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WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request after it experienced trouble with its flight operating system, or FOS. The airline blamed technology from one of its vendors. As a result, flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 36% of the airline's 3,901 domestic and international flights leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company; 51 flights were canceled. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the FOS system. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS went down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Hours after the ground stop was lifted, Tajer said the union had not heard about "chaos out there beyond just the normal heavy travel day." He said officials were watching for cascading effects, such as staffing problems. On social media, however, customers expressed frustration with delays that caused them or their family members to miss connecting flights. One person asked if American planned to hold flights for passengers to make connections, while others complained about the lack of assistance they said they received from the airline or gate agents. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Bobby Tighe, a real estate agent from Florida, said he would miss a family Christmas Eve party in New York because his American flight was repeatedly delayed. The delays made him miss a connecting flight, leaving him the choice of going to his destination — Westchester, N.Y. — on Christmas Day or taking another flight to Newark, N.J., scheduled to land Tuesday evening. He chose the latter. "I'm just going to take an Uber or Lyft to the airport I was originally supposed to go to, pick up my rental car and kind of restart everything tomorrow," Tighe said. He said his girlfriend was "going through the same exact situation" on her way from Dallas to New York. Cirium noted the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 39% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays, Cirium said. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site did not post any American Airlines flights Tuesday morning, but it showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms were developing in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That's because finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so it had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The Transportation Security Administration said it expected to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to knowdiskarte sa fortune gems 。

David Coote will not appeal against the termination of his contract by referees’ body PGMOL, the PA news agency understands. Coote was sacked earlier this month after the emergence of a video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare,” PGMOL’s statement on December 9 added. Coote had the right to appeal against the decision but PA understands the Nottinghamshire referee has decided not to. The video which triggered PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct first came to public attention on November 11. In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as “s***”. He then describes Klopp as a “c***”, and, asked why he felt that way, Coote says the German had “a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown” and had accused him of lying. “I have got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f****** arrogant, so I do my best not to speak to him,” Coote said. Later in the video, Coote again refers to Klopp, this time as a “German c***”. The Football Association opened its own investigation into that video, understood to be centred on that last comment and whether Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constituted an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules. The investigation by PGMOL which led to Coote’s contract being terminated is also understood to have looked at another video which appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.South Australia Braces for Muggy Heatwave in Christmas and Increased Rate of Wildfire, May Impact on Travel Industry

The Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) Wednesday -- Christmas Day -- in Week 17. Kickoff from Acrisure Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET (Netflix). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NFL odds around the Chiefs vs. Steelers odds , and make our expert NFL picks and predictions . The Chiefs took down the Houston Texans Saturday 27-19, covering the spread as 3.5-point home favorites with the Over (42.5) hitting. QB Patrick Mahomes shrugged off a high-ankle sprain and went 28-for-41 for 260 passing yards, 1 TD and 0 INTs. He also rushed 5 times for 33 yards and score. WR Xavier Worthy was the top target, finishing with 7 catches for 65 yards and 1 TD. The Steelers dropped their second in a row as they fell 34-17 Saturday at the Baltimore Ravens. QB Russell Wilson was 22-for-33 for 217 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT as Pittsburgh failed to cover as 7.5-point underdogs and the Over (44) cashed. Missing WR George Pickens (hamstring) for a third game in a row game has really hamstrung this offense. The good news: He was a full participant in practice Monday and is expected to play Wednesday, which would be huge for the Steelers. Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now ! Chiefs at Steelers odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NFL odds . Lines last updated Tuesday at 5:27 p.m. ET. Chiefs at Steelers key injuries Chiefs Steelers FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+ Chiefs at Steelers picks and predictions Prediction Steelers 20, Chiefs 17 Moneyline The Steelers are tied with the Ravens atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker and would be the third seed in the AFC if the season ended today. This Christmas game means far more to Pittsburgh than it does Kansas City, though the Mahomes & Co. are 1 win or 1 Buffalo Bills loss from locking up the top seed -- and the AFC bye. The Chiefs o-line is banged up, and honestly, their tackles have been terrible. Steelers LB T.J. Watt is going to shred them, and I could see K.C. waving the white flag and pulling Mahomes to avoid injury. TAKE STEELERS (+ 125 ) at home. Against the spread Since I'm on the Pittsburgh moneyline, it's a PASS on the spread, but I'd understand if you feel the safer play is taking the 2.5 points. I'm going with Chiefs TE PAT FREIERMUTH OVER 28.5 RECEIVING YARDS (- 120 ) here. It's slated to be 38 degrees, and the run game will be huge, but the short-passing game will be the secondary option. The Chiefs have allowed the second-most receiving yards to tight ends over the last 5 weeks, according to fftoday.com. Over/Under The Steelers are 7-3 O/U in their last 10 games. The Chiefs are 5-5, and they just ended a 3-game Under streak last week. I look more into the weather, and what this game means for both sides than I do the trends, though. As mentioned, it's going to be a cold, miserable, hard-hitting game in Pittsburgh. I really don't see either team scoring more than 24 points. BET UNDER 44 (- 110 ), and you should have room to spare. Want to play some games of your own? Play for free at the best social casinos and enjoy lots of slots, blackjack, video poker, roulette and more. You can even earn real prizes! For more sports betting picks and tips , check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW . Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X . Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook . Access more NFL coverage: BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire More NFL Picks and Predictions! SportsbookWire's NFL Week 17 picks: ML, ATS and O/U predictions for all games First look: Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints odds and lines First look: LA Chargers at New England Patriots odds and linesCoach Hansi Flick was sent off for protesting a penalty decision and Barcelona was held at Real Betis to 2-2 in La Liga on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé helped Real Madrid close on the leaders. Flick showed his frustration over a decision to send Betis to the spot, but he also said after the match that his youthful team, which included two 17-year-old starters, must improve. “We are a young team and we need to improve a lot,” Flick said. “We must be stronger, especially when we play away. We have quality, but we have to show it in every game.” Flick disagreed with the referee’s decision to grant a penalty following a video review when Betis forward Vitor Roque fell in the area following a brush with Frenkie de Jong. Giovani Lo Celso converted the 66th-minute penalty to level the score after Robert Lewandowski put the visitors ahead in the 38th with his league-leading 16th goal. Substitute Ferran Torres scored from a pass by Lamine Yamal to put Barcelona back in front in the 82nd, but Assane Diao struck in injury time to secure the draw for Betis. Barcelona has dropped points in four of the last five rounds. Its latest slip in Seville let Madrid close to within two points with a game still to play after it rolled to a 3-0 win at Girona. Flick said he was surprised by the referee’s decision to expel him, but refused to criticize his sending off or the penalty decision that came after the ref viewed video replays. “I said nothing really to anyone, it was a reaction for myself,” the former Bayern Munich boss said about his alleged protest. “I am really disappointed about (the sending off) because that has never happened to me, but maybe here (in Spain) it is like this.” Real Madrid's Arda Guler is congratulated by Jude Bellingham in Girona, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) Bellingham leads Madrid win Bellingham rifled in a loose ball for the 36th-minute opener and extended his scoring streak to five rounds. He then set up Arda Guler to double Madrid's lead in the 55th when he threaded a long ball through Girona's defense. About five minutes later the England midfielder asked to be substituted for an apparent left-thigh injury, although coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was “fine” and left the game for precaution. Mbappé capped the victory with a goal from a tight angle, helping him rebound from his failure to score a penalty in a loss at Athletic Bilbao midweek. Madrid lost left back Ferland Mendy to an apparent leg issue as well. Madrid was already missing defenders Éder Militao and Dani Carvajal to serious leg injuries, and coach Carlo Ancelotti said David Alaba won't be fit to play until January. Madrid visits Atalanta on Tuesday in the Champions League, where it has lost three of five matches. Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick in Seville, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Breton) Barcelona's first slump After outscoring opponents 29-5 during a run of seven straight wins that included big victories over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Barcelona has hit its first dip in form since Flick’s arrival last summer. The skid over the past month includes its first home loss to the modest Las Palmas in over 50 years and wasting a 2-0 lead in a draw at Celta Vigo. Barcelona bounced back with a 5-1 win at Mallorca this week, but the draw at Betis may be the most worrying setback for Flick yet. His team could have lost if it wasn’t for the goalkeeping of Iñaki Peña, who among his saves turned back a powerful point blank strike by Chimy Ávila. Flick said his team played poorly and its only “good play” in the first half was the pass by Jules Koundé that set up Lewandowski. His remedy was for his team to speed up its passing game and reduce the number of long balls that Flick said were not his team's strength. Flick also defended substituting Lewandowski, Raphinha, Pedri, and Dani Olmo — the team's best attacking players along with Yamal — for the need to rest them ahead of Barcelona's Champions League game at Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Yamal put Barcelona back in charge after he threaded the ball through the Betis backline for Torres to score. That was the 17-year-old’s league-leading ninth assist. Diao, however, unleashed the celebrations in Benito Villamarin Stadium when he used the inside of his right leg to redirect a cross by Aitor Rubial just inside the far post of Peña’s net. “We are disappointed because we missed a chance to get a win by conceding a late goal,” Koundé said. “We let them take the game to us.” Manuel Pellegrini’s team remained in 11th place after ending a run of seven consecutive home losses to Barcelona. Betis' Giovani Lo Celso celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal in Seville, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Breton) Isco returns for Betis Isco Alarcon returned to the field for the first time since the Betis midfielder broke a bone in his left fibula in May. The former Real Madrid playmaker played the final minutes as a substitute. Valencia hears jeers Valencia's disgruntled supporters jeered their team after a 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano left it in the relegation zone. Las Palmas also beat last-placed Valladolid 2-1.

NeueHealth to Be Taken Private by NEA and Consortium of InvestorsMAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country's highest court confirmed ruling Frelimo party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections killed at least 21 people, including two police officers, authorities said Tuesday. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court's announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. “From the preliminary survey, in the last 24 hours, 236 acts of violence were recorded throughout the national territory that resulted in 21 deaths, of which two members of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique also died," Ronda said. He said 13 civilians and 12 police were injured. Ronda said 25 vehicles were set on fire, including two police vehicles. He added that 11 police subunits and a penitentiary were attacked and vandalized and 86 inmates were freed. Tensions were high in the country ahead of the The Constitutional Council ruling on Monday and violent protests started immediately after the announcement was made. Footage circulating on various social media platforms showed protesters burning and looting shops in the capital Maputo and the city of Beira, where some city officials were reported to have fled the city. Mondlane has called for a “shutdown” starting Friday but violence in the country has already escalated and the situation remained tense in the capital on Tuesday night following a day of violence and looting by protesters. The country of 34 million people has been on edge since the Oct. 9 general elections . Mondlane’s supporters, mostly hundreds of thousands of young people, have since taken to the streets, and have been met by gunfire from security forces. This brings to more than 150 the number of people who have died from post-election violence since the initial results were announced by the country's electoral body.

NRL makes decision on Ezra Mam’s punishment for drug drivingTHERE has been a major injury update over Detroit Lions superstar Aidan Hutchinson. The 24-year-old suffered a horror broken tibia and fibula in NFL Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys . The defensive end was carted off the field in agony, as both teams and shocked fans at the AT&T Stadium watched on. He was rushed into emergency surgery, where they repaired and restructured his fractured leg. It was understood the edge rusher was set to miss the rest of the 2024-25 campaign. But there are now hopes he could make a shock return THIS season, against all the odds. READ MORE ON THE LIONS The Lions have gone on to reach an incredible 12-1 record on the year. That included a dramatic 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football . Their amazing season comes despite the early loss of the Defensive Player of the Year candidate. But according to ESPN and Amazon Prime sources, he could still make the Super Bowl if Detroit reach it. Most read in American Football "Sources close to Aidan Hutchinson believe the Lions standout defensive end will have a realistic chance to return for the Super Bowl if Detroit advances that far," said insider Adam Shefter. "One source went so far as to tell ESPN that, knowing Hutchinson and his injury, it would be more surprising if he did not make it back for a potential Super Bowl appearance than if he did." Meanwhile, Amazon presenter Albert Breer gave a further update on Hutchinson's status. "One other guy the defense could be getting back is Aidan Hutchinson," he said on Thursday's Lions-Packers broadcast. "He is already started running in a pool and walking without crutches. "He has been in the Lions building every day. 1. Andy Reid - Chiefs - $20 million 2. Sean Payton - Broncos - $18 million =3. Mike Tomlin - Steelers - $16 million =3. Jim Harbaugh - Chargers - $16 million 5. Sean McVay - Rams - $15 million 6. Kyle Shanahan - 49ers - $14 million 7. John Harbaugh - Ravens - $12 million =8. Dan Campbell - Lions - $11 million =8. Sean McDermott - Bills - $11 million 10. Mike MacDonald - Seahawks - $10 million "The expectation is, if they make it to the Super Bowl, Hutchinson will be in uniform." Fans had a mixed reaction to the news, with many sceptical about his injury latest. One said: "Getting a little ahead of ourselves there." Another added: "I really believe they are going to go to the SB...too much fanfare." A third roared: "Let's gooooo!" Read More on The US Sun The Lions sit in first in the NFC North and clinched their playoff spot with the win over the Packers. They are favorites with some bookmakers to win the Super Bowl, alongside the Kansas City Chiefs .Recently a Dickinson College forum called attention to local homelessness, which is too often the result of low pay, high rent, few opportunities for a high quality education and job, and legislative inattention to their plight of those who do not make a living wage. The cost of living is overwhelming for those earning below the state average of $70,000. Even with a full-time minimum wage 40-hour week job, the pay is under $20,000. And even with a hard to find, relatively cheap, $1,000 a month apartment; you have to factor in a used car and gas to get to work and take kids to daycare (another big cost) or school events; clothes, toothpaste and soap, diapers and/or shoes; groceries and dish, toilet and floor cleaning products; medical and personal care products; health insurance, dental care and other essentials for living. Well, you add it up. Imagine an early childhood teaching job of $35,000, with a four-year college loan to pay off. Imagine a $38,000 nursing assistant job at a retirement home. Not a very merry Christmas. Something is not quite right here. Our elected legislators, who have consistently refused to raise the pitiful PA minimum wage of $7.25 to a living wage (like every state around us) will be getting a “cost of living” increase to their already generous paycheck. And we the people are paying for the $110,000 minimum wage of our legislators, whose required number of days on the job is what? 54 days? Not to mention per diem reimbursements for their “days of work” at $181—per day. That’s $117 for housing and $64 for food per day. Not to mention great health care, generous pensions, gifts from donors and an annual 3.38% raise for cost of living/inflation. So guess who gets a merry Christmas? Our well paid PA state lawmakers ended their recent session without reauthorizing a 20-year-old consumer protection law banning companies from shutting off low-income customers’ utilities during the winter. They “missed” the opportunity to protect low-income families. Discussions about cuts to SNAP — a nutritional lifeline for families in or near poverty — may also be on their chopping block, along with Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. So, besides the vital work of calling, writing and visiting our local representatives, what can we do as a community for the 46,000 homeless students in PA? It was Thomas Jefferson who said in 1786 that we need a crusade against ignorance, because “the people alone can protect us against the evils of kings ... who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance.” On public education, he said, “no other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom and happiness.” For all of our children this holiday season, let’s unite to stand up for the full and adequate funding that our PA Constitution and our state courts have demanded for all of our public schools. We are not alone in this. We are part of a community of people who are willing to stand up for the values and beliefs that we hold dear — a community that looks out for families over huge corporations and the rights of all of our people. When one of us believes that better is possible, and takes a leap of faith to invest in what will benefit everyone, we make what seems impossible, possible. When we stand up for the issues we all care about, the values we share, and the vision we’re building for our community, we are building together a beloved community that respects minority and women’s rights and strives to make bold changes that touch people’s daily lives. The vision we share for our country is still possible — if we continue to stand up for it. Every time we take an action in support the values we share, it is a leap of faith. But it is a New Year’s resolution that is worth making — and keeping. Jill Sunday Bartoli has taught at high school and college levels for over 30 years. Her research and writing focuses on equal opportunity to learn in public schools. A wage law in New York City meant to protect food delivery workers is getting backlash from app companies like Uber, GrubHub, and DoorDash. (AP Video/Robert Bumsted) #newyork #fooddelivery #minimumpay Subscribe for more Breaking News: http://smarturl.it/AssociatedPress Website: https://apnews.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP Facebook: https://facebook.com/APNews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ ​ This video may be available for archive licensing via https://newsroom.ap.org/home Jill Sunday Bartoli Jill Sunday Bartoli has taught at high school and college levels for over 30 years. Her research and writing focuses on equal opportunity to learn in public schools. Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!