Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgenderSHANGHAI , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Noah Holdings Limited ("Noah" or the "Company") (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686), a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024. THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS N et revenue s for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB683.7 million ( US$97.4 million ), an 8.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a 33.0% decrease in net revenues from mainland China , which was partially offset by a 28.9% increase in net revenues from overseas. Net revenues from mainland China for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB306.8 million ( US$43.7 million ), a 33.0% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to decreases of 89.9% in revenue from distribution of domestic insurance products and 17.3% in revenue from recurring service fees from RMB private equity products. Net revenues from overseas for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB376.9 million ( US$53.7 million ), a 28.9% increase from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to increases of 42.5% in revenue from offshore investment products and 42.4% in revenue from insurance products, which were partially offset by a 38.8% decrease in revenue from other services provided to offshore high-net-worth investors. Net Revenues by segment is as follows: Net Revenues by geography is as follows: Income from operations for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB240.8 million ( US$34.3 million ), a 3.2% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, mainly due to the 8.8% decrease in net revenues, which was partially offset by an 11.6% decrease in operating costs and expenses driven by various cost control measures. Income from operations increased by 79.7% sequentially for the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to an 11.0% increase in net revenues and an 8.1% decrease in operating costs and expenses. Income from operations by segment is as follows: Net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB134.4 million ( US$19.2 million ), a 42.4% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, mainly due to (i) a 3.2% decrease in income from operations; (ii) approximately RMB43.6 million in unrealized USD-denominated foreign exchange losses; and (iii) a one-off 30.0% increase in income tax expenses associated with a dividend withholding tax for offshore dividend payments from PRC subsidiaries. Net income attributable to Noah shareholders increased by 34.7% sequentially in the third quarter of 2024, mainly due to a 79.7% increase in income from operations. Non-GAAP [1] net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB150.5 million ( US$21.4 million ), a 35.2% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023 and a 41.9% increase from the second quarter of 2024. THIRD QUARTER 2024 OPERATIONAL UPDATES Wealth Management Business Noah offers global investment products and provides value-added services to global Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors in its wealth management business. Noah primarily distributes private equity, private secondary, mutual funds and other products denominated in RMB, USD and other currencies. Total number of registered clients as of September 30, 2024 , was 460,380, a 1.8% increase from September 30, 2023 , and a 0.3% increase from June 30, 2024 . Among registered clients as of September 30, 2024 , the number of overseas registered clients was 17,287, a 20.9% increase from September 30, 2023 , and a 3.0% increase from June 30, 2024 . Total number of active clients [2] for the third quarter of 2024 was 7,857, a decrease of 17.2% from the third quarter of 2023 and a 9.0% decrease from the second quarter of 2024. Among active clients during the third quarter of 2024, the number of overseas active clients was 3,139, a 37.4% increase from the third quarter of 2023, and a 3.2% decrease from the second quarter of 2024. A ggregate value of investment products distributed during the third quarter of 2024 was RMB14.3 billion ( US$2.0 billion ), a 36.1% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, mainly due to a 42.1% decrease in distribution of mutual fund products. The aggregate value of investment products distributed decreased by 1.1% sequentially, mainly due to a decrease in distribution of private secondary products. Among the investment products distributed during the third quarter of 2024, Noah distributed RMB7.8 billion ( US$1.1 billion ) of overseas investment products, an 11.4% increase from the corresponding period of 2023, primarily due to a 76.7% increase in distribution of overseas mutual fund products. The aggregate value of investment products distributed, categorized by product type, is as follows: The aggregate value of investment products distributed, categorized by geography, is as follows : Coverage network in mainland China included 13 cities as of September 30, 2024 , compared with 59 cities as of September 30, 2023 , and 15 cities as of June 30, 2024 , primarily due to the continued streamlining of the Company's coverage network. Aggregate number of overseas relationship managers was 146 as of September 30, 2024 , an increase of 89.6% from September 30, 2023 , and 29.2% from June 30, 2024 . Asset Management Business Noah's asset management business is conducted through Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd. ("Gopher Asset Management"), a leading multi-asset manager in China , and Olive Asset Management Co., Ltd. ("Olive Asset Management"), the Company's recently launched overseas asset management brand focused on providing global investment solutions with offices in Hong Kong and the United States . Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management develop and manage assets ranging from private equity, real estate, public securities to multi-strategy investments denominated in RMB, USD and other currencies. Total assets under management as of September 30, 2024 , were RMB150.1 billion ( US$21.4 billion ), a 2.5% decrease from June 30, 2024 , and a 3.1% decrease from September 30, 2023 , mainly due to exits in RMB private equity investment products and exchange rate fluctuations affecting the value of overseas assets under management. Mainland China assets under management as of September 30, 2024 , were RMB110.6 billion ( US$15.8 billion ), compared with RMB119.5 billion as of September 30, 2023 , and RMB114.9 billion as of June 30, 2024 . Overseas assets under management as of September 30, 2024 , were RMB39.5 billion ( US$5.6 billion ), compared with RM35.4 billion as of September 30, 2023 , and RMB39.1 billion as of June 30, 2024 . Total assets under management, categorized by investment type, are as follows: Total assets under management, categorized by geography, are as follows: Other Businesses Noah's other businesses mainly include providing clients with additional comprehensive services and investment products. Operating results for other businesses also include headquarter rental income, depreciation and amortization, as well as operating expenses. Ms. Jingbo Wang , co-founder and chairwoman of Noah, commented, "I'm pleased to report a significant sequential rebound in net revenues, operating margin, and net income as the pace of our overseas expansion gains momentum and client demand for global asset allocation strengthens. Net revenues from overseas grew by 28.9% year-over-year, bolstered by ongoing investments to expand our global footprint. Our team of relationship managers directly supporting this expansion grew to 146 professionals, an increase of 89.6% year-over-year and 29.2% sequentially. We also opened our Japan office during the quarter to attract local Mandarin-speaking clients and are actively evaluating opportunities in other key potential markets such as Canada , Australia , Southeast Asia , and Europe , to capitalize on this momentum. While sluggish domestic markets continue to pose challenges, we are encouraged by initial signs of a recovery and improving client sentiment, driven by recent policies aimed at supporting the broader economy. We remain confident in the substantial potential for wealth management services tailored to global Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors, many of whom are currently underserved by local financial institutions. This presents us with significant opportunities to acquire new clients through our competitive global investment solutions and renowned service standards." THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS Net Revenues Net revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB683 .7 million ( US$97 .4 million), an 8.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Wealth Management Business Net revenues from one-time commissions for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB175.1 million ( US$25.0 million ), an 11.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in distribution of domestic insurance products. Net revenues from recurring service fees for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB251.0 million ( US$35.8 million ), a 10.3% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in recurring service fees from private secondary products and private equity products associated with the decrease in assets under management in mainland China . Net revenues from performance-based income for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB3.0 million ( US$0.4 million ), a 65.8% decrease from the corresponding period of 2023, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from private secondary products. Net revenues from other service fees for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB35.9 million ( US$5.1 million ), a 41.7% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the value-added services offered to high-net-worth clients. Asset Management Business Net revenues from recurring service fees for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB150.6 million ( US$21.5 million ), a 19.1% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in recurring service fees generated from RMB private equity products. Net revenues from performance-based income for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB58.0 million ( US$8.3 million ), a substantial increase from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in performance-based income realized from offshore private equity products. Other Businesses Net revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB9.8 million ( US$1.4 million ), remaining flat compared with the corresponding period in 2023. Operating Costs and Expenses Operating costs and expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB442.9 million ( US$63.1 million ), an 11.6% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Operating costs and expenses primarily consisted of (i) compensation and benefits of RMB310.0 million ( US$44.2 million ); (ii) selling expenses of RMB65.9 million ( US$9.4 million ); (iii) general and administrative expenses of RMB72.3 million ( US$10.3 million ); (iv) provision for of credit losses of RMB5.4 million ( US$0.8 million ); and (v) other operating expenses of RMB12.9 million ( US$1.8 million ). Operating costs and expenses for the wealth management business for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB326.1 million ( US$46.5 million ), a 17.3% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to decreases of 23.5% in compensation and benefits and 48.6% in selling expenses. Operating costs and expenses for the asset management business for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB86.4 million ( US$12.3 million ), a 1.8% increase from the corresponding period in 2023. Operating costs and expenses for other businesses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB30.4 million ( US$4.3 million ), compared with RMB21.9 million from the corresponding period in 2023. Operating Margin Operating margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 35.2%, compared with 33.2% for the corresponding period in 2023. Operating margin for the wealth management business for the third quarter of 2024 was 29.9%, compared with 28.2% for the corresponding period in 2023. Operating margin for the asset management business for the third quarter of 2024 was 58.6%, compared with 55.6% for the corresponding period in 2023. Loss from operation for other businesses for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB20.6 million ( US$2.9 million ), compared with an operating loss of RMB12.1 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Interest Income Interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB28.4 million ( US$4.0 million ), a 34.6% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Investment Income Investment income for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB16.3 million ( US$2.3 million ), compared with RMB9.6 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Income Tax Expenses Income tax expense s for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB89.0 million ( US$12.7 million ), a 30.0% increase from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in income tax expenses associated with a dividend withholding tax for offshore dividend payments from PRC subsidiaries. Net Income Net Income Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB137.8 million ( US$19.6 million ), a 40.6% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Net margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 20.2%, compared with 30.9% for the corresponding period in 2023. Net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB134.4 million ( US$19.2 million ), a 42.4% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was 19.7%, compared with 31.1% for the corresponding period in 2023. Net income attributable to Noah shareholders per basic and diluted ADS for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB1.91 (US$0.27) and RMB1.91 (US$0.27) , respectively, compared with RMB3.36 and RMB3.36 respectively, for the corresponding period in 2023. Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Noah Shareholders Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB150.5 million ( US$21.4 million ), a 35.2% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was 22.0%, compared with 31.0% for the corresponding period in 2023. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders per diluted ADS for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB2.14 (US$0.30) , down from RMB3.35 for the corresponding period in 2023. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had RMB3,435.8 million ( US$489.6 million ) in cash and cash equivalents, compared with RMB4,604 .9 million as of June 30 , 2024 and RMB4,959.6 million as of September 30, 2023 . The sequential decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to the payment of dividends in the amount of RMB1,007.9 million ( US$143.6 million ) to shareholders and a reclassification of a short-term time deposit in the amount of RMB252.7 million ( US$36.0 million ) from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments. Net cash inflow from the Company's operating activities during the third quarter of 2024 was RMB237.2 million ( US$33.8 million ), mainly due to cash inflow generated from net income from operations. Net cash outflow from the Company's investing activities during the third quarter of 2024 was RMB53.7 million ( US$7.7 million ), mainly due to cash used for long-term investments. Net cash outflow from the Company's financing activities was RMB1,010.8 million ( US$144.0 million ) in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to payment of the final dividend to the Company's shareholders. CONFERENCE CALL The Company's senior management will host an earnings conference call to discuss its Q3 Results and recent business activities. Details of the conference call are as follows: A telephone replay will be available starting approximately one hour after the end of the conference until December 3, 2024 at 1-877-344-7529 (US Toll Free) and 1-412-317-0088 (International Toll) with the access code 6914431. A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at the Company's investor relations website under the "News & Events" section at http://ir.noahgroup.com . DISCUSSION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company's earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures excluding the effects of all forms of share-based compensation and net of tax impact, if any. See "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may be prepared differently from and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. When evaluating the Company's operating performance in the periods presented, management reviewed the foregoing non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders and per diluted ADS and non-GAAP net margin attributable to Noah shareholders to supplement U.S. GAAP financial data. As such, the Company's management believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures provides important supplemental information to investors regarding financial and business trends relating to its results of operations in a manner consistent with that used by management. ABOUT NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITED Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686) is a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors. Noah's American depositary shares, or ADSs, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NOAH", and its shares are listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "6686." One ADS represents five ordinary shares, par value $0.00005 per share. In the first nine months of 2024, Noah distributed RMB47.6 billion ( US$6.8 billion ) of investment products. Through Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management, Noah had assets under management of RMB150.1 billion ( US$21.4 billion ) as of September 30, 2024 . Noah's wealth management business primarily distributes private equity, public securities and insurance products denominated in RMB and other currencies. Noah's network covers major cities in mainland China , as well as Hong Kong ( China ), New York , Silicon Valley, Singapore , and Los Angeles . The Company's wealth management business had 460,380 registered clients as of September 30, 2024 . Through Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management, Noah manages private equity, public securities, real estate, multi-strategy and other investments denominated in RMB and other currencies. The Company also operates other services. For more information, please visit Noah at ir.noahgroup.com . FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION In this announcement, the unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024 ended September 30, 2024 are stated in RMB. This announcement contains currency conversions of certain RMB amounts into US$ at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ are made at a rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00 , the effective noon buying rate for September 30, 2024 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Noah may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Noah's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, estimates regarding the sufficiency of Noah's cash and cash equivalents and liquidity risk. A number of factors could cause Noah's actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: its goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the wealth management and asset management market in China and internationally; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of the products it distributes; investment risks associated with investment products distributed to Noah's investors, including the risk of default by counterparties or loss of value due to market or business conditions or misconduct by counterparties; its expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with key clients; relevant government policies and regulations relating to its industries; its ability to attract and retain qualified employees; its ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances; its plans to invest in research and development to enhance its product choices and service offerings; competition in its industries in China and internationally; general economic and business conditions in China ; and its ability to effectively protect its intellectual property rights and not to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Noah's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Noah does not undertake any obligation to update any such information, including forward-looking statements, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under the applicable law. -- FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL TABLES FOLLOW – SOURCE Noah Holdings Limited

Papua New Guinea granted historic NRL expansion licence after years of campaigningHIGH radiation levels found in drinking water is the last straw, Upper Hunter residents say, making terrible quality water even worse. Login or signup to continue reading It is not only smelly, discoloured, foul-tasting and full of minerals which ruin appliances, many residents now fear that it is also unsafe. Former police officer Michael Blades said that, long before recent water tests showed the maximum possible radiation dose from the bore water was double the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, it had been known to cause health issues, such as rashes in young children. "I moved to Merriwa to live in a police residence from Western Sydney where the water quality was ok," Mr Blades said. He noticed immediately that there was a "considerable issue" with the water quality, he said. "It was terrible," Mr Blades said. "It is very hard water with a lot of minerals in it. It is foul-tasting, it smells, and we have had to replace washing machines, hot water elements... "Every time we had a bath or shower the water would affect my family, especially my children." When he moved to the area, in 2017, his then 12-year-old daughter developed "terrible rashes" from her neck down to her knee caps, Mr Blades said. "Local doctors knew of the problem and said it was a common thing with the town's water," Mr Blades said. "The only way to escape it was not to have a bath." He was paying $150 per month for bottled water, because rain water ran out quickly during dry weather and bushfire season. "It has impacted our health, and it has impacted locals' mental health, especially finding out there might be radiation in our drinking water." Merriwa resident Brad Foster said the water quality had always been "a bit how's it going" but it had deteriorated significantly during the past 12 to 18 months. "My wife and I don't wash our cars in town ,... it just leaves white scaly spots and they build up," Mr Foster said. "We have had to replace all the water and sewage under the house due to the scale building up in it." When the water smells particularly bad, the smell lingers, he said, and reminds him of going to a public pool or a water park at the start of the season, when the water is being heavily treated. Mr Foster said it was hard to believe the council had not communicated with the community since it first announced it was investigating higher than usual levels of radiation in the water , in early August. "That happened, and nothing has happened since," Mr Foster said. "You wash your clothes in it, you wash yourself in it, you wash everything in it, you cook with it ... even if the standard is one one hundredth of what would be potentially harmful exposure, it's cumulative." Residents have taken to social media to vent their concerns, including images of ruined kitchen items. The issue was being raised at a council meeting on Monday (November 25) by whistleblower and Councillor Troy Stolz. He is calling on the council to lobby the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for funding to improve the poor-quality drinking water in Merriwa and Cassilis "with a sense of urgency". Regardless of recent information from NSW Health saying that the higher levels of radiation found in the water were "not dangerous", the water quality was sub-standard, he said. "I have seen first-hand photos of local children who are suffering medical conditions such as severe rashes after bathing. This is not good enough." In August, a Upper Hunter Shire Council statement said it had moved the town's supply to two groundwater bores with the lowest radioactivity "as a precaution" while further investigations into radiation levels took place. Testing has revealed the maximum possible radiation dose from the bores is double the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. In the statement, the council said a result above the screen values does not mean the drinking water is unsafe, but further investigation was required. Detailed radionuclide testing by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) would take about 10 weeks, it said. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment said it was a council responsibility, along with local water utilities, to "monitor and manage" the delivery of clean drinking water to their communities. That included managing water quality issues and maintaining infrastructure, a spokesperson said. "Our department plays an important supporting role, providing technical advice and valuable training for councils across regional NSW when they need additional resources," a statement issued to the Newcastle Herald said. "This includes working closely with NSW Health in providing support to Upper Hunter Shire Council in responding to the ongoing situation in Merriwa and Cassilis." The department cited a $32.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which it says has been extended for another year, which focuses on raw water quality monitoring and advanced operational support for water operators. Responding to Cr Stolz, council staff said there were few avenues for the council to explore by way of external funding. "Although there are no current grants available, exploring alternative funding options for the full scheme, including political advocacy and user-pays systems, will be vital to securing an improved water quality system." Community health & welfare, social justice, investigations, general news.Gabriel.Fowler@newcastleherald.com.au Community health & welfare, social justice, investigations, general news.Gabriel.Fowler@newcastleherald.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. 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Report: Chargers expect WR Ladd McConkey, LB Khalil Mack to play vs. Ravens

IRISH Olympian Rhys McClenaghan has been named as one of the final celebrities competing on season eight of Dancing With The Stars. The gymnast is ready to swap the pommel horse for the dance floor in just over a week on January 5, 2025. Here's everything you need to know about the phenomenal gymnast. Rhys was born on July 21, 1999 - making him 25-years-old. He is from Newtownards in Co Down, son of Tracy and Dann and has one older brother named Elliot. He first trained in gymnastics at age six in Rathgael Gymnastics Club in the nearby town of Bangor, until his coach was made redundant in 2018. His coach's redundancy meant he was forced to train in his back garden before he relocated to Dublin. To make the move down to Dublin he received funding and accommodation from Gymnastics Ireland and Sport Ireland to train in their institute in Abbotstown. Since first finding his love for the sport at age six, Rhys has gone on to compete internationally for both Ireland and Northern Ireland . His first major win was in 2016 at the British Artistic Gymnastics Championships. He won a bronze medal, coming third to Olympians Louis Smith and Max Whitlock . Rhys' chosen discipline in gymnastics is the pommel horse and in 2018 he won a gold medal on the pommel horse for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games. He also won the European championship in the same year. In 2019 he was the first Irish gymnast to qualify for a world championships final, taking home a bronze medal. He went on to take home the gold twice across two outings in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Rhys is the first Irish artistic gymnast ever to win world championship gold. Leading up to the 2022 Common Wealth games, Rhys was told by the International Gymnastics Foundation that he was banned from competing for Northern Ireland. The controversial decision was made because Rhys had competed in international competitions for Ireland. The move was so contentious it lead to politicians of the time to criticise the ban including then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. In August 2024, just a few days after his 25th birthday in late July, the culmination of Rhys's hard work paid off when he placed first with a score of 15 at the Paris Olympics, taking home a gold medal for Ireland. Speaking about his win and the support he received in Paris, Rhys said: "It was so great just to see everybody. "I haven't seen them in three weeks so it was good just to hug my parents, hug my girlfriend and celebrate together." Rhys often shares photos of his long-term girlfriend, Emilee Corr, on social media. The cute couple have been together for five years. Emilee is also a gymnast. Emilee comes from Bangor in Co. Down, she is an acrobatic gymnast and is a champion representing both Ireland and Northern Ireland. The 25-year-old works as a gymnastics coach at Rathgael Gymnastics and Tumbling Club. She joined her boyfriend in Paris to show him support as he collected his first gold medal.Editorial: Virginia Tech’s iconic Nikki Giovanni gave voice to generations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Taylor Swift once raved about the sweet potato casserole served at a New York City restaurant and now that recipe pops up every now and again at Thanksgiving. The holidays encourage many of us to try new recipes. Social media right now is flooded with recipes for appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Anyone making that cornbread casserole from TikTok? While we might not get to share a Thanksgiving feast with Swift — is your name Blake Lively? — or other celebrities beloved by Kansas City, we can eat like them. So here’s the recipe for that casserole Swift loved so much, and favorite family side dish recipes from Donna Kelce and Eric Stonestreet. Enjoy. People are also reading... Travis Kelce's mother, Donna Kelce, seen here last year at her son's music festival, dined on a cheesesteak made by actor Bradley Cooper at QVC festivities in Las Vegas this week. (Emily Curiel/Kansas City Star/TNS) Emily Curiel//Kansas City Star/TNS Donna Kelce’s dinner rolls If we tried to guess how many holiday dinner rolls Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, have scarfed over the years, would it be in the hundreds? Thousands? Their mom has spoken often about the batches of holiday crescent rolls she has baked over the years. Based on the recipe that won the 1969 Pillsbury Bake-Off, Pillsbury’s Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs , they’re now known as Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls. They blend the crescent roll pastry with marshmallows, cinnamon and sugar. Dinner roll or dessert? We bet they didn’t last long enough in front of Travis and Jason for that debate. Ingredients Rolls •1/4 cup granulated sugar •2 tablespoons Pillsbury Best all-purpose flour •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) •16 large marshmallows •1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted Glaze •1/2 cup powdered sugar •1/2 teaspoon vanilla •2-3 teaspoons milk •1/4 cup chopped nuts Directions Make the rolls 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 16 medium muffin cups with nonstick baking spray. 2. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon. 3. Separate the dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow into melted butter; roll in the sugar mixture. Place marshmallow on the shortest side of a triangle. Roll up, starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point. Completely cover the marshmallow with the dough; firmly pinch edges to seal. Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in muffin cup. 4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. 5. When done, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool in the pan for 1 minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups; place on cooling racks set over waxed paper. Make the glaze and assemble In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve warm. Eric Stonestreet attends 'Eric Stonestreet visits The SiriusXM Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles' at SiriusXM Studios on Oct. 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM/TNS) Emma McIntyre/Getty Images North America/TNS Eric Stonestreet’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts Thanksgiving is one of the “Modern Family” star’s favorite holidays. Three years ago, as part of a campaign honoring hometown heroes , he shared one of his favorite recipe with McCormick Spices: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Butternut Squash . This recipe serves eight. Ingredients •1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved •1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes •1 tablespoon olive oil •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder •1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper •5 slices bacon, chopped •1 shallot, finely chopped •1/2 cup dried cranberries •1/4 cup balsamic vinegar •1 teaspoon whole grain mustard •1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) •1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, (optional) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Spray large shallow baking pan with no stick cooking spray; set aside. Place Brussels sprouts and squash in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat evenly. Spread in single layer on prepared pan. 2. Roast 16 to 18 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through cooking. 3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in medium skillet on medium heat about 6 minutes or until crispy. Remove using slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Add shallot to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in cranberries, vinegar and mustard until well blended. Transfer mixture to small bowl; set aside. 4. Arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and squash on serving platter. Drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cooked bacon, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately. Donna Kelce, left, mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watched the game with pop superstar Taylor Swift, center, during the first-half on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. (Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS) Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS Taylor Swift’s favorite sweet potato casserole Swift gushed about the sweet potato casserole served at Del Frisco’s Grille in New York City, a dish crowned with a crunchy candied pecan and oatmeal crumble. “I’ve never enjoyed anything with the word casserole in it ever before, but it’s basically sweet potatoes with this brown sugary crust,” she told InStyle. ”Oh my God, it’s amazing.” The media rushed to find the recipe, which Parade has published this Thanksgiving season . “Similar to T. Swift herself, we think this recipe is a mastermind, especially if you’ve been asked to bring the sweet potato side dish to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. It seriously begs the question: who needs pumpkin pie?” the magazine writes. Ingredients •4 lbs sweet potatoes •1⁄3 cup oats •12 oz unsalted butter, divided •1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar •1⁄2 cup toasted pecans •1⁄2 cup granulated sugar •1 tsp kosher salt •2 tsp vanilla extract •4 large eggs, beaten Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. 1. Scrub sweet potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place on a sheet pan. Bake 90 minutes or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. 2. Meanwhile, place oats in a food processor; process 1 minute. Add 4 oz butter, brown sugar and pecans; pulse five times to combine. Spread mixture on a baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, crumble. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown. 3. Melt remaining 8 oz butter. Remove skin from cooled sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, whisk sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar and remaining ingredients until slightly lumpy. Transfer to a greased baking dish, smoothing surface evenly. Top with oat mixture. Bake 12 minutes or until heated through. Make-ahead tips •Sweet potato filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Prepare the sweet potato filling, cool, place in a casserole dish and keep refrigerated. •Oat-pecan crust can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Make the crust according to recipe directions, cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle over the sweet potato filling just before baking. More Thanksgiving recipes Holiday party recipe: How to make a showstopper antipasti platter Dressing or stuffing? No matter what you call it, these 3 recipes will be your new favorites 7 recipes that will add a new twist to your Thanksgiving dinner Satisfy your cravingsNEW YORK, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler will step down as Wall Street's top regulator at the very end of the Joe Biden administration, he announced on Thursday. "Gensler has been coy about when he planned to leave the SEC but was expected to depart before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office. He will serve through noon on January 20, when Trump is set to become president," reported The Wall Street Journal about the move. "Gensler's decision to remain until the very end of the Biden administration probably disappoints some Republicans who wanted to see him leave sooner. It means he could try to push through some additional measures since Democrats will retain a majority on the five-member SEC as long as he stays," it noted. Gensler presided over a hyperactive period in SEC rulemaking. Wall Street groups challenged many of the regulations he pushed through including a rule that would have imposed new transparency requirements on private equity managers. A court also rejected a regulation that Gensler backed that tried to overhaul how companies do stock buybacks. Gensler previously worked for Goldman Sachs and has led the Biden-Harris transition's Federal Reserve, Banking, and Securities Regulators agency review team. Prior to his appointment, he was professor of Practice of Global Economics and Management at the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.Share Tweet Share Share Email Connecting with experienced startup leaders can provide invaluable, practical insights for founders navigating the early stages of business growth . These seasoned professionals have firsthand experience in scaling ventures, building impactful teams, and securing investment—skills that are often hard-won through years of trial and error. Consulting with leaders such as Yoav Vilner, Alexis Ohanian, and Sarah Leary enables entrepreneurs to learn directly from those who have successfully overcome the same challenges they may face. From advice on product-market fit to strategies for attracting investors, these expert sessions offer tailored guidance, helping emerging founders make informed decisions that can set their companies on a path to success. 1. Yoav Vilner – CEO of Walnut.io Yoav Vilner is a tech visionary and the CEO of Walnut.io , a startup leading innovations in sales demos and product-led growth. Under Vilner’s leadership, Walnut has been celebrated as one of the most influential startups, with its disruptive approach to the traditional sales demo process. With a background recognized by Forbes as a “Tech Marketer to Watch,” Vilner brings deep expertise in building tech movements that resonate in the market. His consulting sessions on Intro offer a wealth of knowledge on fundraising , growth tactics, and navigating exits and acquisitions, making him an invaluable resource for early-stage founders and sales teams seeking to refine their go-to-market strategies. With his extensive experience in investing and advising for AI-driven and cybersecurity companies, Vilner provides a well-rounded perspective for budding entrepreneurs. As an angel investor and advisor to companies like Talon Security, he understands the intricacies of securing investments and scaling ventures. His sessions cover critical areas such as creating impactful sales demos and achieving sustainable growth. Given Walnut’s rapid rise and Vilner’s influence on tech marketing, he is well-suited to guide startups aiming to innovate within competitive sectors. 2. Alexis Ohanian – Co-founder of Reddit Alexis Ohanian , the co-founder of Reddit and founder of venture firm Seven Seven Six , is an influential figure in both tech innovation and early-stage investment. Known for pioneering one of the most popular social platforms, Ohanian has firsthand experience scaling a tech company from the ground up, having led Reddit to its acquisition by Condé Nast and later a successful turnaround. His track record with investments like Coinbase, Instacart, and Patreon also reflects his knack for identifying and nurturing potential. Ohanian’s sessions on Intro offer rare insights into early-stage growth, company culture, and navigating venture capital—a rich resource for those looking to make meaningful strides in their startups. Ohanian’s commitment to helping startups is further supported by his proceeds going to charitable causes, reflecting his dedication to social impact. For entrepreneurs seeking advice on managing operations or growth, Ohanian’s sessions are a valuable opportunity to learn from someone who has successfully transitioned from founder to investor. His approach combines operational insights with a community-oriented mindset, making him an inspiring figure for founders aiming to build both impactful and financially robust companies. 3. Neil Parikh – Co-founder of Casper Neil Parikh , co-founder of mattress company Casper , transformed a traditional industry by modernizing the mattress-shopping experience. Under Parikh’s leadership, Casper grew into a household name with a valuation of over $500 million. His experience in scaling a business from inception to hundreds of millions in revenue offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors that may seem niche but have significant market potential. On Intro, Parikh’s consultations cover essential topics such as fundraising strategies, product development, and balancing bootstrapping versus seeking venture capital. Parikh’s extensive portfolio as an investor in over 150 companies—including Affirm and Reddit—reflects his adeptness at spotting innovation. His guidance is invaluable for founders seeking insights on product-market fit, hiring, and the decision-making involved in potential IPOs or acquisitions. Parikh’s sessions allow users to tap into the strategies that helped Casper achieve rapid growth, making him an excellent mentor for entrepreneurs looking to disrupt traditional markets. 4. Sarah Leary – Co-founder of Nextdoor Sarah Leary , co-founder of Nextdoor , has extensive experience scaling and expanding a community-focused platform. Leading Nextdoor to become a billion-dollar company and overseeing its IPO, Leary played a key role in product development, international expansion, and growth strategies. Her expertise on Intro provides invaluable insights into scaling community-based platforms, building user engagement, and navigating early-stage product-market fit, which are vital for startups seeking to make an impact in social networking or community-driven sectors. Beyond her experience with Nextdoor, Leary’s role as a venture partner at Unusual Ventures positions her well to advise on early-stage investing and growth tactics. Her sessions on Intro cover topics like community building, product marketing, and operational scaling, making her a strong resource for entrepreneurs aiming to build networks that foster real connections and user loyalty. Her track record and investor role make her advice particularly relevant for founders seeking to blend community impact with business growth. 5. Hillary Super – CEO of Victoria’s Secret & Co Hillary Super , CEO of Victoria’s Secret & Co and former CEO of Savage X Fenty, brings a wealth of experience in omni-channel retail, brand building, and leadership development . Super has overseen transformative periods at major retail brands, including Anthropologie, where she drove the brand’s omni-channel growth and expanded its market reach. Her sessions on Intro provide aspiring leaders and retail entrepreneurs with guidance on navigating complex brand transformations, scaling retail businesses, and developing effective team dynamics. With a background that includes roles at American Eagle and Old Navy, Super offers practical insights on managing large-scale operations and understanding consumer behavior in the fashion and retail sectors. Her expertise on leadership, organizational development, and career transitions can benefit those at the helm of fast-growing companies. Her proven ability to build and sustain popular brands makes her an excellent advisor for anyone looking to strengthen their company’s market presence. Related Items: Consulting , Start Up Leaders Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you The Role of IATF 16949 Consulting in Strengthening Automotive Quality Standards Navigating Complexity: The Essential Role of Tax Consulting in Business Strategy Global Consulting in the IT Industry: Subrat Patnaik Discusses Trends and Future Outlook CommentsHomeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey, lawmaker says A New Jersey lawmaker from part of the state where several mysterious drones have been spotted in recent week says the devices appear to avoid detection by traditional methods. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia was among state officials who met Wednesday with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security. She says lawmakers were told the drones have dodged detection by helicopters and radio. Fantasia says DHS described the devices as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights off. The Morris County Republican made the comments in a post on X shortly after she and several other state and local lawmakers met with state police and Homeland Security officials. Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says IRVING, Texas (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z won’t impact the NFL's relationship with the music mogul. Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show. A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 amended the lawsuit Sunday to include an allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z says the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Ohio politician proposes make flag planting a felony after fight in Michigan rivalry game An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Gastineau confronts Favre in documentary for his 'dive' on Strahan's record-breaking sack Former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre last year at a memorabilia show and angrily accused the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback of deliberately going down on a record-breaking sack. The tense exchange is shown in the new ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The New York Sack Exchange." It chronicles the Jets’ fearsome foursome defensive line of the 1980s that included Gastineau. Gastineau set an NFL record with 22 sacks in 1984, but Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan broke the mark when he sacked Favre in 2002 in a game between the Giants and Packers. Many have accused Favre of purposely taking the sack so Strahan could set the single-season record with 22 1/2. What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected Lawyers in the Alex Jones bankruptcy case are now in discussions on what could happen next after a federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet. The next steps remained unclear Wednesday as the judge ordered the trustee who oversaw the auction to come up with a new plan. Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston rejected the bid late Tuesday, saying there was too much confusion about The Onion’s bid. The bankruptcy case was in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered Jones to pay for calling the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut a hoax. Sandy Hook families had backed The Onion’s bid. NFL and Nike extend their partnership with a 10-year deal, will focus on growing the sport globally IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL’s desire to become a global powerhouse is no secret. Nike is committed to helping the league continue expanding its worldwide reach. The league and the apparel giant announced Wednesday a 10-year partnership extension. The NFL and Nike will focus on working together to grow the game’s global reach, increase participation, develop new talent, and expand the football fan base. Nike, the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, has been the NFL’s exclusive provider of uniforms and sideline, practice and base layer apparel for all 32 NFL teams for 12 years. George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89 NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., otherwise known to TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89. Kreskin’s friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, says he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey. Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, appearing with everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon. Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted a show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books. Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history has crumbled. The two companies have accused each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through, and Albertsons pulled out of the $24.6 billion deal on Wednesday. The bitter breakup came the day after a federal judge in Oregon and a state judge in Washington issued injunctions to block the merger, saying that combining the two grocery chains could reduce competition and harm consumers. Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee, as well as billions of dollars in legal fees and lost shareholder value. Kroger says the legal claims are “baseless.” Keynote Selena Gomez spotlights prioritizing mental health during Academy Women's Luncheon LOS ANGELES (AP) — While surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage at the Academy Women’s Luncheon to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation. The singer-actor has been public about her mental health struggles, revealing she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Gomez was the keynote speaker Tuesday at the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with attendees including Ariana Grande, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Rita Wilson, Ava DuVernay and Awkwafina.

Jaylen Brown leads Celtics over TimberwolvesThe Steam Hardware Survey has become a critical resource for the games industry, allowing curious enthusiasts or practical-minded developers to get a sense of how the average PC gamer enjoys the hobby. To hear Valve senior engineer Jay Stelly tell it in Half-Life 2's new 20th anniversary developer commentary , the Steam Hardware Survey first came about because Valve itself had no other way of accessing the information. "During development, we faced numerous decisions influenced by our choice of minimum spec⁠—the least powerful CPU and GPU combination that would still deliver a good experience for customers," Stelly said in a commentary track located in the level Route Kanal. "In the early 2000s, there was far more variety among GPUs than today, with wide differences not only in speed but in fundamental approaches to rendering." That's something that often seems forgotten when people pine for the good old days of PC hardware: There were exciting graphical breakthroughs all the time, but compatibility was not a given like it is today, with 3Dfx, ATI, Nvidia, 3DLabs, Xabre, and Matrox cards all floating around in the late '90s and early '00s and rarely playing nice with every single game. Obsolescence came on much faster as well⁠—you can still get away with a 10-year-old GTX 970 in Dragon Age: The Veilguard . Now imagine trying to run Half-Life 2 on hardware from 1994. "But at the time, we had no real data on the hardware our customers were using," Stelly continued. "What CPUs and GPUs did they have? How much RAM? Which version of Windows? We reached out to Microsoft, hoping they might know answers to questions like, 'How many DX7 cards are in use? Or DX8?' Unfortunately, they didn't have the data either. "Realizing we were at risk of making bad decisions without these insights, we developed an analysis tool that allowed players to report their hardware specs to us, and integrated it into the early version of Steam. The data was so useful that we decided to make it public, launching the Steam Hardware Survey in April 2003. It's been helping us⁠—and hopefully other developers⁠—make informed decisions ever since." The latest Steam Hardware Survey from October showcases a vastly different industry from at the initiative's inception. Team Red and Team Green are still around, but ATI was acquired and subsumed by AMD while Nvidia is now a world-bestriding AI colossus, its consumer GPU business a quaint afterthought even as it dominates in market share. It's still a dead heat between Intel and AMD for processors, but ARM is waiting in the wings to potentially overtake x86, and the numbers for core counts, storage, RAM, and clock speeds are all vastly higher. Steam itself is now how most people get PC games, and Linux is finally flexing its muscles as a PC gaming platform⁠—largely thanks to Valve. Gaming on a Mac, well, it's there. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.

Photo credit: Vinitaa Jayson for Fernwayer SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fernwayer announced the launch of its new marketplace designed to connect discerning travelers with meticulously curated, high-end private tours, addressing a growing need in the travel market. The company debuts with a carefully selected collection of experiences across five countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Croatia, with more countries to follow rapidly. Founded by San Francisco-based entrepreneurs Vinitaa Jayson and Alok Singh, Fernwayer aims to redefine luxury in travel by emphasizing authentic connection, exclusive access, and immersive storytelling. "We aim to flip the itinerary: adventures first, logistics later," explains Jayson. "Most travelers secure accommodation and flights months in advance but often leave booking experiences until the last minute. By then, the best experiences are sold out, and they end up settling for the ordinary. We're changing that by offering highly differentiated experiences, available for booking months in advance, easily and instantly." "We choose to partner with Experience Makers based on their storytelling skills, cultural insight, and welcomingness-our goal is to offer experiences where the expertise of a professional truly makes the difference," adds Jayson. Imagine stepping into Venice's Carnevale with an expert, capturing the elegance of timeless masks and costumes through your lens. Or watching sunrise from the slopes of Mount Etna , followed by a homemade Sicilian lunch with locals. In Porto , feel the thrill of negotiating the day's catch with fishermen. Hike through Toubkal National Park with a mountain guide who has deep connections with the Berber community, or dance through Seville's Feria de Abril , complete with a Sevillana masterclass and a horse-drawn carriage ride. "Uncurated platforms overwhelm travelers with endless, lookalike options, reducing experiences to bare-bones offerings and turning tours into transactions,” says Singh. "Travel agencies inflate prices with opaque, marked-up packages, while layers of intermediaries drive up costs and force weeks of email back-and-forth-only to push generic options from the agent's playbook in the end, instead of the differentiation that travelers crave. At Fernwayer, we cut through the noise with curated, one-of-a-kind experiences, transparent pricing, instant booking, and a commitment to equitable practices." Fernwayer's experiences span arts and crafts, design and architecture, cultural immersion, gastronomy, photography, social impact initiatives, and outdoor adventures. Most experiences are private and limited to two to eight participants, ensuring intimate and meaningful connections. "We've learned that true luxury is about the richness of experience rather than traditional comforts. It isn't defined by 'stars'-not a 5-star hotel, not a first-class flight,” says Jayson. "It's about unrateable moments: being welcomed like a friend in places typically inaccessible to tourists, engaging in heartfelt conversations that reveal new perspectives, or capturing the perfect photo with guidance from a local expert. Travel should be more than just a journey from point A to point B. It should touch the heart, inspire curiosity, create empathy and foster real human connection.” Travelers can now book experiences through the Fernwayer website ( fernwayer.com ) or with a companion mobile app , available for iOS devices, that includes unique planning features such as Travel Goals , Dreamboards for saving favorite experiences, and an itinerary builder called Journeys . About Fernwayer Fernwayer is a marketplace connecting discerning travelers with carefully crafted, authentic, locally-sourced experiences. Founded by entrepreneurs with a vision for sustainable luxury tourism, the company champions travel experiences that enrich both visitors and local communities. The name "Fernwayer," inspired by the German word "fernweh" (an aching for unfamiliar places), reflects the company's commitment to meaningful travel that sustains and enriches destinations for generations to come. Contact Info: Fernwayer fernwayer.com [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ca78885-e562-4225-be1c-1fe34a5b927eAngloGold Ashanti Empowers Youth in Obuasi with Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurship Program

WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday passed a $895 billion measure that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. It passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen Jan. 26, 2020, from the air in Washington. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. People are also reading... 2 Statesville men face murder charges in 2011 shooting death of Joey Brewer Iredell County deputies charge 7 people in drug trafficking investigation 3 men face arson charges in Statesville house fire that severely burned woman Iredell-Statesville Schools OK $3.3 million in stadium upgrades at Lake Norman High School Woman charged with stabbing car dealership employee on test drive in Mooresville Hear the songs, see Santa at Sunday's Statesville Christmas Parade Families prepare for mass deportations: 'A sad and painful time' Get to know Mooresville basketball player Cadence Lane Top vote-getter Houpe: Why am I not chairman of Iredell board of commissioners? Colombia native brings tastes of his homeland to downtown Statesville 4 pounds of marijuana, gun seized by Mooresville police officers Statesville native's book offers clues to 5 hidden treasures Iredell deputies charge Catawba County men with stealing Duke Energy wire H&W Drug, owned by Haupt family for nearly 100 years, closes in Newton McKinnon breaks record, Arnold shows offensive burst in Lake Norman’s hot start Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators had wanted to increase defense spending some $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions within the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., speaks with reporters Nov. 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many non-defense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, have proven effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." Branden Marty, a Navy veteran who served for 13 years, said the loss of health coverage for transgender medical treatments could prompt some with valuable experience to leave the military, affecting national security because "we already struggle from a recruiting and retention standpoint." He also said the bill could regularly force service members into difficult choices financially. "It will be tough for a lot of them because of out-of-pocket expenses, especially enlisted members who we know already struggle with food insecurity," said Marty, the father of a transgender teenager. "They don't get paid very much, so they're going to be making a lot of choices on a day-to-day, tactical level." Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. Overall, 81 Democrats voted for the bill and 124 against it. On the Republican side, 200 voted for the bill and 16 against it. "It's disappointing to see 124 of my Democrat colleagues vote against our brave men and women in uniform over policies that have nothing to do with their intended mission," Johnson, R-La., said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors Rising threats from debt collectors against members of the U.S. armed forces are undermining national security, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal watchdog that protects consumer rights. To manage the impact of financial stress on individual performance, the Defense Department dedicates precious resources to improving financial literacy, so service members know the dangers of notorious no-credit-check loans. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Andrew Cohen, the director of financial readiness in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. But debt collectors are gaining ground. Last quarter, debt collection complaints by U.S. military service members increased 24% , and attempts to collect on “debts not owed” surged 40%. Complaints by service members against debt collectors for deceptive practices ballooned from 1,360 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1,833 in the first quarter of 2024. “There’s a connection between the financial readiness and the readiness of a service member to perform their duty,” said Jim Rice, Assistant Director, Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Laws exist to protect the mission readiness of U.S. troops from being compromised by threats and intimidation, but debt collectors appear to be violating them at an alarming pace. “If they’re threatening to call your commander or get your security clearance revoked, that’s illegal,” says Deborah Olvera, financial readiness manager at Wounded Warriors Project, and a military spouse who’s been harassed herself by a collection agency that tried to extort money from her for a debt she didn’t owe. But after she requested the name of the original creditor, she never heard from them again. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities.” —Andrew Cohen, Director of Financial Readiness at the Pentagon Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it’s illegal for debt collectors to threaten to contact your boss or have you arrested because it violates your financial privacy. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, even for borrowers with bad credit scores. But according to the data, debt collectors are increasingly ignoring those rules. “Debt collection continues to be one of the top consumer complaint categories,” said a spokesperson at the Federal Trade Commission. The commission released a report earlier this year revealing that consumers were scammed $10 billion in 2023, a new benchmark for fraud losses. In his book Debt: The First 5,000 Years, David Graeber argues that debt often creates a relationship that can feel more oppressive than systems of hierarchy, like slavery or caste systems because it starts by presuming equality between the debtor and the creditor. When the debtor falls into arrears, that equality is then destroyed. This sense of betrayal and the subsequent imbalance of power leads to widespread resentment toward lenders. Most Menacing Loan Messengers Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock The debt collector reportedly harassing military service members most was Resurgent Capital Services, a subsidiary of collection giant Sherman Financial Group. The company tacks on accrued interest and junk fees and tries to collect on debts purchased for pennies on the dollar from cable companies, hospitals, and credit card companies, among others. Sherman Financial Group is run by billionaire Benjamin Navarro, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Sherman Financial also owns subprime lender Credit One Bank and LVNV Funding, which outsource collections to Resurgent Capital. According to CFPB data, the second worst offender is CL Holdings, the parent company of debt-buyer Jefferson Capital Systems. The company has also been named in numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau for alleged violations of the FDCPA, such as failing to properly validate debts or update credit reports with accurate information. Under the leadership of CEO David Burton, Jefferson Capital Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CompuCredit Corporation, which markets subprime credit cards under the names Aspire, Majestic, and others. The third most referenced debt collector is publicly traded Portfolio Recovery Associates [NASDAQ: PRAA], which was forced to pay $27 million in penalties for making false representations about debts, initiating lawsuits without proper documentation, and other violations. Portfolio Recovery Associates is run by CEO Vikram Atal. Fourth place for alleged worst offender goes to Encore Capital Group [NASDAQ ECPG], which was required to pay $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Encore collects under its subsidiary Midland Credit Management Group. These debt collectors all operate under a veritable shell game of company and brand names, almost none of which are disclosed on their websites, sending consumers on a wild goose chase to try and figure out how they’re related to each other. But despite their attempts to hide their tracks behind a smoke screen of subsidiaries, a leopard can’t change its spots, and the CFPB complaint database makes it harder for them to try. Loan Harassment Hotspots Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock Although widely considered a consumer-friendly state, complaints spiked most in California, which saw a 188% increase in complaints filed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. California is home to 157,367 military personnel, making it the most populous state for active-duty service members. The second-largest increase in debt collection complaints was in Texas, which saw a 66% jump from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense reports 111,005 service members stationed in the Lone Star State, which is the third-most populous state for active-duty military. The rising trends do not correlate to the number of military personnel by state. Complaints against debt collectors in Virginia, the second most populous state with 126,145 active duty personnel, decreased by 29% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. And complaints filed quarter-over-quarter in North Carolina, the fifth most populous state with 91,077 military personnel, decreased by 3% in the same period. The third largest percentage increase in debt collection complaints was from service members stationed in Maryland, where alleged harassment reports jumped 112% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Maryland ranks number 12 with just 28,059 active duty service members. Fourth place goes to Ohio – the 28th most populous active-duty state – where complaints doubled, followed by Arizona – the 15th most populous military state – where complaints were up 70% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. Billionaire Bets on Bad Credit Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock In 2007, Congress passed the Military Lending Act to cap the cost of credit to a 36% annual percentage rate, inclusive of junk fees and late charges, for active duty military service members. That rate is still considerably higher than average credit card rates, which range from 8% for borrowers with excellent credit scores to as high as 36% for borrowers with bad credit. But lenders still get hauled into court for violating the MLA. Don Hankey, the billionaire subprime auto lender who funded Donald Trump’s $175 million appeal bond , is among those violators. His company, Westlake Financial, which markets high-interest car loans for bad credit, has been sued twice by the Department of Justice for harassing military service members. In 2017, the DoJ alleged Hankey’s Westlake Financial illegally repossessed at least 70 vehicles owned by military service members. Westlake Financial paid $700,000 to settle the charges. In 2022, Westlake Financial paid $250,000 for allegedly cheating U.S. troops out of interest rates they were legally entitled to. Westlake Financial continues to receive complaints from military service members alleging abusive debt collection practices on its no-credit-check loans. A steady year-over-year increase in the number of complaints filed against Westlake Financial continued from 2020 to 2023. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data shows a 13% increase in the number of complaints against the company from 2020 to 2021, a 28% increase from 2021 to 2022, and a torrential 119% surge from 2022 to 2023. The numbers suggest systemic complaint-handling processes and inadequate customer service resources. Lenders Try to Shutter CFPB Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk / Shutterstock On May 16, 2024, a deceptively named predatory lending industry front group dubbed the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) lost a legal attempt to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In an effort to deprive Americans of essential consumer protections, the lobby group argued that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure was unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court denied its claim. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure is indeed constitutional. That means the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot be defunded, but it does not mean the agency cannot be defanged. The New York Times suggested that Hankey’s incentive to finance Trump’s $175 million bond could have been a reciprocity pledge to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, he could replace Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra, an American consumer advocate, with a predatory lending advocate. In 2020, the Trump Administration secured a Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for the president to fire the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling struck down previous restrictions on when a president can fire the bureau’s director. Like other federal agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also been confronted for overstepping its bounds, pushing too far, and acting unfairly against entities it regulates. Holidays, Interest Rates Not to Blame Photo Credit: Lux Blue / Shutterstock Seasonality and rising interest rates do not explain the increase in debt collection complaints from service members. The surge in complaints is not tied to predictable seasonal fluctuations or changes in interest rates. The increase in debt collection complaints by service members may point to underlying systemic issues, such as aggressive and predatory debt collection practices that exploit the unique financial vulnerabilities of service members, who face frequent relocations and deployments. Debt Complaints by Service Members From Q1 2021 to Q4 2022 Up 4% From Q4 2022 to Q1 2023 Up 6% From Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 Up 24% The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates From 3.08% in Q4 2021 to 3.82% in Q1 2022 From 6.66% in Q4 2022 to 6.37% in Q1 2023 From 7.30% in Q1 2023 to 6.75% in Q4 2024 Pandemic stimulus checks were also not a factor. COVID-19 relief benefit checks went through three major rounds during the pandemic. The final round of Economic Impact Payments went out in March 2021 . To better understand the rising trend of debt collection complaints, we calculated the increase in the total number of complaints and the percentage increase quarter-over-quarter. For example, New Jersey has the second largest percentage increase in complaints quarter-over-quarter, but the total number of complaints increased by just 16. Methodology The data for this study was sourced from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint database. The dataset specifically targeted complaints filed by U.S. military service members, identified using the tag “Servicemember” within Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Readers can find the detailed research methodology underlying this news story in the accompanying section here . For complete results, see U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors on BadCredit.org . Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Homelessness reached record levels in 2023, as rents and home prices continued to rise in most of the U.S. One group was particularly impacted: people who have served in the U.S. military. "This time last year, we knew the nation was facing a deadly public health crisis," Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement about the 2023 numbers. He said the latest homelessness estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development "confirms the depth of the crisis." At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—when the organization began collecting data—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero. Although they make up just 6.6% of the total homeless population, veterans are more likely to be at risk of homelessness than Americans overall. Of every 10,000 Americans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Of veterans living in the United States, that number jumps to 22, HUD data shows. Complicated by bureaucracy, family dynamics, and prejudice, the path from serving in the military to homelessness is a long one. According to a 2022 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers, homelessness typically occurs within four years of leaving the military, as veterans must contend with the harsh reality of finding a job in a world where employers struggle to see how skills on the battlefield transfer to a corporate environment. These days, veterans also deal with historically high rent and home prices, which causes many to rely on family generosity while figuring out a game plan. Stacker examined academic studies, analyzed government data, and spoke with members of the Biden administration, experts, and former members of the armed forces to see the struggles members of the military face when leaving the armed forces. Veterans struggle to find a path forward The Department of Veterans Affairs offers transition assistance to the roughly 250,000 service members who leave each year. However, those programs can be burdensome and complex to navigate, especially for those who don't have a plan for post-military life. Only a small portion of veterans have jobs lined up when they leave, according to 2019 Pew Research. Many also choose to live with relatives until they get on their feet, which can be longer than anticipated. Some former service members are unsure what kind of career they'd like to pursue and may have to get further education or training, Carl Castro, director of the Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told Stacker. "It takes years for that kind of transition," Castro said. Many have trouble finding a job after leaving the service, even if they are qualified. Some employers carry misconceptions about those who have served. A 2020 analysis from the journal Human Resource Management Review found that some veterans face hiring discrimination due to negative stereotypes that lead hiring managers to write them off as a poor culture fit. Underemployment, or working low-wage jobs below their skill level, is also an issue. While the unemployment rate for veterans was 3% in March 2024, a study released by Penn State at the end of 2023 found three years after leaving the service, 61% of veterans said they were underemployed because of perceived skill mismatches . This phenomenon can have long-term economic effects, and eventually, that frustration can boil over, strain relationships, and potentially lead to housing instability. Working, especially a low-wage job, is not protection against homelessness. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found half of people living in homeless shelters and 2 in 5 unsheltered people were employed, full or part-time. Vets with mental health issues most at risk for homelessness For veterans, housing costs certainly play a role, but those who leave the military also face systemic barriers. "It's worrying there are people that continue to fall through the cracks," said Jeanette Yih Harvie, a research associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Just under a quarter of adults experiencing homelessness have a severe mental illness , according to 2022 HUD survey data. They are also likely to have chronic illnesses but are unable to maintain preventative care, which only exacerbates these problems. Veterans facing homelessness are more likely to have experienced trauma , either before or after joining the military, according to Yale researchers who analyzed the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Childhood trauma was among the most significant commonalities among vets who become homeless. Substance use disorder is also widespread and can indicate an undiagnosed mental illness . Racial and ethnic disparities are at play, too. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that Hispanic and Black veterans were more likely to screen positive for PTSD, and Hispanic veterans were more likely to report having suicidal ideation. Overall, access to mental health care has improved in the last decade or so. In December 2023, the VA announced it would open nine additional counseling centers. However, the stigma of getting help remains, especially after years of being conditioned to be self-reliant and pull oneself up by their bootstraps. That help, in the form of public policy, is slowly working to catch up to the need. In 2023, the Biden administration invested millions into research programs and studies on suicide prevention by the VA office in addition to a proposed $16 billion to improve quality and lower-cost mental health care services for veterans. And, in February of this year, HUD and the VA announced they would give up to $14 million in vouchers to public housing agencies for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program would also offer case management and other services. Still, with a culture that pushes people to keep going, it can be challenging for servicemembers to take advantage of these opportunities, Harvie said. "When you've been doing that for the last 15 or 20 years, it's difficult to stop and say, 'I'm the person that needs help.'" Story editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. 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There’s no better time or opportunity to show how much better they are than this Sunday. That’s when the Bills (10-3) travel to play the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (12-1), who just happen to lead the NFL in scoring and feature the same dynamic style of offense as the Rams. “I think our mindset is just going to be attack,” Johnson said after practice Wednesday. “We can’t wait to play Sunday just to prove people wrong and prove to ourselves that how we played wasn’t who we are.” The Bills acknowledge having several excuses to lean on for why they unraveled in a 44-42 loss — riding a little too high after a division-clinching win, a cross-country trip and facing a more driven opponent in the thick of a playoff race. What’s unacceptable is the hesitancy their usually reliable defensive backs showed in coverage and the lack of pressure applied by their defensive front. The bright side is the substandard performance potentially serving as a late-season reminder of this not being the time to let their foot off the gas. “A lot of teams have scars on their way to having a darn good season. And we’re having a darn good season,” coach Sean McDermott said. “So what has to be in front of us this week is the opportunity that’s in front of us, quite frankly, to challenge that team,” he added, referring to Detroit. “You better bring your heart, you better bring your guts, you better put it on the line.” With a little bit of added fire, the Bills are going back to the basics on defense following an outing in which very little went right. The defense was off-balance from the start in being unable to stop the run, before eventually being picked apart in the passing game while allowing the Rams to score on each of their first six drives (not including a kneel-down to close the first half) in building a 38-21 lead. The most frustrating part was Buffalo’s inability to get off the field while allowing the Rams to convert 11 of 15 third-down chances. LA’s 73.3% third-down conversion rate was the third highest against Buffalo — and worst since Miami converted 75% of its chances in 1986 — since the stat was introduced to NFL gamebooks in 1973. “The recipe to lose a football game is what we did (Sunday) and it starts with me, first and foremost,” defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said Monday. “Move on and let it not happen again. Let it be a learning lesson. Failure is the best teacher.” The challenge is preparing for an exceptionally balanced Lions offense that ranks fourth in the NFL in both rushing and passing, and averaging 32.1 points per outing. The objective, McDermott said, is to not overcorrect but stick to the fundamentals that led to Buffalo winning seven straight before losing to Los Angeles. He placed an emphasis on winning at the line of scrimmage and forcing takeaways, something Buffalo failed to do last weekend for the first time this season. A little more urgency, would help, too. “It is a mentality. It is an attitude, and if you want to play good defense, that’s where it starts,” McDermott said. “There’s not a lot of shortcuts or ways around it. It’s got to be a mentality.” The message resonated even on offense, where quarterback Josh Allen nearly rallied the Bills to victory while becoming the NFL’s first player to throw three touchdown passes and rush for three more scores. “It was a case of you saw a team that’s fighting for their lives to try to make the playoffs in the Los Angeles Rams, and they came out ready to play. And maybe we didn’t have that type of urgency,” Allen said. “It forces us to know that we’ve got to be better. We know that.” LB Baylon Spector (calf) and DE Dawuane Smoot (wrist) returned to practice Wednesday, opening their 21-day windows to be activated off IR. ... Starting CB Rasul Douglas did not practice and could miss time after hurting his knee on Sunday. ... Buffalo has until this weekend to determine whether to activate OL Tylan Grable (groin) off IR.