Chennai: Residents, activists and NGOs, including Arappor Iyakkam and Poovulagin Nanbargal, petitioned Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to shelve its proposed waste-to-energy incineration facility at Kodungaiyur, citing health and pollution risks. In their plea to GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran on Tuesday, the group criticised the corporation for prioritising incineration of 2,100 tonnes of waste daily over other strategies such as source-segregation, recycling and waste processing. GCC floated tenders months ago to establish the 1,263-crore plant, expected to generate 31MW of power daily. However, petitioners pointed to environmental violations at New Delhi's Okhla incineration plant, warning that burning plastics could emit carcinogens such as dioxins and furans, posing severe health threats. The group highlighted GCC's underutilisation of its waste-processing plants, which operate at just 26% capacity. "Against a capacity of 2,460 tonnes a day, GCC processes only 636 tonnes. Maximising this capacity could divert 1,800 tonnes from landfills," the petition noted. Activists accused GCC of flouting its 2019 solid waste management by-laws mandating 100% source segregation and decentralised waste management. They also cited Tamil Nadu's Chennai climate action plan, which opposed the incineration plant due to environmental, social, climate and livelihood impacts. They called the project an expensive method to generate power, comparing it to solar power projects costing 5 crore per MW and thermal plants at 8 crore per MW, against the incineration plant's 33 crore per MW. Geo Damin, a former member of Tamil Nadu's solid waste management committee and one of the signees, pointed out the lack of carbon capture technology in the project. "We should prioritise natural waste processing methods and send only non-recyclable waste to landfills," he said, adding that Chennai's 60% biodegradable waste renders the waste-to-energy model unviable. However, Kumaragurubaran said contractors would receive work orders soon. "We are adhering to environmental approvals and safety precautions. With limited options for processing, this is necessary," he told TOI. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season

Schumer: 'New traffic lights put Utica in fast lane for less traffic, safer future'(Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels) By Stephen Beech Employees are suffering "techno-strain" as a result of digital systems making it difficult to switch off from work, warns a new study. Staff are experiencing mental and physical issues due to being "hyperconnected" through digital technology, according to the findings. Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Schools of Psychology and Medicine conducted detailed interviews with employees from a variety of professions. They found that the cognitive and affective effort associated with constant connectivity and high work pace driven by the digital workplace is detrimental to employee well-being. The study is the final part of a research project exploring the "dark side effects" of digital working which include stress, overload, anxiety and fear of missing out. The results, published in the journal Frontiers in Organisational Psychology , highlight an "overarching" theme of "digital workplace technology intensity" as a result of digital workplace job demands. The research team says their findings indicate a "sense of burden" associated with working digitally which surfaced for most participants in perceptions of overload and feelings of being "overwhelmed" by the proliferation of messages, apps and meetings in the digital workplace. They say "fear of missing out" - or FOMO- on important information and contact with colleagues also contributed to stress and strain for digital workers, as did hassles encountered when using digital technologies. (Photo by Tara Winstead via Pexels) Study leader Elizabeth Marsh said: “Digital workplaces benefit both organizations and employees, for example by enabling collaborative and flexible work. "However, what we have found in our research is that there is a potential dark side to digital working, where employees can feel fatigue and strain due to being overburdened by the demands and intensity of the digital work environment. "A sense of pressure to be constantly connected and keeping up with messages can make it hard to psychologically detach from work." Fourteen employees were interviewed in detail and asked about their perceptions and experiences of digital workplace job demands and impacts to their health. Comments from interviewees included: “[It’s] just more difficult to leave it behind when it's all online and you can kind of jump on and do work at any time of the day or night.” Another participant said: “You kind of feel like you have to be there all the time. You have to be a little green light,” while another commented: “It's that pressure to respond [...] I've received an e-mail, I've gotta do this quickly because if not, someone might think “What is she doing from home?” In their analysis, the researchers explored potential underlying psychological, technological and organizational factors that may influence ways in which employees experience digital workplace job demands. The findings showed that participants' dark side experiences were particularly shaped by a pervasive and constant state of connectivity in the digital workplace, termed "hyperconnectivity." Those experiences contributed to a sense of pressure to be available and the erosion of work-life boundaries, according to the research team. (Photo by Thirdman via Pexels) They said the evidence also indicates that "hyperconnectivity" has become the norm among workers post-pandemic. PhD student Marsh said: “The findings underline the need for both researchers and professionals to identify, understand and mitigate the digital workplace job demands to protect the well-being of digital workers.” The research also makes practical suggestions for employers including helping workers improve their digital skills and empowering them to manage boundaries in the digital workplace. The team says their findings could also be used by IT departments to consider how to improve the usability and accessibility of the digital workplace, as well as reining in the proliferation of applications. Dr. Alexa Spence, Professor of Psychology, said: “This research extends the Job Demands-Resources literature by clarifying digital workplace job demands including hyperconnectivity and overload." She added: "It also contributes a novel construct of digital workplace technology intensity which adds new insight on the causes of technostress in the digital workplace. "In doing so, it highlights the potential health impacts, both mental and physical, of digital work.”

New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Aaron Rodgers “absolutely” will remain the team's starting quarterback and start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers, who turns 41 next Monday, has been hampered at times during the Jets' 3-8 start by various injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle and balky hamstring. Ulbrich said Monday the quarterback came back from the team's bye-week break ready to go. “All I can say, and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy, but he's better off today than he's been as of late,” Ulbrich said. "So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. “So, I'm excited about what that looks like.” NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed all but four snaps last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, has declined having medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue to play. GM: The New York Jets are turning to one of their former general managers to help them find their next GM and head coach. The franchise announced Monday that The 33rd Team, a football media, analytics and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, will assist team owner Woody Johnson in the searches. Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman, former GM of the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, will be The 33rd Team's primary representatives in helping find replacements for former coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy took part in some light throwing on Monday after missing his first career game because of an injury and the 49ers are hoping he can return this week. Purdy hurt his throwing shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. Purdy underwent two MRIs last week that showed no structural damage. But Purdy he felt discomfort after making a few throws at practice on Thursday and was shut down for the game at Green Bay on Sunday that San Francisco lost 38-10. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Purdy made it through the session without pain and will rest on Tuesday and hopefully be able to return to practice on Wednesday as the Niners prepare to play at Buffalo this coming week. “We rested it throughout the weekend hoping that would help,” Shanahan said. “He threw lighter today to see if that rest helps and the rest did help him. So we’ll see again, going through the same things we did last week. We’re going to let him rest all the way up to Wednesday. We’ll see how it feels on Wednesday and then we’ll take the exact same course throughout the week. Hopefully it responds better this week than it did last week with the rest.” Brandon Allen went 17 for 29 for 199 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble in his first start since the 2021 season. Allen would play once again if Purdy is unable to go on Sunday at Buffalo. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The NFL removed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner exempt list on Monday, making him eligible to participate in practice and play in the team’s games. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the list on Oct. 9 after he was arrested and charged with shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and choking her. The league said its review is ongoing and is not affected by the change in Peppers’ roster status. Braintree, Massachusetts, police said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people on Oct. 7, and a woman told them Peppers choked her. Police said they found at the home a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Peppers, 29, pleaded not guilty in Quincy District Court to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance believed to be cocaine. At a court appearance last week a trial date was set for Jan. 22. HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone, coach Antonio Pierce said Monday. Minshew was injured with 3:12 left in Sunday's 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Pierce will have to decide whether Aidan O'Connell or Desmond Ridder will start Friday's game at Kansas City. The Raiders, who have lost seven consecutive games to fall to 2-9, could use a spark. Minshew's grip on the starting job was tenuous even before he was injured. He threw 10 interceptions to just nine touchdown passes this season and Minshew also lost four fumbles. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will practice Monday and “we'll see where he's at from there,” coach Doug Pederson said. Lawrence missed the past two games, losses to Minnesota and Detroit, with a sprained left shoulder. Lawrence had extra time to rest during Jacksonville's bye week. The Jaguars (2-9) host AFC South-leading Houston (7-5) on Sunday and need a victory to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention. Pederson said Lawrence is “feeling better" and they will know more about his playing status following practice Wednesday. Lawrence took a hit to his left shoulder while scrambling at Philadelphia on Nov. 3. Instead of sliding, he chose to go head-first and got hammered by linebacker Zack Baun. Lawrence has practiced some in a limited role since, but was inactive for both games. BRIEFLY LIONS: Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams won't be charged with a crime after he was found with a gun in a car driven by his brother in October. Prosecutor Kym Worthy says Michigan law is “far from clear” when applied to the 1 a.m. traffic stop in Detroit.

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 25, 2024-- UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, today announced its environmental, social and governance (ESG) advisory and assurance services have earned recognition for the first time in the Verdantix Green Quadrant: ESG and Sustainability Assurance Services 2024 report for the comprehensive and innovative offerings that help organizations navigate the complex landscape of ESG and sustainability issues. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122599995/en/ Verdantix cited multiple attributes that influenced their decision to name UL Solutions an “Innovator” company in the latest Verdantix Green Quadrant: ESG and Sustainability Assurance Services 2024 report. These include strong technical expertise in assurance over environmental metrics — particularly carbon emissions — as well as a comprehensive portfolio of assurance services across the corporate, product, project and site levels, and support for manufacturing firms with complex supply chains. (Photo: Business Wire) UL Solutions has been delivering enterprise ESG assurance and sustainability services since 2019, and other assurance-related services, such as environmental product declarations and zero-waste-to-landfill claim validation services, since 2010. In 2023, UL Solutions expanded its ESG advisory and assurance practice, part of the company’s Software and Advisory segment, to provide customers a pragmatic, science-driven approach to ESG and sustainability management. This includes a worldwide network of UL Solutions domain experts to help guide their progress and help them increase stakeholder confidence in the accuracy of their ESG and sustainability reporting. The company has also launched updates to its UL 360 platform, an ULTRUSTM software solution to help businesses collect, manage and report on their ESG performance. Verdantix cited multiple attributes that influenced their decision to name UL Solutions an “Innovator” company in the latest Verdantix Green Quadrant: ESG and Sustainability Assurance Services 2024 report. These attributes include strong technical expertise in assurance over environmental metrics — particularly carbon emissions — as well as a comprehensive portfolio of assurance services across the corporate, product, project and site levels, and support for manufacturing firms with complex supply chains. “The ESG and sustainability assurance services market has expanded significantly in recent years due to increased regulatory requirements and heightened pressure from stakeholders to address ESG concerns and mitigate greenwashing risks,” said Sean McCrady, vice president and general manager of the Enterprise Sustainability Group at UL Solutions. “We understand that navigating the complex ESG and sustainability landscape can be daunting and are honored that Verdantix recognized us for providing key ESG and assurance services to help companies achieve their goals.” Verdantix defines ESG and sustainability assurance services as “independent assessments, based on professional standards and guidelines, of the accuracy and reliability of ESG data and reporting processes.” The Verdantix Green Quadrant: ESG and Sustainable Assurance Services report provides a structured assessment of ESG and sustainability assurance services, enabling buyers of these services to make informed investment decisions. The Verdantix report identifies potential vendors, structures relevant purchase criteria and offers evidence-based assessments of ESG and sustainability assurance services. UL Solutions has previously appeared as a “Leader” company in the Verdantix Green Quadrant: Enterprise Carbon Management Software report in 2022 and 2023. The company was recognized for its greenhouse gas calculation and modeling capabilities, flexible reporting options, large emissions factors library and comprehensive carbon management software for Scope 1, 2 and 3 reporting. About UL Solutions A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage. Source Code: ULS-IR View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122599995/en/ CONTACT: Investors: Dan Scott / Rodny Nacier, ICR Inc. IR@ul.comMedia : Kathy Fieweger Senior Vice President - Communications Kathy.Fieweger@ul.com 312-852-5156 KEYWORD: ILLINOIS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENVIRONMENT COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES REIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SUSTAINABILITY GREEN TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) SOURCE: UL Solutions Inc Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/25/2024 04:06 PM/DISC: 11/25/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122599995/enHegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateCity slump to another defeat in Turin to make it seven losses in 10 games

NoneExamining Generative AI / Cutting Through Chaos / Impersonations Via Generative AI Help Sway Polls; Interference Seen In U.S., Japan, Slovakia

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | FBI director Christopher Wray will quit before Donald Trump takes office National Politics | Anthony Weiner, ex-congressman jailed in sexting scandal, files to run for NYC City Council seat National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | Ex-prosecutor charged with meddling in Ahmaud Arbery case appears in court ahead of trial Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.

49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing but status for this week remains unknownThe University of Michigan announced it will no longer require applicants for faculty jobs, promotions and tenure to submit statements on their commitment to diversity. Provost Laurie McCauley made the decision following a recommendation from an eight-member faculty group, according to the school. The group reviewed “public literature” on the topic and analyzed nearly 2,000 responses to a faculty survey on the matter. “Most responding faculty agreed that diversity statements put pressure on faculty to express specific positions on moral, political or social issues,” the university said of the survey. “Slightly more disagreed than agreed that diversity statements allow an institution to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by cultivating DEI in the faculty.” The diversity statements were criticized for the way they potentially “limit freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus,” the school wrote. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university. Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people,” McCauley wrote in a statement on the school’s decision. “As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.” Though the university had not previously issued strict rules about requiring diversity declarations, it noted they arose due to a “decentralized and heterogeneous culture” surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts on campus. “Critics of diversity statements perceive them as expressions of personal identity traits, support of specific ideology or opinions on socially relevant issues, and serve as a ‘litmus test’ of whether a faculty member’s views are politically acceptable,” the faculty group’s report reads. “Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements have the potential to limit viewpoints and reduce diversity of thought among faculty members.” The working group also recommended the school incorporate DEI content into “research and service statements” and provide faculty members with training on how to write these materials. The university did not implement those recommendations, it said. “The provost’s office will continue to work with campus leaders and faculty to identify ways to help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in classrooms, labs and performance spaces,” the school added. The move comes amid sweeping changes to diversity initiatives across higher education. The University of Kentucky and University of Nebraska in August each disbanded their diversity offices. Other schools have also abandoned their diversity statement requirements this year, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Content from The National Desk is provided by Sinclair, the parent company of FOX45 News.

Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says

Bathinda: BJP received a setback in Handiaya village near Barnala as former district president and two-time councillor Gurmeet Singh, along with several others, joined AAP in the presence of AAP president Aman Arora on Wednesday. The AAP claimed that along with Gurmeet Singh, BJP state executive member Harinder Singh Sidhu and BJP leaders Charanpreet Singh and Buta Singh also joined AAP. We also published the following articles recently Former AAP councillor Hussain joins AIMIM Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, has joined AIMIM and will contest the upcoming assembly elections from Mustafabad. Hussain is currently in jail, so his family met with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi to formalize his candidacy. The party believes this move will bolster their campaign for justice for riot victims. AAP and BJP spar on on Rohingyas The AAP accused the BJP of hypocrisy, citing a 2022 tweet by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as evidence of the BJP's involvement in housing Rohingya refugees while publicly opposing them. AAP leaders, including CM Atishi and MP Sanjay Singh, claim this tweet exposes BJP's deceitful politics. 'Broke parties, then established their own government': AAP MP Sanjay Singh slams BJP AAP MP Sanjay Singh criticized the BJP for forming the Maharashtra government, accusing them of breaking other parties. Eknath Shinde, despite staying with the BJP, was sidelined. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister, with Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy CMs. Singh also condemned UP CM Yogi Adityanath's comparison of Sambhal rioters to those targeting minorities in Bangladesh. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Kamala Harris could already have an opponent if she runs for Governor of California: 'I would destroy her' Caitlyn Jenner is mulling a bid for governor of California as a Republican Sign up for the latest with DailyMail.com's U.S. politics newsletter By SARAH EWALL-WICE, SENIOR U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN WASHINGTON, DC Published: 21:46, 25 November 2024 | Updated: 21:48, 25 November 2024 e-mail 3 View comments As Vice President Kamala Harris considers her next move after her brutal presidential election defeat, she could face a well-known opponent should she run for governor. The defeated Democratic presidential nominee is reportedly mulling a bid for governor in her home state of California as she prepares to leave office in January. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited, so the governor seat will be open in 2026. But celebrity Caitlyn Jenner , a well-known Trump supporter, is also hinting at a bid for governor. 'If I ran, and it was ultimately against Harris, I would destroy her,' the transgender former Olympian wrote on X. Jenner previously ran for governor as a Republican replacement in the recall election against Newsom in 2021, but she received just one percent of the vote. But lately, Jenner has been dropping hints she will run again in the regular 2026 election for governor. Reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner claims if she runs as a Republican against Kamala Harris for governor of California she would 'destroy her' Jenner is a vocal supporter of Trump, who proudly voted for him in the 2024 election despite the president-elect demonizing transgender people as part of his campaign messaging. The reality TV star referred to her last failed bid for governor in a recent post 'Should we do it again? Have been getting a lot of calls with a lot of strong opinions. Newscum is out in 2026.' The day after the presidential election was called for Trump, she posted a picture of her with the president-elect and supporter Elon Musk, writing 'Hope is back in America.' But Jenner's political ambitions and hopes to take on Harris directly would be a long stretch in California, which is a blue state. Caitlyn Jenner speaking at a news conference as she ran in the recall election against Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021. The recall effort failed and Jenner received only 1 percent of support as a replacement Jenner suggesting she would run against Kamala Harris for governor For one, it's not clear Harris will make a play for governor or if she could potentially run for president again in 2028. Advisers and allies said they have been instructed by the vice president to 'keep her options open,' according to Politico. At the same time, winning liberal California statewide is an uphill climb for any Republican candidate. While Trump won the election, Harris won the state by more than 58 percent to Trump's 38 percent with more than 9.1 million votes to the president-elect's 5.9 million votes. But Republicans were able to gain grounds in The Golden State after President Biden won the state by more than 63 percent in 2020 and 11.1 million votes. Jenner has been a vocal supporter of Trump and posted this image of her with the president-elect and Elon Musk one day after his 2024 election victory Jenner noted the state has shifted more red in the most recent election. When it was pointed out that she could not win the recall election, the 75-year-old acknowledged the challenge. Recalls are quite different. Times are also quite different. But ofc point taken,' she wrote on X. But she is keeping followers on social media guessing writing on Monday in response to reports she is considering it 'MAKE CA GREAT AGAIN!' Politics Share or comment on this article: Kamala Harris could already have an opponent if she runs for Governor of California: 'I would destroy her' e-mail Add comment

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.Ministers told ‘incompetence’ at Met Office led to underestimation of Storm BertBy Elizabeth Ayoola, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. Kids are often pretty good at being consumers. If you’re a parent with a small business, you have the opportunity to show your kids firsthand what it means to be a producer. Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov. 30 this year, may be a great time to do just that. Small Business Saturday was established by American Express in 2010 and encourages consumers to patronize their local stores as a way to keep dollars circulating within their community. Here are three reasons you should consider getting your kids involved in Small Business Saturday, according to two mompreneurs. Ronne Brown is the owner of HERLISTIC, a plant-derived beauty and feminine care brand in Washington, D.C. She’s been participating in Small Business Saturday since she established her business in 2020. The entrepreneur gets her kids (ages 24, 18 and 12), plus her bonus daughter, 10, to help out on Small Business Saturday and beyond. Brown’s kids help with customer service, shipping and fulfillment tasks. That could include counting inventory, quality control or packaging boxes. Other times, help looks like Brown’s 12-year-old daughter keeping her up-to-date with TikTok trends and influencers in the beauty field. “I just want them to understand the price and the value of a dollar and what it actually costs to make it,” Brown says. The mompreneur also hopes her kids learn the benefits of commitment and hard work. “What I want to show them is that you have to work hard every day. And there are gonna be moments where you’re gonna be tired, you’re gonna be exhausted, and you’re not gonna want to do things, and you’re going to have to push through,” she says. Hiring your kids to do legitimate work during Small Business Saturday provides a chance for them to learn pillars needed for a strong financial foundation: earning money , saving money and investing. That said, before hiring kids, it’s critical to understand the child labor laws for your state in addition to the IRS’ rules around hiring kids. Brown says she pays all of her children, including her 24-year-old son who is on payroll. Additionally, she teaches them about investing in the stock market. “I want them to understand the importance of making money, but also investing the money that they’re making,” she says. “Because when I pay them, I always ask them, ‘so what are you gonna do to double this money?’” If you hire your minor kids, they could get a headstart on investing by putting some of their income into a custodial Roth IRA , which requires earned income to open. You could also open them a custodial brokerage account. Another perk of your kids earning income by working for you is that they may be exempt from paying federal income taxes if they earn less than the standard deduction . In 2024, that threshold is $14,600. Having your kids add helping hands, whether it be doing administrative tasks or helping customers, can ensure you keep up with a potential increase in sales. A 2024 NerdWallet holiday spending report found that 16% of 2024 holiday shoppers plan to shop on Small Business Saturday this year. Lisset Tresvant, owner of Glow Esthetics Spa in Hollywood, Florida, has been participating in Small Business Saturday since the genesis of her business in 2019. “I do tend to sell more because people are usually more inclined to purchase because of the sales, and it gives them a reason to support us,” she says. To help with the demand, Tresvant’s daughter, 12, and son, 9, fill her skincare products, add labels and help prep items for shipping. Tresvant says she decided to let her kids get involved in her business so they have a better understanding of what she does. Looking beyond Small Business Saturday, hiring your child can also help with succession planning , which is about planning for your departure from your business. Tresvant hopes to pass hers down to her kids one day. “They understand that I’m building this legacy just for not myself, but for them as well,” says Tresvant. More From NerdWallet Elizabeth Ayoola writes for NerdWallet. Email: eayoola@nerdwallet.com. The article 3 Reasons to Involve Your Kids in Small Business Saturday originally appeared on NerdWallet .