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ALTOONA, Pa. — The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted Tuesday while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder. Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car, spun toward reporters and shouted something partly unintelligible referring to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside. Prosecutors began to take steps to bring Mangione back to New York to face a murder charge while new details emerged about his life and how he was captured. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family was charged with murder hours after he was arrested in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. At the brief hearing, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey informed the court that Mangione would not waive extradition to New York but instead wants a hearing on the issue. He has 14 days to challenge detention. Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to increase while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of his hand-written notes and social media posts. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, according to the bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors obtained an arrest warrant, a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania — about 230 miles west of New York City — after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Thompson, 50, was killed Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police saw the shooting as a targeted attack. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
As the holidays draw near, big food and beverage companies ramp up their presence across the Caribbean with festive donations and giveaways—appearing in schools, churches, grocery stores, and community celebrations. On the surface, these donations look like acts of goodwill, but are they really? Every year, companies known for sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks swoop into schools with branded toys, treats, and monetary donations, hoping to win over children during one of the most joyful times of the year. These seemingly generous acts are a clever marketing strategy designed to make their logos and products become friendly, familiar fixtures in our lives—especially for young children. They want children to remember the free soda or snacks as a little piece of holiday magic. But here’s where we need to hit pause. These brands aren’t just handing out holiday cheer; they’re expanding brand visibility and building brand loyalty, one “gift” at a time. This isn’t just our opinions. Research shows that marketing unhealthy foods to children increases their preference for these products, shaping lifelong eating habits. In the Caribbean, unhealthy diets have fuelled rising rates of overweight and obesity, placing the region among those with the highest global prevalence of related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type 2 diabetes and hypertension, in the world. We’ve watched these donations pop up all over social media, and we can’t help but wonder: what’s the real motive here? The Healthy Caribbean Coalition’s (HCC) campaigns, #ActonFacts The Food in Our Schools Matters, See the Truth and Make It Make Sense, helped us realise how these food companies can use these “good deeds” to hook new customers. It became clear that these donations aren’t free from strings—they’re a direct line into the minds of children and the future of their health. The global campaign Kick Big Soda Out took this a step further by spotlighting how Big Soda (referring to the global soft drink giants) leverages sponsorships and donations to infiltrate not just communities but also high-profile platforms like sports. Backed by over 255,000 signatures and 93 organisations, including the HCC, the campaign petitioned the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to drop Coca-Cola’s sponsorship. While the IOC ultimately rejected the petition, Kick Big Soda Out succeeded in exposing how these marketing tactics blur the line between philanthropy and brand promotion. Of course, some might say that these donations are essential to fill real financial gaps, especially in schools and communities where resources are tight. After all, budgets are limited, and sometimes these donations provide supplies or even meals that wouldn’t otherwise be available. What if this holiday season we did things a little differently? Imagine if holiday donations were sponsored by companies that actually promote healthy lifestyles, or even by companies that are health-neutral—no hidden marketing strings attached. And if a company manufactures both healthy and unhealthy products, what if they were required to donate only their healthy product lines or sponsor only their healthy brands? This way, everyone, especially children, can enjoy the festivities without being bombarded by junk food marketing. Organisations like the Healthy Caribbean Coalition have already laid the groundwork for this vision. Their newest publication, titled “Safeguarding public health nutrition in the Caribbean during emergencies: guidelines for managing donations from the commercial sector”, recommends avoiding donations of ultra-processed products. Instead, these guidelines advocate for prioritising healthy, minimally processed foods to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. This season, let’s take action. Schools, parents and policymakers: let’s partner with companies that truly align with the health and well-being of our communities. Let’s advocate for donations that promote good health, not clever branding. And let’s show our children that the holidays can be about joy, generosity and wellness—not just marketing and consumption. Together, we can make the holidays a time for good health and prosperity, and build a better foundation for future generations. Danielle Walwyn Jenée Farrell Stephanie WhitemanA rich vocabulary is the gateway to self-expression, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world. As parents, you have the power to help your child unlock this treasure chest of words. Building language skills might seem like a big task, but with a dash of creativity and patience, it can be a fun and rewarding journey. Here are ten exciting and engaging ways to expand your child’s vocabulary, turning learning into an adventure they’ll love. The foundation of vocabulary building starts with conversation. Engaging your child in frequent discussions introduces them to new words and helps them understand how language is used. Talk about what you’re doing—whether it’s cooking, driving, or folding laundry—and explain your actions. For example, instead of saying, “We’re going to the park,” you might say, “We’re heading to the park to explore the nature trails and enjoy the fresh air.” The added details give your child more context and new words to absorb. Encourage them to ask questions and express their thoughts. Conversations are two-way streets, so make sure they have a chance to talk too. Reading is one of the most effective ways to introduce children to new vocabulary. Books provide exposure to words that may not come up in everyday conversations. Choose a variety of genres—picture books, storybooks, poetry, and even non-fiction. Make reading interactive by asking questions about the story, pointing out interesting words, and discussing their meanings. For younger kids, picture books with vivid illustrations can help them associate words with visuals. For older children, chapter books with rich language can be a fantastic tool for learning new expressions and idioms. Learning through play is always a hit with kids. Games like Scrabble Junior, Boggle, or Pictionary are excellent for building vocabulary in a fun and relaxed way. Word games help children focus on spelling, word meanings, and even creativity. You can also make up simple games at home, like “I Spy” with descriptive words (“I spy something shiny and round”) or rhyming challenges where you take turns thinking of words that rhyme. Make vocabulary-building a daily habit by introducing a “Word of the Day.” Choose a word that’s age-appropriate and relevant to your child’s life or interests. Write it down, say it out loud, and use it in sentences throughout the day. For instance, if the word is “curious,” you might say, “You’re so curious about dinosaurs, aren’t you? Let’s learn more about them!” This repetition helps the word stick while showing them how it can be used in different contexts. Encourage your child to come up with their own sentences using the new word, which reinforces learning and boosts confidence. Kids have incredible imaginations, and storytelling is a fantastic way to tap into their creativity while building their vocabulary. Ask your child to make up stories about their favorite toys, animals, or characters. You can prompt them with questions like, “What happens if your teddy bear goes on an adventure?” Storytelling helps children practice sentence formation, understand the flow of language, and experiment with new words. You can also take turns telling stories, giving you a chance to introduce richer language while keeping it fun and engaging. For younger children, visual cues can make a big difference. Label common household items like “door,” “table,” “window,” and “refrigerator.” Seeing the words regularly helps them associate the objects with their names. You can also use this method to teach them about less common items. For example, label a “vase” or “mantelpiece” and explain what they are. This method is particularly effective for toddlers and early readers who benefit from connecting written words to tangible objects. Technology can be a wonderful supplement to traditional learning. There are many child-friendly apps and websites designed to teach vocabulary in an interactive way. Apps with games, flashcards, or storytelling features can make learning feel more like play. However, moderation is key. Balance screen time with other activities like reading, playing outside, or having face-to-face conversations. Make sure the content is age-appropriate and aligns with your child’s interests. Music and rhymes have a magical way of embedding words into a child’s memory. Songs, nursery rhymes, and poems often use repetition and rhythm, which make them easy to remember. Sing classic nursery rhymes like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or make up your own silly songs. Rhyming games can also help children recognize patterns in language, which is an essential skill for reading and spelling. For older kids, try introducing them to songs with meaningful lyrics or fun tongue twisters that challenge their pronunciation and vocabulary skills. Every new experience is an opportunity to learn new words. Take your child to museums, zoos, parks, or even a different part of town. Talk about what you see and hear, introducing new words in the process. For example, at a zoo, you might say, “Look at the giraffe it has such a long neck to help it reach leaves on tall trees.” These real-life connections make the words more meaningful and easier to remember. Even everyday errands like grocery shopping can become learning moments. Talk about the fruits and vegetables, describe their colors and textures, and let your child name them. Building vocabulary takes time, and it’s important to celebrate your child’s progress. When they use a new word correctly, praise them and show your excitement. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivates them to keep learning. You can also create a reward system for milestones, like mastering five new words in a week. The reward doesn’t have to be extravagant—a sticker, an extra bedtime story, or even a high-five can go a long way. Remember, every child learns at their own pace, so be patient and consistent. The journey of language development is as much about bonding and discovery as it is about learning new words. Celebrate the little victories and watch as your child grows into a confident communicator with a love for words. Let the journey begin—one word at a time!
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The cryptocurrency market is going through a major shift, with a staggering 562 million users worldwide embracing digital currencies in 2024 - a remarkable 34% surge from 420 million in 2023, according to a report by Triple A. As the asset class continues to evolve, investors are grappling with the complexities and market volatility that come with it. In response, innovative solutions have emerged to help navigate this uncharted territory. One game-changing solution is crypto index funds, which offer a diversified and streamlined gateway to digital asset investments. In this article, we'll delve into the concept of crypto index funds, exploring their benefits, challenges, and potential to revolutionize the future of cryptocurrency investment. What Are Crypto Index Funds? A crypto index fund is an investment product that allows individuals to invest in a variety of cryptocurrencies with a single transaction. These funds operate similarly to traditional index funds in the stock market by tracking the performance of a specific set of cryptocurrencies that typically represent a particular market segment or index. Instead of purchasing and managing separate cryptocurrencies, investors buy shares in the index fund, which holds a diversified portfolio of digital assets. The mechanics of crypto index funds involve pooling investor funds to purchase multiple cryptocurrencies based on predetermined criteria, such as market capitalization or trading volume. Fund managers then use an automated system, or a combination of automation and manual management, to adjust the fund's holdings in accordance with the target index. They buy and sell cryptocurrencies as needed. This approach simplifies investing in the volatile crypto market, offering benefits like diversification and risk mitigation. Benefits of Cryptocurrency Index Funds One of the major advantages of crypto index funds is diversification. Investors buy a basket of cryptocurrencies rather than a single asset, which helps spread risk across multiple projects. This diversification cushions the impact of downturns in the market, reducing the negative effects that poor performance from any single cryptocurrency might cause. For instance, if one particular asset is declining, other assets in the fund may be rising, helping to balance returns overall. Convenience: Managing multiple positions in different cryptocurrencies can be cumbersome and requires significant research efforts on each project. Crypto index funds offer a simpler solution by allowing investors to outsource the management of their portfolio to experts who have a better understanding of the currencies. This approach saves time and effort, making the investment process easier. Cost Efficiency: Investing in several cryptocurrencies often incurs substantial transaction fees and costs associated with managing various wallets. Crypto index funds help reduce these costs by consolidating investments into a single purchase. This minimizes expenses related to transactions, wallet management, and periodic rebalancing. Access: Many promising projects are not readily available to new cryptocurrency investors. Crypto index funds enable any investor to gain indirect exposure to a diversified portfolio without extensive research into each specific asset. As a result, a larger number of people can enter the market by purchasing their respective shares. Lower Fee Charges: Index funds typically have lower management fees compared to actively managed funds. This is because they involve less ongoing research and analysis. This efficiency can provide a significant money-saving opportunity for investors who adopt this passive investment strategy over the long term. There are several challenges associated with crypto index funds, despite their advantages. Market Volatility: The cryptocurrency market is known for its extreme volatility. While diversification can help minimize the impact of price shifts, it cannot completely eliminate significant value losses. For example, on August 5, 2024, Bitcoin experienced a notable decline, dropping over 10% to $54,333. This marked a 13.1% loss over the course of a week, the worst week for Bitcoin since the FTX collapse in 2022. Limited Control: Investing in an index fund means relinquishing control over some of the assets and investment strategies used. For those who prefer to maintain a degree of control over their investment portfolio, this lack of choice can be quite discouraging. Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is continually evolving, which introduces uncertainties for crypto index funds. Changes in regulations could disrupt fund operations and potentially jeopardize investor safety. Investing in cryptocurrencies is becoming increasingly vital, especially as the popularity of crypto index funds grows. Many investors are looking for ways to navigate this complex market efficiently, as the asset class can be quite intricate. Moreover, institutional investment in cryptocurrencies is on the rise, with more institutions seeking structured investment options, such as index funds, that align with their risk management strategies. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether traditional finance continues to embrace digital assets. If so, cryptocurrency index funds are likely to become mainstream. Conclusion As the cryptocurrency market continues to thrive, crypto index funds are ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the investment strategies of both retail and institutional investors. Despite the lingering challenges of market volatility and regulatory uncertainty, the benefits of diversification, ease of use, cost efficiency, and accessibility make crypto index funds an attractive option for those seeking to tap into the dynamic cryptocurrency market. As technological advancements accelerate and digital assets gain wider acceptance, crypto index funds are likely to remain a popular investment vehicle, offering a streamlined gateway to the vast and rapidly expanding world of cryptocurrencies.After Juan Soto's megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soonKusyairi (fourth left) and other guests pose after the launching of the workshop. KOTA SAMARAHAN (Dec 21): The disposal of excessive food waste is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately due to its increasingly negative impact on the environment. In stating this, Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) acting general manager Kusyairi Bostani revealed that food waste in Kota Samarahan alone reached 43,000 metric tonnes in 2021, and is likely to increase in the coming years. Due to food waste causing other problems including soil pollution, odour and fires at garbage dumps, he called on the public to take proactive steps to reduce food waste disposal through composting activities, starting from their own home. “Public awareness of this issue is still low because we can see that the amount of food waste continues to increase from year to year. “This requires a comprehensive and thorough effort for us to achieve the target of zero food waste through the efforts of villagers to separate domestic waste from homes using available technology,” he said. He was speaking when launching a home composting workshop held at Kampung Naie Lama here today in conjunction with the ‘Towards Zero Food Waste by 2030’ campaign. Apart from maintaining environmental sustainability, Kusyairi said making compost from home could also generate additional income for the villagers by selling to buyers. The programme was organised by LCDA together with the Muara Tuang Women’s Development Association and the Naie Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK), brought together 150 participants from eight villages, namely Kampung Mang, Kampung Empila, Kampung Niup, Kampung Tanjung Tuang, Kampung Melayu, Kampung Naie Lama, Kampung Bangka Semong and Kampung Nakong.
