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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1) today reported third quarter performance reflecting steady financial results across business lines, consistent with plans and expectations. "Our stable third quarter results were in line with our expectations," said Sheila Vokey, Central 1's President & CEO. "Central 1 continues to grow its critical payments, treasury and clearing and settlement services, which we provide at scale to financial institutions who deliver banking choice to Canadians." Third quarter 2024 compared with third quarter 2023: Net income was $5.8 million, compared with $3.9 million Net fair value gain 1 was $6.9 million, compared with loss of $2.0 million Net interest income was $9.7 million, compared with $19.6 million Return on average equity 2 of 2.1%, compared with 1.6% Year-to-date 2024 compared with year-to-date 2023: Net income was $47.8 million, compared with $23.6 million Net fair value gain 1 was $60.2 million, compared with $24.2 million Net interest income was $34.0 million, compared with $41.3 million Return on average equity 2 of 8.0%, compared with 4.4% Central 1's third quarter and year-to-date (YTD) results continue to report strong financial performance in 2024. Central 1's net income for the third quarter was $5.8 million, an increase of $1.9 million compared to the third quarter last year. This is primarily reflecting higher net fair value gains 1 and higher non-interest income, excluding strategic initiatives 1 , partially offset by lower net interest income. The reported YTD net income was $47.8 million, an increase of $24.2 million compared to the same period last year, reflecting an increase of $36.0 million in net fair value gains 1 largely due to credit spreads narrowing. Core Business & Financial Performance Treasury Treasury delivered consistently strong results in the quarter and reported a net income of $11.3 million, broadly in line with $11.5 million reported in the third quarter last year. Net interest income was $10.1 million, a decrease of $9.9 million compared to the third quarter last year. However, the decline in net interest income was offset by an $8.9 million increase in net fair value gains 1 . Non-interest income, including revenue from Treasury's fee-for-service operations, also increased by $2.4 million compared to the third quarter last year. Payments & Digital Banking Payments & Digital Banking reported net loss for the quarter was $3.8 million, compared with a reported net loss of $4.7 million in the third quarter last year, driven by the Digital Banking business and partially offset by the net income in Payments. The year-over-year reduction in net loss for the current quarter can be attributed to reduced spending on strategic initiatives 1 . This decline is due to the pause earlier in the year in the Payments Modernization initiative, awaiting details from Payments Canada. Additionally, there were lower professional fees associated with Forge implementations, and completion of certain digital strategy projects. After the close of the quarter, Central 1 announced its intention to wind down its digital banking business and transition clients to one or more alternative digital banking providers. While no firm date has been set for completing this transition, Central 1 is working with digital banking providers and clients to complete transitions within a three-to-four-year timeline. Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Central 1 uses a number of financial measures and ratios to assess overall performance. Some of these measures do not have a standardized definition prescribed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Presenting non-GAAP financial measures and ratios provides readers with an enhanced understanding of how management analyzes Central 1's results and assesses the underlying business performance. The discussions of non-GAAP financial measures and ratios that Central 1 uses in evaluating its operating results are presented as footnotes in the respective sections of the Management's Discussion and Analysis together with the required disclosure below in accordance with National Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The following non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items from our financial results prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Accounting Standards. The tables below present reconciliations of these measures to their respective most directly comparable financial measures disclosed in Central 1's Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. Net Fair Value Gain (Loss) Net fair value gain (loss) used across this press release is comprised of gain (loss) on disposal of financial instruments plus changes in fair value of financial instruments reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss). Reporting them combined provides better information on the fair value movements of Central 1's financial instruments to the readers. For the nine months ended September 30 $ millions Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change Gain (loss) on disposal of financial instruments as reported $ (3.9 ) $ 0.8 $ (4.7 ) $ 54.0 $ 17.1 $ 36.9 Change in fair value of financial instruments as reported 10.8 (2.8 ) 13.6 6.2 7.1 (0.9 ) Net fair value gain (loss) $ 6.9 $ (2.0 ) $ 8.9 $ 60.2 $ 24.2 $ 36.0 Non-Interest Income, excluding Strategic Initiatives Non-interest income, excluding strategic initiatives, presented in the Overall Performance and Results by Segment sections of this press release is derived by excluding Central 1's income from investments in strategic initiatives. Excluding income from strategic initiatives allows readers to better understand Central 1's recurring financial performance and related trends. Overall Performance For the nine months ended September 30 $ millions Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change Non-interest income as reported $ 42.7 $ 39.4 $ 3.3 $ 124.8 $ 119.2 $ 5.6 Less: strategic initiatives income 1.0 0.7 0.3 3.2 1.5 1.7 Non-interest income, excluding strategic initiatives $ 41.7 $ 38.7 $ 3.0 $ 121.6 $ 117.7 $ 3.9 Results by Segment Payments & Digital Banking For the nine months ended September 30 $ millions Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change Non-interest income as reported $ 31.6 $ 31.1 $ 0.5 $ 95.9 $ 90.4 $ 5.5 Less: strategic initiatives income 1.0 0.7 0.3 3.2 1.5 1.7 Non-interest income, excluding strategic initiatives $ 30.6 $ 30.4 $ 0.2 $ 92.7 $ 88.9 $ 3.8 Central 1's third quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and Financial Statements have been filed on Central 1's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.com and are also available at central1.com/investor-relations . About Central 1 Central 1 cooperatively empowers credit unions and other financial institutions who deliver banking choice to Canadians. With assets of $11.6 billion as of September 30, 2024, Central 1 provides critical services at scale to enable a thriving credit union system. We do this by collaborating with our clients, developing strategies, products, and services to support the financial well-being of their more than 5 million diverse customers in communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.central1.com . Notes 1. These are n on-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP financial ratios. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of th is release or the MD&A for more information. 2. This is a non-GAAP financial ratio. Refer to the "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section of the MD&A for more information. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements This press release and announcement contain historical and forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are or may be based on assumptions, uncertainties, and management's best estimates of future events. Central 1 has based the forward-looking statements on current plans, information, data, estimates, expectations, and projections about, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, prospects, strategies and future events, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. These include, without limitation, statements relating to our financial and non-financial performance objectives, vision and strategic goals and priorities, including focus on capital and cost management, the economic, market and regulatory review and outlook for the Canadian economy and the provincial economies in which our member credit unions operate , the impacts of external events such as international conflicts, protests, natural disasters or pandemics, as well as statements that contain the words "may," "will," "intends" and "anticipates" and other similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Securityholders are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Certain important assumptions by Central 1 in making forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, competitive conditions, economic conditions and regulatory considerations. Important risk factors that could cause actual results and the timing of such results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include economic risks, regulatory risks (including legislative and regulatory developments), risks and uncertainty from the impact of rising or falling interest rates, international conflicts, natural disasters or pandemics, geopolitical uncertainty, information technology and cyber risks, environmental and social risk (including climate change), digital disruption and innovation, reputation risk, competitive risk, privacy, data and third-party related risks, risks related to business and operations, risks relating to the transition of clients to alternative digital banking providers, and other risks detailed from time to time in Central 1's periodic reports filed with securities regulators. Given these risks, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Central 1 undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. Contacts Media: Heather Merry Senior Manager, Communications Central 1 Credit Union T 1.800.661.6813 ext. 2355 E communications@central1.com Investors: Brent Clode Chief Investment Officer Central 1 Credit Union T 905.282.8588 or 1.800.661.6813 ext. 8588 E bclode@central1.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Stacy Fernández is a freelance writer, project manager and communications specialist. She’s worked at The Texas Tribune, The Dallas Morning News and run social for The Education Trust New York. Her favorite hobby is finding hidden gems at the thrift store, she loves a good audio book and is a chocolate enthusiast.
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After Iranian arrest tied to U.S. military murders, town advances sanctuary policiesMT. STERLING, Ohio , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WillowWood, a global leader in prosthetic solutions, is proud to announce its receipt of the prestigious Gold Anthem Award Honor in the Product and Innovation category for its 2024 rebrand. The award recognizes the transformative collaboration with DD.NYC that has redefined WillowWood's visual identity, emphasizing its mission to improve mobility, push the forefront of the prosthetic industry, and enhance the quality of life for individuals worldwide. The Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award, recognizing work across five areas of impact including Awareness, Fundraising, Community Engagement, Product, Innovation & Service, and Team & Internal Initiatives, for seven causes: Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Education Art & Culture, Health, Human & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action & Services, Responsible Technology, and Sustainability Climate & Environment. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. With over 2,300 submissions from 44 countries around the world, 10,000+ reviews from jurors, and over 33,000 supporters in the Anthem Community Voice, the 4th Annual Anthem Award Winners were announced on November 19, 2024 . WillowWood's rebrand stood out among this global competition, showcasing an unwavering commitment to empowering prosthetic users through advanced technology and compassionate care. "This recognition is a testament to the heart and soul of WillowWood's mission and DD.NYC's commitment to reimagining brands in a way that stays true to that heart and soul," said Mahesh Mansukhani , CEO of WillowWood. "Our partnership with Digital Design NYC allowed us to craft a brand identity that not only honors our legacy but also propels us into the future. The rebrand reflects our promise to provide innovative prosthetic solutions that enhance mobility and transform lives." The creative process was a seamless collaboration between WillowWood and DD.NYC. Together, the teams developed a rebrand strategy that blends contemporary design elements with an innovation-centered focus. Key features include a revitalized logo, a cohesive color palette inspired by movement and vitality, and a redesigned website offering an intuitive user experience for clinicians and prosthetic users alike. "From the outset, we sought to encapsulate the essence of WillowWood's dedication to improving lives through innovation," said Anjelika Kour , Creative Director at DD.NYC. "The resulting rebrand is both striking and meaningful, capturing the spirit of mobility and resilience that defines WillowWood." The Gold Anthem Award underscores the significant impact of WillowWood's reimagined brand, resonating with both the prosthetics community and broader audiences. As a leader in the industry, WillowWood continues to champion inclusivity, innovation, and hope. To explore the award-winning rebrand and learn more about WillowWood's mission and products, visit willowwood.com . To learn more about the many industry-changing projects and services of DD.NYC, visit dd.nyc . About WillowWood: Based in Mount Sterling, Ohio , WillowWood Global is an industry leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of prosthetic products, including liners, feet, vacuum systems and components. Recognized for its products' superior innovation, quality, and patient outcomes, WillowWood's portfolio includes the Alpha ® family of liners, including the first myoelectric Alpha ® Control Liner, the META ® family of feet, the LimbLogic ® vacuum system, and now the XtremityTT ® socket system. For over 117 years, WillowWood's prosthetic products have helped individuals with limb loss find comfort and functionality, remain active and live life to the fullest. About DD.NYC: DD.NYC® is an award-winning Manhattan -based creative agency specializing in branding, web design, packaging, and video storytelling. Since its founding in 2015, the agency has been recognized for its innovative approach and adaptability across industries, with a strong focus on the medical and healthcare sectors. About The Anthem Awards: Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we're defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. This season's partners include Ms. Magazine, The Female Quotient, Sustainable Brands, NationSwell, and TheFutureParty. The Awards were founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ. About The Webby Awards: Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times , The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites and Mobile Sites; Video; Advertising; Media & PR; Apps & Software; Social; Podcasts; Games and AI, Metaverse & Virtual. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received nearly 13,000 entries from all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include WP Engine, LinkedIn, Meltwater, NAACP, KPMG, Wall Street Journal, Vox Media, Deadline, AdAge, TechCrunch, The Hollywood Reporter, The Hustle, Morning Brew, Passionfruit, Embedded, Link in Bio, Creator Economy NYC, Creator Spotlight, AIGA, Vote Save America, and The Publish Press. Media contact: Marketing@willowwood.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/willowwood-rebrand-by-ddnyc-wins-gold-anthem-award-for-product-and-innovation-in-2024-rebrand-302337766.html SOURCE WillowWood GlobalSINGAPORE - The Ministry of Health is looking into potential lapses by telehealth platforms in the provision of online consultations. This comes after The Straits Times consulted seven platforms that offered popular weight loss drugs in July, and found two instances where cameras were not turned on. Asked about this, MOH said cameras are necessary to establish a proper doctor-patient relationship, and to provide similar quality and standard of care as in-person medical care. “We would have to look into these breaches, why they happened and if there were any mitigating factors,” said the spokesman. Under the Healthcare Services Act, teleconsultations must be “conducted using two-way, interactive, audio-visual communications in real time”. The operators in question told ST that they are reviewing the instances flagged. Despite the lapses, the ministry pointed out that telemedicine promises a more efficient way to ensure healthcare becomes accessible and affordable. “As with any new business model or technology, there will be lapses, even abuse, but we should still embrace it, regulate it, and make it work for the benefit of the public we serve.” The telehealth industry has been in the spotlight, with the authorities clamping down on clinically and ethically inappropriate practices by MaNaDr Clinic. Lapses include teleconsultations that lasted one minute or less. Separately, MOH and the Health Sciences Authority also sent a joint circular to medical providers on Nov 22 reminding them of the need to comply with telemedicine guidelines. MOH and HSA said in a joint reply to ST that the licensees and clinical governance officers of telehealth services must establish and implement formal protocols and processes for teleconsultations. The operators also have to ensure that all medical practitioners providing care through the teleconsultation service comply with them. ST’s reporter signed up for weight-loss teleconsultations with Doctor Anywhere, Elevate, MaNaDr, Novi Health, Ova, Siena Health, and Zoey in July. Some of these telemedicine providers had started out in areas such as reproductive health, sexual health and hair loss. There were weight-loss teleconsultations for only six platforms, as Doctor Anywhere referred her to an in-person consultation for the first-time prescription of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. All seven operators required the reporter to fill in a questionnaire about her medical history, with some asking for details on previous attempts to lose weight, and lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise frequency and sleep. She was then able to book a date and time for the consultations, which she started with her camera turned off. During the teleconsultations, which lasted between 51⁄2 minutes and 461⁄2 minutes, doctors verbally confirmed her height and weight, but did not ask for further verification. On at least five platforms, doctors discussed the possibility of prescribing GLP-1 drugs to her for weight loss, though her body mass index (BMI) of 28 without other pre-existing conditions puts her outside the standard criteria for such treatment. Only Ova, which is run by Ora Group, required the reporter to have blood tests for liver and kidney function to assess if she was suitable for weight-loss drugs. Two platforms – Zoey and Elevate – allowed the reporter’s camera to remain off during the teleconsultation. In the case of Zoey, the doctor’s camera was also off during the entire consultation. Nonetheless, ST was able to obtain a one-month prescription of Saxenda from the platform. ST approached all seven operators for comment. Four of the operators said they have various methods to verify if a patient has accurately declared their height, weight and medical history. They may ask for photos and live weight measurements, lab reports, or arrange for in-person appointments if discrepancies are suspected. Dr Sue-Anne Toh, co-founder of Novi Health, said that video consultations are important as doctors can identify potential discrepancies with the patient’s declared information through observing their appearance. “If we highly suspect that something is off, then we would find some way of communicating it sensitively,” said Dr Toh, who is also an endocrinologist. Siena Health and MaNaDr did not respond to queries. Some operators said they had encountered instances where some users may have misrepresented their information in order to get GLP-1 drugs. The firms also emphasised that a consultation does not guarantee a prescription for GLP-1 drugs. Ordinary Folk, which runs platforms Zoey and Noah, said one in five prescription requests was denied between November 2023 and August 2024. Some patients did not meet the prescription criteria based on the information they declared, while others did not provide additional information requested by the doctor, among other reasons. Ora Group, which operates telehealth platforms andSons and Ova, said up to 40 per cent of its consultations do not lead to GLP-1 prescriptions. With Doctor Anywhere, the reporter was asked to go for an in-person consultation. Dr Andrew Fang, the company’s director of medical affairs, said this facilitates detailed counselling on the proper use of weight-loss medication. “This approach helps maintain the integrity of the treatment and ensures the safety and effectiveness of the care provided.” He added that consultations for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have increased more than fivefold since it was introduced on the platform in August 2022. The operators of the two platforms that allowed the reporter to proceed without her camera on said they are investigating the matter. Ordinary Folk founder Sean Low said the company will proceed with corrective actions if any wrongdoings are found regarding the consultation on Zoey. Elevate co-chief executive Rio Hoe said a support team in the virtual waiting room monitors the pre-consultation process to ensure that patients and doctors both have their cameras on before the consultation begins. “We’ll review this specific case with the doctor promptly to ensure our policies continue to be followed as intended. Our goal is always to provide secure, compliant, and effective care for our patients,” he said. “We will need some time to gather all the facts and conduct this review, and therefore it would be premature to comment on any potential actions at this point in time.” Many telehealth platforms have added GLP-1 drugs to their inventory in the past year amid increased interest in the new class of weight-loss drugs. ST’s reporter signed up for the weight-loss teleconsultations to find out how easy it would be to obtain them, and uncovered varying consultation standards and protocols among the providers. GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are currently approved for individuals who meet specific BMI and health criteria. Details such as weight and height, which are used to calculate BMI, are self-declared by patients in the case of weight-loss teleconsultations. GLP-1 drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes, but received widespread attention after they were found effective for losing weight. Eight GLP-1 drugs are currently approved for use in Singapore, with two approved for weight loss – Wegovy and Saxenda. Wegovy is not available in Singapore yet because of supply issues. Saxenda is approved for patients who have a BMI of 30 or more, and for those with a BMI of 27 or more but also have co-existing weight-related medical problems such as hypertension or obstructive sleep apnoea. But doctors can opt to prescribe such medications for those who fall short of approved BMI ranges – an off-label practice that is allowed here, with caveats. Doctors can also opt to prescribe GLP-1 drugs approved for diabetes for weight loss, such as Rybelsus, a pill taken once a day. It is often prescribed off-label due to its effectiveness in reducing body weight and ease of use. Doctors are permitted to use an approved drug in a setting for which it has not received regulatory approval, based on their clinical discretion. They are accountable for this decision. MOH and the Health Sciences Authority said doctors must first conduct “an adequate assessment”, and determine if it is “in the best interest of their patient to be provided the treatment after considering the benefits and risks”. Doctors must ensure that the benefits of using the drug outweigh the risks, that there is a justifiable medical indication, and that patients are properly informed. Saxenda, a daily injectable and the main GLP-1 drug offered by telehealth platforms, was suggested as an option to the reporter during consultations with at least three platforms. Rybelsus was also suggested as an option to the reporter by three platforms. ST asked for a prescription from Zoey, which was the only platform where both cameras were turned off, and succeeded. ST asked the platform’s operator, Ordinary Folk, why it prescribed Saxenda to the reporter despite her not meeting the approved guidelines. Ordinary Folk said that its doctors apply “evidence-based medical judgment” to offer personalised care. “Our doctors are also informed by real-world evidence and insights from professional bodies. For instance, a South Korean study demonstrated that liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda) is effective for patients with a BMI of 27 and above, showing significant weight-loss benefits,” said Ordinary Folk’s medical doctor, Dr Colin Lai. The firm’s founder, Mr Low, added that ST’s consultation is being reviewed to confirm compliance. “Should any areas for improvement be identified, we will take immediate corrective measures, including strengthened review and oversight procedures,” he added. Novi Health is also offering GLP-1 drugs on an off-label basis. Its screening criterion for its weight-loss management programme for Asians are either a BMI of more than 27.5, or more than 23 if the patient has a weight-related chronic condition. Explaining the company’s policy, Dr Toh said: “It is well known that metabolic complications associated with excess weight occur at lower BMI thresholds in Asian populations than Western populations. For example, countries like Japan and Korea define obesity at BMI cut-offs of 25, while Singapore defines it at 27.5.” Dr Toh said the company prescribes drugs off-label responsibly by having an informed discussion with patients about the benefits and risks. GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a gut hormone that reduces appetite and increases feelings of satiety. The drugs also slow down the emptying of the stomach, which prolongs the feeling of fullness after eating and helps reduce overall food intake. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and upper abdominal pain or discomfort. Dr Ravishankar Asokkumar, a senior consultant at the department of gastroenterology and hepatology at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), said side effects occur in nearly 40 to 60 per cent of patients on GLP-1 drugs, and most of them are mild to moderate. Patients who take these medications for weight loss are more prone to having side effects because of the higher dose of drugs used as compared with diabetes treatment, he added. Dr Lee Phong Ching, director of SGH’s obesity centre, warned that GLP-1 drugs “should not be abused by those who do not have obesity but just want to lose some weight”. He said these medications are intended for and have been studied in people with obesity and related metabolic conditions such as diabetes. “For individuals with a healthy weight, this may result in malnutrition and loss of lean muscle mass.” Dr Chan Soo Ling, a consultant with Ng Teng Fong General Hospital’s division of endocrinology, said that if such drugs are used without medical supervision and healthy lifestyle and diet changes, people can regain the weight they lost after coming off the medication. “This leads to yo-yo weight cycling which is associated with impaired metabolism rates and disruption of hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, making it harder to lose weight in the future.” How the seven teleconsultations stacked up Platform: Doctor Anywhere Two-way audiovisual consultation conducted: Yes What was discussed: The doctor explained why there is a need for in-person consultation for first-time patients Teleconsultation duration: About two minutes Outcome: Referred for in-person consultation for first-time prescription of GLP-1 drugs Platform: Elevate Two-way audiovisual consultation conducted: No, patient’s camera was off Teleconsultation duration: Nearly 14 minutes What was discussed: Whether the patient had taken weight-loss medication previously, or done previous blood checks or tests to look for reasons why she was overweight. Potential side effects were discussed, as well as diet advice. Outcome: Saxenda and Rybelsus suggested as potential options. Patient did not proceed further. Platform: MaNaDr Two-way audiovisual consultation conducted: Yes Teleconsultation duration: Nearly 14 minutes What was discussed: The patient’s current diet and exercise routine, and side effects of GLP-1 drugs. The doctor encouraged the patient to try engaging a dietician before considering medication. Outcome: Doctor advised the patient to let the platform know if she still wants weight-loss medication. The platform offers Saxenda, and other non-GLP-1 drugs. Patient did not proceed further. Platform: Novi Health Two-way audiovisual consultation conducted: Yes Teleconsultation duration: About 461⁄2 minutes What was discussed: The patient’s medical history, including family history and drug allergies. The doctor also asked for details of her daily activities, types of workout done, and the types of meals and snacks she would typically eat. The doctor discussed how GLP-1 drugs work, and what to expect when taking the drugs for the first time. The platform’s GLP-1 weight management programme also includes sessions with a health coach. Outcome: Rybelsus suggested as a potential option. Patient did not proceed further. Platform: Ova Two-way audiovisual consultation conducted: Yes Teleconsultation duration: About 17 minutes What was discussed: Doctor emphasised the importance of diet in weight management, and discussed what makes a healthy meal. Encouraged the patient to do moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes a week, along with strength training. Side effects of medication are also discussed. Outcome: Required to get a blood test to check liver and kidney function before evaluating suitability for GLP-1 prescription. Patient did not proceed further. Platform: Siena Health Two-way audiovisual consultation conducted: Yes Teleconsultation duration: 11 minutes What was discussed: The efficacy of different GLP-1 drugs, and how diet and exercise are important components of weight management. Side effects to look out for were also discussed. Outcome: Saxenda and Rybelsus suggested as potential options. Patient did not proceed further. Platform: Zoey Two-way audiovisual consultation conducted: No, both doctor and patient’s cameras were off. Teleconsultation duration: About 51⁄2 minutes What was discussed: After verbal confirmation of the patient’s height and weight, and whether she had taken any weight-loss medications previously or had any long-term medical problems, the doctor asked if she preferred taking tablets or injections. Potential side effects were also discussed. Outcome: Patient received a one-month prescription for Saxenda.The UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a symbolic gesture rejected by the United States and Israel. The resolution -- adopted by a vote of 158-9, with 13 abstentions -- urges "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire," and "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" -- wording similar to a text vetoed by Washington in the Security Council last month. At that time, Washington used its veto power on the Council -- as it has before -- to protect its ally Israel, which has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack. It has insisted on the idea of making a ceasefire conditional on the release of all hostages in Gaza, saying otherwise that Hamas has no incentive to free those in captivity. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood repeated that position Wednesday, saying it would be "shameful and wrong" to adopt the text. Ahead of the vote, Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon said: "The resolutions before the assembly today are beyond logic. (...) The vote today is not a vote for compassion. It is a vote for complicity." The General Assembly often finds itself taking up measures that cannot get through the Security Council, which has been largely paralyzed on hot-button issues such as Gaza and Ukraine due to internal politics, and this time is no different. The resolution, which is non-binding, demands "immediate access" to widespread humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza, especially in the besieged north of the territory. Dozens of representatives of UN member states addressed the Assembly before the vote to offer their support to the Palestinians. "Gaza doesn't exist anymore. It is destroyed," said Slovenia's UN envoy Samuel Zbogar. "History is the harshest critic of inaction." That criticism was echoed by Algeria's deputy UN ambassador Nacim Gaouaoui, who said: "The price of silence and failure in the face of the Palestinian tragedy is a very heavy price, and it will be heavier tomorrow." Hamas's October 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. That count includes hostages who died or were killed while being held in Gaza. Militants abducted 251 hostages, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 44,805 people, a majority of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry that is considered reliable by the United Nations. "Gaza today is the bleeding heart of Palestine," Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said last week during the first day of debate in the Assembly's special session on the issue. "The images of our children burning in tents, with no food in their bellies and no hopes and no horizon for the future, and after having endured pain and loss for more than a year, should haunt the conscience of the world and prompt action to end this nightmare," he said, calling for an end to the "impunity." After Wednesday's vote, he said "we will keep knocking on the doors of the Security Council and the General Assembly until we see an immediate and unconditional ceasefire put in place." The Gaza resolution calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present "proposals on how the United Nations could help to advance accountability" by using existing mechanisms or creating new ones based on past experience. The Assembly, for example, created an international mechanism to gather evidence of crimes committed in Syria starting from the outbreak of civil war in 2011. A second resolution calling on Israel to respect the mandate of the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and allow it to continue its operations was passed Wednesday by a vote of 159-9 with 11 abstentions. Israel has voted to ban the organization starting January 28, after accusing some UNRWA employees of taking part in Hamas's devastating attack. abd/sst/jgc/nro/des
Giannis Antetokounmpo returns for Bucks after missing 1 game with knee swellingRavens playoff tickets go on sale Thursday. Will they have a home game?So ends one of the wildest weeks in recent memory for the Nebraska football program. The one-week overlap of high school recruiting, transfer portal entries, coaching changes and bowl game decisions meant there were highs and lows for Nebraska fans to go through — but the program’s leader wasn’t bothered by the departures and changes that hit the Huskers. “If we have good players and we have good coaches, then people are gonna come try to get them,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said on Wednesday. “If no one’s trying to take our players, it means we’re in trouble.” With news to break down in each of those areas, let’s drop into coverage: Nebraska’s defensive coaching staff will look much different in 2025 compared to 2024, but Rhule is hopeful that the defense itself won’t change much. Defensive coordinator Tony White is off to Florida State and has taken defensive line coach Terrance Knighton with him, a major blow to a Nebraska defense that ranked inside the top 20 nationally each of the last two seasons. Knighton was one of Rhule’s best hires for his initial Nebraska coaching staff. The defensive line, presumed to be a question mark in 2023, instead became a strength of the team. Players like Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher reached new heights under Knighton’s coaching, while several young Huskers also made an impact up front. There’s plenty of returning talent in the defensive line room even after some roster turnover, but NU’s next defensive line coach will have big expectations to continue Knighton’s good work at the position. As for White, he implemented his 3-3-5 scheme to great success a year ago, but Nebraska lined up slightly differently this fall with a four-man rush utilized far more often than in 2023. He’ll be a good fit at Florida State, while Nebraska has turned to John Butler in the interim to lead its defense. There’s no doubting Butler’s pedigree as a former NFL defensive mind, and his influence showed up in the way the Nebraska defense operated this season. Whether it’s Butler or an external hire who leads the Nebraska defense next season, continuity on that side of the ball is the expectation. “The defense isn’t going to change, but the offense is going to be better,” Rhule said. That optimism is underscored by the return of Dana Holgorsen as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator. Having brought in his own wide receivers coach, Daikiel Shorts Jr., Holgorsen will begin transforming the Nebraska offense this spring after the team’s bowl game. Nebraska signed a 20-player recruiting class on Wednesday that is loaded with talent across the board. While recruits can still sign with teams in February, expect Nebraska to be finished along the recruiting trail — and that means it’s time to take stock of the players in its 2025 recruiting class. Here are five of those signees who should impact the long-term future of the Husker football team. First up is linebacker Dawson Merritt. The highest-ranked signee in NU’s 2025 class was an Alabama commit for a reason, and it’s because the pass-rushing potential he shows. Set to be an off-ball linebacker and hybrid edge rusher at Nebraska, Merritt is the type of player who can make an impact early in his collegiate career. If he reaches his long-term potential, Merritt should be an NFL prospect when he leaves Nebraska. Nebraska also landed a top playmaking prospect in wide receiver Cortez Mills. Another wide receiver recruit, Isaiah Mozee, will provide an impact — but Mills is the all-around prospect who could dominate targets in a year or two’s time. The fast, athletic pass-catcher knows how to run himself open against coverage and excels at winning in one-on-one situations. Quarterback Dylan Raiola will like playing with Mills. In the secondary, cornerback Bryson Webber should be a starter down the road. His status as a former wide receiver gives him the ball skills Nebraska is after the spot, and Webber’s long, athletic frame will help him against opposing wide receivers. He may not be a day-one starter at cornerback, but Webber will make the position his own in the years which follow. Another explosive playmaker on offense is running back Jamarion Parker. Having signed alongside Bishop Neumann’s Conor Booth, Parker could be the lightning to Booth’s thunder as a one-two running back punch in the years which follow. A big-play threat and tough runner, Parker is an all-around talent who Nebraska and Holgorsen will find a way to utilize. The final pick is linebacker Christian Jones. Hard-nosed, athletic inside linebackers are hard to come by, but Jones is one of the rare few who could have a future at the position. He’s a top athlete who could push for playing time early in his career. For those interested, here are the five players I identified from NU’s 2024 class one year ago: Dylan Raiola, Carter Nelson, Willis McGahee IV, Mario Buford and Grant Brix. While Jacory Barney Jr. is a notable miss from that list, all but Brix played in at least 10 games and had an impact as freshmen. Nebraska’s transfer portal entrants have begun trickling out, and there will be many more which follow as a result of the 105-player roster limit teams must abide with next season. Many of the toughest departures to stomach have come on defense, where a veteran-heavy group will look much different in terms of its personnel next season. Defensive lineman Jimari Butler, a two-year starter at the position, has decided to move on. So have linebackers Mikai Gbayor and Stefon Thompson — who might’ve been starters next season — and rising young defenders Princewill Umanmielen, James Williams and Kai Wallin. Williams, Wallin and Umanmielen were all impactful defenders for Nebraska this fall, but their status as pass-rushing specialists still left room for improvement as all-around defenders. Butler and Gbayor, however, would’ve been pegged as no-doubt veteran starters, so their choice to move on will impact NU’s defensive strength. No entry was more surprising than that of running back Emmett Johnson, a player who emerged as NU’s top rusher late in the 2024 season. The up-and-down nature of Johnson’s Nebraska career — he showed flashes down the stretch in 2023 and was hardly utilized this fall prior to Holgorsen taking over — may have impacted his decision to seek out a new opportunity. Nebraska’s transfer portal targets will become clearer in the coming days, but one player has already stated his interest in the Huskers. Fresno State linebacker Phoenix Jackson, a multi-year starter at the position, announced on social media that Auburn, Indiana, Nebraska and SMU are the four teams he’s considering transferring to. Prior to learning its bowl opponent, Nebraska had a light week of practice before things get intense later this month. The Huskers practiced on Tuesday and Thursday last week with its veterans sitting out as younger players got reps in front of their coaches instead. Rhule said he expects Nebraska to practice from Tuesday to Thursday this week, with another day on Saturday during which the Huskers could bring transfer portal visitors to campus. “Being in bowl practice right now is exactly what this team needs, exactly what we need moving forward,” Rhule said. “I saw guys practice (Tuesday) and look like I haven’t seen them look all year.” After his firing at Nebraska, former head coach Scott Frost didn’t need to rush into his next coaching job, instead waiting for a situation and school that made sense for him. While it didn’t work out in Lincoln, there’s no denying the success Frost had at UCF. The in-state talent around the school and Frost’s offense made for a great fit, even if he only had two seasons to show it. The Knights are no longer in the AAC, though, instead having moved to a new-look Big 12 which has the makings of a difficult conference. It’s a good fit for Frost, but there’ll still be an element of pressure for him to deliver results and show that he can rebuild the program once again. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Photos courtesy: Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center T he Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center (RMPJC) is making a clarion call: If unity has ever been needed on the front lines of the fight for justice, peace and human rights, it’s now. The Boulder-based nonprofit organization is guided by the philosophy that everything is interconnected and interdependent–thus, the need to acknowledge intersectionality in the various forms of oppression that people face. “At RMPJC, we work to bridge various movements for justice, recognizing that we as a community are stronger when we stand in solidarity,” says Center campaign coordinator Giselle Herzfeld. The RMPJC story began at the historic Encirclement of Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant near Denver on October 15, 1983. After years of protest and arrests, that day activists took a different tack: They surrounded Rocky Flats hand in hand around its 17-mile perimeter. That action led directly to the founding of the Boulder Peace Center, later renamed Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center. In the 41 years since the Encirclement, though humanity’s flashpoints in the struggle for justice have changed, RMPJC’s vision statement has not: “We strive to nourish the inherent capacity for compassion, generosity and joy in all people. We seek a healthy, sustainable relationship between people and the planet. We recognize that Earth and all its beings are inherently valuable and have the right to exist and be healthy. We seek to create egalitarian social, economic, political and environmental structures where all people are empowered to participate directly in decisions that affect their lives. We seek a world where conflict is handled justly and nonviolently, creating true peace.” Over the past five years in particular, with an escalating climate crisis, COVID and conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, with the real threat of nuclear war, many activists have been ground down with despair and burnout. “The past few years in particular have underlined why the power of community and care is so, so crucial,” says Herzfeld. “It is vitally important to be building deep relationships of trust and collaboration, and to stand in mutual solidarity with our allies. We cannot afford to fall prey to infighting and division because...it is only when we move together that we will have a chance of shifting the paradigm.” RMPJC is a multi-issue organization that has worked in a variety of campaign areas through the years. Currently, their primary focus is on Nuclear Guardianship and Free Palestine. They work in regional coalitions such as the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability, Nuclear Free Colorado, and the Colorado Palestine Coalition. Herzfeld: “The Center is grateful and honored to be a part of these diverse and regional networks of organizers working toward common goals promoting peace and justice.” When the Work is Working Consider this powerful example of the culmination of the Center’s passionate civic engagement on Rocky Flats this year. Rocky Flats is heavily contaminated with plutonium and other radioactive materials. Since 2016, there has been a multi-government effort to install a mountain biking trail, called the “Rocky Mountain Greenway,” to encircle the most contaminated part of Rocky Flats, which remains an EPA Superfund site. On September 23, 2024, Westminster City Council voted to withdraw from the Greenway project. Their decision set a powerful new precedent. “In addition to establishing another local government decision which acknowledges the public health risks of recreation at Rocky Flats, it demonstrated the courage to stand up against regulatory capture,” explains Chris Allred, Nuclear Guardianship coordinator for RMPJC. “Westminster was being advised from multiple angles to ‘go along to get along;’ however, they took the most principled stand and decided to deny any additional funding to the Rocky Mountain Greenway. This is one of the more courageous actions we’ve seen by any local government, truly extraordinary. We believe that this precedent and the spirit behind it will prove stronger through the years.” At the time of this writing, Superior and Broomfield have also withdrawn from the Rocky Mountain Greenway, and seven school districts have also banned field trips at Rocky Flats. “As the precedents continue to mount, it proves that the construction efforts at Rocky Flats have only been made possible through manufactured consent and regulatory capture,” Allred says. “We will remain steady until we see justice. Boulder County has yet to withdraw and the community will continue to make the demand for responsible policy that protects people from environmental contamination. We recognize that organizing with local governments has a regional and national importance.” Support RMPJC on Colorado Gives Day A powerful way to support RMPJC is to make a donation on December 10 – Colorado Gives Day . Maximize your impact by becoming a monthly sustainer at rmpjc.org. There are volunteer opportunities, too, in the Center’s various campaigns. Sign up for the newsletter online and follow the Center on Instagram, @rmpjc.boulder , to stay up to date on its events and action opportunities. However you are able to contribute, and whatever your background or skill set, the Center is deeply grateful for the support and has a place for you. The Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center is grateful for the incredible partnerships it has developed with other organizations and institutions in the Boulder community, including Naropa University’s Joanna Macy Center and student groups at CU Boulder like Students for Justice in Palestine and Climatique. Reach out to the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center at 303.444.6981 or visit: rmpjc.org .None
THE state's crisis-driven out-of-home care system is punishing vulnerable kids, their families and carers while for-profit providers are rorting the system unchecked. Login or signup to continue reading And it is crunch time, says a government-commissioned review team, which found a 'tick the box', 'set and forget' system producing harrowing outcomes. It is at times punitive, complex, fragmented, and woefully inadequate, with few checks and balances in place, allowing up to 30 per cent of government money to be directed away from children and families. Foster parents and advocates have been threatened with child removal for pushing back, and the young people it is supposed to protect are re-traumatised. The details are contained in yet another damning report into NSW's $2 billion out-of-home-care system that reveals shockingly low levels of visibility over how taxpayer dollars are spent. It calls for a complete re-set of a system founded on "flawed assumptions ". Questionable practices of some non-government organisations (NGOs) include staff investment schemes where board directors buy real estate, only to rent it back to the same organisation with a guaranteed markup on market rents. Some NGOs have created 'for-profit' legal entities allowing them to subcontract services to themselves at inflated costs, or move funds out of mandatory holding trusts. Once they are moved, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) cannot track how taxpayer funds are being used. Some service providers are double-dipping, directing up to 30 per cent of funds (tens of thousands of dollars) away from vulnerable children and families. They are charging corporate management fees up front as well as charging taxpayers for expenses that those fees should cover, such as wages and salaries, property costs, IT fees and insurance. NSW Minister for Families and Communities and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington commissioned the review, which was led by former assistant commissioner with NSW Police, Gelina Talbot, and former executive director of the Department of Communities and Justice, Lauren Dean. Their report says there is limited visibility of how sub-contracted service providers are spending their budgets, and in many cases the review team could not follow the dollar on the actual delivery of services. They found high spending on employee-related expenses, and "huge variances" in direct and indirect service costs with little consistency or accountability for the use of taxpayer dollars. The system has "failed to listen to parents, carers and children and has effectively punished (them) through inconsistent decision making, inadequate consultation and poor policy implementation". The 140-page report, being released today (Monday, December 2) says the system is compliance-focused, with no measure of quality beyond minimum standards. Residential care is riddled with instances of poor housing quality, unmet health needs, and inadequate communication and information sharing between and among the contracting agency (DCJ), courts, watchdogs, families and carers, and service providers. Decisions are made on the basis that 'system workers know best', despite significant gaps in the capability of the workforce, with many workers having no clear understanding of performance expectations or shared outcomes across the program. "Quality is not measured," said one NGO representative quoted in the report. "The focus is on numbers, compliance and dollars." Another non-government sector worker said that if the well-being and thriving of children and young people was the ultimate outcome and the definition of quality, it was simply "missing from the system". Little data is collected by sub-contracted service providers , and the limited data that is collected is made available to DCJ, with inconsistent metrics used by individual NGOs to track outcomes and performance. The review found there was no 'single truth' for any one child or young person. Whole chunks of children's lives and histories may be held by different, siloed providers, with access to that information denied to foster carers, adoptive parents, health workers, DCJ, and other service providers. The authors said they heard harrowing stories from kids and carers, including children being removed from school, without warning or notice. They also found instances of "punitive, judgemental action taken by DCJ and ... providers, with little rigour, and careless regard for the impact of their decision". They have collected evidence of overdue medical appointments, missing care and transition plans, insufficient clothing and food, and unaddressed safety concerns when young people feel unsafe due to placement mismatches. The review also found there were "limited consequences" for non-compliant service providers. "District-level contract management staff lack sufficient training, supervision, and guidance on contract management, often focusing on relationships, rather than enforcing service provider performance," the report says. "The review found a general reluctance to use proper contract management mechanisms when necessary and a lack of due diligence and processes utilised across the system to assess the suitability and reliability of those contracted and sub-contracted to perform a service 'on behalf of' the agency." There are no conflict of interest policies and procedures for managing conflicts by service providers . The review found woeful levels of family-finding efforts among both DCJ and service providers who both "often fail" to do the work comprehensively or early enough. Going somewhere, just anywhere, is a low bar and DCJ should be setting a bar high enough where children and young people in out-of-home care are in the best possible place, their progress tracked, safety assured and where loneliness is not the common denominator. "It too has become a 'tick-the-box' compliance activity where staff do it at some point, and consider it done, including counting a Facebook message as 'good enough' family-finding," it says. "Going somewhere, just anywhere, is a low bar and DCJ should be setting a bar high enough where children and young people in out-of-home care are in the best possible place, their progress tracked, safety assured and where loneliness is not the common denominator." Carers told the review team that agency staff had threatened them that their child would be removed when they tried to advocate for the child. They were often given next to none, or sometimes misleading information about the children coming into their care. "We heard from carers that they were often 'parenting blind' with agencies refusing or unable to share information with them about the child placed with them," it says. In one case, a young boy coming was described to his carers as a 'busy boy' and everything was 'fine'. The carers only discovered after he arrived that he required 24/7 care. A number of children were relinquished from the home of those carers because, as full-time workers, they were not informed about the children's needs beforehand, and they could not provide the level of care required. "In some respects, the missing components of placement support exist due to the chaotic and reactive nature of DCJ's practice." the report says. Other failures include carers being unable to access their children's NDIS plans, and instances where both DCJ and service providers were accessing supports, and requesting DCJ pay for those supports, where NDIS funding exists to pay for them. They found staff who lacked the necessary trauma-informed training and/or sufficient industry experience to use behaviour management strategies, making police their first port of call when things went awry in group home settings. Many young people absconded from residential care to visit family, friends, or to escape threats, bullying, or conflict with co-residents, the report said. "Other times they are leaving in search of connection, belonging and relationships which they have not found in out-of-home care." The review makes 13 recommendations, including mandating greater financial transparency, requiring providers to clearly identify direct services and supports provided with taxpayer dollars, and introducing key performance indicators, comparative analyses, and regular audits. Minister Washington said i t was shocking that some out-of-home-care providers were failing to provide basic supports to children, despite being paid hundreds of thousands, and in some cases, millions, of taxpayer dollars to do so. "Right now, we know taxpayer money is not always flowing to the children who need it," Ms Washington said. "The Minns Labor government has been open and honest about the spiralling out-of-home care system we inherited. Now we have the evidence and the recommendations, we need to start turning the ship around so that vulnerable children and young people get the supports they need. Over the past 18 months, the government haf been stabilising the system, Ms Washington said. "Now we will begin rebuilding the foundations so that we can invest in better outcomes." Community health & welfare, social justice, investigations, general news.Gabriel.Fowler@newcastleherald.com.au Community health & welfare, social justice, investigations, general news.Gabriel.Fowler@newcastleherald.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. 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Ranchi: A student from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi has captured the internet’s attention by creating an Indian version of the iconic “Mona Lisa” using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The reimagined masterpiece, which showcases the famous portrait dressed in traditional Indian attire, has gone viral, garnering widespread praise and engagement online. Rashi Pandey, the creative mind behind the project, posted the AI-generated image on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with the caption, “I made the Indian version of Mona Lisa using AI. Give her a name.” The post quickly gained traction, accumulating over 124k views as social media users reacted with enthusiasm. The AI version of the renowned painting features the subject dressed in a beautifully embroidered Indian saree, adorned with a dupatta over her head, and traditional jewelry including a maang-teeka, earrings, and a necklace. The reimagining of this iconic image with cultural elements resonated with many, offering a fresh, desi perspective on a centuries-old masterpiece. Also Read: The 10 Richest People Who Ever Lived: From Mansa Musa to John D. Rockefeller Social media users were quick to respond to Pandey’s post, flooding the comments section with name suggestions for the Indian Mona Lisa. The post sparked a lively debate, with users sharing creative and humorous ideas for what the portrait should be called, from “Mona Rani” to “Lalita Lisa.” Pandey’s unique blend of art and technology highlights the growing role of AI in creative fields. By merging traditional Indian culture with a global artistic icon, the reimagined Mona Lisa has not only captured the attention of netizens but also opened up discussions about the evolving intersection of culture, art, and technology. I made the Indian version of Mona Lisa using AI. Give her a name🫶 pic.twitter.com/ozcG5EigvF The post continues to gain popularity, with many applauding the creative and culturally inclusive take on the famous artwork. Pandey’s work has also drawn attention to the emerging role of AI in shaping contemporary art and how digital tools can be used to re-interpret historical masterpieces with modern perspectives. The viral response to Pandey’s AI-generated Indian Mona Lisa is a testament to the growing impact of AI in art and how it is reshaping the way people engage with both traditional and contemporary forms of expression.One of the great things about covering the Toronto Maple Leafs is that every year, there’s a big debate surging in what is always a large, passionate fan base. The subject feeding this year’s civil war feels decided already, one-third of the way into the season. The two things universally agreed upon so far are that (a) the Leafs are getting outstanding goaltending from Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll and (b) they’re playing well defensively , thanks to a new coach, a new shutdown defenceman ( Chris Tanev ) and an improved penalty kill. Advertisement Those two positives have combined to allow the Leafs to jump from 21st in goals against last season all the way up to fifth, improving their GAA by 0.55. All good things. No war. No fighting. Kumbaya. But... At the other end of the equation, the Leafs have declined from second in goals scored last season all the way down to 18th, dropping their goals per game by 0.67. So, net of everything, that’s bad, right? 0.67 is, after all, bigger than 0.55. Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that. As far as I can tell, there are three factions within the fan base right now when it comes to where the Leafs are at with their offence. Faction 1: This isn’t a problem. The team needs to adapt to a more playoff-ready style of game, they’re playing great defensively and the goals will come as they grow accustomed to the Craig Berube Way. Faction 2: This is a problem, but they’ve had a bunch of injuries and just wait until Auston Matthews gets back on track. It should be fine. Faction 3: Oh no, it’s all happening again. Step 1 for me with this question was a desire to take a closer look at why the Leafs have lost so many goals this season. Who isn’t scoring? Is it just the injuries? Or something else? In terms of offence from the defence, as Jonas noted on Monday , they’re still not getting a lot. Last season, the Leafs’ blueliners scored 0.29 goals per game. This season, that’s down to 0.26. It’s not a great number, and you’d like to see an improvement after adding Oliver Ekman-Larsson , but that’s not where the decline is coming from. Up front, the only forwards the Leafs lost who scored goals for them last season were Tyler Bertuzzi (0.26 goals per 82 games) and Noah Gregor (0.07), and their totals have only partially been replaced by newcomers like Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz (0.07 and 0.11). Advertisement The biggest decline has been, unsurprisingly, from Matthews, as he contributed a whopping 0.84 goals per 82 games last season — 23 percent of the Leafs’ overall total. So far this season, he’s missed nine games, during which he would have been projected to score seven or eight goals based on his 2023-24 scoring rate. Those nine goals alone would be enough to move the Leafs up into 10th in NHL scoring. Overall, the Leafs are down 0.55 goals per game simply from Matthews being either out of the lineup or less effective when he has been playing, which is a huge percentage of the 0.67 they’ve lost. But Toronto’s struggles to score at the level they did last year aren’t simply a matter of no Matthews and a failure to replace Bertuzzi’s 21 goals (although obviously those both hurt). If we break down the Leafs’ forwards into top six and bottom six, we can see their collective loss of offence down the lineup is almost identical to what they’ve lost from Matthews. What’s interesting is that, if Toronto’s loss of offence is supposedly systems-generated, it hasn’t affected the other top-six forwards. The combined quintet of William Nylander , Mitch Marner , John Tavares , Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann is up 0.51 goals per game, stepping up in a big way to fill the gap left by Matthews. It’s really the down-the-lineup forwards who have fallen off, both due to poor play and, in some cases, injuries. On its own, losing Bertuzzi wasn’t that big of an issue, with Knies ready to take the next step and effectively double his goal production. But the combined impact of taking both Bertuzzi and Calle Jarnkrok out of the lineup entirely without suitable replacements —as well as the goals drying up for Nick Robertson and Max Domi and the injuries to a few others — has been hard to overcome. Even David Kämpf , Ryan Reaves and Pontus Holmberg combining for just one goal after 27 games adds up, as that’s almost nothing from a full line. Even from fourth-liners, you need to be getting more than that. Advertisement At some point, these issues become cumulative, as you have too many players who can’t generate offence trying to do just that while playing with other struggling teammates. Here’s the full breakdown of where the offence has come from last year versus this year. The other thing I noticed in my analysis of the Leafs’ offence is that, statistically, they’re not down that much in terms of the scoring chances they’re creating under Berube. Per Evolving-Hockey , the Leafs finished last season fourth in the NHL in expected goals with 3.62 per 60 minutes played. This season, that’s down to 3.29, which puts them ninth. That’s a 9 percent drop — far less than the 18 percent drop in offence overall. That stat, combined with the fact they’re currently 20th in shooting percentage, says they’ve been a bit unfortunate to not hit the back of the net more often, even with the lack of talent they’ve had some nights on the roster. Knies, McMann, Marner and Nylander are all generating better chances in all situations than they did a year ago, so it hasn’t been a blanket falloff across the roster. The biggest drop in chances, again, comes back to Matthews not being Matthews and Berube not having Bertuzzi and Jarnkrok to help push more NHL-calibre depth into his bottom six. The fix, then, for this isn’t going to be complicated. They need to get more forwards healthy and create lines that allow them to generate more than a goal every three games from the bottom six, one of the worst rates for any team in the league. Start sitting offensive black holes, too, whether that’s Reaves, Holmberg, Robertson or some combination of all three. They also need to continue to improve the power play, which still sits down in 18th after a brutal start. But the two biggest things are probably the most talked about already: 1. Hope and pray Matthews can get back to his 60-plus goals a season self as soon as possible. Advertisement 2. Find a way to add scoring talent before the trade deadline, even if it’s not down the middle. I don’t know that the Leafs are ever going to get back to the 3.6 goals per game juggernaut they were last season, but that’s likely not necessary, not with their improvements defensively and in goal. But a 10-to-15-percent bump up shouldn’t be out of reach here, between getting a bit healthier, a bit more luck and maybe, at some point, some help from the front office. (Top photo of Tristan Jarry making a save against Auston Matthews: Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)
Sam Hicks, defense lead Abilene Christian over Northern Arizona 24-0 to extend 1st trip to playoffs
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