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Snell, Dodgers agree to $182M, 5-year contractCutting in line? American Airlines’ new boarding tech might stop you at now over 100 airportsGreek teacher Giota Chatzopoulou has won Europe’s premier teaching award from Junior Achievement (JA) Europe for her exceptional dedication and innovative methods in fostering entrepreneurial skills. Recognized alongside educators from Lithuania and Austria at a Brussels ceremony, Chatzopoulou has been a driving force at the American Farm School of Thessaloniki since 2010, where she coordinates entrepreneurship clubs and teaches mathematics. Her leadership in implementing JA programs has led her students to achieve multiple national and European awards. Known for her dynamic teaching techniques, she integrates case studies, role-playing and technology to nurture personalized growth in her students. JA Europe, part of the Junior Achievement Worldwide network, is the continent’s leading organization for youth education in entrepreneurship and financial literacy. It has been acknowledged by organizations such as the Nobel Prize Summit, the UNESCO Global Education Coalition and Forbes magazine.
Warren Buffett, the legendary US investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has made further preparations for giving away his fortune after his death. or signup to continue reading Buffett, 94, plans to donate 99.5 per cent of his remaining wealth, valued on Friday at $US149.7 billion ($A229.5 billion) according to Forbes magazine, to a charitable trust overseen by his daughter and two sons when he dies. In a letter to Berkshire shareholders on Monday, Buffett said three potential successor trustees have been designated if his daughter Susie, 71, and sons Howard, 69, and Peter, 66, cannot serve. He said each is somewhat younger than his children, well known to them and "makes sense" to all of them. "I've never wished to create a dynasty or pursue any plan that extended beyond the children," Buffett wrote. "But these successors are on the wait list. I hope Susie, Howie and Peter themselves disburse all of my assets." Buffett also said he is donating another $US1.14 billion of Berkshire stock to four family foundations. That boosts his giving to more than $US58 billion since 2006, when Buffett pledged most of his fortune to the foundations and to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has received more than $US43 billion. He has donated 56.6 per cent of his Berkshire shares. Buffett has led Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire since 1965. He still owns 14.4 per cent of its stock and plans to continue donating shares to the five foundations during his lifetime. After his death, his children will have about 10 years to give away his remaining wealth, and must decide unanimously which philanthropic purposes it should serve. Susie Buffett leads the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, which funds reproductive health and is named for Buffett's first wife, and the Sherwood Foundation, which supports Nebraska non-profits and early childhood education. Howard Buffett heads the Howard G Buffett Foundation, which works to address global hunger, combat human trafficking and mitigate conflicts. Peter Buffett leads the NoVo Foundation, which has initiatives focused on marginalised girls and women as well as indigenous communities. Berkshire is a $US1 trillion conglomerate, owning businesses such as the BNSF railway and Geico car insurance, and stocks such as Apple and American Express. In his letter, Buffett acknowledged his advancing age but signalled no intention to step aside. "Father time always wins," he said. "To date, I've been very lucky but - before long - he will get around to me." Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementHaiti's sexual violence survivors face dwindling support, report warnsMcDermott, AFC East-leading Bills refreshed coming out of bye week, and looking ahead to host 49ers
Young Voices, Global Stage: Infinix Mobile Vlog Awards 2024 Celebrates Digital Storytelling ExcellenceNew opportunity for individual investors to access government debt securitiesDarius Tahir | (TNS) KFF Health News President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to run the sprawling government agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplace — celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz — recently held broad investments in health care, tech, and food companies that would pose significant conflicts of interest. Oz’s holdings, some shared with family, included a stake in UnitedHealth Group worth as much as $600,000, as well as shares of pharmaceutical firms and tech companies with business in the health care sector, such as Amazon. Collectively, Oz’s investments total tens of millions of dollars, according to financial disclosures he filed during his failed 2022 run for a Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat. Trump said Tuesday he would nominate Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency’s scope is huge: CMS oversees coverage for more than 160 million Americans, nearly half the population. Medicare alone accounts for approximately $1 trillion in annual spending, with over 67 million enrollees. UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest health care companies in the nation and arguably the most important business partner of CMS, through which it is the leading provider of commercial health plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. UnitedHealth also offers managed-care plans under Medicaid, the joint state-federal program for low-income people, and sells plans on government-run marketplaces set up via the Affordable Care Act. Oz also had smaller stakes in CVS Health, which now includes the insurer Aetna, and in the insurer Cigna. It’s not clear if Oz, a heart surgeon by training, still holds investments in health care companies, or if he would divest his shares or otherwise seek to mitigate conflicts of interest should he be confirmed by the Senate. Reached by phone on Wednesday, he said he was in a Zoom meeting and declined to comment. An assistant did not reply to an email message with detailed questions. “It’s obvious that over the years he’s cultivated an interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the insurance industry,” said Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a watchdog group. “That raises a question of whether he can be trusted to act on behalf of the American people.” (The publisher of KFF Health News, David Rousseau, is on the CSPI board .) Oz used his TikTok page on multiple occasions in November to praise Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including their efforts to take on the “illness-industrial complex,” and he slammed “so-called experts like the big medical societies” for dishing out what he called bad nutritional advice. Oz’s positions on health policy have been chameleonic; in 2010, he cut an ad urging Californians to sign up for insurance under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, telling viewers they had a “historic opportunity.” Oz’s 2022 financial disclosures show that the television star invested a substantial part of his wealth in health care and food firms. Were he confirmed to run CMS, his job would involve interacting with giants of the industry that have contributed to his wealth. Given the breadth of his investments, it would be difficult for Oz to recuse himself from matters affecting his assets, if he still holds them. “He could spend his time in a rocking chair” if that happened, Lurie said. In the past, nominees for government positions with similar potential conflicts of interest have chosen to sell the assets or otherwise divest themselves. For instance, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Attorney General Merrick Garland agreed to divest their holdings in relevant, publicly traded companies when they joined the Biden administration. Trump, however, declined in his first term to relinquish control of his own companies and other assets while in office, and he isn’t expected to do so in his second term. He has not publicly indicated concern about his subordinates’ financial holdings. CMS’ main job is to administer Medicare. About half of new enrollees now choose Medicare Advantage, in which commercial insurers provide their health coverage, instead of the traditional, government-run program, according to an analysis from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Proponents of Medicare Advantage say the private plans offer more compelling services than the government and better manage the costs of care. Critics note that Medicare Advantage plans have a long history of costing taxpayers more than the traditional program. UnitedHealth, CVS, and Cigna are all substantial players in the Medicare Advantage market. It’s not always a good relationship with the government. The Department of Justice filed a 2017 complaint against UnitedHealth alleging the company used false information to inflate charges to the government. The case is ongoing. Oz is an enthusiastic proponent of Medicare Advantage. In 2020, he proposed offering Medicare Advantage to all; during his Senate run, he offered a more general pledge to expand those plans. After Trump announced Oz’s nomination for CMS, Jeffrey Singer, a senior fellow at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, said he was “uncertain about Dr. Oz’s familiarity with health care financing and economics.” Singer said Oz’s Medicare Advantage proposal could require large new taxes — perhaps a 20% payroll tax — to implement. Oz has gotten a mixed reception from elsewhere in Washington. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, the Democrat who defeated Oz in 2022, signaled he’d potentially support his appointment to CMS. “If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude,” he said on the social platform X. Oz’s investments in companies doing business with the federal government don’t end with big insurers. He and his family also hold hospital stocks, according to his 2022 disclosure, as well as a stake in Amazon worth as much as nearly $2.4 million. (Candidates for federal office are required to disclose a broad range of values for their holdings, not a specific figure.) Amazon operates an internet pharmacy, and the company announced in June that its subscription service is available to Medicare enrollees. It also owns a primary care service , One Medical, that accepts Medicare and “select” Medicare Advantage plans. Oz was also directly invested in several large pharmaceutical companies and, through investments in venture capital funds, indirectly invested in other biotech and vaccine firms. Big Pharma has been a frequent target of criticism and sometimes conspiracy theories from Trump and his allies. Kennedy, whom Trump has said he’ll nominate to be Health and Human Services secretary, is a longtime anti-vaccine activist. During the Biden administration, Congress gave Medicare authority to negotiate with drug companies over their prices. CMS initially selected 10 drugs. Those drugs collectively accounted for $50.5 billion in spending between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, under Medicare’s Part D prescription drug benefit. At least four of those 10 medications are manufactured by companies in which Oz held stock, worth as much as about $50,000. Related Articles National Politics | Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference, classified documents cases against Trump National Politics | Donald Trump Jr. emerges as a political force of his own as he helps his father launch a second term National Politics | The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump’s promises on growth and inflation National Politics | What to know about Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary National Politics | After Trump’s Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles Oz may gain or lose financially from other Trump administration proposals. For example, as of 2022, Oz held investments worth as much as $6 million in fertility treatment providers. To counter fears that politicians who oppose abortion would ban in vitro fertilization, Trump floated during his campaign making in vitro fertilization treatment free. It’s unclear whether the government would pay for the services. In his TikTok videos from earlier in November, Oz echoed attacks on the food industry by Kennedy and other figures in his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. They blame processed foods and underregulation of the industry for the poor health of many Americans, concerns shared by many Democrats and more mainstream experts. But in 2022, Oz owned stakes worth as much as $80,000 in Domino’s Pizza, Pepsi, and US Foods, as well as more substantial investments in other parts of the food chain, including cattle; Oz reported investments worth as much as $5.5 million in a farm and livestock, as well as a stake in a dairy-free milk startup. He was also indirectly invested in the restaurant chain Epic Burger. One of his largest investments was in the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain Wawa, which sells fast food and all manner of ultra-processed snacks. Oz and his wife reported a stake in the company, beloved by many Pennsylvanians, worth as much as $30 million. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.How to watch Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: TV channel, streaming info
Trump Cabinet picks, appointees targeted by bomb threats and swatting attacks
BEIRUT — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials claimed they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Bulldozers remove the rubble of a destroyed building Monday that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations also expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire. “Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon," he said. "Let's hope it's true and that there's no backing down at the last-minute.” A ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration. For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League. Thick smoke, flames and debris erupt Monday from an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon. Meanwhile, massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians, and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel claims to have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Destroyed buildings stand Monday in the area of a village in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because "we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire." Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were "close to a deal." "It can happen within days," he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. A member of the Israeli security forces inspects an impact site Sunday after a rocket fired from Lebanon hit an area in Rinatya, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force. Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel demands the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government says such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. On paper, being more sustainable and eco-friendly while shopping sounds great—so why don't more people do it? There is growing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of where people choose to shop and the sustainability of the products they buy. According to McKinsey, over 60% of individuals surveyed in 2020 said they would be willing to pay more for a product that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Since 2019, products marketed as being environmentally sustainable have seen a 28% growth in revenue compared to 20% for products with no such marketing, a 2023 McKinsey and NielsenIQ report found. Much of this is thanks to the preferences and attitudes of Gen Z, who, on average, care more than their older counterparts about being informed shoppers. The younger generation also has more social justice and environmental awareness altogether. Shoppers are willing to spend around 9.7% more on a product they know is sourced or manufactured sustainably, with 46% saying they would do so explicitly because they want to reduce their environmental footprint, according to a 2024 PwC report. Sustainable practices consumers look for from companies include production methods, packaging, and water conservation. But despite the growing consciousness around being more environmentally responsible, consumer actions don't always align with their values. In psychology, this is defined as the "say-do gap": the phenomenon wherein people openly express concern and intention around an issue, but fail to take tangible action to make a change. According to the Harvard Business Review in 2019, most consumers (65%) say they want to buy from brands that promote sustainability, but only 1 in 4 follow through. So why don't people actually shop sustainably, despite how much they express a preference for eco-friendly products—and how can we close the gap? The RealReal examined reports from the Harvard Business Review and other sources to explore why some shoppers want to buy sustainably but struggle to follow through. This lack of action isn't due to a lack of caring—in many cases, it's hard to know how to be a sustainable consumer and other factors are often outside of shoppers' control. But the more people shop sustainably, the easier and more accessible that market will be for everyone—making it much easier for folks to buy aligned with their values. There are many obstacles preventing shoppers from upholding eco-friendly habits as much as they may want to—but not all of these barriers are necessarily real, or accurately understood. Shopping sustainably simply isn't convenient or accessible for many. Those who live in apartment buildings are 50% less likely to recycle , according to Ipsos. Reasons for this can vary from lack of space to buildings being excluded altogether because of recycling contamination issues. Many believe that sustainable products are too expensive or of a lower quality. The former is often true, which does create a hurdle for many: The manufacturing processes and materials for sustainable products are pricey. For instance, organic cotton requires an intensive production process free of certain chemicals or pesticides; by definition, true eco-friendly products can't be mass-produced, further upping their price tag. Using recycled materials for packaging, or obtaining an eco certification, can also be expensive. However, although the narrative of eco-friendly products being more expensive is true, there is often more of an effort to use better quality materials that last longer than their noneco-friendly counterparts. This could end up saving consumers money in the long run: By paying more upfront, they can get more wear out of sustainable fashion, for instance. There is also undeniable political rhetoric surrounding eco-friendly products—however, despite many Conservative politicians decrying sustainable products, members of all generations are increasingly choosing to prioritize shopping sustainably regardless of their political affiliation, according to research from NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business . This finding shows a trend toward seeing sustainability as a nonpartisan subject everyone can benefit from, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum. Some might think eco-friendly clothing, in particular, is not fashion-forward; after all, many of the top clothing retailers in the world partake in fast fashion. However, brands are increasingly being recognized as 'cool' and 'trendy' for supporting environmentally ethical practices, particularly as younger generations prioritize sustainability, as noted before. Many increasingly popular online stores are taking advantage of this paradigm shift by offering secondhand shopping options that are not only fashionable, but also more affordable, like ThredUp or Poshmark. Additionally, many legacy large-name brands are hopping on the sustainability movement and are gaining appreciation from loyal customers. Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program partners with third-party certification bodies to make it easier for shoppers to identify eco-friendly products as they browse the website. H&M's newly launched H&M Rewear program debuts a resale platform that allows the resale of all clothing brands—not just their own. Similarly, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows shoppers to trade in and buy used gear and clothing. The federal government is also working to close this gap. The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program is attempting to make sustainable shopping easier for consumers and companies alike. It includes a directory of certified products, a list of safer chemicals to look out for on labels, a "Safer Choice" label that products can earn to denote they are eco-friendly, and resources for manufacturers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Most of all, though, the biggest way shoppers can shift toward sustainable shopping is through their behaviors and attitudes amongst their peers and communities. Studies show that humans largely care what others think of their actions; the more shoppers make environmentally conscious shopping the norm, the more others will follow suit. From an economic perspective, the more consumers shop eco-friendly, the more affordable and accessible these products will become, too: Sustainable products are currently more expensive because they are not in high demand. Once demand rises, production rates and prices can lower, making these products more accessible for all. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Arlo technologies general counsel sells shares worth $1.03 million
Pioneering Change: SCC leads in innovative technology that will help “rebuild” AmericaBy MARY CLARE JALONICK, STEPHEN GROVES and KEVIN FREKING WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill rallied around Pete Hegseth , Trump’s Pentagon pick, on Thursday even as new details surfaced about allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman in 2017. The GOP embrace of Hegseth came as another controversial Trump nominee, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz said it was clear he had become a “distraction” amid pressure on the House to release an ethics report about allegations of his own sexual misconduct. An attorney for two women has said that his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. Fresh questions over the two nominees’ pasts, and their treatment of women, arose with Republicans under pressure from Trump and his allies to quickly confirm his Cabinet. At the same time, his transition has so far balked at the vetting and background checks that have traditionally been required. While few Republican senators have publicly criticized any of Trump’s nominees, it became clear after Gaetz’s withdrawal that many had been harboring private concerns about him. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” After meeting with Hegseth, though, Republicans rallied around him. “I think he’s going to be in pretty good shape,” said Wicker, who is expected to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee in the next Congress. Republican senators’ careful words, and their early reluctance to publicly question Trump’s picks, illustrated not only their fear of retribution from the incoming president but also some of their hopes that the confirmation process can proceed normally, with proper vetting and background checks that could potentially disqualify problematic nominees earlier. Gaetz withdrew after meeting with senators on Wednesday. Sen. Thom Tillis said Gaetz was “in a pressure cooker” when he decided to withdraw, but suggested that it would have little bearing on Trump’s other nominees. “Transactions — one at a time,” he said. As the Hegseth nomination proceeds, Republicans also appear to be betting that they won’t face much backlash for publicly setting aside the allegations of sexual misconduct — especially after Trump won election after being found liable for sexual abuse last year. Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance on Thursday in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” A 22-page police report report made public late Wednesday offered the first detailed account of the allegations against him. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, said the incident was “fully investigated and police found the allegations to be false.” Hegseth paid the woman in 2023 as part of a confidential settlement to head off the threat of what he described as a baseless lawsuit, Palatore has said. Wicker played down the allegations against Hegseth, a former Fox News host, saying that “since no charges were brought from the authorities, we only have press reports.” Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said after his meeting with Hegseth that he “shared with him the fact that I was saddened by the attacks that are coming his way.” Hagerty dismissed the allegations as “a he-said, she-said thing” and called it a “shame” that they were being raised at all. The senator said attention should instead be focused on the Defense Department that Hegseth would head. It’s one of the most complex parts of the federal government with more than 3 million employees, including military service members and civilians. Sexual assault has been a persistent problem in the military, though Pentagon officials have been cautiously optimistic they are seeing a decline in reported sexual assaults among active-duty service members and the military academies. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who will be the No. 2 Republican in the Senate next year, said after his meeting with Hegseth that the nominee is a strong candidate who “pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power – not the current administration’s woke political agenda.” Related Articles National Politics | Several of Trump’s Cabinet picks — and Trump himself — have been accused of sexual misconduct National Politics | New study shows voting for Native Americans is harder than ever National Politics | Was it all a joke? How stand-up comedy helped reelect Trump National Politics | California teachers are cursing Donald Trump in the classroom. Is it their right? National Politics | Airline CEOs and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg fight over regulations even after election Senate Republicans are under pressure to hold hearings once they take office in January and confirm nominees as soon as Trump is inaugurated, despite questions about whether Trump’s choices will be properly screened or if some, like Hegseth, have enough experience for the job. Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, who will be the top Democrat on the panel next year, said the reports on Hegseth “emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the FBI on the background of all the nominees.” It takes a simple majority to approve Cabinet nominations, meaning that if Democrats all opposed a nominee, four Republican senators would also have to defect for any Trump choice to be defeated. Trump has made clear he’s willing to put maximum pressure on Senate Republicans to give him the nominees he wants – even suggesting at one point that they allow him to just appoint his nominees with no Senate votes. But senators insist, for now, that they are not giving up their constitutional power to have a say. “The president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit, but the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent,” said Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. In the case of Gaetz, he said, “I think there was advice offered rather than consent.”
Demystifying Adaptimmune Therapeutics: Insights From 4 Analyst Reviews(BPT) - The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals. According to Bank of America's Small Business Owner's Report , more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season. Scammers know how to exploit the season's hustle and bustle. But don't let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact. The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams In today's digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it's a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns. The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app . With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next. Beyond just protecting your systems, it's essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention. The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season. Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it's your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.
New Delhi: As the calendar year 2024 nears its end, the primary market is gearing up for a surge in activity with a series of high-profile initial public offerings (IPOs). Vishal Mega Mart, One Mobikwik, and Sai Life Sciences are among the major players launching their IPOs next week, promising to create a buzz in the investment community. Vishal Mega Mart IPOVishal Mega Mart IPO: Subscription DatesVishal Mega Mart, one of India’s leading supermarket chains, is set to open its Rs 8,000 crore IPO for subscription from December 11 to December 13. Vishal Mega Mart IPO: Price BandWith a price band of Rs 74-78 per share, the IPO is among the largest this year, following high-profile offerings like Hyundai Motors India's Rs 27,000 crore issue and Swiggy's Rs 11,000 crore-plus IPO. Vishal Mega Mart IPO: OFSThis issue is a complete offer for sale (OFS), meaning the proceeds will not go to the company but to the promoter-selling shareholder, Samayat Services LLP, which currently owns a 96.55 per cent stake. Samayat Services acquired its shares at an average cost of Rs 10.14 per share. Vishal Mega Mart IPO: Lot Size And Minimum Investment AmountInvestors can bid for one lot comprising 190 shares, requiring a minimum investment of Rs 14,820 at the upper price band. Vishal Mega Mart IPO: Category-Wise QuotaOf the 102.5 crore shares on offer, 50 per cent are reserved for institutional investors, 15 per cent for non-institutional investors, and 35 per cent for retail investors. One Mobikwik IPODigital payments platform One Mobikwik Systems is also launching its IPO on December 11, with the bidding period closing on December 13. One Mobikwik IPO: Price BandThe company has set a price band of Rs 265-279 per share, aiming to raise Rs 572 crore through a fresh issue with no offer-for-sale component. One Mobikwik IPO: Reservation QuotaInvestors can apply for a minimum of 53 equity shares. The IPO allocation includes 75 per cent of shares for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), 15 per cent for non-institutional investors (NIIs), and 10 per cent for retail investors. One Mobikwik IPO: Purpose Of FundraiseMobikwik plans to utilize the funds to expand its financial and payments services, invest in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, and upgrade its products. Additionally, the proceeds will support capital expenditure for payment devices and other corporate purposes. Also Read: Stock Market Outlook: Will Nifty 50 Break The 25,000 Barrier Next Week? Expert Predictions & Key Factors Sai Life Sciences IPOSai Life Sciences IPO: Subscription DatesSai Life Sciences, backed by private equity major TPG Capital, will open its Rs 3,043 crore IPO for public subscription from December 11 to December 13. Sai Life Sciences IPO: Price BandThe company has set a price band of Rs 522-549 per equity share. The bidding for anchor investors will commence on December 10. Sai Life Sciences IPO: Fundraise PlanAt the upper price band, Sai Life Sciences is expected to raise approximately Rs 3,043 crore. Other IPOsIn addition to these new launches, the market will also witness the listings of three companies: Nisus Finance, Property Share REIT, and Emerald Tyre Manufacturers. (Disclaimer: The above article is meant for informational purposes only, and should not be considered as any investment advice. Times Now Digital suggests its readers/audience to consult their financial advisors before making any money-related decisions.) Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Markets, Business Economy and around the world.Special counsel Jack Smith faced further accusations of political lawfare online after he filed to dismiss the cases against President-elect Donald Trump on Monday. Less than three weeks after Trump bested Vice President Kamala Harris, Smith filed a motion to end the cases centered on Trump's actions leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, and Trump's handling of classified documents. Politicians and lawyers alike responded to the filing Monday on X. "This lawfare was always unprecedented," Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) wrote. "This lawfare was always wrong. This lawfare was always politically-motivated. And this lawfare MUST NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN." "All that has changed is that Trump won the election And now Jack Smith is moving to dismiss," Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) wrote. "Isn’t that tantamount to an admission that this was just politicized lawfare from the beginning?" "The Jack Smith cases will be remembered as a dark chapter of weaponization," Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) wrote. "They never should have been brought. Our elections are decided by voters--not by fanatical, deranged liberal lawyers like Jack Smith." "[Retweet] if you think it's time to fire Jack Smith," Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) wrote. "Jack Smith-your losing joke of an indictment didn’t have a chance in hell to begin with as SCOTUS made clear," former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner wrote. "Your motion to dismiss is long over due. I hope you’re investigated until the end of time when AG @PamBondi takes over. Thankful to the voter mandating lawfare end!" "It was all a political witch hunt to interfere with our elections!!" Libs of TikTok wrote of the dismissal. "Jack Smith failed miserably, but did grave damage to our justice system and sought to sabotage our election system," Fox Business host Mark Levin wrote. "He should have to answer for it. Alvin Bragg hangs on as we sit around and await conflicted rogue judge, Juan Merchan, to get off his a** and dismiss the outrageous case in New York." "Will Jack Smith reimburse taxpayers for the millions wasted on this bogus witch hunt he just dropped?" Trump lawyer Alina Habba wrote. "Asking for America." "This is a MASSIVE WIN for the rule of law," Trump's campaign wrote. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Smith attempted to speed up his cases against Trump and go to trial before this month’s election. These cases, even though the alleged crimes occurred before Trump announced his 2024 campaign, were not brought until afterward. Additionally, Trump has yet to be sentenced for his criminal fraud conviction in New York . In May, the soon-to-be president was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records.The CBI has arrested a senior official of Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited, a central PSU, in connection with a bribery case after Rs 10 lakh was seized from a luxury car in which he was travelling in Bhubaneswar, officials said Sunday. Besides Chanchal Mukherjee , Group General Manager (GGM) of Bridge and Roof Company, two private persons -- Santosh Moharana, Director of Penta A Studio Private Limited and middleman Debadutta Mohapatra -- were also arrested for allegedly bribing Mukherjee, they said. The central probe agency had conducted a trap operation after registering a case against four persons including the three arrested accused. According to the CBI, the accused were allegedly indulging in corrupt and illegal activities in the matter of awarding work orders of the PSU and clearing bills in lieu of undue advantage in the form of bribe. It was alleged that accused Moharana met the group general manager (Mukherjee) at his Bhubaneswar office on December 6 during which the GGM demanded Rs 10 lakh and promised to adjust the said amount in future billings, a CBI spokesperson said. After doing preliminary verification, the CBI laid a trap on Saturday where Mukherjee was caught taking Rs 10 lakh bribe in a Mercedes Maybach car. 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"Searches are being conducted at eight locations in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata which have so far led to recovery of incriminating documents, a vehicle used in the commission of offence along with digital devices," the spokesperson said. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Rlys to run 13,000 trains for Maha Kumbh
Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) is being deployed along the United States border with Mexico , in the hope that the technology will help spot human traffickers, drug smugglers and migrants in distress in the gaps between Border Patrol stations. Known as a "virtual wall" of surveillance, the new tech is being implemented with the hope that U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) officers can spend more time in the field rather than sitting behind a desk. One of the companies helping with the program is Airship AI, whose president Paul Allen told Newsweek that cameras and physical walls are not enough to tackle illegal crossings and crime along the 2,000-mile stretch. "We're using AI to be that first set of human eyes, it can watch hundreds or thousands of cameras and detect anomalies that an agent might have said is interesting to them," Allen said. "Whether that's a group of people, or people carrying weapons or backpacks or fentanyl precursors, whatever the scenario may be, AI allows us to take some of the human eyes off the screens and only have to put eyes on the screen when some identifiable event or trigger-able conditions occur. How can AI police the border? "The more that we can put people out on the frontline and get them out of these back-office roles, it's better," Allen told Newsweek , explaining that the strategy isn't just about enabling officers to arrest criminals, but also to reach migrants in distress in remote areas. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security explains on its website that it already uses AI across its agencies, including CBP. The border patrol uses it to screen cargo at ports of entry, validate identities in its CBP One app and help officers understand any threats at the border. As Newsweek previously reported , many surveillance cameras along the border are out of action, making it difficult for officers to get a clear picture of what is happening in remote areas, and raising concerns that more people are crossing the border than CBP is able to track. Airship AI's technology can monitor camera feeds for known objects, including vehicles and people, in order to alert officers, while also helping to plot potential pathways used by smugglers. Allen said that AI is able to adapt to changing trends by migrants, smugglers and cartels, who react to U.S. law enforcement actions — such as the construction of temporary barriers — by changing where and how they cross the border. "With technology, just because there is no wall, doesn't mean there aren't sensors and cameras and other capabilities that can provide that same level of enforcement," Allen said. While President-elect Donald Trump has promised to continue building his physical wall along the border, Allen believes a virtual defense perimeter is potentially more useful than a physical wall. "It's not biased, it's there to just tell you what's going on and help you better respond to what's going on and hopefully that's in the best interest of whoever those individuals are," Allen said, referring to migrants who may need medical aid. Lawmakers need to 'put politics aside' Allen said he believes the debates over immigration in recent months and years have blocked progress and investment in tackling real issues at the southwest border. "In a lot of cases, people can't get out of their own way to say 'Hey, look, let's take this argument and put it over here'," Allen said, adding that lawmakers needed to address policies around immigration while also addressing border security as a non-partisan issue. "Everybody is wrapped up in this bigger, much more public debate over 'What do you do when you get them?' and we've spent so much time thinking about that and talking about it, that we haven't spent the time investing in CBP and these other agencies." Airship AI, one of several companies DHS works with to deliver border security, is hoping that the incoming administration will take the need for AI investment seriously, even if it takes longer than four years to implement some changes. The company has dedicated some $105 million for developing technology that can be used by DHS. The department has pledged to embrace new border security technology, with its previous yearly budget including $535 million for systems at and between official ports of entry. During the campaign, Trump promised to hire thousands more border patrol agents , while his incoming border czar Tom Homan has promised that the border will be secured and illegal crossings will stop altogether. Allen said moving away from politicizing the issue and simply continuing to tool-up CBP would allow border patrol agents to do the job they signed up for , rather than feeling hindered by excessive scrutiny. "With the change in the administration to come, I think there's a lot of excitement that 'Hey, maybe I'm going to be allowed to do my job again', which is enforcing the laws of this country," Allen said. Newsweek reached out to CBP for comment via email on November 20.The connections are clear between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, longtime NFC South rivals. The teams get together for a meeting on Sunday in Charlotte and showed recent signs they can play with any team. "It's an NFC South battle," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. "All of them are going to be hard, none of them (are) going to be easy. ... They're playing pretty good football. They missed some games here and there, but they're playing very good football. It's going to be a tough battle." Few introductions are needed on Sunday, as first-year Panthers coach Dave Canales came to Carolina after serving as Buccaneers offensive coordinator a season ago. Canales' prized pupil last season, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield was with the Panthers for part of the 2022 campaign. "There's some familiarity," Canales said of his connection to the Buccaneers. "Knowing coach Bowles, he's got a really sophisticated system and he attacks each team with a specific game plan. There's some principles that carry over. I know that he's going to have some things up his sleeve." The Buccaneers (5-6) playing a division opponent for the first time since an Oct. 27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The goal will be notching back-to-back wins for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. Four different ball-carriers, including Mayfield, found the end zone on the ground during a 30-7 drubbing of the New York Giants last Sunday. Mayfield also completed 24 of 30 passes for 294 yards. "For me, the biggest thing was blocking and tackling," Bowles said of what his team did well last weekend. "We cleaned up the fundamental and technique part of it." Star wideout Mike Evans was back in action for Tampa Bay following a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. He finished with five receptions for 68 yards against the Giants and now gets a crack at a Carolina team allowing a league-high 30.9 points per game this season. However, the Panthers have tightened up their play as of late, winning two games in a row before hanging with the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in a 30-27 setback last Sunday. The outing against Kansas City may have been the most efficient performance of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's two-year career. Young completed 21 of 35 passes for 263 yards and one score without throwing a pick. "It's not all Bryce, it's the whole unit," Canales said. "It's a collective effort, but he certainly needs to be the voice and driver of that." Wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps), tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) and safety Lonnie Johnson (personal) were all missing from practice on Wednesday for Carolina. Defensive end LaBryan Ray is dealing with a hand issue and was among those limited. Safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) was one of four Buccaneers to miss practice on Wednesday. Evans practiced in full. Carolina and Tampa Bay might as well get used to each other, as the two teams will collide again in Week 17. --Field Level Media
Ridley Scott makes blockbusters for grownups. Here’s why that matters now more than everWhere print can stay in good (young) handsLess than a month after winning the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers are spending big again to add one of baseball's best pitchers to their star-studded roster. Blake Snell and the Dodgers agreed to a $182 million, five-year contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the deal is subject to a successful physical. The two-time Cy Young Award winner broke the news personally by posting a photo of himself on social media in a Dodgers uniform — No. 7. Snell would join two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and fellow Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles' rotation, giving the Dodgers the first mega deal of this offseason following Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract and Yamamoto's $325 million, 12-year deal last winter. Ohtani didn't pitch this year while recovering from right elbow surgery but is expected back on the mound in 2025. He won his third MVP award — first in the National League — following a huge season at the plate exclusively as a designated hitter. Yamamoto went 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts as a rookie, then won twice in four October outings. Down to three healthy starting pitchers during the postseason, Los Angeles overcame a string of injuries to its projected rotation in winning the franchise's second World Series title in five years. Right-handers Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler then became free agents this fall, creating more voids on the staff. But the addition of Snell would fill a large one at the top with a legitimate ace. Snell's $36.4 million average salary would rank as the fifth-highest among active deals next year behind Ohtani ($70 million), Philadelphia pitcher Zack Wheeler ($42 million), New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge ($40 million) and Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom ($37 million). Among expired contracts, it also was exceeded by pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander (both $43.33 million) under deals they agreed to with the New York Mets. ESPN first reported the details of Snell's contract. Earlier this month, Snell opted out of his deal with San Francisco to become a free agent for the second consecutive offseason after he was slowed by injuries during his lone year with the Giants. The left-hander agreed in March to a $62 million, two-year contract that included a $17 million signing bonus payable on Jan. 15, 2026, a $15 million salary for 2024 and a $30 million salary for 2025, of which $15 million would have been deferred and payable on July 1, 2027. Snell, who turns 32 next week, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts this year, throwing a no-hitter at Cincinnati on Aug. 2 for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. He struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings. He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin. Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and 2023 with San Diego. He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants. Because he turned down a qualifying offer from San Diego last November, the Giants were not eligible to give Snell another one and won’t receive draft-pick compensation. Los Angeles expects All-Star right-hander Tyler Glasnow and three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw back in the rotation next year. Other starting candidates if healthy include right-handers Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin and Bobby Miller. Ohtani is coming off right elbow surgery in September 2023 and left shoulder surgery on Nov. 5. Glasnow didn’t pitch after Aug. 11 because of right elbow tendinitis. Kershaw, who turns 37 in March, had foot and knee surgeries on Nov. 7. He declined a $10 million player option in favor of free agency, but is expected to return to Los Angeles. May is coming back from Tommy John surgery in July 2023 and for an operation this past July to repair a tear in his esophagus. Gonsolin spent 2024 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Miller, an 11-game winner as a rookie in 2023, was sidelined early this season by shoulder inflammation. He struggled to a 2-4 record with an 8.52 ERA in 13 big league starts and ended the regular season in the minors. Yamamoto was sidelined by right triceps tightness between June 15 and Sept. 10, then returned and went 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four postseason starts to cap the first season of his $325 million contract. AP Baseball Writers Janie McCauley and Mike Fitzpatrick contributed to this report. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
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