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7bet kazino DANIA BEACH, Florida (AP) — Border Patrol agents are tasked with enforcing hotly contested immigration policies as many Americans at both ends of the political spectrum look askance at the border — and the agents. That's taking a mounting toll, so the agency is training more among its ranks to become chaplains and provide spiritual care for their fellow agents on and off the job. “That’s a really hard thing to deal with, as things tend to flip from one side to the other, and we’re still in the crossfire,” said Border Patrol assistant chief and chaplaincy program manager Spencer Hatch. Unlike the police or military, which recruit faith leaders to serve as chaplains, the Border Patrol trains mostly lay agents endorsed by their faith denominations to become chaplains through a 2.5 week academy. Their numbers have grown to about 240 from 130 four years ago. Three times a year, an academy is held at a different Border Patrol station. About a dozen Border Patrol personnel, plus a few Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management officers, graduated from the most recent academy, held near Miami earlier this month. The program, and a nonreligious, mental-health focused peer support program, were started by grassroots efforts in the 1990s. Chaplains stay in their regular jobs, but are on call to assist. Border Patrol agents say they're motivated by the desire to protect U.S. borders from security threats, including the powerful cartels that control much of the border dynamics. They also often rescue migrants lost and dying in the harsh deserts that line the southern U.S. border. But many agents feel the American public sees them as obstacles to migrants seeking a better life in the United States. They often tell their children to say their parent does “government work” for fear of reprisals, especially in the border communities where they live. That dissonance between upholding a duty they feel proud of, and getting called “terrible names” for it, adds an emotional toll to the already dangerous, often isolating work the agents do. That's where the chaplains come in — to help their fellow 20,000 agents cope and prevent the trauma from degenerating into family crises, addiction or even suicide. While most chaplains are Christian, with a smattering of Muslim and Jewish agents, they don’t offer faith-specific worship and only bring up religion if the person they’re helping does first. Rather, they are a comforting presence during critical moments like assisting a suicidal colleague, notifying a family their loved one was killed on the job, and counseling those dealing with addiction, survivor guilt and other traumas. Those are the scenarios that chaplains-in-training practice role-playing at the academy. They also learn about communication and family dynamics, because constant redeployments — some up to 9 times over 18 months during the record border crossings early in the Biden administration — affect their families too. Hatch teaches about the need to maintain both the “hypervigilance” of law enforcement and the humanitarian instinct to empathize with fellow agents as well as migrants. Many agents say they are especially affected by the plight of migrant children at the hands of smugglers. “One tries to give them support within the limits of what your work allows. I always have the biggest smile,” said a newly minted chaplain, Yaira Santiago, a former schoolteacher who runs a Border Patrol migrant processing center in Southern California. By relying on their faith, their commitment to help their colleagues, and their training, chaplains can make a difference. "Even in moments of uncertainty, your presence is often enough,” said Matt Kiniery, an agent in El Paso, Texas, for 15 years and a graduate of the latest chaplain academy. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.The best snowboard bindings to raise your game on the slopes

Steel Seed - Official The Last Log Trailer | PC Gameing Show: Most Wanted Check out this thrilling new trailer which teases more story threads as well as showcasing new combat, enemies, and immersive sci-fi locations that protagonist Zoe and her flying drone companion, KOBY, will encounter on their perilous journey to uncover the dark secrets hidden deep within the hostile facility.Steel Seed will launch on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.NAIA Playoffs: Hough's hat trick, Wall's house call lifts Mustangs to shutout win

The wave of enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) continues to elevate the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks to remarkable highs. Companies like Tesla, Apple, and Nvidia have seen their shares skyrocket, with Nvidia alone experiencing a staggering 175% increase this year. Looking into 2025, anticipation grows that the AI fervor will seep into diverse sectors, from utilities to software, as these industries become beneficiaries of Big Tech’s AI focus. Projected Market Trends Analysts have shared optimistic forecasts for the S&P 500, with expectations of reaching new heights by 2025. Goldman Sachs’ chief U.S. equity strategist predicts a benchmark of 6,500, driven by emerging growth across the tech-centric market. Although growth in large-cap stocks might decelerate, other sectors within the S&P 500 are poised for significant earnings escalation due to AI-powered advancements. Power of AI Investments AI’s transformative influence is evident as tech giants, including Microsoft and Meta, boost their capital expenditures, channeling billions into technological infrastructure. The potential energy demands of AI technologies place utility companies in focus, driving their market value by over 20% in 2024. This includes firms involved in constructing the necessary backbone to support AI’s power-hungry demands. Navigating the AI Phases Investment in AI infrastructure is transitioning, with experts highlighting new arenas of opportunity. Stocks related to AI enabling technologies, such as Visa and Adobe, are beginning to experience investor interest. Rather than merely focusing on companies producing AI hardware, the spotlight is shifting to those that harness AI for increasing sales, preparing them to thrive in the burgeoning digital landscape. Investors are advised to monitor these trends, recognizing where AI adoption could drive significant revenue growth in the near future. AI-Driven Investment Trends: The New Gold Rush As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine industries, its impact on technology stocks and the wider market is gaining attention. The massive surge in “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks is emblematic of the AI tide that’s lifting market values. With Nvidia shares soaring 175% this year, projections for 2025 suggest the AI revolution will span sectors from utilities to software. Here’s an analytical dive into the evolving landscape of AI investments and market trends, along with an exploration of new opportunities for investors. Emerging AI Market Trends The anticipation of AI’s market penetration is shaping forecasts within the S&P 500 index, with analysts predicting significant benchmarks by 2025. Goldman Sachs anticipates the S&P 500 hitting a 6,500 mark, fueled by technological growth spurred by AI integration. Though there might be a slowdown in large-cap stock growth, the sectors within the S&P 500 not traditionally associated with tech are expected to see substantial earnings enhancements due to AI. Investment Shifts in AI The significant investments by tech giants like Microsoft and Meta showcase AI’s transformative promise. Billions of dollars are being invested in enhancing technological infrastructure, which is placing a spotlight on utility companies. These entities are seeing a projected market value increase of over 20% by 2024, largely because of their critical role in building the infrastructure required for AI’s energy needs. Expanding AI Horizons The investment focus is evolving beyond traditional AI hardware producers. Companies such as Visa and Adobe are drawing investor interest by utilizing AI to boost their sales operations. With AI enabling technology becoming more prominent, companies that adapt AI strategically for commercial leverage are positioned to flourish in the digital realm. Strategic Considerations for Investors Investors are well-advised to track these ongoing trends closely, identifying where AI adoption can drive future revenue increases. The focus is shifting towards companies leveraging AI to enhance sales and operational efficiency rather than relying solely on hardware innovation. Future Predictions and Considerations Looking forward, it is crucial for investors and industry stakeholders to understand both the opportunities and limitations of adopting AI technologies. As sectors ranging from utilities to software integrate AI, the strategic allocation of resources towards infrastructure and capability development will be critical. Navigating these phases will determine which businesses capitalize on AI’s potential while avoiding pitfalls. As these transformative shifts occur, staying informed about AI-driven market dynamics and making calculated investment decisions can yield significant returns. For more insights into the broader industry trends and economic forecasts, you can explore perspectives from leading financial entities like Goldman Sachs and other financial authorities.Sofia Richie Grainge Launched an Amazon Kidswear Collection—And Everything Is Under $40

STANFORD, Calif. — Andrew Luck is returning to Stanford in hopes of turning around a struggling football program that he once helped become a national power. Athletic director Bernard Muir announced Saturday that Luck has been hired as the general manager of the Stanford football team, tasked with overseeing all aspects of the program that just finished a 3-9 season under coach Troy Taylor. “I am a product of this university, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck said. “I believe deeply in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to help drive our program back to the top. Coach Taylor has the team pointed in the right direction, and I cannot wait to work with him, the staff, and the best, brightest, and toughest football players in the world.” Luck has kept a low profile since his surprise retirement from the NFL at age 29 when he announced in August 2019 that he was leaving the Indianapolis Colts and pro football. Cardinal alum Andrew Luck, left, watches a Feb. 2 game between Stanford and Southern California on Feb. 2 in Stanford, Calif. In his new role, Luck will work with Taylor on recruiting and roster management, and with athletic department and university leadership on fundraising, alumni relations, sponsorships, student-athlete support and stadium experience. “Andrew’s credentials as a student-athlete speak for themselves, and in addition to his legacy of excellence, he also brings a deep understanding of the college football landscape and community, and an unparalleled passion for Stanford football,” Muir said. “I could not think of a person better qualified to guide our football program through a continuously evolving landscape, and I am thrilled that Andrew has agreed to join our team. This change represents a very different way of operating our program and competing in an evolving college football landscape.” Luck was one of the players who helped elevate Stanford into a West Coast powerhouse for several years. He helped end a seven-year bowl drought in his first season as starting quarterback in 2009 under coach Jim Harbaugh and led the Cardinal to back-to-back BCS bowl berths his final two seasons, when he was the Heisman Trophy runner-up both seasons. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck throws a pass during the first quarter of a Nov. 27, 2010 game against Oregon State in Stanford, Calif. That was part of a seven-year stretch in which Stanford posted the fourth-best record in the nation at 76-18 and qualified for five BCS bowl berths under Harbaugh and David Shaw. But the Cardinal have struggled for success in recent years and haven't won more than four games in a season since 2018. Stanford just finished its fourth straight 3-9 campaign in Taylor's second season since replacing Shaw. The Cardinal are the only power conference team to lose at least nine games in each of the past four seasons. Luck graduated from Stanford with a bachelor’s degree in architectural design and returned after retiring from the NFL to get his master’s degree in education in 2023. He was picked No. 1 overall by Indianapolis in the 2012 draft and made four Pro Bowls and was AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2018 in his brief but successful NFL career. Before the 2023 National Football League season started, it seemed inevitable that Bill Belichick would end his career as the winningest head coach in league history. He had won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and 298 regular-season games, plus 31 playoff games, across his career. Then the 2023 season happened. Belichick's Patriots finished 4-13, the franchise's worst record since 1992. At the end of the year, Belichick and New England owner Robert Kraft agreed to part ways. And now, during the 2024 season, Belichick is on the sideline. He's 26 wins from the #1 spot, a mark he'd reach in little more than two seasons if he maintained his .647 career winning percentage. Will he ascend the summit? It's hard to tell. Belichick would be 73 if he graced the sidelines next season—meaning he'd need to coach until at least 75 to break the all-time mark. Only one other NFL coach has ever helmed a team at age 73: Romeo Crennel in 2020 for the Houston Texans. With Belichick's pursuit of history stalled, it's worth glancing at the legends who have reached the pinnacle of coaching success. Who else stands among the 10 winningest coaches in NFL history? Stacker ranked the coaches with the most all-time regular-season wins using data from Pro Football Reference . These coaches have combined for 36 league championships, which represents 31.6% of all championships won throughout the history of pro football. To learn who made the list, keep reading. You may also like: Ranking the biggest NFL Draft busts of the last 30 years - Seasons coached: 21 - Years active: 1984-98, 2001-06 - Record: 200-126-1 - Winning percentage: .613 - Championships: 0 As head coach of Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego, Marty Schottenheimer proved a successful leader during the regular season. Notably, he was named Coach of the Year after turning around his 4-12 Chargers team to a 12-4 record in 2004. His teams, however, struggled during the playoffs. Schottheimer went 5-13 in the postseason, and he never made it past the conference championship round. As such, the Pennsylvania-born skipper is the winningest NFL coach never to win a league championship. - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1921-53 - Record: 226-132-22 - Winning percentage: .631 - Championships: 6 An early stalwart of the NFL, Curly Lambeau spent 29 years helming the Green Bay Packers before wrapping up his coaching career with two-year stints with the Chicago Cardinals and Washington. His Packers won titles across three decades, including the league's first three-peat from 1929-31. Notably, he experienced only one losing season during his first 27 years with Green Bay, cementing his legacy of consistent success. Born in Green Bay, Lambeau co-founded the Packers and played halfback on the team from 1919-29. He was elected to the Hall of Fame as a coach and owner in 1963, two years before his death. You may also like: Countries with the most active NFL players - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1991-95, 2000-23 - Record: 302-165 - Winning percentage: .647 - Championships: 6 The most successful head coach of the 21st century, Bill Belichick first coached the Cleveland Browns before taking over the New England Patriots in 2000. With the Pats, Belichick combined with quarterback Tom Brady to win six Super Bowls in 18 years. Belichick and New England split after last season when the Patriots went 4-13—the worst record of Belichick's career. His name has swirled around potential coaching openings , but nothing has come of it. Belichick has remained in the media spotlight with his regular slot on the "Monday Night Football" ManningCast. - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1963-95 - Record: 328-156-6 - Winning percentage: .677 - Championships: 2 The winningest head coach in NFL history is Don Shula, who first coached the Baltimore Colts (losing Super Bowl III to Joe Namath and the New York Jets) for seven years before leading the Miami Dolphins for 26 seasons. With the Fins, Shula won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, a run that included a 17-0 season—the only perfect campaign in NFL history. He also coached quarterback great Dan Marino in the 1980s and '90s, but the pair made it to a Super Bowl just once. Shula was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. You may also like: The 5 biggest upsets of the 2023-24 NFL regular season - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1981-2003 - Record: 190-165-2 - Winning percentage: .535 - Championships: 0 Dan Reeves reached the Super Bowl four times—thrice with the Denver Broncos and once with the Atlanta Falcons—but never won the NFL's crown jewel. Still, he racked up nearly 200 wins across his 23-year career, including a stint in charge of the New York Giants, with whom he won Coach of the Year in 1993. In all his tenures, he quickly built contenders—the three clubs he coached were a combined 17-31 the year before Reeves joined and 28-20 in his first year. However, his career ended on a sour note as he was fired from a 3-10 Falcons team after Week 14 in 2003. - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1969-91 - Record: 193-148-1 - Winning percentage: .566 - Championships: 4 Chuck Noll's Pittsburgh Steelers were synonymous with success in the 1970s. Behind his defense, known as the Steel Curtain, and offensive stars, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Lynn Swann, Noll led the squad to four Super Bowl victories from 1974 to 1979. Noll's Steelers remain the lone team to win four Super Bowls in six years, though Andy Reid and Kansas City could equal that mark if they win the Lombardi Trophy this season. Noll was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, two years after retiring. His legacy of coaching success has carried on in Pittsburgh—the club has had only two coaches (Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin) since Noll retired. - Seasons coached: 25 - Years active: 1946-62, '68-75 - Record: 213-104-9 - Winning percentage: .672 - Championships: 7 The only coach on this list to pilot a college team, Paul Brown, reached the pro ranks after a three-year stint at Ohio State and two years with the Navy during World War II. He guided the Cleveland Browns—named after Brown, their first coach—to four straight titles in the fledgling All-America Football Conference. After the league folded, the ballclub moved to the NFL in 1950, and Cleveland continued its winning ways, with Brown leading the team to championships in '50, '54, and '55. He was fired in 1963 but returned in 1968 as the co-founder and coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. His other notable accomplishments include helping to invent the face mask and breaking pro football's color barrier . - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1960-88 - Record: 250-162-6 - Winning percentage: .607 - Championships: 2 The first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry held the position for his entire 29-year tenure as an NFL coach. The Cowboys were especially dominant in the 1970s when they made five Super Bowls and won the big game twice. Landry was known for coaching strong all-around squads and a unit that earned the nickname the "Doomsday Defense." Between 1966 and 1985, Landry and his Cowboys enjoyed 20 straight seasons with a winning record. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990. - Seasons coached: 26 - Years active: 1999-present - Record: 267-145-1 - Winning percentage: .648 - Championships: 3 The only active coach in the top 10, Andy Reid has posted successful runs with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City. After reaching the Super Bowl once in 14 years with the Eagles, Reid ratcheted things up with K.C., winning three titles since 2019. As back-to-back defending champions, Reid and Co. are looking this season to become the first franchise to three-peat in the Super Bowl era and the third to do so in NFL history after the Packers of 1929-31 and '65-67. Time will tell if Reid and his offensive wizardry can lead Kansas City to that feat. - Seasons coached: 40 - Years active: 1920-29, '33-42, '46-55, '58-67 - Record: 318-148-31 - Winning percentage: .682 - Championships: 6 George Halas was the founder and longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and coached the team across four separate stints. Nicknamed "Papa Bear," he built the ballclub into one of the NFL's premier franchises behind players such as Bronko Nagurski and Sid Luckman. Halas also played for the team, competing as a player-coach in the 1920s. The first coach to study opponents via game film, he was once a baseball player and even made 12 appearances as a member of the New York Yankees in 1919. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963 as both a coach and owner. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Ohio State, Michigan players involved in postgame scuffleSan Francisco Federal Building Renamed in Honor of Speaker Nancy Pelosi Amidst Mixed Reception

Public support has been key for Canada Post workers as they halted mail delivery across the country, but maintaining that support had been getting harder as the strike dragged on, experts say. “As strikes wear on, they become more difficult to sustain, and if the public is not rallying behind you, it can be demoralizing for the union,” said Brock University labour professor Larry Savage. More than 55,000 postal workers have been off the job in a strike that has lasted more than four weeks. However, an end may be in sight. With the two sides seemingly still far apart, federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said on Friday that he's asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to look into whether a negotiated deal is possible before the end of the year. If the board decides it's not possible, MacKinnon is asking that it order workers back on the job and extend the terms of the current collective agreements until May 22, 2025. In the meantime, a commission would examine the dispute and provide recommendations on how new deals can be reached. Canadian Union of Postal Workers negotiator Jim Gallant says on the picket lines, Canada Post workers have been getting the support they need — plus coffee, doughnuts, fried chicken, knitted hats and socks, and even turkeys from citizens. But Savage said he feels overall public opinion has been mixed so far on the strike. “It’s not clear to me that either party is winning the war of public opinion,” he said. “(It) seems like a good chunk of people seem to not care about the strike, but those who do seem evenly split between Canada Post and the union. And I think lots of people are just frustrated and surprised that the strike has lasted this long.” That divide was reflected in a recent Angus Reid poll, though it was conducted during the third week of the work stoppage. The survey of just over 3,000 Canadians found 34 per cent sided with Canada Post and its demands, while 29 per cent stood with the union. The rest were unsure, or didn't support either side. Social media posts reflect the mixed opinions, with some people expressing frustration with the disruption and others proclaiming their support for striking postal workers. Adam King, an assistant professor in the labour studies department at the University of Manitoba, said online discourse doesn’t tell the whole story. “It takes very little effort to post a comment on a story, but it takes much more to show up to a picket line,” he said. On the picket lines King has seen in Winnipeg, “CUPW has received lots of support,” he said, from the labour movement and the public. King and Savage said there’s been a broader trend of higher public support for striking workers in recent years. “The fact that Canada Post isn't a profit-making, billionaire-owned company complicates it a little bit, because it's easier to go after a grocery baron, for example, than Canada Post,” said Savage. But both said even for the public sector, which Canadians historically have had less support for amid labour disputes, the public has been surprisingly onside over the past couple of years. “I think the public has been generally very understanding and receptive of workers' demands coming out of the pandemic,” said King. “I think there was a level of understanding that maybe wasn't there in previous years, that people really do understand that people are in a crunch, union members are in a cost of living squeeze, and they're sympathetic to their demands.” As the Canada Post strike dragged on, "I think there might be maybe some shifts in public opinion, and it might be harder to maintain, especially as the Christmas season approaches,” said King. But for the most part, “I would fit this strike into that longer pattern" of stronger support for striking workers, he said. Gallant said as the strike continued, there has been a lot of pressure on both sides to reach a deal. “We don't want to be the people that ruin Christmas,” he said. Business associations had called for government intervention, saying the strike was harming business owners during the key holiday season. The day the strike started, Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke posted on X that Canada Post is an essential service and shouldn’t be allowed to go on strike. But strikes are meant to disrupt “business as usual,” Savage pointed out — the anger of customers and business owners is intended to pressure employers to reach a deal. However, strikes “also risk alienating the public,” added Savage. “The trick is for the union to align its demands with the interests of the public. And that is like ... walking a tightrope,” said Savage. Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, said public support is important for workers during strikes because it not only boosts morale on the picket line, it puts pressure on the employer to come to the table. "I mean, they are really stuck, but there's pressure all the way around. There's pressure on the employer, and there's pressure on the union as well," she said. When a strike goes on for multiple weeks, "it's harder to see the end of the road," said Bruske. Groups within the labour movement like the Canadian Labour Congress try to keep the momentum going through social media, email campaigns and speaking to the media, she said. "Making sure that you maintain that momentum and that public support for the issue is critically important." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Rosa Saba, The Canadian PressArticle content The Edmonton Police Commission recently produced some political pyrotechnics. John McDougall wanted to continue to chair the commission until the end of December 2024, and remain a member until the end of his term in 2026. None of that would be an issue except that he also planned to relocate to Portugal and engage remotely with the oversight process of a half-a-billion-dollar organization in Edmonton. Public criticism was swift and acerbic. The bureaucratic football between Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis and McDougall provided an interesting subplot. Ellis appeared to want to support McDougall, who was a provincial government appointee, but quickly realized it was a difficult situation. This matter speaks to broader societal concerns about the post-COVID-19 work environment and the suitability of working remotely in certain sensitive sectors of the economy. Following strong public criticism, McDougall noted that it was “clear that my residency would be an unwelcome distraction from the important work of the commission, which is not fair to the citizens who rely on us to provide governance and oversight of the Edmonton Police Service.” McDougall reached the only reasonable and respectable conclusion but only after near-unanimous public denunciation. He also stated that he was “truly honoured to have improved policing in Edmonton.” The notion of having “improved” policing in Edmonton is quite debatable, to put it diplomatically. For example, the Canadian Press maintains a database of police shootings. A December 2023 article by Kelly Geraldine Malone reports that “Alberta saw 21 police shootings — a rate of 0.45 per 100,000 people — marking a 90-per-cent increase from 2020, when there were 11.” By contrast, Ontario had 28 police shootings or 0.18 per 100,000 people. In the same period, Quebec had nine police shootings. These numbers are relevant because three major services, the Edmonton police, Calgary police and RCMP, were responsible for most of the shootings in Alberta. Available evidence indicates that between 2000 and 2022, the Edmonton Police Service recorded the “second-most police-involved deaths among municipal forces in Canada” with 39 deaths. Only the Toronto Police Service with 65 deaths of civilians had a higher number per a report by CBC’s Taylor Lambert . McDougall’s exit provides an opportunity to hit the reset button on the commission. I have previously written about McDougall’s seeming defensiveness on policing and its oversight. His February 2022 op-ed in the Edmonton Journal purportedly rationalizing the actions of the police regarding the freedom convoy protests was ill-advised and made mockery of the idea of independent civilian oversight of police. I wrote a Journal column in response to McDougall’s piece that “an oversight agency cannot and must not serve as an appendage or mouthpiece of the police.” To be clear, the work of a police commission is unlike the task of a corporate board. It is a first-rate error to assume a police commission ought to function like a corporate board. At the risk of excessive emphasis, an oversight agency cannot be buddies with the police. They do not have to be adversarial but there is a productive tension built into that relationship. This is not an issue centred on McDougall. It is about having institutions perform the mission for which they were established. For instance, the minister does have to exercise restraint in how he appoints members to the commission. The Police Act empowers him. However, because something is lawful does not mean it is expedient. Such appointments arguably seem to check every effort by council to ensure that the commission performs its oversight function. I do not believe Ellis’ intention is to prevent accountability but he has to be more careful about the signals he is sending and the degree of independence of appointees. There are extremely important issues before the commission. The appointment of a new police chief, ballooning police budget at a period of cuts to several social services and fine-tuning policy, such as residency, among others, are key areas requiring urgent attention. The commission requires independent-minded, fair and objective citizens who will ask tough questions, hold the police accountable and do so in a way that shows respect to the service and its dedicated officers. Temitope Oriola is professor of criminology at the University of Alberta and recipient of the Gerald L. Gall Human Rights Award. ‘X’: @topeoriola

By DEVNA BOSE and JOHN SEEWER “Wanted” posters with the names and faces of health care executives have been popping up on the streets of New York. Hit lists with images of bullets are circulating online with warnings that industry leaders should be afraid. Related Articles National News | Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge National News | Unidentified drones spotted flying at locations across NYC, including LaGuardia Airport National News | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? National News | Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 publicly admits she lied National News | Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases The apparent targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the menacing threats that followed have sent a shudder through corporate America and the health care industry in particular, leading to increased security for executives and some workers. In the week since the brazen shooting , health insurers have removed information about their top executives from company websites, canceled in-person meetings with shareholders and advised all employees to work from home temporarily. An internal New York Police Department bulletin warned this week that the online vitriol that followed the shooting could signal an immediate “elevated threat.” Police fear that the Dec. 4 shooting could “inspire a variety of extremists and grievance-driven malicious actors to violence,” according to the bulletin, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “Wanted” posters pasted to parking meters and construction site fences in Manhattan included photos of health care executives and the words “Deny, defend, depose” — similar to a phrase scrawled on bullets found near Thompson’s body and echoing those used by insurance industry critics . Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC News last week that he told her some people had been threatening him and suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Investigators believe the shooting suspect, Luigi Mangione , may have been motivated by hostility toward health insurers. They are studying his writings about a previous back injury, and his disdain for corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Mangione’s lawyer has cautioned against prejudging the case. Mangione, 26, has remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday . Manhattan prosecutors are working to bring him to New York to face a murder charge. UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said this week it was working with law enforcement to ensure a safe work environment and to reinforce security guidelines and building access policies, a spokesperson said. The company has taken down photos, names and biographies for its top executives from its websites, a spokesperson said. Other organizations, including CVS, the parent company for insurance giant Aetna, have taken similar actions. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. has announced that its investor day will be held online, rather than in-person as originally planned. Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm, said last week it was temporarily closing its six offices for security reasons and would have its employees work from home. Heightened security measures likely will make health care companies and their leaders more inaccessible to their policyholders, said former Cigna executive Wendell Potter. “And understandably so, with this act of violence. There’s no assurance that this won’t happen again,” said Potter, who’s now an advocate for health care reform. Private security firms and consultants have been in high demand, fielding calls almost immediately after the shooting from companies across a range of industries, including manufacturing and finance. Companies have long faced security risks and grappled with how far to take precautions for high-profile executives. But these recent threats sparked by Thompson’s killing should not be ignored, said Dave Komendat, a former security chief for Boeing who now heads his own risk-management company. “The tone and tenor is different. The social reaction to this tragedy is different. And so I think that people need to take this seriously,” Komendat said. Just over a quarter of the companies in the Fortune 500 reported spending money to protect their CEOs and top executives. Of those, the median payment for personal security doubled over the last three years to just under $100,000. Hours after the shooting, Komendat was on a call with dozens of chief security officers from big corporations, and there have been many similar meetings since, hosted by security groups or law enforcement agencies assessing the threats, he said. “It just takes one person who is motivated by a poster — who may have experienced something in their life through one of these companies that was harmful,” Komendat said. Associated Press reporters Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco, contributed to this report.

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Workers in Southern California’s lesser-compensated counties are getting the bigger pay hikes. My trusty spreadsheet reviewed quarterly wage stats from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics for the second quarter, focusing on details for 29 California counties and seven from Southern California. The 9.9 million local workers collectively saw annualized earnings rise 3.6% in 12 months to an average $75,600 annual wage. By the way, Southern California’s workforce is roughly the size of all the employees in New York state or the Netherlands. Let’s start with paying the Inland Empire and its big logistics industries. Across San Bernardino County, annual wages rose 5.3% in a year to $62,504 for 837,800 workers. That’s the region’s biggest raise – but its only eighth-best out of the among 29 California counties tracked by the report. Meanwhile, neighboring Riverside County had 4.3% increases (No. 14 statewide) to $59,384 for 836,100 workers. And in Santa Barbara County, an economy heavy with hospitality jobs, wages were up 4.7% (No. 9 statewide) to $67,496 for 222,400 workers. Now, let’s contrast those raises better-paid parts of Southern California. These counties have higher concentrations of workers at technology and business-services companies. Orange County’s one-year raises averaged 4.2% (No. 15 statewide) to $78,312 for 1.65 million workers. Los Angeles County pay was up 4.1% increase (No. 16) to $79,768 for 4.5 million workers. In Ventura County, there was a 3.2% increase (No. 19) to $68,068 for 339,100 workers. And then contemplate San Diego County, with the region’s best pay. These 1.54 million workers got the smallest raises statewide – only a 0.1% increase to $79,352. Stronger raises at the bottom of the pay spectrum earlier in 2024 likely reflect hikes in various minimum wages and continued staffing challenges for bosses in lower-paying industries. Southern California pay hikes were significantly below what bosses handed out in nine Bay Area counties, which amounted to 6.1% increases to $138,900-a-year wage for 4 million workers. By the way, the state’s biggest raises were in Santa Clara County – a 10% jump to $188,864 for its 1.1 million workers. Southern California also trailed 13 other California counties in the study, where collectively pay was up 4% in a year to $64,300 for 3.1 million workers. Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com Some of my popular tales of 2024 ...

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How to watch #12 Duke vs. #17 Arizona basketball: Time, TV channel, FREE live streamBoca Raton, FL, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brandon Hall Group, the leading independent HCM research and analyst firm, has announced the winners of the 2024 EdTech Excellence AwardsTM, celebrating organizations that have revolutionized learning through innovative technological solutions across more than 30 categories. The EdTech Excellence AwardsTM recognizes breakthrough achievements in educational technology, spanning from innovative AI-powered learning solutions to comprehensive learning management systems. Categories include Best Adaptive Learning Solution, Best STREAM Solution, Best Innovative Generative AI-Powered Learning Solutions, Best Mobile App for Education, and Best Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Solutions, among others. A complete list of this year's winners, along with past recipients, can be found at excellenceawards.brandonhall.com/winners/ . "The Excellence in Technology Awards continues to showcase the pinnacle of innovation in the HCM space," said Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer of Brandon Hall Group. "The submissions we received this year represent groundbreaking solutions across learning, talent management, talent acquisition, HR, workforce management, and sales enablement technologies. The global diversity of our applicants reflects how technology is breaking down barriers and reshaping the future of work." This year's entries demonstrated remarkable advancements across crucial educational technology areas, including personalized learning platforms, digital courseware solutions, classroom management tools, and innovative assessment solutions. The awards particularly highlighted emerging technologies such as AI-powered learning tools and virtual reality applications that are transforming the educational landscape. "What sets our awards program apart is our unwavering commitment to a rigorous, multi-tiered evaluation process," said Mike Cooke, CEO of Brandon Hall Group. "Each submission undergoes detailed assessment by industry veterans and our expert analyst team, followed by a thorough executive review. This methodical approach, combined with our points-based scoring system, ensures that every award truly reflects excellence in innovation and measurable business impact." The winners will be honored at Brandon Hall Group's HCM Excellence Conference 2025, taking place January 28-30, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. At the conference, winners will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative educational technologies and share best practices during special sessions. For more information about the conference and to register, visit excellenceconference.brandonhall.com . About Brandon Hall Group Brandon Hall GroupTM is the home of the most prestigious and sought-after awards in Human Capital Management. For over 30 years, our awards programs have set the gold standard in recognizing organizations for innovative and effective HCM practices. The EdTech Excellence AwardsTM are part of a comprehensive recognition program that includes our flagship HCM Excellence Awards® - known as the "Academy Awards of Human Capital Management" - and our new Voice of the Employee Awards. Our awards programs attract entrants from leading corporations worldwide, as well as mid-market and smaller firms, with diverse categories spotlighting the most innovative organizational achievements and the solution providers who power them. The rigorous and impartial evaluation process leverages an international panel of veteran industry experts and Brandon Hall Group senior analysts, providing winners with both international recognition and critical insights to accelerate their business growth and impact. At Brandon Hall GroupTM, we don't just celebrate excellence - we provide a platform for sharing best practices that drive the industry forward, empowering excellence in organizations around the world and advancing the HCM profession as a whole. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Brendan Rodgers praises Celtic and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ mentality