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Starting Jan. 1, older adults on Medicare will spend no more than $2,000 a year on prescription drugs when a new price cap on out-of-pocket payments from the Inflation Reduction Act goes into effect. Experts say the change is expected to provide major relief for cancer patients who often struggle to afford their medications due to the high cost of cancer drugs. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Diana DiVito, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, recalls the shock she felt after she got her first co-payment for the cancer drug Imbruvica in 2016. The 83-year-old was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, in 2005. She underwent treatment, including chemotherapy, and went into remission. When she had a recurrence, she started taking Imbruvica. By 2021, DiVito had spent $56,000 out-of-pocket on the daily pill. “The co-pays blew me away,” said DiVito, who added she’s been on limited income since her husband died in 2023. “It started out the first year was $8,500 out of pocket, and then it went up about $1,000 every year after that.” Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world. The new price cap will apply to all prescription drugs under Medicare Part D; it won’t apply to drugs given to patients in the hospital or other health care settings, such as chemotherapy or anesthesia. Medicare recipients will also have the new option of spreading their payments out over the course of the year , rather than paying a large co-payment all at once. Before the change, people on Medicare typically had to spend $7,000 or more out of pocket on their prescription drugs before they qualified for so-called catastrophic coverage, when insurance kicks in and covers most of the drug’s cost. Under this coverage, patients are charged a small co-payment or a percentage of a drug’s cost, usually 5%. Typically, DiVito would hit catastrophic coverage almost immediately after her plan reset each January. While that helped with costs for most of the year, it meant the first few prescriptions she filled were financially painful. Anticipating the cap next month, DiVito said she has much less stress and is spending a little more freely. “I’m being a little more generous with my grandchildren this Christmas,” she said. Millions expected to benefit The Inflation Reduction Act’s $2,000 price cap comes after years of public outcry about the soaring cost of prescription drugs , including cancer medications, in the United States. The law introduced the cap gradually, starting with a cap of $3,250 on out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs in 2024. More than 65 million people, mainly older adults, are enrolled in Medicare. A study published in September in JAMA Network Open found that annual out-of-pocket costs for cancer medications averaged $11,284 for Medicare Part D beneficiaries in 2023. (Part D refers to coverage for prescription drugs.) A separate report from the nonprofit group AARP found that 3.2 million Medicare recipients are expected to see savings from the out-of-pocket cap in 2025. By 2029, the number is expected to increase to 4.1 million enrollees. The report didn’t break down savings for people with certain conditions, such as cancer. However, research shows about 60% of cancer cases occur in adults 65 and older. On average, 1.4 million enrollees who reach the out-of-pocket cap from 2025 to 2029 are estimated to see annual savings of $1,000 or more, the AARP report found, and just over 420,000 will see savings of more than $3,000. Mary and Jim Scott of Oregon are among the Medicare enrollees expecting to see savings next year. In 2023, the couple’s out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses skyrocketed to $8,000, up from their previous annual average of $240. It was a difficult year during which Jim, 83, faced multiple serious health issues, including congestive heart failure, an acute kidney injury and bladder cancer. The new cap won’t apply to drugs given in a health care setting (these are covered under Medicare Part B), meaning Jim will still be responsible for the costs of chemotherapy not covered by his insurance. Still, Mary, 73, said the change offers a sense of relief after more than a year of struggling with the soaring costs of cancer care, making it easier for the couple to stay afloat and focus on what matters most: Jim’s health, their grandchildren, their dog and their garden. “We’re not planning any amazing trips. We’re still needing to live our low-key lives,” Mary said. “But by the end of the summer, maybe we’ll be able to put up some new siding on the house and do a few things that we’ve deferred.” Living on fixed incomes Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Medicare policy program at KFF, a nonprofit group that researches health policy issues, noted that in the nearly 20 years since Medicare Part D was introduced, there has never been an annual cap on out-of-pocket costs. She co-wrote an analysis that found about 1.5 million people on Medicare had out-of-pocket prescription drug costs exceeding $2,000 in 2021 and would have benefited from the cap. Of the 1.5 million, about 200,000 Medicare enrollees spent $5,000 or more for their prescriptions that year. “So, for people who need really expensive drugs or who take a lot of medications where the monthly cost adds up, they may have had to pay several thousands of dollars out of pocket each year,” she said. Many people on Medicare are retired and live on fixed incomes, Cubanski said, meaning people often go deep into debt or even bankrupt. Arthur Caplan, the head of the division of medical ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, said that’s especially true for cancer patients: A survey from the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network published in May found that nearly half of cancer patients have medical debt, despite most being insured. “We have many emerging treatments for cancer,” Caplan said. “They are hugely expensive.” Cubanski said that even for those who don’t spend more than $2,000 a year, the cap is still important. “The unfortunate truth is we’re all one scary diagnosis away from needing an expensive drug,” she said. Is $2,000 a year still too high? George Valentine, 73, of Philadelphia, said he was at his annual physical in 2002 when his doctor noticed something unusual in his test results. Further testing revealed he had chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The medications he needed came with a hefty price tag — around $14,000 a month. While he was working in the information technology industry, this wasn’t a major issue because his job-based health insurance included an out-of-pocket maximum, which he hit every year. However, when Valentine retired in 2019, he discovered a significant gap in Medicare’s coverage. Unlike his previous insurance, Medicare had no out-of-pocket spending limit, leaving him responsible for 5% of his medication costs after reaching the catastrophic coverage phase. “Five percent of $14,000 is a lot of money,” he said. “I would get to the catastrophic phase by February in any given year, and for the rest of the year I had this burden of $700 or around there every month and it never ended.” Valentine, now an advocate for the PAN Foundation, a patient financial assistance group for people with life-threatening chronic conditions, said he would prefer the out-of-pocket cap in the New Year to be “zero.” Still, he added, with the $2,000 cap he can now at least sleep at night. “All that matters is when I hit $2,000, I’m done,” he said. This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:
New Channel Additions Offer Comedic, Iconic, and Women's Entertainment Content LOS ANGELES , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (NASDAQ: CNVS ), a next-gen entertainment studio, announced today that its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels "Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan", "Comedy Dynamics", "The Bob Ross Channel" and "The Dove Channel" are now available on Google TV Freeplay. Google TV Freeplay is your home for free live TV on Google TV – no app download, install or subscription required. In addition to exploring the new Cineverse channels, Google TV users in the U.S. can catch news, sports, movies, hit TV shows and more, right from the Your apps row or the Live tab. "Launching these FAST channels on Google TV Freeplay allows us to bring an even broader audience a diverse array of beloved and trusted content," said Alexandra Viglione , Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Cineverse . "From Cesar Millan's expert dog training to the timeless inspiration of Bob Ross , these channels provide something for everyone in the family." Channel Highlights Include: Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan: Nine seasons of problem-solving and advice for dog owners, featuring Cesar Millan's signature approach. Comedy Dynamics: A robust stand-up comedy library featuring some of the industry's top comedians. The Bob Ross Channel: Nearly 400 episodes of the iconic "Joy of Painting" series that has inspired generations of artists. Dove Channel: Where heartwarming stories await – from light-hearted romance and inspiring drama to heartwarming holiday escapes. Google TV is a trademark of Google LLC. ABOUT CINEVERSE Cineverse's advanced, proprietary technology drives the distribution of over 70,000 premium films, series, and podcasts to more than 150 million unique viewers monthly. From providing a complete streaming solution to some of the world's most recognizable brands, to super-serving their own network of fan channels, Cineverse (NASDAQ: CNVS ) is powering the future of entertainment. For more information, please visit cineverse.com . Contacts: For Media The Lippin Group for Cineverse, [email protected] For Investors Julie Milstead , [email protected] SOURCE Cineverse Corp.
Jaguars place QB Trevor Lawrence (concussion) on IRMichael Ray Richardson
Frankfurt follows Bayern with early exit from German Cup in 3-0 loss at LeipzigPresident Putin has said that Russia will keep testing its new hypersonic missile in combat and has stock ready for use. Speaking the day after Moscow fired the intermediate-range weapon into Ukraine for the first time, a step the Russian leader said was prompted by Ukraine’s use of British cruise missiles and US ballistic missiles to strike inside Russia. Putin described the use of the Oreshnik , which is Russian for hazel tree, missile as a successful test, and said more would follow. “We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and the nature of the security threats that are created for Russia,” he said in televised comments to defence officials and missile developers. “Moreover, we have a stock of such products, a stock of such systems ready for use.”
On paper, Luigi Mangione had it all: wealth, intellect, athleticism, good looks. But the child of a prominent Maryland family may have spurned it all in a spasm of violence, in a killing that has mesmerized Americans. The 26-year-old was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, a health insurance chief executive and father of two who was gunned down in Manhattan last week by someone who, evidence suggests, has endured his own debilitating health crises and grew angry with the privatized US medical system. The cold-blooded killing has laid bare the deep frustration many Americans feel toward the country's labyrinthine health care system: while many have condemned the shooting, others have praised Mangione as a hero. It has also prompted considerable interest in how a young engineer with an Ivy League education could have gone off the rails to commit murder. News of his capture at a Pennsylvania McDonald's triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. As Americans have looked for clues about a political ideology or potential motive, a photo on his X account (formerly Twitter) includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. Mangione lived in Hawaii in 2022 and, according to his former roommate R.J. Martin, suffered from back pain, and was hoping to strengthen his back. After a surfing lesson, Mangione was "in bed for about a week" because of the pain, Martin told CNN. Earlier this year, Martin said, Mangione confirmed he'd had back surgery and sent him photos of the X-rays. Police said the suspect carried a hand-written manifesto of grievances in which he slammed America's "most expensive health care system in the world." "He was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America and in particular the health care industry," New York police chief detective Joseph Kenny told ABC. According to CNN, a document recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." video game character Luigi. Many expressed at least partial sympathy, having had their own harrowing experiences with the US health care system. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. Mangione hails from the Baltimore area. His wealthy Italian-American family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, according to local outlet the Baltimore Banner, and cousin Nino Mangione is a Maryland state delegate. A standout student, Luigi graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. A former student who knew Mangione at the elite Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," the person said. Mangione attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage. On Instagram Mangione shared snapshots of his travels, and shirtless images of himself flaunting a six-pack. X users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo includes an X-ray of a spine with bolts attached. Finding a political ideology that fits neatly onto the right-left divide has proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on online site Goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out multiple bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, in a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline, and retweeted posts on the impact mobile phones and social media have on mental health. ia/abo-mlm/nro
Salah nervelessly converted a 63rd-minute penalty, his 16th goal of the season, after French referee Benoit Bastien had been advised to take another look at Donny van de Beek’s clumsy challenge on Luis Diaz. In the process, he became just the 11th man to score 50 goals in the competition – Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe later also joined that exclusive club – on a night when victory at the Estadi Montilivi meant the six-time European champions will enter 2025 sitting proudly at the top of the table. ⭐️ A FIVE STAR PERFORMANCE ⭐️ | — FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) France international Michael Olise produced a moment of magic to set the seal on Bayern Munich’s demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk and ease them towards the knockout stage. Olise’s brilliant stoppage-time run and finish capped a 5-1 victory for the Germans, in which he had early scored from the penalty spot, in Gelsenkirchen. Kevin’s fifth-minute strike had given the home side the perfect start, but Konrad Laimer levelled before Thomas Muller’s 55th goal in the competition sent the visitors in ahead at the break and set the stage for Olise’s double either side of Jamal Musiala’s strike. Jude Bellingham breathed life back into Real Madrid’s campaign as they held off Atalanta to earn a 3-2 victory in Bergamo. 🫲 🫱 — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) After Charles De Ketelaere had cancelled out Mbappe’s opener from the penalty spot, second-half goals from Vinicius Junior and Bellingham in quick succession put the visitors in charge, although Ademola Lookman’s 65th-minute strike meant the contest was alive until the final whistle. Ross Barkley took Aston Villa a step closer to automatic qualification with a late winner against RB Leipzig in Germany. Villa had led twice through John McGinn and Jhon Duran, but equalisers from Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner kept Leipzig in it until substitute Barkley struck five minutes from time to snatch a 3-2 victory. Goals from Goncalo Ramos, Nuno Mendes and substitute Desire Doue – his first in the competition – handed French champions Paris St Germain a much-needed three points after a comfortable 3-0 win at RB Salzburg. He's making a list and checking it twiceB04 won and Nordi scored – nice! 🎅 — Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) Nordi Mukiele left it late to end Inter Milan’s unbeaten Champions League record as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory at the BayArena. Mukiele struck in the 90th minute to inflict a first defeat across six games in this season’s competition on the Serie A champions – it was also the first goal they have conceded. Casper Nielsen came off the bench to fire Club Brugge to a 2-1 home victory over Sporting Lisbon after Eduardo Quaresma’s own goal had handed them a way back into the game following Geny Catamo’s early opener. Julien Le Cardinal’s first-half strike was enough to handed Brest a 1-0 victory over Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, while Kasper Schmeichel’s save from Marko Pjaca’s close-range 80th-minute header ensured Celtic returned from Dinamo Zagreb with a 0-0 draw.NASSAU, Bahamas — Justin Thomas was long off the tee and made a few long putts on the back nine to overtake Scottie Scheffler with a 6-under 66 and build a one-shot lead Saturday over golf's best player going into the final round of the Hero World Challenge. Thomas is trying out a 46-inch driver — a little more than an inch longer than normal — that he previously used for practice at home to gain speed and length. He blasted a 361-yard drive to 8 feet on the par-4 seventh hole and led the field in driving distance. But it was a few long putts that put him ahead of Scheffler, who had a 69. Thomas was on the verge of falling two shots behind when he made an 18-foot par putt on the par-3 12th hole. On the reachable par-4 14th, he was in a nasty spot in a sandy area and could only splash it out to nearly 50 feet. He made that one for a most unlikely birdie, while behind him Scheffler muffed a chip on the 13th hole and made his lone bogey of a windy day. Scheffler never caught up to him, missing birdie chances on the reachable 14th and the par-5 15th. Thomas hit his approach to 3 feet for birdie on the 16th after a 343-yard drive. Scheffler made an 18-foot birdie putt on the 16th to close within one. Scheffler missed birdie chances on the last two holes from the 10-foot and 15-foot range, while Thomas missed an 8-foot birdie attempt at the last. "I had a stretch at 13, 14, 15 where I felt like I lost a shot or two there, but outside of that I did a lot of really good things today," Scheffler said. Thomas hasn't won since the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, and a victory at Albany Golf Club wouldn't count as an official win. But the two-time major champion has made steady progress toward getting his game back in order. "I'm driving it great. I've had a lot of confidence with it," Thomas said of his longer driver. "I feel like I've been able to put myself in some pretty good spots going into the green. I'm still not taking advantage of some of them as much as I would like, but that's golf and we're always going to say that." Thomas was at 17-under 199 and will be in the final group Sunday with Scheffler, who is trying to end his spectacular season with a ninth title. Tom Kim put himself in the mix, which he might not have imagined Thursday when he was 3 over through six holes of the holiday tournament. Kim got back in the game with a 65 on Friday, and then followed with 12 birdies for a 62. He had a shot at the course record — Rickie Fowler shot 61 in the final round when he won at Albany in 2017 — until Kim found a bunker and took two shots to reach the green in making a double bogey on the par-3 17th. Even so, he was only two shots behind. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley (68) was four back. "Feel like I've been seeing signs of improvement, which is what you want and that's all I can do," Thomas said. "I can't control everybody else or what's going on, I've just got to keep playing as good as I possibly can and hope that it's enough come Sunday." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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Article content PARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ‘s heart from beating again. Recommended Videos With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Ile de la Cite, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron’s, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said Francois Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the (euro)900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument_it is a magnificent sign of hope.” RECOMMENDED VIDEO The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western facade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. “We went from night to light,” said one of the workers in the movie. Macron’s political woes The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron’s presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government’s collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he’ll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame’s rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Ile de la Cite — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris_ is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.
Who Am I? Dec 8, 2024Just How Much Has US Airline Premium Seating Grown This Year?
A path to economic growth and national unity Cultural heritage is the soul of a nation and a bridge that connects its past with its present while shaping its future. In Pakistan, this heritage is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, vibrant traditions, and unique customs. Each element of this legacy serves as a reminder of who we are and the heights we can achieve. Pakistan is blessed with a wealth of historical landmarks. The ruins of Mohenjo-Daro echo the grandeur of the Indus Valley Civilization, while the Buddhist relics in Taxila narrate timeless stories of peace and wisdom. The majestic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore stands as a testament to Mughal magnificence. These monuments are far more than just structures; they are fragments of history frozen in time. Cultural heritage, however, extends beyond architecture. It pulses through the melodies of music, the rhythm of dance, and the depth of poetry. The soulful verses of poets like Bulleh Shah and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai have transcended centuries, resonating with audiences to this day. Traditional dances, such as the Pashtun Attan and Sindhi Jhumar, foster a sense of community, while handicrafts like Balochi embroidery and Multani pottery showcase artistic mastery. This cultural richness is a unifying force, highlighting the beauty of Pakistan’s diversity. Each province adds its unique color to the national tapestry. Punjab is known for its joyous Basant festival and Sufi shrine celebrations, Sindh for its vibrant Ajrak and Tharparkar’s folk melodies. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa offers soulful Pashto poetry and exemplifies resilience, while Balochistan boasts ancient craftsmanship and storytelling traditions. Despite its value, Pakistan’s cultural heritage faces significant threats. Urbanization has engulfed many historical sites, while climate change and pollution have taken a toll on ancient landmarks. Neglect and insufficient funding exacerbate these challenges, and many traditions are slowly fading as younger generations lose touch with their roots. Protecting cultural heritage is not just a moral obligation; it is vital for national identity, pride, and even economic growth. Heritage tourism is a thriving industry worldwide, and countries like Italy, Egypt, and Turkey have built robust economies around their cultural attractions. Pakistan has the same potential. Its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Mohenjo Daro, Taxila, and the Makli Necropolis have universal appeal. With improved infrastructure, these sites could attract countless visitors. Essential upgrades, including better roads, accommodations, and guided tours, would greatly enhance the tourism experience. Promotion plays a crucial role in drawing global attention. Pakistan must showcase its rich heritage through social media campaigns, documentaries, and international cultural events. Modern tools like virtual reality and digital archives can make these treasures accessible to a global audience. Not only would this generate revenue, but it would also improve Pakistan’s global image. Cultural festivals offer another opportunity to foster unity and attract tourists. Events like the Lok Virsa Mela celebrate Pakistan’s diversity and provide a platform for artisans and performers. These festivals also bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. Supporting local craftsmen is equally important. These individuals preserve traditions through their artistry, and financial assistance or training can ensure their survival. Exporting traditional crafts like carpets, jewelry, and pottery can also boost the economy while sharing Pakistan’s stories with the world. Education is a key element in preserving heritage. Schools should integrate local history and culture into their curricula. Field trips to historical sites and participation in traditional activities can instill pride and a sense of responsibility in younger generations. Cultural heritage also promotes harmony, transcending ethnic and linguistic barriers. Folk music and dance are universal languages that unite people, while festivals create bonds that are stronger than differences. Tourism, in turn, fosters international goodwill. Visitors leave with lasting memories of Pakistan’s hospitality, becoming ambassadors of its charm. This soft power is invaluable for enhancing Pakistan’s standing on the world stage. Despite its immense potential, developing foreign tourism in Pakistan is a formidable challenge. Concerns about safety, inadequate infrastructure, and poorly maintained roads deter travelers. Airports often fail to meet global standards, and much of Pakistan’s beauty remains hidden from the world. Overcoming these hurdles requires decisive action, including enhanced security, modernized infrastructure, and strategic promotion. Only then can Pakistan truly claim its place as a global tourist destination. In 2022, the travel and tourism sector contributed 5.9 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and generated 4.2 million jobs, as reported by the World Bank Group and the World Travel and Tourism Council. Despite these figures, the sector’s potential remains underutilized, considering the country’s rich array of tourist destinations. Visitor spending in Pakistan reached $16 billion in 2022, with projections indicating this could grow to $30 billion by 2033, signaling significant opportunities for future expansion in the tourism industry. Preserving cultural heritage is about more than safeguarding the past. It is about honoring ancestors, inspiring future generations, and building a bridge to tomorrow. By cherishing its cultural wealth, Pakistan can achieve not only economic progress but also social harmony. Heritage is more than history; it is identity, pride, and limitless potential. Pakistan’s cultural heritage is its most valuable asset. Let us protect, celebrate, and share it with the world. The writer is Director of the Institute of Humanities and Arts, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );OKLAHOMA STATE 80, MIAMI (FL) 74
WhatsApp Wins Lawsuit Against Israeli Spyware Maker NSO GroupIn his book , NBA legend Scottie Pippen wrote that Michael Jordan — the player he won six rings with on the Chicago Bulls — “ruined basketball.” Pippen also wrote that LeBron James “was the greatest player this game has ever seen.” “I may go as far to say Mike ruined basketball,” Pippen wrote. “In the ’80s, on the playgrounds, you’d have everyone moving the ball around — passing to help the team. That stopped in the ’90s. Kids wanted to be ‘Like Mike.’ Well, Mike didn’t want to pass — didn’t want to rebound, or defend the best player. He wanted everything done for him. That’s why I always believed LeBron James was the greatest player this game has ever seen — he does everything and embodies what the game is truly about.” After “The Last Dance” doc came out in 2020, Pippen began bashing Jordan. Pippen was frustrated with how “The Last Dance” turned out. Jordan had editorial control over the doc. “On and on it went, the spotlight shining on number 23,” Pippen wrote. “Even in the second episode, which focused for a while on my difficult upbringing and unlikely path to the NBA, the narrative returned to MJ and his determination to win. I was nothing more than a prop. His ‘best teammates of all time,’ he called me. He couldn’t have been more condescending if he tried. “On second thought, I could believe my eyes. I spent a lot of time around the man. I knew what made him tick. How naive I was to expect anything else. Each episode was the same: Michael on a pedestal, his teammates secondary, smaller, the message no different from when he referred to us back then as his ‘supporting cast.’ From one season to the next, we received little or no credit whenever we won but the bulk of the criticism when we lost. Michael could shoot 6-for-24 from the field, commit 5 turnovers, and he was still, in the minds of the adoring press and public, the Errorless Jordan.” The GOAT debate between MJ and Bron is among the most discussed topics in basketball discourse. Jordan has career averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks with the Bulls and Washington Wizards. He won five MVPs, one Defensive Player of the Year Award, six championships, six Finals MVPs, three steals titles and 10 scoring titles. Meanwhile, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP. Jordan is first in NBA history in points per game, fourth in steals, fifth in field goals and second in player efficiency rating. He holds the NBA record for most points (63) scored in a postseason game. LeBron, who grew up idolizing Jordan, is first in NBA history in points, fourth in assists, eighth in steals, second in field goals, seventh in 3-point field goals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game and third in player efficiency rating. LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points. With the Cavaliers and Heat, LeBron never lost to the Bulls in the playoffs. Pippen and Jordan are the best duo in NBA history. However, they are no longer on speaking terms. This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.
Black plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group saysHouston, you have a problem. Specifically at the wide receiver position. After losing Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL in October, the Texans lost another star at wide receiver when Tank Dell was hospitalized after suffering a horrific injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The Texans announced that Dell suffered a torn ACL, knee dislocation and other serious damage to his leg, in what was a scary scene at Arrowhead Stadium after he reeled in a touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud. Texans players, especially Stroud, were visibly emotional as they watched Dell get loaded into an ambulance after the graphic injury. He is now out for the rest of the year, along with Diggs, leaving Nico Collins as the lone starting receiver who began the year with the team. Even Collins missed a handful of time due to a hamstring injury. But fear not Houston, help is on the way. Sort of. Kind of. Maybe, not really. The Texans claimed disgruntled wide receiver Diontae Johnson, after the Baltimore Ravens waived him last week. Johnson's time with the Ravens didn't quite go as planned. Baltimore traded for Johnson (and a sixth-round pick) from the Carolina Panthers on October 29th, for a fifth-round pick in 2025, in hopes of boosting their wide receiver room. Fast forward less than two months later, Johnson only played 39 snaps in four games, catching one pass for six yards. Prior to that in Carolina, he had 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. On top of his abysmal performance in Baltimore, he also proved to be a headache. The Ravens suspended Johnson for refusing to enter their game agains the Philadelphia, before mutually agreeing to excuse him from team activities last week, leading up to their game against Pittsburgh. In the end, Baltimore decided to waive the wide receiver, and Houston claimed him. Johnson now finds a third home in two months, which usually isn't a great sign, but that's the spot Houston now finds themselves in. Before the Texans claimed him, fans of various teams were online making their voices be heard that they did not want their team to claim him. 'Wait, you're telling me Diontae Johnson quit on his team? There's people who dead serious want him back. SMH,' wrote one Pittsburgh fan on X. Johnson had previously played five seasons with the Steelers. Houston will now turn to Johnson to provide a spark to a wide receiver room that has been ravaged by injury. Don't hold your breath Houston. Oh, and guess what? The Ravens are coming to town on Christmas Day to face the Texans. Diontae Johnson revenge game anybody? talkSPORT is your home of the NFL on UK radio, join us for coverage of the Christmas Day games and subscribe to our dedicated YouTube channel for NFL news, views and interviews as well as our weekly Run Down show
LEWISBURG — Retiring Buffalo Valley Regional Police Chief Paul Yost calls the hiring of Dan Embeck as his replacement as a full-circle moment for both men's careers. Both Yost, in 1979, and Embeck, in 2000, began their police careers in the Milton Police Department. Embeck, with 24 years of experience, started last week as the incoming chief of the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department and took the oath of office on Friday with Lewisburg District Judge Jeffrey Rowe. Embeck will replace Yost, an officer with 45 years of experience, once Yost retires on Dec. 18. "My legacy, if there's anything for me, is what I'm proud of," Yost, of McEwensville, said. "There's Dan, who I hired (in Milton) and now has come full circle here. I have Craig Lutcher who is now chief of Point Township and another hire was Curt Zettlemoyer who took over as the chief of Milton. I have the legacy of at least three chiefs and other supervisors who have come up through the ranks since I came on board. I would say that's the biggest part of it." "I started with him and now he's ending with me," Embeck, of New Columbia, said. "It's pretty neat." Embeck was one of 10 interested candidates. He was selected after interviews were conducted earlier this summer and the police commission announced Embeck as the new chief in October. Embeck said the legacy he wants to leave behind is similar to Yost's. "I want to build the next generation up so they're ready to take over when I'm done," Embeck said. "I tell the cadets all the time, I want them to be better than I am in my generation. When they come in, and they do this, and they get to where I'm at, I want them to teach the next generation so they're even better. Each generation becomes a little bit better at this." Yost, a native of New Columbia, spent 26 years employed at Milton Police Department until he reached the rank of chief in 2003. Yost approached his first retirement date in 2005 but wasn't ready to turn in the badge yet. He was hired as the chief of the Lewisburg Police Department until Lewisburg and East Buffalo Township combined their police forces in 2012 as the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department. Yost became the first chief of the new endeavor. Yost said in 45 years he has had a wide variety of police calls from robberies to physical assaults to homicide and tragic accidents. He has helped women deliver babies and watched people die. He was part of the investigation into Norman Gundrum, who was 16 years old when he fatally stabbed 18-year-old Bobby Coup 64 times in Milton in December 1993. "Once it's over, you got to tuck that away," Yost said. "You can't keep reliving that or it's going to eat away at you. It probably still affects the mentality of how we look at things." Yost considers his biggest accomplishment to be building the regional department and leaving it in a position for the future. "It was definitely a wild ride," Yost said. "You dealt with the politics of two municipalities and the merging of a lot of things over a period of time. That was the reflection of the government leaders at that time who saw the insight to say this is the way to go in the future." Embeck, a native of New Columbia, started his career at the Milton Police Department in June 2000 where he reached the rank of corporal, holding that supervisory position for 11 years, and he has worked part-time for BVRPD. He was hired as chief of the South Williamsport Police Department in 2021. When he was a detective in Milton for 15 years, he specialized in sexual assault investigations. "Although it took a toll, I'm very proud of the work I did with the sexual assault cases and victims," Embeck said. "You take a bucket, every time you have a sexual assault, you take a cup of water and dump it into the bucket. That bucket never drains and eventually gets full. Once it gets full, that's it. I hit that point probably two years before I stopped doing it." He was a member of the Special Emergency Response Team as well as the criminal investigator for the Milton Police Department for 16 years. He is a firearms instructor, taser instructor and field training officer. He is also a Municipal Police Academy instructor at Mansfield University and president of FOP Lodge 52. When he heard that Yost was retiring, Embeck said he did some "soul searching" and ultimately didn't want to pass on the opportunity. He said he is not usually the type to jump from job to job. Embeck said he wants to review the complement of officers on staff to determine promotions and supervisory roles. He wants to make sure the equipment and technology are not only working but able to be maintained for years to come. He wants to update the uniform to include more external vests instead of vests under the shirt. "Promotions are the big thing for me," Embeck said. "We need that hierarchy in place. With guys retiring, we're losing it and we need it back in place." Embeck is also planning to review a policy prohibiting facial hair on officers. "I do not have any issues with facial hair," Embeck said. "We will get the policy in place and get that implemented. We'll make some changes. They're not major, but they're there." In the new year, Embeck said he plans to do ride-alongs with officers and have conversations with commission members to discuss the issues and what priorities need to be addressed. The commission also plans to host an event for the public to meet Embeck. Yost said the biggest differences between policing 45 years ago and now are the equipment and the technology. "When I started, here's your keys, here's your badge, don't shoot anybody," Yost said. "You still went to the academy, but at that point, we were carrying six shooter wheel guns on a swivel holster with a nightstick and a radio. There weren't any cameras. There weren't any TASERs. If you were called to a bar fight, it was you and them. There wasn't any Tasering anybody. It was knock down, drag them out." Everything is on a computer and defendants can appear in front of a judge via a camera, he said. Yost said he plans to enjoy his retirement by engaging in his hobbies: landscaping, construction, camping and a little bit of traveling. "I guarantee I won't be getting up at 5 a.m. every day anymore," Yost said.
