Officials are sounding the alarm about potentially hazardous lithium-ion batteries found in most everyday devices. Essa Twp. couple accused of human trafficking face new charges An Essa Township couple in the midst of a human trafficking trial have been arrested and charged again, this time with allegedly breaching their bail terms. Winnipeg Nurses union worried about Manitoba health-care cuts The union representing nurses in Manitoba said a recent government directive to cut costs could have an impact on patient care in the province. Extreme cold warning issued in parts of southwestern Manitoba The extreme cold is starting to settle in parts of Manitoba. Doctors Manitoba warns of emergency room closures over holidays Doctors Manitoba is warning Manitobans that emergency rooms in rural and northern parts of the province might not be open when they need them. Calgary Several guns seized during searches of Calgary homes, vehicles: police A Calgary man is facing charges after police seized multiple guns during searches of vehicles and homes in south Calgary. Woman in life-threatening condition after being found on N.E. Calgary pathway A woman was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition after being found on the Nose Creek Pathway in northeast Calgary. 'Strong faith and strong beliefs': Calgarians remember former Bishop Fred Henry at memorial service Hundreds attended the funeral of former Calgary Bishop Fred Henry on Tuesday as many remembered his impactful contributions to the Catholic community, his comedic personality and his outspoken views. Edmonton Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct. Memorial to be held by first responders for Edmonton security guard slain on the job A group that represents first responders in Alberta says it plans to honour a security guard who was killed on the job in Edmonton last week. Man convicted in 2013 beating death of Ivan Stamp Edward Steven Robinson, 34, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday – more than 11 years after he beat Ivan Stamp to death in 2013. Regina 'Creatively incredible': Regina raised talent featured in 'Wicked' film A background dancer from Saskatchewan was featured in the movie adaptation of Wicked, which has seen significant success at the box office. 'Great for a child': Roughrider Foundation kicks off holiday fundraising campaign The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation kicked off their annual Rider Reading program Tuesday. Second ammonia leak delays reopening of Weyburn's Crescent Point Place and arena The City of Weyburn has revealed that Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena will remain closed – following a second ammonia leak in the facility's ice plant chiller. Saskatoon 'A pretty big hit': Sask. gun store loses $40K in inventory, following federal gun ban About $40,000 worth of guns have been removed from a Saskatoon store, following the latest federal ban. Sask. city councillor elected by 2-vote margin now faces sexual assault charge A North Battleford city councillor whose recent election victory was the subject of a recount is now facing criminal charges. Sask. couple struggles to pay for daughter's potentially lifesaving medication A Saskatchewan couple is hoping a last-resort medication can save their daughter’s life, but the treatment is expensive. Vancouver Stanley Park tree removal project to be ramped up and finished by March, say park board The Vancouver Park Board is speeding up its tree removal project to mitigate risks to public safety, after a particularly tempestuous autumn further damaged dead and dying trees in Stanley Park. Inmate hospitalized after assault at B.C. maximum-security prison An inmate at the only maximum-security federal prison in B.C. was hospitalized after being assaulted last week, according to officials. CBSA Pacific Region officers have seized more than 9,400 weapons so far this year Border officers in B.C. and the Yukon seized more than 9,400 weapons and related prohibited items during the first 10 months of the year, along with more than $1 million in cash and thousands of kilograms of illegal drugs. Vancouver Island Man in hospital, suspect at large after stabbing in Nanaimo, B.C. Mounties are investigating after a 50-year-old man was reportedly stabbed Tuesday morning at a park in Nanaimo, B.C. B.C. man decorates creative car with hand-painted designs and countless toys As Dennis Brandt turns the key on the lock attached to his steering wheel he starts laughing. “Seriously,” he says looking up at the collection of curiosities attached to the roof of his vehicle including a painted duck, skateboard, and pair of toy aircraft carriers. “Would anyone steal this car?!” B.C. Lions' Teuhema suspended for two games after positive drug test The CFL suspended defensive lineman Sione Teuhema of the B.C. Lions for two games Tuesday after he tested positive for a banned substance. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay Connected
Photo: Bluedrop Training & Simulation KF Aerospace and the SkyAlyne partnership inked a pair of 25-year contracts this week that will help them deliver the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training program. SkyAlyne, which is a joint venture between Kelowna’s KF Aerospace and Montreal’s CAE, on Wednesday signed a 25-year contract with Bluedrop Training & Simulation. The move came one day after SkyAlyne announced a 25-year deal with IT firm CGI. Bluedrop is a Halifax company that designs and develops advanced training solutions, including interactive courseware and state-of-the-art visual and augmented reality training. “Building and then delivering the Future Aircrew Training program to the RCAF is a monumental undertaking, which requires top-level expertise and know-how, which is why it is so important to have Bluedrop part of Team SkyAlyne,” SkyAlyne general manager Kevin Leake said. “As SkyAlyne works on military aircrew training solutions, it’s important that our team is made up of the best companies, with strong track records of success, from all across Canada.” Bluedrop has a history of contributing to RCAF training, which no doubt played a role in its being chosen by SkyAlyne. “As a small/medium enterprise, it is a tremendous opportunity to be a part of team SkyAlyne and the FAcT program for the coming 25 years,” Bluedrop CEO Derrick Rowe said. “Our team at Bluedrop provides exceptional know-how and superior levels of support to our customers. “The future of aircrew training increasingly includes simulation, virtual reality, and augmented reality systems. Bluedrop is positioned to advance the program and maintain relevance for the long-term.” Bluedrop’s contributions to SkyAlyne in this contract include provision and configuring of software components, development and continuous improvement of courseware in Moose Jaw, Sask., and Southport, Man., and providing maintenance technicians in Moose Jaw. SkyAlyne on Tuesday it selected CGI to deliver comprehensive suite of services, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, end-user services and infrastructure management. “CGI is perfectly positioned to help shape and execute our information technology roadmap and infrastructure and help us drive operational excellence,” SkyAlyne’s senior executive Kevin Lemke said. “This partnership will help SkyAlyne deliver a world-leading military aircrew training solution to the Royal Canadian Air Force, ensuring RCAF aircrew are equipped with the skills and capabilities necessary to succeed in challenging conditions at home and around the world.” CGI was founded in 1976 and is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, with 90,250 consultants and professionals.Albanese struggles to offload Dulwich Hill investment property
Red Cross offering t-shirts to blood donors through Dec. 17
NASSAU, Bahamas — Scottie Scheffler brought a new putting grip to the Hero World Challenge and felt enough improvement to be satisfied with the result, a 5-under 67 that left him three shots behind Cameron Young on Thursday. Young was playing for the first time since the BMW Championship more than three months ago and found great success on and around the greens of Albany Golf Club, chipping beautifully and holing four birdie putts from 15 feet or longer for his 64. He led by two shots over Justin Thomas in his first competition since his daughter was born a few weeks ago. Thomas ran off four straight birdies late in his round and was a fraction of an inch away with a fifth. The big surprise was Scheffler, the No. 1 player in golf who looked as good as he has all year in compiling eight victories, including an Olympic gold medal. His iron play has no equal. His putting at times has kept him from winning more or winning bigger. He decided to try to a "saw" putting grip from about 20 feet or closer — the putter rests between his right thumb and his fingers, with his left index finger pointed down the shaft. "I'm always looking for ways to improve," Scheffler said. Scheffler last year began working with renowned putting instructor Phil Kenyon, and he says Kenyon mentioned the alternative putting grip back then. "But it was really our first time working together and it's something that's different than what I've done in the past," Scheffler said. "This year I had thought about it from time to time, and it was something that we had just said let's table that for the end of the season, take a look at it. "Figured this is a good week to try stuff." He opened with a wedge to 2 feet and he missed a 7-foot birdie putt on the par-5 third. But he holed a birdie from about the same distance at the next par 5, No. 6, and holed a sliding 6-footer on the ninth to save par. His longest putt was his last hole, from 12 feet for a closing birdie. "I really enjoyed the way it felt," he said. "I felt like I'm seeing some improvements in my stroke." Young, regarded as the best active player without a PGA Tour victory, is treating this holiday tournament as the start of a new season. He worked on getting stronger and got back to the basics in his powerful golf swing. And on this day, he was dialed in with his short game. He only struggled to save par twice and kept piling up birdies in his bogey-free round on an ideal day in the Bahamas. "The wind wasn't blowing much so it was relatively stress-free," Young said. Patrick Cantlay, along with Scheffler playing for the first time since the Presidents Cup, also was at 67 with Ludvig Aberg, Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala. Thomas also took this occasion to do a little experimenting against a 20-man field. He has using a 46-inch driver at home — a little more than an inch longer than his regular driver — in a bid to gain more speed. On a day with little wind, on a golf course with some room off the tee, he decided to put it in play. "Just with it being a little bit longer, I just kind of have to get the club out in front of me and get on top of it a little bit more," Thomas said. "I drove the hell out of it on the back, so that was nice to try something different and have it go a little bit better on the back." Thomas said the longer driver gives him 2 or 3 mph in ball speed and 10 extra yards in the air. "It's very specific for courses, but gave it a try," he said. Conditions were easy enough that only four players in field failed to break par, with Jason Day bringing up the rear with a 75.Alex Ovechkin is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with a broken left leg
Atalanta tops Serie A after late win over AC Milan while Inter goes 13 games unbeaten'We've had enough': Community anger over e-bikes expressed at Cronulla forum
Homlyns Electric Blanket: The Best Electric Blanket for Ultimate Comfort and Warmth
Streets drive the economy and community Rawalpindi : Rawalpindi streets have always accommodated various activities. They highlight their role as vital sites of work. Public open spaces in cities are scarce. Traditionally, streets have served as multifunctional spaces, accommodating various users and activities, and playing a vital role in daily life. “For example, main streets are a popular spot for joggers and fitness enthusiasts in the early mornings and transform into a social hub during evenings where people gather to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy street food,” says Asad Ali. “While urban planning has historically looked at streets merely as routes for mobility, citizens have shifted the focus to seeing streets as places of work. This particular narrative looks at the crucial role of streets as places of work wherein streets provide a platform for the informal sector like street vendors, and auto-rickshaw drivers to thrive and enable access to affordable goods and services for citizens,” says Tanveer Hussain. “With the rapid pace of urbanization and the growing focus on streets as places of refreshment, there is a pressing need to advocate for streets as places of work and thus recognize their significance in sustaining livelihoods. This approach can create opportunities to boost the informal economy and thereby, transform streets into equitable, safe, and comfortable spaces for citizens,” says Farman Hasan. “The informal sector accounts for over half of the country’s GDP, making it a crucial contributor to the economy. However, most streets are not designed to support this sector, making it difficult for players from the sector, such as street vendors, to sustain their livelihoods. As a result, many vendors are forced to occupy footpaths, which pushes pedestrians onto the traffic lane, exposing the latter to chaotic traffic and creating unsafe conditions for everyone,” says Shahzad Naqvi. “On the newly revamped streets, for example, there is a constant struggle between pedestrians and street vendors, as vendors do not have sufficient designated spaces. The lack of adequate space for taxis results in their halting and parking on the traffic lane, obstructing moving traffic,” says Zameer Zaidi. “During a field research, I asked a street vendor how long he had been working there. He responded saying I have had my cart here for 30 years; my life and livelihood function because of this street only. But street transformation initiatives often exclude a significant number of individuals like him, who use streets as regular places of work,” says Qaem Raza. Lisan Haider says, “How many influential people do you see as street vendors? How many of them are sanitation workers? How many of them are living in slums? How many rich people are out on the streets engaged in street vending? You will of course see food trucks. However, who has the capital to invest in a truck and fancy paints and graphics to attract people?By DEVNA BOSE One of the country’s largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from “significant widespread misinformation” about the policy. “To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services,” the statement said. “The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.” Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used “physician work time values,” which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said it’s unclear how CMS derives those values. In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to “reverse the proposal immediately,” saying in a news release that the policy would have taken effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. It’s not clear how many states in total would have been affected, as notices also were posted in Virginia and Colorado . Related Articles National News | ‘Sharks’ vet pitches from entrepreneurs at FAU. See who scored a deal National News | The next census will gather more racial, ethnic information National News | As data centers proliferate, conflict with local communities follows National News | NASA’s stuck astronauts hit 6 months in space. Just 2 more to go National News | Imprisoned Proud Boys leader balks at answering a prosecutor’s questions about Capitol attack People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged. Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the “nuanced, unpredictable human element” of surgery and was a clear “money grab.” “It’s incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care,” he said. “If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, we’re delighted that they came to their senses.” Prior to Anthem’s announcement Thursday, Connecticut comptroller Sean Scanlon said the “concerning” policy wouldn’t affect the state after conversations with the insurance company. And New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an emailed statement Thursday that her office had also successfully intervened. The insurance giant’s policy change came one day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare , another major insurance company, was shot and killed in New York City.
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Iowa cornerback Jermari Harris has opted out of the remainder of the 2024 season in order to prepare for the NFL draft, according to a report by 247Sports.com . The 6-foot-1 sixth-year senior from Chicago has recorded 27 tackles, three interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups in 10 games for the Hawkeyes this season. That includes a pick-6 in a 38-21 win over Troy earlier this season. Iowa (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) plays at Maryland on Saturday before closing out its regular season at home against Nebraska on Nov. 29. The Hawkeyes are already bowl eligible, so Harris is likely opting out of three games in total. After missing the entire 2022 season due to an ankle injury, Harris was suspended for two games of the following season for his involvement in the gambling investigation into Iowa athletics. He later emerged as the Hawkeyes' top cornerback, earning the team's comeback player of the year award after compiling 42 tackles, one interception and eight pass breakups. Harris will finish his college career with 105 tackles and eight interceptions. --Field Level Media
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