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WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling , as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. "Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a visit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Vienna, Va., on Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them. Many consumers may remember receiving their first credit card, either years ago in a plain envelope, or months ago from a smartphone app. Still other consumers may remember their newest card, maybe because it's the credit card they're now using exclusively to maximize cash back rewards or airline miles. But for most consumers, there's also a murky in-between where they add, drop and generally accumulate credit cards over time. Over the years, consumers may close some credit card accounts or leave some of their credit cards dormant as a backup form of payment, or perhaps left forgotten in a desk drawer. In the data below, Experian reveals the changes in consumers wallets in recent years. U.S. consumers, on average, carry fewer cards today than they did in 2017, when the typical wallet held 4.2 active credit cards. As of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, consumers carried 3.9 cards on average. This average is up slightly since the early days of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their average credit card debt and number of accounts as the economy slowed. As Experian revealed earlier this year, credit card balances are still climbing, despite (and partially because of) higher interest rates. And while average balances are increasing, they are spread across fewer accounts than in recent years. Alternative financing—including buy now, pay later plans for purchases—may account for at least some of this discrepancy, as consumers gravitate toward these newer financing methods. In general, residents of higher-population states tend to carry more credit cards than those who live in states with fewer and smaller population centers. Nonetheless, the difference between the states is relatively small. Considering that the national average is around four credit cards per consumer, the four states with the fewest cards per consumer (Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming) aren't appreciably different, with "only" about 3.3 credit cards per consumer. Similarly, the four states on the higher end of the scale where consumers have 4.2 or more credit cards are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The disparity in average credit card counts is more apparent when the population is segmented by age, thanks in part to Generation Z, many of whom have yet to receive their first credit card. The average number of credit cards for these consumers was two, less than half of what older generations keep on hand. The average number of credit cards held by each generation follows the familiar pattern seen in credit card balances, which tend to increase in a consumer's middle age. It's not surprising that the number of credit card accounts follows a similar climb throughout young adulthood and middle age, then drops off in the retirement years. No matter how many credit cards you may have at the moment, keep in mind that the number of accounts has little if any bearing on one's FICO Score. Far more important is how consumers manage those accounts. This is easily demonstrable by quickly stepping through some of the factors that affect your credit scores . Longer credit histories do tend to have a positive effect on a consumer's credit score, but it's not something you can rush. Adhering to on-time payments and managing amounts owed will go far in improving credit scores, even absent a lengthy credit history. While accounts closed in good standing remain on your credit report for 10 years, canceling your oldest credit card account still has the potential to shorten your credit history when it is eventually removed. The impact of its removal depends on any other active credit cards in your credit file. Ultimately, the number of cards a particular individual carries is a personal decision. Justifications can be found for carrying a travel rewards card, a cash back card, a balance transfer card, a card for business transactions and other types of credit cards that other consumers may not have either the need or qualifications for. However, keeping track of numerous credit cards, whether or not a consumer is actively using all of them, can be a mentally taxing exercise. Not only that, credit card fees can add up and dull the benefit of carrying several credit cards. Organized consumers can benefit greatly from a wallet full of specialized cards, but for those seeking a more zen-like financial future, some judicial pruning may be in order. Methodology: The analysis results provided are based on an Experian-created statistically relevant aggregate sampling of our consumer credit database that may include use of the FICO Score 8 version. Different sampling parameters may generate different findings compared with other similar analysis. Analyzed credit data did not contain personal identification information. Metro areas group counties and cities into specific geographic areas for population censuses and compilations of related statistical data. This story was produced by Experian and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

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Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health was proud to host a prestigious graduation ceremony a week ago, celebrating the achievements of their dedicated health professionals. The graduation marked the culmination of their recent investment in educating and developing the healthcare workforce, aimed at improving the quality of health services provided to the community through Te Marae Ora. On Friday, December 6, 2024, the graduates, families and invited guests including Prime Minister Mark Brown and King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, attended the event at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) Dome. The first cohort of 12 Bachelor of Nursing students at Whitireia Community Polytechnic was named in honour of Dr Neti Tamarua. The retired nursing doctor has dedicated her life to the public health sector in the Cook Islands, Aotearoa, Australia and Fiji, with a special focus on the well-being of young people. Dr Tamarua has been an advocate for Cook Islands nurses to go further in their studies with the end goal of returning home to be the next generation of highly skilled healthcare professionals. Rosa Tavai Bob, who graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery, says the graduation day marked the end of an “incredible” 10-month journey. “I’m filled with immense gratitude and pride as I reflect on the path that led me to this milestone,” shares Bob. “First and foremost, I give all glory to God for being the Head of my life, guiding me through every challenge and blessing me with the strength to persevere. Without His grace, this achievement would not have been possible.” Bob acknowledged her supportive family: parents, siblings, and their families, for their encouragement and love. She also thanked her many friends for their words of affirmation and constant check-ins, which kept her motivated along the way. “A very special acknowledgment goes to my incredible partner, John P Tuara. You have truly been the backbone of our family and my biggest supporter throughout this journey. You’ve carried the weight of our responsibilities at home with so much grace, ensuring that our children felt loved and cared for even when I wasn’t around. Your patience, understanding, and constant encouragement have been my source of strength. I couldn’t have done this without you. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine.” Bob dedicated her achievement to her children, Rupe Rima, Te-Ata Rima, and Eva-Grace Tuara. “This award is for my children. Everything I do is for them to show them that hard work and perseverance can help them achieve their dreams. They are my greatest inspiration.” Bob was also honoured to share her journey with a great team of colleagues. “This is not just my success but ours, and I carry your love and support with me as I move forward. Here’s to the future and all the lives we will touch as midwives, and to more studies and grey hairs...” She extended her heartfelt thanks to Te Marae Ora, the Fiji National University, the dedicated lecturers, clinical preceptors, and the amazing midwives – “you all played a vital role in shaping our journey. Your support, patience, and wisdom have left a lasting impact on me.” Bachelor of Nursing graduate Elizabeth Kaiou felt “overwhelmed” on graduation day. “Graduating, rewarded the three years of my journey, with one of those years in New Zealand alongside my cohort,” says Kaiou. “It’s been a path filled with endless coffees, long days and nights, growth, and unforgettable experiences. The support and encouragement from my family carried me through the challenges. “Being one of the pioneers of the programme made it even more special, knowing that my success was part of something bigger.” Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown was “privileged and honoured” with the accomplishments of the graduates. “As we are faced with the global shortage of health workforce, growing our health workforce is critical.” Toki-Brown applauded the initiative taken by Te Marae Ora in partnership with Whitireia and USP Cook Islands, the Fiji National University, as well as universities in New Zealand for the flexibility in distance learning and in-country face-to-face teaching. Speaking to the graduates, Toki-Brown said: “Undertaking most of your study in-country with final weeks or a year outside your workplace is a model that we embrace.: Given the lessons learnt from Covid-19, the increasing risks and threats of climate change and the recent mpox outbreak in Africa, the current whooping cough outbreaks declared in New Zealand and Samoa, the ongoing education and training of our health workforce remains critical. She reiterated the words of World Health Organisation regional director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, who stated: “Let’s train people well so they can leave, but we must treat them well so they will not leave”. Toki-Brown added: “As your minister, I say, we have trained you well so you can serve our people, and we will treat you well that you will never think of leaving.” On Friday evening, Te Marae Ora hosted a dinner reception at The Edgewater Resort to honour their long-serving staff. The event also served as the Ministry’s end-of-year function. Graduates The Dr. Neti Tamarua Bachelor of Nursing graduates (Pacific Whitireia Community Polytechnic): Natalina Clyde (f); Travel Ford (m); Don Iosua (m); Elizabeth Kaiou; Jacob Tangua Kureta; Salote Loki (f); Arohanui Ramea (f); Mata Teiti (f); Mareta Tangatapoto (f); Jean Vaeau (f); Euphemia Nga (f); Dalcynare Kirite (f). This programme was funded in partnership between the Cook Islands government, World Health Organisation, and The Pacific Community (SPC). Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifrey (Fiji National University) : Rosa Bob - registered nurse; Pokotea Guinea - registered nurse; Florence Mataio - nurse practitioner; Norma Tairi - registered nurse; Uriau Teaurere - registered nurse. This programme mirrored the midwifery curriculum in Fiji but was adapted for delivery in Rarotonga. WHO provided tuition fee funding for the students while the Cook Islands government covered other costs. Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology (Fiji National University) : Toa Pole (m) nurse practitioner. Certificate in Infection Protection Control (Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control) : Viliama Maaka George - registered nurse. Postgraduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (Fiji National University): Maina Mataio - supervisor health information systems; Josephine Tania John - senior health promotion officer; Roger Nehemia - senior health protection officer; Tereapii Nimerota - senior health protection officer; Norma Tairi – registered nurse. SPC fully funded this initiative, ensuring the development of skilled epidemiologists across the Pacific. Bachelor of Science in Health Protection (Auckland University of Technology) : Taaki Geoffrey Moekapiti - senior health protection officer. Bachelor of Applied Management with Distinction (Otago Polytechnic) : Roger Nehemia - senior health protection officer. Master of Science in Acute Medicine (University of South Wales) : Dr. Vakaola Mafi, medical doctor. Long serving staff Some of the long serving Te Marae Ora employees are as follows. Ngarikietini Keu started 29/03/1981 (43 years); Peia Ben started 21/12/1981 (43); Charlie Ave started 4/02/1982 (42); Ngatamariki Aerenga Kino started 8/03/1982 (42); Ngatokotoru Tereapii Vaeau started 10/03/1982 (42); Rangi Tangi started 16/05/1983 (41); Geoffrey Wuatai started 12/03/1984 (40); Matanoanoa Iroa Female started 28/03/1984 (40); Mataitirangi Tuakana started 27/05/1985 (39); Dr Frank Martin Obeda started 16/12/1985 (39); Louisa Tetava started 24/04/1986 (38); Te Okotai Areai Rere started 24/04/1986 (38); Edwina Tangaroa started 24/04/1986 (38); Josephine Tania Wilson John started 9/07/1986 (38); Mataiti Pitomaki started 15/07/1986 (38); Glassie Matata started 14/01/1987 (37); Rouruina Taraare started 5/09/1988 (36); Rongo Mata Ingaua started 23/01/1989 (35); Rufina Tutai started 23/01/1989 (35); Tapairu-Ariki Ngatuakana started 17/02/1989 (35); Metuaangai College started 13/04/1989 (35);

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A Sydney business is looking to clean up Pacific beaches with a unique recycling process, turning plastic litter into power poles and Frisbees. While labour-intensive sorting and cleaning makes most recycling processes financially unviable, a new pilot, developed by Brookvale firm Talon, shreds and melts down mixed plastics, meaning any collected materials can be used. Sam Melrose and university intern Lily Bilston showing how a toy truck containing a cocktail of different plastics can be shredded and reused. Credit: Louie Douvis Geoff Germon, an adjunct professor of design at Canberra University and Talon’s chief executive, said the system was an opportunity to remove and reuse vast quantities of plastic littering Pacific beaches. Talon opened a micro-processing plant in Fiji last month. Known as the LPM Project , and supported by the University of Southern Queensland and the British government, its process breaks down mixed plastics into shreds just a few centimetres in size. Those shreds are “consolidated” using heat and pressure into a large mass or matrix that can be pressed into a shape. Early trials on plastics collected from Fiji have included power poles, dog bowls and Frisbees. Sydney plastics recycling firm Talon has opened a micro-processing plant near Suva in Fiji. Credit: The matrix is covered with a laminated fabric layer made of cotton and recycled plastic bags to make it stronger and more marketable. “Conventionally, you would have to sort waste into polyethylenes and polypropylenes, which are the common packaging plastics,” Germon said. “Then you might have some car parts, which are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and some polycarbonates and some PT (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is all the clear plastic bags and bottles.” Stages of the process from shredded plastic (left), composite matrix bowl (multicoloured, top), laminated fabric and finished bowl (right). Credit: Louie Douvis Germon said those processes meant that at present only about 13 per cent of materials were recycled. “Everything else goes to landfill,” he said. “We collected 220 kilos from a one-kilometre beach; it took about 40 kids an hour to do it, but then it would be a full day of sorting it with people who know what they are doing. It’s not viable.” Lead project manager Sam Melrose said their process could manage the several different types of plastic in, for example, a discarded swimming pool filter. “It all goes in the shredder, and we use the material that comes out. Even if the item has a paper label on it, it doesn’t affect us.” Canberra University industrial design students were presented with the raw recycled material. Lily Bilston, now an intern at Talon, devised a fence post system, while others designed vertical gardens to be used alongside motorways and a module for artificial reefs. Fiji’s Centre of Appropriate Technology and Development is training workers for the project. The centre’s director, Aporosa Silatolu, said the technology would “make a significant difference to the wellbeing of Fijians, particularly those in rural communities”. A recycled pole manufacted from plastic waste on Fiji. Germon said Talon wanted to make big, heavy and thick products to use up large amounts of plastic, with street poles the current focus. “We are making things that replace steel or concrete,” he said. “The mission is about trying to suck the plastic out of the community. We have got the tech solution and enough marketing to show it has potential, we don’t necessarily have the skill set to take it to a global level.” The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here .

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — CJ Donaldson had two short rushing touchdowns and West Virginia became bowl eligible with a 31-21 victory over UCF on Saturday. Garrett Greene threw a TD pass in his final home game and Jahiem White added a short rushing score for the Mountaineers (6-5, 5-3 Big 12). West Virginia avoided losing for the fifth time at home, which hasn’t happened since 1990. Whether the win was enough for embattled coach Neal Brown to keep his job remains to be seen. UCF (4-7, 2-6) is assured of its second straight losing season under coach Gus Malzahn. Donaldson, averaging 53 rushing yards per game, finished with 96 yards. He came out determined with 56 yards on his first four carries, including a 1-yard run on West Virginia's opening series. West Virginia cornerback Dontez Fagan then recovered a fumble by UCF quarterback Dylan Rizk, and Donaldson ran for 28 more yards on the next series that was capped by White’s 3-yard TD run. Greene struggled in the passing game for most of the first half, then went 4 of 6 for 65 yards just before halftime, hitting Rodney Gallagher with a 12-yard TD toss for a 21-7 lead. Rizk went 11 of 21 for 172 yards, including a 45-yard scoring strike to Kobe Hudson. RJ Harvey, the Big 12’s leading rusher, ran for 130 yards and two scores, including a 9-yard TD run that brought UCF within 31-21 with 5:20 left. But the ensuing onside kick didn't go the required 10 yards. Greene then converted a pair of fourth-down passes and West Virginia ran out the clock. Greene finished 13 of 21 for 118 yards. UCF: The Knights outgained West Virginia 348 yards to 318 but now have lost seven of eight games following a 3-0 start. West Virginia: The Mountaineers won despite being stuck in many third-and-long situations on offense against a solid effort from UCF's defensive front. UCF: Hosts Utah on Friday night. West Virginia: Finishes the regular season at Texas Tech next Saturday. Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points. Ohtani was unanimously voted the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels and finished second to Judge in 2022 voting. He didn't pitch in 2024 following elbow surgery and signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Ohtani joined Frank Robinson for Cincinnati in 1961 and Baltimore in 1966 as the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues. He was the first player to twice become an unanimous MVP. He had combined with Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023 for the first year both MVPs were unanimous. Ohtani hit .310, stole 59 bases and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs exclusively as a designated hitter, becoming the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. He helped the Dodgers to the World Series title, playing the final three games with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. "The ultimate goal from the beginning was to win a World Series, which we are able to accomplish," he said through a translator. "The next goal is for me to do it again and so right now I'm in the middle of rehab and working out and getting stronger." When Ohtani returns to the mound, could he win MVP and the Cy Young Award in the same year? "That would obviously be great, but right now my focus is just to get to get back healthy, come back stronger, get back on the mound and show everybody what I can do," Ohtani said. Ohtani became the first primary DH to win an MVP in a season that started with the revelation his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, had stolen nearly $17 million from the star to fund gambling. Ohtani is the 12th player with three or more MVPs, joining Barry Bonds (seven) and Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout (three each). Balloting was conducted before the postseason. Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Witt topped the big leagues with a .332 average, hitting 32 homers with 31 stolen bases and 109 RBIs. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs. When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. Judge had discussed the MVP award with Philadelphia's Bryce Harper, the NL winner in 2015 and '21. "I was telling him, `Man, I'm going to try to catch up to you with these MVPs here, man,'" Judge recalled. "He'd say, hopefully, he could stay a couple ahead of me, which I think he'll do." When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. He is the Yankees' 22nd MVP winner, four more than any other team. Judge was hitting .207 with six homers and 18 RBIs through April, then batted .352 with 52 homers and 126 RBIs in 127 games. "March and April were not my friend this year." Judge said. "Just keep putting in the work and things are going to change. You can't mope. You can't feel sorry for yourself. Especially in New York, nobody's going to feel sorry for you. So you just got to go out there and put up the numbers?" ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council reversed course Thursday on whether to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark, initially voting narrowly for approval and hours later changing course. The reversal on fixing Tropicana Field came after the council voted to delay consideration of revenue bonds for a proposed new $1.3 billion Rays ballpark. Just two days before, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a vote on its share of the new stadium bonds, leaving that project in limbo. “This is a sad place. I'm really disappointed,” council chair Deborah Figg-Sanders said. “We won’t get there if we keep finding ways we can’t.” The Rays say the lack of progress puts the new stadium plan and the future of Tropicana Field in jeopardy. “I can't say I'm confident about anything,” Rays co-president Brian Auld told the council members. The Trop's translucent fiberglass roof was ripped to pieces on Oct. 9 when Hurricane Milton swept ashore just south of Tampa Bay. There was also significant water damage inside the ballpark, with a city estimate of the total repair costs pegged at $55.7 million. The extensive repairs cannot be finished before the 2026 season, city documents show. The Rays made a deal with the Yankees to play next season at 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field, New York's spring training home across the bay in Tampa. The initial vote Thursday was to get moving on the roof portion of the repair. Once that's done, crews could begin working on laying down a new baseball field, fixing damaged seating and office areas and a variety of electronic systems — which would require another vote to approve money for the remaining restoration. The subsequent vote reversing funding for the roof repair essentially means the city and Rays must work on an alternative in the coming weeks so that Tropicana Field can possibly be ready for the 2026 season. The city is legally obligated to fix the roof. BRIEFLY PIRATES: Pittsburgh hired Matt Hague as its hitting coach, bringing him back to the team that drafted him in 2008. Hague replaces Andy Haines, who was fired after Pittsburgh finished in the bottom 10 in the majors in every significant statistical category last season, including runs (24th) and home runs (25th), while also striking out a club-record 1,504 times, second-most in the National League behind Colorado. The 39-year-old Hague spent last season as an assistant hitting coach with the Toronto Blue Jays.Yes, it’s at a 20-man exhibition tournament in the offseason, but Scottie Scheffler added to his historic 2024 season with a ninth win as he ran away with the Hero World Challenge on Sunday in the Bahamas. The Hero is Tiger Woods’ annual event at the Albany resort where many of the top players in the world play to raise money for the Tiger Woods Foundation. While Woods didn’t play this year as he recovers from another back surgery, the field included Ludvig Aberg, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala and Tom Kim, among others. And for the second year in a row, Scheffler cruised to a win in his final appearance before the 2025 season kicks off in Hawaii. Advertisement Scheffler, who played four rounds in 25 under par, entered Sunday with only a one-shot lead before opening with three birdies on the first four holes. He was able to then easily carry that four-shot lead throughout the afternoon with a final round 64 to hold off Kim (19-under) and Thomas (18-under). Scheffler also did it while debuting a new putting grip, switching to a claw grip that puts more emphasis on the shoulders and less on the hands. Scheffler’s putting woes were a major issue in 2023 as he won just three events as world No. 1, and while his putting numbers improved to above average in his epic 2024 campaign, his stroke still cost him mightily at the U.S. Open and Open Championship. “I’m always looking for little ways to improve,” Scheffler said, “It’s something that (putting coach) Phil (Kenyon) had mentioned to me last year when we first started working together. Over the last couple of months it’s something that we fiddled around with and figured this is a good week for me to kind of try things out.” That putting stroke will be a big story in 2025, but for now, the focus remains on the cap it places on his historic 2024 campaign. Scheffler now has nine tournament wins, including the Masters, an Olympic gold medal, the Players Championship and the Tour Championship. All of the first eight wins were at either signature events, the FedEx Cup playoffs or the Olympics . While greats like Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead won 10 or more tournaments in a year back in the 1940s and 1950s, reaching nine wins in a calendar year is rarified air in the modern era. Tiger Woods did it three times, including reaching 10 wins in 2000 and 2006, and Vijay Singh won nine tournaments in 2004. Now, Scheffler can join the club. The next question for Scheffler will be how long he can keep this incredible three-year run as the game’s best player alive. The 2025 season begins Jan. 2 at The Sentry in Hawaii. Required reading (Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)

1 2 Jaipur: Professor Nir Barzilai , director of Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, New York, on Saturday emphasised that both physical and mental health must be prioritised to achieve healthy ageing. Speaking to TOI on the issues of ageing, he said, "First and foremost are mental function decline, physical activity decline, muscle loss, decrease in function of heart, kidney and liver, and of almost all organs. Main diseases are heart disease, Alzheimer's, kidney failure, and lung function loss." "What we start getting after 60 years of age are disease after disease. There is treatment for these diseases, but we start accumulating diseases and lead a bad quality of life," he said, adding that it is better to spend time on maximising health rather than treating diseases. On India becoming a diabetes and hypertension capital, and how people can deal with these two health issues, he said, "Two-pronged efforts are required. One is healthy lifestyle: exercise, healthy food, sleep, social connections, control and elimination of food and air pollution. The second approach is drug-based." Dr Barzilai was in the city as a speaker at Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology , which hosted the prestigious Dr K D Gupta Memorial Centenary Oration. Professor Barzilai also holds the Ira Leon Rennert Chair of Aging Research and is the founder and President of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research. He spoke on the topic, ‘Strategies to Live Healthy to a Hundred Years and Beyond.' Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January

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