go fish
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Seoul's Iconic Winter Festival, Winter Festa: 2024 SEOULLIGHT GWANGHWAMUN, is set to illuminate the holiday season during December 13 - January 5Man facing two life sentences following child sex abuse convictions in Stafford
Liverpool punish rivals’ errors with dominant win over Leicester to stretch leadMarianne Williamson launches bid to become next DNC chairFox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. As Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, his social media star girlfriend couldn’t be prouder. Hanna Cavinder, the Miami Hurricanes basketball star, celebrated Beck’s announcement on Instagram underneath his post on the matter. "Proud of you," the 23-year-old simply wrote in the comments. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Miami Hurricanes guard Hanna Cavinder directs traffic during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Greenville Regional 2 on March 20, 2023, at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Cavinder has been spotted at numerous Georgia games this season supporting her boyfriend, the two-time national champion who is hoping to make it three titles by the end of the College Football Playoff. However, Beck’s announcement comes before Georgia’s fate in the playoff is known due to surgery needed to repair an injury that ends his 2024 campaign. Beck suffered an elbow injury in Georgia’s SEC Championship win over Texas on the final play of the first half as he tried to heave a Hail Mary. GEORGIA QUARTERBACK CARSON BECK DECLARES FOR NFL DRAFT AFTER UNDERGOING ELBOW SURGERY Gunner Stockton, Beck’s backup who helped lead the Bulldogs to that SEC title win over the Longhorns, will be starting the rest of the way for Kirby Smart’s group. "First off I want to thank God, for blessing me with the opportunity to play the game I love," Beck wrote in his Instagram post. "Through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, everything that this game produces and provides I’m eternally grateful for. Football has taught me lessons that will last a lifetime and has grown me into the person I am today." Beck, 22, finishes his Georgia career with 3,485 yards and 28 passing touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 2024. Georgia's Carson Beck (15) speaks with teammate Gunner Stockton prior to the game against Tennessee Tech at Sanford Stadium on September 7, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) It will be interesting to see how Beck’s draft stock comes out after interviews and the NFL Scouting Combine, as his production dipped in a season in which some believed he could cement himself as a top pick if he continued to improve upon his 2023 season, when he was full-time starter for the first time. Beck’s play, especially toward the end of the season, brought about many questions about how his game would translate to the NFL. Meanwhile, Cavinder, whose twin sister, Haley, already dates an NFL star in Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, continues to play her women’s basketball season with the Hurricanes. They both star for Miami after helping them reach the Elite Eight in last season’s NCAA Tournament. Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (Dale Zanine-Imagn Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Cavinder and Beck’s relationship was confirmed this past summer. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
Daily Post Nigeria Police issue tips to bank users against ATM fraudsters Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Police issue tips to bank users against ATM fraudsters Published on December 7, 2024 By Shehu Usman The Yobe State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has released tips on how bank customers can shield themselves against fraudsters. This followed a significant breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime and related offenses where its operatives recently apprehended three suspects for their involvement in a criminal syndicate that targeted ATM users in the state. The safety tips, released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, are meant to help citizens to avoid falling victim to ATM fraud and other related crimes. The command urged members of the public to be aware of their surroundings and to always use secured Automated Teller Machines. Among its guidelines, it advised ATM users to cover the keypad when entering PIN to prevent others from seeing the code. Other tips for bank users include avoiding using debit cards with signs of tampering; use only debit cards with chip technology as well as keeping their PIN confidential and never share it with anyone, and avoid using easily guessable PINs. “By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to ATM fraud and related crimes,” DSP Abdulkarim stated. Related Topics: ATM fraudsters police Don't Miss Gov Alia to establish Benue University campuses in two senatorial districts You may like Police arrest two for vandalizing Bauchi Govt projects, recover stolen properties Police to prosecute officers who invaded court to carry out arrest in Imo Police arrest suspected gunman, recover AK47 rifle Bandits, not Lakurawa behind Zamfara explosion – Resident faults police Police: Yusuf replaces Echeng as Zone 9 AIG Police smash ATM fraud ring in Yobe Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Stanford, Maxime Raynaud too much for Cal as Cardinal win on roadBy Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com (TNS) As the end of the year approaches, now’s the time to start preparing for filing your 2024 tax return in 2025. When it comes to tax strategies, generally Dec. 31 is the deadline to make changes that might lower your tax bill. One major exception is the deadline for contributing to a Roth or traditional IRA : You have until April 15, 2025, to make a contribution to a Roth or traditional IRA for tax year 2024. If you qualify for deductible IRA contributions , then a contribution to your traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income for 2024. Here are tips and strategies to prepare now for the 2025 tax-filing deadline. If you had significant changes in your life in 2024 — maybe you got married or divorced, started your own business, or had to claim unemployment benefits — your taxes may be more complicated. As a result, you might need to hire a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA) or other tax professional to prepare and file your taxes. If you decide to hire someone, it’s best to start planning for that sooner rather than later. Waiting until the calendar flips to April could cost you. The average fee for a professional to prepare and file a simple Form 1040 tax return, with no itemized deductions, is about $220, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants in 2020-2021, the most recent data available. But that amount rises quickly for more complex returns, and varies depending on where you live. For example, a Form 1040 with itemized deductions costs an average of $432 in states on the Pacific Coast, compared with $285 in New England. No matter where you live, prices usually rise as the tax deadline approaches, so it’s smart to start searching for a tax pro soon. If you’re uncomfortable doing your taxes on your own and can’t afford a CPA, enrolled agent or other tax pro, or to pay for tax software , there are free options to consider. The IRS currently offers three ways to prepare your taxes for free: •With the IRS Free File program, the IRS partners with for-profit tax-software companies that offer free tax-prep software to eligible taxpayers so they can file their federal tax returns for free. Some taxpayers may also qualify for a free state tax filing, depending on the software provider. In January, the IRS will announce the income limit to qualify for the program for the 2025 tax season (for filing 2024 tax returns). For the 2024 tax season (2023 tax returns), taxpayers’ adjusted gross income (AGI) couldn’t exceed $79,000. •The IRS also offers its Direct File program, a free tool that allows you to file your federal income tax return directly with the IRS at no cost. The program supports simple tax returns and is available only in certain states. Check to see if you qualify here. •Another free-filing option is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers offer free basic tax preparation in person to people who earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled or whose English is limited. The IRS has an online location tool for hundreds of free tax preparation sites in the U.S. (the locator tool is updated from February through April). Some VITA sites also offer online tax-prep assistance. Now is a good time to create an IRS online account. If you want to see your Form 1040 from last year, or you’re missing a prior year Form W-2 or mortgage interest statement, you can find your documents using this free tax tool. Another benefit of creating an IRS online account is that it allows you to quickly obtain your prior year’s tax information without sitting on the phone for hours with an IRS representative, says Carl Johnson, a certified public accountant in New Orleans. An IRS online account also lets you view your account balance and payment history for each year. You can also create a payment plan to settle your federal income tax debt within minutes. If you’re 73 years old and have enjoyed watching your 401(k) or IRA grow tax-free without touching it, remember that the IRS is going to want its share each year. That means you’ll have to make withdrawals — and pay income tax. If you turned 73 in 2024, plan to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) at the latest by April 1, 2025. Read this IRS bulletin for more information. The amount of your RMDs is based on your age and the year-end values of your retirement accounts. A Roth IRA has two big tax advantages over a traditional IRA : Qualified withdrawals are not considered income for federal (and usually state) tax purposes, and you don’t have to take distributions from a Roth every year once you reach age 73. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may save you money in the long run. Just know that when you convert an IRA to a Roth, it’s considered taxable income, which will raise your tax bill for that year. Generally, it’s best to convert to a Roth IRA when you’re in a low-income year. As tax season approaches, many people start receiving phone calls, emails and texts from entities claiming to be the IRS. Be wary, and understand that these are scams. Typically, the IRS will mail you a notice before using any other method of communication to notify you concerning issues with your tax return. The IRS won’t reach out via social media or text messaging. Relatedly, the IRS warns taxpayers to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. Taking time to vet your tax preparer is crucial to protect yourself from tax scams and fraud. Before hiring a tax professional, search that person’s name in the IRS database of federal tax return preparers to avoid dishonest “professionals.” “Taxpayers should check the tax professional’s credentials,” Johnson says. Tax pros without credentials “may take questionable positions without any degree of scrutiny or fear of losing their access to the profession,” Johnson says. Taxpayers who don’t file a tax return and owe a tax bill, or who file but don’t pay their tax bill on time, risk severe penalties. The IRS can even seize assets if necessary. Respond quickly if the IRS has been sending you letters because it found an error on your return or claims you owe back taxes. Typically, the IRS will send you a notice if you have a balance due, changes were made to your tax return, or the agency needs additional information. “If you ignore a collection letter from the IRS, you may face wage garnishments, liens, bank levies, and other adverse action. And in some cases, the amount due may increase for failure to respond,” Johnson says. Keep in mind the IRS does offer installment plans and other payment plans. Make copies of your correspondence and use only the U.S. Postal Service, the postmark from which is your proof of timeliness when responding. But whatever you do, don’t ignore the IRS because this may cause more issues in the future. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The western third of the college football world, so often excluded from the four-team College Football Playoff, will have three representatives in the inaugural 12-team version after Boise State and Arizona State secured automatic bids Friday night and Saturday morning, respectively. The Broncos (12-1) locked up their spot with a victory over UNLV in the Mountain West championship, and the Sun Devils (11-2) did the same with a dominating performance against Iowa State in the Big 12 championship. The region’s third CFP participant, top-ranked Oregon (12-0), will make the field regardless of the outcome of the Big Ten title showdown with Penn State later today. Across the entirety of the four-team playoff era (2014-23), only three western teams participated: Oregon in 2014 and Washington in 2016 and 2023. Had the four-team event remained in place this season, the Sun Devils would have been on the outside looking in the day they lost for a second time (Oct. 19). Boise State likely would have been excluded as a one-loss team from the Group of Five. “In creating the format for the 12-team event,” former CFP executive director Bill Hancock told the Hotline on Saturday (via text message), “it was important to make sure college football thrived in every part of the country. “It is working!” Exactly where the Broncos and Sun Devils fit within the 12-team bracket, which will be revealed Sunday at 9 a.m. (Pacific) on ESPN, is unclear. Both teams want one of the opening-round byes assigned to the four highest-ranked conference champions. The fifth conference champion isn’t as fortunate and must open the CFP on the road. (The opponent is expected to be the runner up from the Big Ten or SEC, or Notre Dame.) Boise State was No. 10 in the rankings released Tuesday, five spots ahead of ASU. Was the Sun Devils’ blowout victory over No. 16 Iowa State enough to catapult them over the Broncos, who beat No. 20 UNLV by two touchdowns? “In no way should a Group of Five champion be ranked above our champion,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said earlier this week. Or could both Boise State and Arizona State receive byes — at the expense of the ACC champion? That seems unlikely if eighth-ranked SMU handles its business later today but entirely plausible if No. 17 Clemson topples the Mustangs. Arizona State’s victory brings a degree of clarity to the Pac-12’s bowl selection process, which includes all the legacy schools this season despite the breakup of the conference. With the Ducks and Sun Devils headed to the CFP, all other eligible teams will jump two spots from their natural position: — The Alamo Bowl has the first pick and is expected to select Colorado, which tied for first place in the Big 12 but lost the tiebreaker. The Buffaloes will face either Iowa State or Brigham Young, according to bowl officials. Given the Cyclones’ woeful performance in the title game — and their expected plunge in the rankings — Brigham Young is a safe bet to oppose Colorado. (The teams did not meet during the regular season.) — The Holiday Bowl has the second pick and will invite Washington State, which is protected by the Pac-12’s one-loss-down rule. It prevents bowl officials from bypassing one team for another if there is a two-game (or more) difference in losses. The Cougars are 8-4 and must be selected ahead of the three teams that finished with 6-6 records (USC, Washington and Cal), according to the Pac-12. Washington State’s opponent will be from the ACC. — Next up is the Las Vegas Bowl, which has its choice of the 6-6 teams and is expected to invite the Trojans, who began their season in Sin City with a dramatic victory over LSU. USC’s opponent will come from the SEC, which could mean a showdown against coach Lincoln Riley’s former team, Oklahoma. But we wonder if Mississippi, led by former USC coach Lane Kiffin, is more likely. — The Sun Bowl has the fourth pick and is expected to choose Washington, which has not played in El Paso since 2002. The Huskies will be matched against a team from the ACC. — That leaves the LA Bowl to select Cal, the lone remaining eligible team among the Pac-12 legacy schools. The selection makes sense in that the Bears have a large alumni base in Southern California and did not play a regular season game at USC or UCLA for the first time in eons. Cal would face an opponent from the Mountain West. The bowl pairings will become official Sunday afternoon, following the reveal of the CFP. *** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to wilnerhotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Follow me on the social media platform X: @ WilnerHotline
