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INDIANAPOLIS — It was just a 10-yard completion, easy to overlook in the wake of a record-setting rushing day and easy to dismiss as one of just 11 pass attempts throughout the Indianapolis Colts’ 38-30 victory Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. But Anthony Richardson’s third-and-8 pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. just after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter was pivotal to holding off the visitors’ late rally. If the Colts were forced to punt in that situation, a defense that had allowed touchdowns on three consecutive drives — of 70, 55 and 71 yards — would be back on the field with tremendous pressure to prevent the game going to overtime. Richardson was cold and out of rhythm. He’d been sacked on his most recent pass attempt — on third-and-9 with 6:51 remaining — and he hadn’t gotten a pass off since throwing an incompletion intended for wide receiver Josh Downs at the 11:20 mark. With the dual-threat quarterback and running back Jonathan Taylor combining for 270 of Indianapolis’ single-game franchise-record 335 rushing yards, Richardson had not completed a pass since the 8:33 mark of the third quarter, and he was just 1-for-2 in the second half. Still, he was calm and composed on the crucial third down — hitting Pittman on a simple out pattern to move the chains and keep the clock moving. When the Colts finally did punt the ball back to Tennessee, there were only three seconds remaining for the Titans to work with, It was a forgettable play in the grand scheme of the game, but it was also the most recent evidence of the 22-year-old quarterback’s ability to raise his level of play in the clutch. He’s 3-2 as a starter since taking the role back from veteran Joe Flacco, and the other two victories featured game-winning touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. “I think that’s a special trait — obviously as a young player — that he doesn’t flinch in those times, to lead those comebacks,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “Obviously, the (New York) Jets, the New England (Patriots) game, I mean, those are big-time drives to go win games. “You want that out of young players, especially (when) you see the veteran guys do it around the league all the time, but to do it as a young player speaks volumes of the person that he is.” Despite Richardson’s up-and-down season, Indianapolis has maintained steadfast belief in his potential. Even when he was benched for Flacco, the organization repeatedly stated it was not giving up on the quarterback as its future leader. There’s still plenty of work to be done. Richardon has completed just 47.7% of his passes, and he’s thrown 12 interceptions in 11 starts. His rushing ability again was evident Sunday, and he’s set franchise single-season records for a quarterback with 499 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. And he has proven his big-play ability with a league-leading 14.4 yards per completion. The Colts still believe improved consistency will come with increased reps, and they hold out hope the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft can still become the long-term answer at the game’s most important position. For now, Richardson’s late-game heroics offer the most compelling argument in his favor. “I think it’s just me just playing all the way until the clock hits zero,” Richardson said of his mindset. “I never think about fourth quarter moments or anything like that. I just try to play until the game’s over. And it just happens sometimes that most of it happens in the fourth quarter. So I just try to play through the whistle and just play through the whole game.” After rushing for 218 yards and three touchdowns against the Titans – both the second-highest single-game totals of his career – Taylor has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. It was a major bounce-back performance after Taylor’s unforced fumble just short of the goal line cost the Colts dearly in a pivotal loss against the Denver Broncos a week prior. “It’s always exciting to see that dude just do what he does,” Richardson said. “It’s fascinating, honestly, just to see him hit a gap and just take it to the house. It’s just amazing, especially thinking about what happened in the Denver game. It honestly like wiped my mind. I wasn’t even thinking about it until people were talking about him coming back and having the game he did. “It’s like ‘OK, that’s the type of player he is, the type of person he is.’ He always wants to do better for the team and for himself. And just to see him do that and get what he did on Sunday is just a blessing.” The Colts officially signed right guard Mark Glowinski to the 53-man roster Tuesday after he’d been called up for game day in each of the past three weeks. Guard Antonio Mafi was re-signed to the practice squad after being released from the 53-man roster Monday.Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk's X, which they view as increasingly leaning too far to the right given its owner's support of President-elect Donald Trump, or wanting an alternative to Meta's Threads and its algorithms. The platform grew out of the company then known as Twitter, championed by its former CEO Jack Dorsey. Its decentralized approach to social networking was eventually intended to replace Twitter's core mechanic. That's unlikely now that the two companies have parted ways. But Bluesky's growth trajectory — with a user base that has more than doubled since October — could make it a serious competitor to other social platforms. But with growth comes growing pains. It's not just human users who've been flocking to Bluesky but also bots, including those designed to create partisan division or direct users to junk websites. The skyrocketing user base — now surpassing 25 million — is the biggest test yet for a relatively young platform that has branded itself as a social media alternative free of the problems plaguing its competitors. According to research firm Similarweb, Bluesky added 7.6 million monthly active app users on iOS and Android in November, an increase of 295.4% since October. It also saw 56.2 million desktop and mobile web visits, in the same period, up 189% from October. Besides the U.S. elections, Bluesky also got a boost when X was briefly banned in Brazil. “They got this spike in attention, they’ve crossed the threshold where it is now worth it for people to flood the platform with spam,” said Laura Edelson, an assistant professor of computer science at Northeastern University and a member of Issue One’s Council for Responsible Social Media. “But they don’t have the cash flow, they don’t have the established team that a larger platform would, so they have to do it all very, very quickly.” To manage growth for its tiny staff, Bluesky started as an invitation-only space until it opened to the public in February. That period gave the site time to build out moderation tools and other distinctive features to attract new users, such as “starter packs” that provide lists of topically curated feeds. Meta recently announced that it is testing a similar feature. Compared to the bigger players like Meta's platforms or X, Bluesky has a “quite different” value system, said Claire Wardle, a professor at Cornell University and an expert in misinformation. This includes giving users more control over their experience. “The first generation of social media platforms connected the world, but ended up consolidating power in the hands of a few corporations and their leaders,” Bluesky said on its blog in March. “Our online experience doesn’t have to depend on billionaires unilaterally making decisions over what we see. On an open social network like Bluesky, you can shape your experience for yourself.” Because of this mindset, Bluesky has achieved a scrappy underdog status that has attracted users who've grown tired of the big players. “People had this idea that it was going to be a different type of social network,” Wardle said. “But the truth is, when you get lots of people in a place and there are eyeballs, it means that it’s in other people’s interests to use bots to create, you know, information that aligns with their perspective.” Little data has emerged to help quantify the rise in impersonator accounts, artificial intelligence-fueled networks and other potentially harmful content on Bluesky. But in recent weeks, users have begun reporting large numbers of apparent AI bots following them, posting plagiarized articles or making seemingly automated divisive comments in replies. Lion Cassens, a Bluesky user and doctoral candidate in the Netherlands, found one such network by accident — a group of German-language accounts with similar bios and AI-generated profile pictures posting in replies to three German newspapers. “I noticed some weird replies under a news post by the German newspaper ‘Die Ziet,’” he said in an email to The Associated Press. “I have a lot of trust in the moderation mechanism on Bluesky, especially compared to Twitter since the layoffs and due to Musk’s more radical stance on freedom of speech. But AI bots are a big challenge, as they will only improve. I hope social media can keep up with that.” Cassens said the bots' messages have been relatively innocuous so far, but he was concerned about how they could be repurposed in the future to mislead. There are also signs that foreign disinformation narratives have made their way to Bluesky. The disinformation research group Alethea pointed to one low-traction post sharing a false claim about ABC News that had circulated on Russian Telegram channels. Copycat accounts are another challenge. In late November, Alexios Mantzarlis, director of the Security, Trust and Safety Initiative at Cornell Tech, found that of the top 100 most followed named individuals on Bluesky, 44% had at least one duplicate account posing as them. Two weeks later, Mantzarlis said Bluesky had removed around two-thirds of the duplicate accounts he’d initially detected — a sign the site was aware of the issue and attempting to address it. Bluesky posted earlier this month that it had quadrupled its moderation team to keep up with its growing user base. The company also announced it had introduced a new system to detect impersonation and was working to improve its Community Guidelines to provide more detail on what’s allowed. Because of the way the site is built, users also have the option to subscribe to third-party “Labelers” that outsource content moderation by tagging accounts with warnings and context. The company didn't respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. Even as its challenges aren’t yet at the scale other platforms face, Bluesky is at a “crossroads,” said Edward Perez, a board member at the nonpartisan nonprofit OSET Institute, who previously led Twitter’s civic integrity team. “Whether BlueSky likes it or not, it is being pulled into the real world,” Perez said, noting that it needs to quickly prioritize threats and work to mitigate them if it hopes to continue to grow. That said, disinformation and bots won't be Bluesky's only challenges in the months and years to come. As a text-based social network, its entire premise is falling out of favor with younger generations. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that only 17% of American teenagers used X, for instance, down from 23% in 2022. For teens and young adults, TikTok, Instagram and other visual-focused platforms are the places to be. Political polarization is also going against Bluesky ever reaching the size of TikTok, Instagram or even X. “Bluesky is not trying to be all things to all people,” Wardle said, adding that, likely, the days of a Facebook or Instagram emerging where they're “trying to keep everybody happy” are over. Social platforms are increasingly splintered along political lines and when they aren't — see Meta's platforms — the companies behind them are actively working to de-emphasize political content and news.Minnesota firearms deer harvest remains above 2023 after third weekend, DNR saysTalkiatry Ranked Number 6 Fastest-Growing Company in North America on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500TMsuper ufa 。

SEATTLE , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) today reported third quarter net earnings of $46 million , or earnings per diluted share ("EPS") of $0.27 , and earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") of $83 million . Excluding a charge related to accelerated technology depreciation, the Company reported adjusted EBIT of $97 million and adjusted EPS of $0.33 .[1] For the third quarter ended November 2, 2024, net sales increased 4.6 percent versus the same period in fiscal 2023, and total Company comparable sales increased 4.0 percent. Gross merchandise value ("GMV") increased 5.3 percent. Anniversary Sale timing, with one week shifting from the third quarter to the second quarter, had a negative impact of approximately 100 basis points on net sales compared with 2023. During the quarter, Nordstrom banner net sales increased 1.3 percent and comparable sales increased 4.0 percent. Net sales for Nordstrom Rack increased 10.6 percent and comparable sales increased 3.9 percent. "The continued sales growth across the company and strong gross margin in the third quarter indicate our team's focus and efforts are working," said Erik Nordstrom , chief executive officer of Nordstrom, Inc. "Our customers have a lot of choices, and our results give us encouragement that we're on the right path. Looking ahead, we'll continue to improve our shopping experience as we strive to maintain the positive momentum we've worked towards all year." In the third quarter, women's apparel and active had double-digit growth, and shoes, men's apparel and kids were up mid to high single-digits, versus 2023. Growth in women's apparel, shoes and men's apparel accelerated sequentially from the second quarter. "Our third quarter results demonstrate that our strategic focus on curating a compelling brand assortment is resonating with customers," said Pete Nordstrom , president of Nordstrom, Inc. "Our actions throughout this year have led to this moment, and we feel well-positioned for a successful holiday season and look forward to helping our customers celebrate the moments that matter. I'm grateful to our dedicated team for consistently delivering the high level of service our customers have come to expect from Nordstrom." As previously announced, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share, payable on December 18, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 3, 2024. THIRD QUARTER 2024 SUMMARY STORES UPDATE To date in fiscal 2024, the Company has opened 23 stores: City Location Square Footage (000s) Timing of Opening Nordstrom Rack Pinole, CA Pinole Vista Crossing 23 March 7, 2024 Snellville, GA Presidential Markets 35 March 7, 2024 Kennesaw, GA Barrett Place 25 March 21, 2024 Macedonia, OH Macedonia Gateway 28 April 11, 2024 Gilroy, CA Gilroy Crossing 25 April 25, 2024 Jacksonville Beach, FL South Beach Regional 30 May 2, 2024 Queen Creek, AZ Queen Creek Marketplace 28 May 16, 2024 Elk Grove, CA The Ridge Elk Grove 25 May 30, 2024 Wheaton, IL Danada Square East 29 May 30, 2024 Oceanside, CA Pacific Coast Plaza 32 June 6, 2024 Bay Shore, NY Gardiner Manor Mall 24 June 13, 2024 San Antonio, TX Bandera Pointe 24 September 5, 2024 Franklin, TN Cool Springs Market 24 September 5, 2024 San Mateo, CA Bridgepointe Shopping Center 36 September 12, 2024 San Diego, CA Clairemont Town Square 25 September 19, 2024 Mooresville, NC Mooresville Crossing 28 September 26, 2024 Houston, TX Meyerland Plaza 34 September 26, 2024 Mason, OH Deerfield Towne Center 30 October 3, 2024 Raleigh, NC Triangle Town Place 32 October 10, 2024 Fort Myers, FL Bell Tower 31 October 17, 2024 Noblesville, IN Hamilton Town Center 25 October 17, 2024 Omaha, NE Village Pointe 30 October 24, 2024 Tarzana, CA Village Walk 25 November 1, 2024 The Company has also announced plans to open the following stores: City Location Square Footage (000s) Timing of Opening Nordstrom Rack Davis, CA The Davis Collection 25 Spring 2025 Matthews, NC Sycamore Commons 25 Spring 2025 Geneva, IL Randall Square 25 Spring 2025 Manalapan Township, NJ Manalapan Commons 26 Spring 2025 Apple Valley, MN Fischer Marketplace 30 Spring 2025 Houston, TX Westchase Shopping Center 30 Spring 2025 Morrisville, NC Park West Village 25 Spring 2025 Coral Springs, FL Pine Ridge Square 31 Fall 2025 Surprise, AZ Prasada North 26 Fall 2025 Holbrook, NY The Shops at SunVet 27 Fall 2025 Hyannis, MA The Landing at Hyannis 25 Fall 2025 Prosper, TX The Gates of Prosper 26 Fall 2025 Melbourne, FL The Avenue Viera 24 Fall 2025 Meridian, ID The Village at Meridian 25 Fall 2025 Lakeland, FL Lakeside Village 30 Fall 2025 Sarasota, FL Sarasota Pavilion 27 Spring 2026 The Company had the following store counts as of quarter-end: November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Nordstrom Nordstrom 93 93 Nordstrom Local service hubs 6 6 ASOS | Nordstrom — 1 Nordstrom Rack Nordstrom Rack 280 258 Last Chance clearance stores 2 2 Total 381 360 Gross store square footage 26,874,000 26,305,000 During the third quarter, the Company closed one Nordstrom Rack store. FISCAL YEAR 2024 OUTLOOK The Company updated its financial outlook for fiscal 2024, which reflects the estimated accelerated technology depreciation impacts expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024: CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION The Company's senior management will host a conference call to provide a business update and to discuss third quarter 2024 financial results and fiscal 2024 outlook at 4:45 p.m. EST today. To listen to the live call online and view the speakers' prepared remarks and the conference call slides, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's corporate website at investor. nordstrom .com . An archived webcast with the speakers' prepared remarks and the conference call slides will be available in the Quarterly Results section for one year. Interested parties may also dial 201-689-8354. A telephone replay will be available beginning approximately three hours after the conclusion of the call by dialing 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 and entering Conference ID 13750079, until the close of business on December 3, 2024. ABOUT NORDSTROM At Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we're building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our interconnected model enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop – whether that's in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it. Certain statements in this press release contain or may suggest "forward-looking" information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involves risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different from expectations. The words "will," "may," "designed to," "outlook," "believes," "should," "targets," "anticipates," "assumptions," "plans," "expects" or "expectations," "intends," "estimates," "forecasts," "guidance" and similar expressions identify certain of these forward-looking statements. The Company also may provide forward-looking statements in oral statements or other written materials released to the public. All statements contained or incorporated in this press release or in any other public statements that address such future events or expectations are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 4, 2024 , our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 3, 2024 and our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 2, 2024 , to be filed with the SEC on or about December 5, 2024 . In addition, forward-looking statements contained in this release may be impacted by the actual outcome of events or occurrences related to the Company's announcement of the exploration of possible avenues to enhance shareholder value, including consideration by a special committee of the board of directors of a proposal brought forward by members of the Nordstrom family to take the Company private. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date made, and, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances. In addition, the actual timing, price, manner and amounts of future share repurchases, if any, will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors, contractual commitments, market and economic conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. This earnings release includes references to websites, website addresses and additional materials, including reports and blogs, found on those websites. The content of any websites and materials named, hyperlinked or otherwise referenced in this earnings release are not incorporated by reference into this earnings release or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to such websites and materials are intended to be inactive textual references only. The information on those websites is not part of this earnings release. NORDSTROM, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (unaudited; amounts in millions, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Net sales $3,347 $3,200 $10,353 $9,926 Credit card revenues, net 117 120 339 347 Total revenues 3,464 3,320 10,692 10,273 Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs (2,156) (2,080) (6,760) (6,488) Selling, general and administrative expenses (1,225) (1,163) (3,680) (3,466) Canada wind-down costs — 25 — (284) Earnings before interest and income taxes 83 102 252 35 Interest expense, net (26) (24) (79) (78) Earnings (loss) before income taxes 57 78 173 (43) Income tax (expense) benefit (11) (11) (45) 43 Net earnings $46 $67 $128 $— Earnings per share: Basic $0.28 $0.41 $0.78 $— Diluted $0.27 $0.41 $0.76 $— Weighted-average shares outstanding: Basic 164.6 162.0 164.0 161.5 Diluted 169.8 163.6 168.1 161.5 Percent of net sales: Gross profit 35.6 % 35.0 % 34.7 % 34.6 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 36.6 % 36.3 % 35.5 % 34.9 % Earnings before interest and income taxes 2.5 % 3.2 % 2.4 % 0.4 % NORDSTROM, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited; amounts in millions) November 2, 2024 February 3, 2024 October 28, 2023 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $397 $628 $375 Accounts receivable, net 544 334 322 Merchandise inventories 2,780 1,888 2,626 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 311 286 392 Total current assets 4,032Liam Payne's girlfriend stirs emotions with heartfelt TikTok tribute weeks after his tragic death

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None‘The Simpsons Funday Football’ LIVE STREAM (12/9/24) | How to watch, time, for animated Bengals vs. Cowboys alt-castAt least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank around the city of Tulkarem on Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, including three people it said were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a second somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Israel's bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage by Palestinian militants. Around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza , although only two thirds are believed to still be alive. Here’s the latest: NUR SHAMS REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank — The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank on Tuesday. The ministry reported three of the dead were killed by airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. An Associated Press photojournalist captured images of Israeli forces detonating an explosive device planted by Palestinian militants during a raid in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Israel has carried out several large-scale raids in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. While airstrikes were once rare in the West Bank, they have grown more common since the outbreak of war as Israeli forces clamp down, saying they aim to prevent attacks on their citizens. Israeli fire has killed at least 800 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, Palestinian health officials say. In that time, Palestinian militants have launched a number of attacks on soldiers at checkpoints and within Israel. SAYDNAYA, Syria — A large crowd of Syrians gathered near a historic monastery in Saydnaya on Christmas Eve to witness the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glowing green lights. Tuesday's celebration offered a rare moment of joy in a city scarred by over a decade of war and an infamous prison , where tens of thousands were held. Families and friends stood beneath the illuminated tree — some wearing Santa hats, others watching from rooftops — while a band played festive music and fireworks lit up the sky “This year is different, there’s happiness, victory and a new birth for Syria and a new birth for Christ,” said Houssam Saadeh, one attendee. Another, Joseph Khabbaz, expressed hope for unity across all sects and religions in Syria, dismissing recent Christmas tree vandalism as “isolated incidents.” Earlier in the afternoon, pilgrims visited the historic Our Lady of Saydnaya Monastery, one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries, believed to be built in the sixth century. In Homs, a similarly grand Christmas tree was illuminated as security officers patrolled the area to ensure a safe and peaceful gathering, according to Syria’s state media. UNITED NATIONS -- Recent attacks on hospitals in North Gaza, where Israel is carrying out an offensive, are having a devastating impact on Palestinian civilians still in the area, the U.N. humanitarian office says. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expressed deep concern at reports that the Israeli military entered the Indonesian Hospital on Tuesday, forcing its evacuation. The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, also expressed deep concern at attacks reported in recent days in and around the two other hospitals in North Gaza that are minimally functioning – Al Awda and Kamal Adwan. OCHA said the Israeli siege on Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and parts of Jaballiya in North Gaza continued for a 79th day on Tuesday, and while the U.N. and its partners have made 52 attempts to coordinate humanitarian access to besieged areas in December 48 were rejected by Israel. While four missions were approved, OCHA said the U.N. and its partners faced impediments as a result of Israeli military operations and “none of the U.N.-coordinated attempts to access the area have been fully facilitated.” Throughout the Gaza Strip, OCHA said that Israeli authorities facilitated just 40% of requests for humanitarian movements requiring their approval in December. WASHINGTON — A leading global food crisis monitor says deaths from starvation will likely pass famine levels in north Gaza as soon as next month. The U.S.-created Famine Early Warning System Network says that’s because of a near-total Israeli blockade of food and other aid in that part of Gaza. The finding, however, appears to have exposed a rift within the Biden administration over the extent of starvation in northern Gaza. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, disputes part of the data used in reaching the conclusion and calls the intensified famine warning “irresponsible.” Northern Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its 14-month war with Hamas militants. UNITED NATIONS — Israel’s foreign minister has requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to condemn recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and to condemn the group's Iranian allies for allegedly providing the group with weapons. Gideon Saar said in a letter Tuesday to Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, which holds the council presidency this month, that the Houthis are violating international law and council resolutions. “This Iranian-backed terrorist group continues to endanger Israel’s and other nations’ security, as well as the freedom of maritime navigation, in flagrant violation of international law,” Saar said. “All of this malign activity is done as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.” The U.S. Mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to an email asking when the council meeting will be held. The Houthis have said they launched attacks on shipping in the Red Sea – and on Israel -- with the aim of ending Israel’s devastating air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli war in Gaza followed Hamas’ deadly October 2023 attacks in southern Israel. TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli military investigation has concluded that the presence of troops inadvertently contributed to the deaths of six hostages killed by their Hamas captors in Gaza. The hostages' bodies were discovered in a tunnel in late August, an event that shook Israel and sparked some of the largest anti-war protests since the war began. The investigation found that the six hostages were killed by multiple gunshots from their captors after surviving for nearly 330 days. The Israeli military’s “ground activities in the area, although gradual and cautious, had a circumstantial influence on the terrorists’ decision to murder the six hostages,” the report found. According to the investigation, the Israeli military began operating in the area where the hostages were being held in southern Gaza about two weeks before their discovery, under the assumption that the chances of hostages in the area was medium to low. On August 27, hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi was found alone in a tunnel , causing the Israeli military to halt operations for 24 hours to determine if there could be other hostages in the area. The military discovered the opening leading to the tunnel where the bodies of the six hostages were located on August 30. A pathological report estimated the six hostages were killed on August 29. The six hostages killed were Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Ori Danino, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin , whose American-Israeli parents became some of the most recognized spokespeople pleading for the hostages’ release, including addressing the Democratic National Convention days before their son’s killing. “The investigation published tonight proves once again that the return of all hostages will only be possible through a deal,” the Hostages Families Forum said in response to the investigation. “Every passing moment puts the hostages’ lives in immediate danger.” JERUSALEM — The Israeli negotiating team working on a ceasefire returned from Qatar to Israel on Tuesday, the prime minister’s office said, after what it called “a significant week” of talks. After months of deadlock, the U.S., Qatar and Egypt resumed their mediation efforts in recent weeks and reported greater willingness by the warring sides to reach a deal. According to Egyptian and Hamas officials, the proposed agreement would take place in phases and include a halt in fighting, an exchange of captive Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel says Hamas is holding 100 hostages, over one-third of whom are believed to be dead. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “some progress” in efforts to reach a deal, but added he did not know how long it would take. CAIRO — Israeli soldiers took control of a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday. Some of the patients had to walk to another hospital while others were driven by paramedics, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi. He did not specify how many patients had evacuated. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. The army later said its soldiers had left the hospital. The military said it had assisted with evacuating the patients and had not ordered the hospital closed. However, al-Wahidi said only one doctor and maintenance person were left behind. The Indonesian Hospital is one of three hospitals left largely inaccessible in the northernmost part of Gaza because Israel has imposed a tight siege there since launching an offensive in early October. The Israeli army said Tuesday’s operation at the Indonesian Hospital came after militants carried out attacks from the hospital for the past month, including launching anti-tank missiles and planting explosive devices in the surrounding area. The Health Ministry accused Israel of “besieging and directly targeting” the three hospitals in northern Gaza. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, said Israeli drones detonated explosives near the hospital and that 20 people were wounded, including five medical staff. The Israeli military declined to comment on the operation around the hospital. DAMASCUS — Scores of Syrian Christians protested in the capital Damascus on Tuesday, demanding greater protections for their religious minority after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of Hama a day earlier. Many of the insurgents who now rule Syria are jihadis, although Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and spent years depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. It remains unclear who set the Christmas tree on fire Monday, which was condemned by a representative of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham who visited the town and addressed the community. “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations," the HTS representative said in a video widely shared on social media. "The Christmas tree will be fully restored by this evening.” On Tuesday, protesters marched through the streets of Bab Touma in Damascus, shouting slogans against foreign fighters and carrying large wooden crosses. “We demand that Syria be for all Syrians. We want a voice in the future of our country,” said Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church as he addressed the crowd in a church courtyard, assuring them of Christians’ rights in Syria. Since HTS led a swift offensive that overthrew President Bashar Assad earlier this month, Syria’s minority communities have been on edge, uncertain of how they will be treated under the emerging rebel-led government. “We are here to demand a democratic and free government for one people and one nation,” another protester said. “We stand united — Muslims and Christians. No to sectarianism.” DOHA — Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said that ceasefire negotiations to end the war in Gaza were ongoing in Doha in cooperation with Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators. “We will not leave any door unopened in pursuit of reaching an agreement,” said Majid al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday. Al Ansari added that rumors the ceasefire would be reached before Christmas are “speculation.” The ceasefire negotiations come at a time when winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. Families of the approximately 100 hostages who have been held for 445 days in Gaza are also worried their loved ones will not survive another winter. In a press conference, al-Ansari also called on the international community to lift sanctions on Syria as quickly as possible on Tuesday. “The reason was the crimes of the previous regime, and that regime, with all of its authority, is no longer in place, therefor the causes for these sanctions no longer exist today,” he said. DAMASCUS, Syria — American journalist Austin Tice is believed to be still alive, according to the head of an international aid group. Nizar Zakka, who runs the Hostage Aid Worldwide organization, said there has never been any proof that Tice, who has been missing since 2012, is dead. Zakka told reporters in Damascus on Tuesday that Tice was alive in January and being held by the authorities of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad. He added that U.S. President Joe Biden said in August that Tice was alive. Zakka said he believes Tice was transferred between security agencies over the past 12 years, including in an area where Iranian-backed fighters were operating. Asked if it was possible Tice had been taken out of the country, Zakka said Assad most likely kept him in Syria as a potential bargaining chip. Biden said Dec. 8 that his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, although he also acknowledged that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. TEL AVIV, Israel — Hannah Katzir, an Israeli woman who was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, and freed in a brief ceasefire last year, has died. She was 78. The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing the families of people taken captive, confirmed the death Tuesday but did not disclose the cause. Her daughter, Carmit Palty Katzir, said in a statement that her mother’s “heart could not withstand the terrible suffering since Oct. 7.” Katzir’s husband, Rami, was killed during the attack by militants who raided their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her son Elad was also kidnapped and his body was recovered in April by the Israeli military, who said he had been killed in captivity. She spent 49 days in captivity and was freed in late November 2023. Shortly after Katzir was freed, her daughter told Israeli media that she had been hospitalized with heart issues attributed to “difficult conditions and starvation” while she was held captive. TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel's military said the projectile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, but it set off air raid sirens overnight in the country's populous central area, sending residents looking for cover. Israel’s rescue service Magen David Adom said a 60-year-old woman was seriously wounded after being hurt on her way to a protected space. There was no immediate comment from Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. It was the third time in a week that fire from Yemen set off sirens in Israel. On Saturday, a missile slammed into a playground in Tel Aviv, injuring 16, after Israel’s air defense system failed to intercept it. Earlier last week, Israeli jets struck Yemen’s rebel-held capital and a port city, killing nine. Israel said the strikes were in response to previous Houthi attacks.

OTTAWA - The Liberal government has outlawed another 324 firearm varieties — guns it says belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters. The move follows the May 2020 ban of 1,500 makes and models of firearms, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14. The number grew to more than 2,000 by November of this year as new variants were identified. The federal prohibition of hundreds more was announced Thursday after expressions of concern from gun-control advocates that many assault-style firearms were not covered by the 2020 ban. The measure came on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the murder of 14 women by a gunman armed with a Ruger Mini-14 at the École Polytechnique in Montreal. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc called the Polytechnique shooting a dark chapter that affected a generation. “Our goal is to ensure that no community, no family, is devastated by mass shootings in Canada again,” LeBlanc told a news conference. The federal government says it is working with provinces, territories and police on a planned buyback of prohibited weapons from individual owners. It has already run a pilot project on collecting banned firearms from businesses. Ottawa also says it has committed to the Ukrainian government to work with firearm businesses and identify how these guns could support the fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Every bit of assistance that we can offer to the Ukrainians is one step towards their victory, and a worthwhile investment of our collective time and efforts,” Defence Minister Bill Blair said at the news conference. Groups pushing for stronger gun control applauded the government’s announcement. PolySeSouvient spokeswoman Nathalie Provost, who was wounded in the 1989 massacre, said, “I’m crying, but I’m also smiling because it’s an important step forward, and I really believe that what remains to be done will be done.” Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns added: “Guns that can injure and kill many people in mere moments have no place in our society.” Conservative MPs and some gun owners have vehemently opposed the Liberal efforts to ban certain firearms as an attack on law-abiding citizens. Tory public safety critic Raquel Dancho said the latest move was an attack on “lawful and vetted hunters, sport shooters, and Indigenous Peoples who safely and legally use firearms as they have done for generations.” The Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights said the announcement was typical Liberal party “divide and conquer” politics. “They know they are out of time and Canadians are out of money.” Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the provincial government strongly opposes “the arbitrary reclassification of firearms and the federal government’s wasteful, ineffective, and repeatedly delayed program to confiscate these firearms.” The newly banned firearms share the same technical characteristics as those prohibited in May 2020. It means they can no longer be legally used or sold in Canada, and can be transferred or transported only under limited circumstances. Following the May 2020 prohibition, an amnesty for individuals and businesses was put in place, allowing time for compliance. A new amnesty order has been introduced for the firearms outlawed Thursday. Officials made it clear that additional makes and models could be added to the list of banned firearms, saying an expert panel will provide advice on guns that are still on the market. For instance, the SKS rifle, which has been used in shooting sprees, remains legal. LeBlanc said a decision on the firearm, used by many Indigenous people for hunting, would be made by February before the next phase of the buyback program. “We want to reflect on this over the coming weeks.” Late last year, Parliament passed a government bill that cemented restrictions on handguns, increased penalties for firearm trafficking and aimed to curb homemade ghost guns. The government says it is working to fully implement the bill, with remaining provisions to come into force early in the new year. The legislation included a ban on assault-style firearms that fall under a new technical definition. However, the definition didn’t apply to models that were already on the market when the bill passed. The government says it intends to table regulatory amendments in Parliament on Dec. 13, following through on commitments to make sure that all makes and models of firearms are accounted for prior to entering the Canadian market. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version stated that 19 women were killed at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989.NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global mountain bike market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.78 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 6.11% during the forecast period. Mountain biking tourism acts as catalyst for economic development is driving market growth, with a trend towards growth in development of electric mountain bikes. However, increase in accidents, crashes, and related injuries poses a challenge. Key market players include Alta Cycling Group, BH BIKES Europe SL, Dorel Industries Inc., Fuji Bikes, Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Grimaldi Industri AB, Guangzhou Trinity Cycles Co. Ltd., Kona Bicycle Co., LAPIERRE SA , Marin Mountain Bikes Inc., Merida Industry Co. Ltd., Norco Bicycles, Pending System GmbH and Co. KG, Pivot Cycles EU GmbH, Pon Holdings BV, Rocky Mountain Bicycles, Santa Cruz Bicycles LLC, Trek Bicycle Corp., XDS Bike Co., and Youngone Corp.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Mountain Bike Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.11% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 3775.7 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.39 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 34% Key countries US, China, Germany, UK, and France Key companies profiled Alta Cycling Group, BH BIKES Europe SL, Dorel Industries Inc., Fuji Bikes, Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Grimaldi Industri AB, Guangzhou Trinity Cycles Co. Ltd., Kona Bicycle Co., LAPIERRE SA, Marin Mountain Bikes Inc., Merida Industry Co. Ltd., Norco Bicycles, Pending System GmbH and Co. KG, Pivot Cycles EU GmbH, Pon Holdings BV, Rocky Mountain Bicycles, Santa Cruz Bicycles LLC, Trek Bicycle Corp., XDS Bike Co., and Youngone Corp. Market Driver The mountain bike market is experiencing significant growth due to the introduction of electric mountain bikes. These bikes enhance the riding experience by amplifying pedaling power and providing adjustable engine support for various performance levels. The shift towards family-oriented mountain biking and increasing interest in adventurous sports among the young generation further boosts demand. However, regulatory restrictions on motor power and speed limit the market growth. Despite these challenges, advancements in technology and efforts to establish e-mountain biking as a standard racing format continue to drive market expansion. The mountain bike market is experiencing significant growth with various trends shaping the industry. Consumers seek lightweight bikes for improved performance and ease of use. Carbon fiber and alloy frames are popular choices. Trails and mountainous terrains call for components such as strong brakes, durable suspension, and sturdy wheels. Fenders and pannier racks are gaining traction among commuters and touring cyclists. Additionally, electric mountain bikes are on the rise, offering assistance for uphill climbs and extended rides. Overall, the market is driven by innovation, functionality, and consumer demand for versatile and high-performing mountain bikes. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This mountain bike market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Leisure- Mountain bikes represent a significant market segment in the cycling industry. With increasing health consciousness and the trend towards eco-friendly transportation, demand for mountain bikes continues to grow. Retailers stock a variety of models catering to diverse terrains and skill levels. Manufacturers invest in research and development to enhance bike performance and durability. Distributors ensure timely delivery to retailers, while marketing efforts focus on reaching potential customers through various channels. Overall, the mountain bike market is thriving, offering opportunities for all stakeholders. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics The mountain bike market encompasses the design, production, and distribution of mountain bikes, electric mountain bikes, and other off-road bicycles. Customer awareness and safety are paramount in this industry, with a focus on performance capacities, large wheels, and powerful brakes for optimal riding experience. Electric mountain bikes offer pedaling power with engine support, enhancing the off-road adventure sport experience. Trails may present surface flaws and potential accidents or collisions, necessitating safety devices and younger consumers' increased interest. Weather and sunlight are crucial factors in mountain biking tourism, while new energy engines and durability are essential considerations for off-road biking on rough terrain and off-track areas. The mountain bike market encompasses the production, distribution, and sale of mountain bikes and related accessories. These bikes are designed for off-road cycling, featuring sturdy frames, components, and wide tires for optimal traction. The market caters to various segments, including entry-level, mid-range, and high-end mountain bikes, each with distinct features and price points. Consumers seek mountain bikes for recreational activities, competitive racing, and commuting in rugged terrain. Key factors driving market growth include increasing health consciousness, growing popularity of outdoor activities, and technological advancements in bike design and materials. Additionally, the market is witnessing a trend towards electric mountain bikes, offering pedal-assist functionality for enhanced riding experience. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mountain-bike-market-to-grow-by-usd-3-78-billion-from-2024-2028--driven-by-mountain-biking-tourism-with-ai-driving-market-transformation---technavio-302325751.html SOURCE Technavio

Bedford Coach: Pete Bordi, third season. Career record: 13-35. Assistants: Blair Leydig, Caleb Beidle, Travis Livengood. District/classification: 5/3A. 2023-24 record: 3-20 (2-16 LHAC). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 6. Coach’s outlook: “As we get another year more experienced, we are looking to compete in each game. We are also looking for some younger players to step up and help the offense. The goal is to be playing our best basketball in January.” Roster Seniors: Chase Bauman, 5-6 G; Adam Fisher, 5-11 C; Owen Horne, 5-10 F; A.J. Koontz, 5-11 C; Quincy Swaim, 5-10 G; Owen Taylor, 6-1 F; Owen Tedrow, 6-3 C; Josh Topper, 5-9 F; Jacob Wilson, 6-1 G. Juniors: Nathan Crownover, 6-4 C; Andrew Evans, 5-8 G; Sophomores: Tristan Barnes, 5-9 G; Cole Foster, 5-8 G; Andrew Kidd, 5-8 F; Parker Klavuhn, 6-1 C; Nabhya Patel, 5-6 G; Jonah Topper, 5-11 G/F; Ethan Witt, 6-0 G/F. Freshmen: Grey Livengood, 5-9 G; Gabe Taylor, 5-9 G. Berlin Brothersvalley Coach: Jake Zorn, first season. Career record: 0-0. Assistants: Cannon Hay, Craig Stiffler, Tanner Prosser. District/classification: 5/1A. 2023-24 record: 28-3 (8-0 ICC West). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 10. Coach’s outlook: “Everyone in the county knows that we have lost a lot of leadership and scoring from last year’s team in Craig Jarvis and Pace Prosser. Each night, we will get the best out of each opponent that we face. Our goal is to continue to develop and work hard in practice to achieve our team goals for this upcoming season.” Roster Seniors: McKelvey Foor, 6-2 G; Haydon Hutzell, 6-1 G; Joseph Richardson, 6-3 F. Juniors: Connor Cooney, 6-3 F; Matthew Miller, 5-11 G/F; Marquinn Suber, 5-10 G/F. Sophomores: Brady Janidlo, 5-7 G; Carson Janidlo, 6-1 G; Ryan Janidlo, 6-0 F; Carson Jarvis, 5-11 G; Corbin Kordell, 5-10 G; Najee Magruder, 5-6 G; Chase Pereto, 6-1 F. Freshmen: Mason Black, 6-0 G; Jack Engle, 5-9 G; Maddox Zorn, 6-0 F. Bishop Carroll Coach: Cosie Aliquo, 17th season. Career record: 285-168. Assistants: Bob Madonna, Mitchell Madonna. District/classification: 6/1A. 2023-24 record: 18-11 (9-9 LHAC). Returning starters: 2. Returning lettermen: 11. Coach’s outlook: “We have a very young group that has worked hard. We hope to have a solid bench by the end of the season.” Roster Senior: Will Tremel, 5-7. Juniors: Gus Becquet, 6-2; Jace Casses, 5-7; Alex Evans, 5-5; Drew Lucko, 5-7; Joe Phillips, 5-8; Hayden Stohon, 6-1. Sophomores: Colin Beiswenger, 5-8; Avery Conner, 5-6; Ethan Holtz, 5-5; Vince Seymour, 6-0. Freshmen: Winston Hall-Campbell, 6-1; Connor Isaacson, 5-7; Anthony Lauer, 5-9; Patrick Phillips, 5-8; Llehson Walker, 5-9. Bishop McCort Coach: Chris Pfeil, sixth season. Career record: 48-62. Assistants: Jose Cruz, Jerry Murphy, Connor Shroyer. District/classification: 6/2A. 2023-24 record: 11-14 (7-11 LHAC). Returning starter: 1. Returning lettermen: 6. Coach’s outlook: “We are looking forward to competing in the LHAC and hope our schedule prepares us for a playoff run.” Roster Seniors: Adam Radkowski, 6-2 G; Brent Schmidt, 6-5 F; Jeremiah Taylor, 5-11 G; Eli Zasadni, 6-4 C. Juniors: Nick Dressick, 6-1 G; Angelo Gallucci, 6-2 F; Richey Hildebrand, 5-11 F; Maddox Laughard, 6-1 G; Grady Pfeil, 6-1 F. Sophomores: Jaeger Forrest, 5-10 G; Kaden Kovalchic, 6-2 F; Charlie Neumann, 5-10 G; Aaden Newcomer, 5-9 G; Brady Page, 5-10 G; Reece West, 5-10 G. Freshmen: Sean Sakmar, 6-0 G; Lorenzo Smith, 5-10 G. Blacklick Valley Coach: Garry Wurm, 19th season. Career record: 182-236. Assistant: Jim Kotelnicki. District/classification: 6/1A. 2023-24 record: 15-9. Returning starters: 1. Returning lettermen: 6. Coach’s outlook: “We have six returning lettermen who played quality minutes to help us win the WestPAC championship last season. We are a hard-working, athletic team and will utilize that along with our experience to game plan for the season. Our goal is to return to the WestPAC title game and advance in the District 6-1A playoffs.” Roster Seniors: Drew Gdula, 5-9 G; Drew McEvoy, 5-7 G; Collin Nedrich, 5-10 PG; Collin Nixon, 5-9 G; Greg Schilling, 5-8 G. Juniors: Connor Altimus, 5-6 G; Hayden Cote, 5-9 F; Nick Garver, 5-8 G; Ethan Luko, 5-10 G; Russell Saxton, 6-2 F; Landen Turcheck, 5-10 G. Sophomores: Aiden Boring, 5-10 F; Tanner Cook, 5-9 F; Cam Good, 5-10 F; Noah Popich, 5-7 G; Eli Sheesley, 6-2 F-G. Cambria Heights Coach: Eric Nagel, 20th season at Cambria Heights, 23rd overall. Career record: 183-254. Assistant: Mike Thomas. District/classification: 6/3A. 2023-24 record: 5-17. Returning starters: 2. Returning lettermen: 4. Coach’s outlook: “This group of seniors have a lot of experience. They have played a lot of basketball over their careers. Hopefully this experience will pay off with a successful season. This team has a lot of potential to be successful, and they are a very hard-working group of players willing to get better every day. We hope to compete night in and night out in the Heritage Conference and a tough nonconference schedule.’’ Roster Seniors: Cameron Abrams, 6-0; Landon Baker, 6-0; Kyle Bender, 5-9; Garrett Jasper, 6-2; Ian Nagel, 5-11; Stephen Nelen, 5-11; Isaac Weiland, 6-2. Juniors: Ethan Douthitt, 5-10; Kaiden Ivory, 5-11; Travis Kubat, 6-3; Carson Lobick, 5-10. Sophomores: Levi Barrineau, 5-10; Brayden DeArmitt, 5-10; Braydon Farabaugh, 5-8; Owen Garrison, 5-8; Levi Kline, 5-10; Mason Kline, 5-10; Nito Kutruff, 5-10; Mitch Weiland, 5-10. Freshman: Nolan Clawson, 6-1. Central Cambria Coach: Adam Stephan, 14th season. Career record: 120-177. Assistants: Wade Klezek, Billy Davis. District/classification: 6/3A. 2023-24 record: 8-14 (7-11 LHAC). Returning starters: 2. Returning lettermen: 3. Coach’s outlook: “This team returns its top two scorers from last year and we have some length that we have not had in a number of years. The overall shooting ability of this team is much improved and we are looking to utilize that this year. We put in a lot of work in the offseason. We have players that enjoy playing with each other and will be looking to build on the positives that we had last season. Their work this past spring and summer shows that they are eager and looking to compete in the extremely challenging LHAC.” Roster Seniors: Henry Bradley, 6-1 G; Isaac Bradley, 6-1 G; Gabe Burkett, 6-2 F; Hunter Pittsinger, 6-0 G; Grady Snyder, 6-0 G. Juniors: Garrett James, 6-1 F; Brayden Swope, 6-0 G. Sophomores: Noah Contorchick, 6-0 F; John Dill, 6-1 F; Eric Jackson, 5-11 F; Ridge Kutchman, 5-7 G; Brennan McCloskey, 6-0 F; Chase Sinosky, 6-0 G; Cooper Stephan, 5-10 G. Freshmen: Rocco Barra, 5-10 G; J.D. Brouse, 6-3 F/C. Conemaugh Township Coach: Chuck Lesko, 17th season. Career record: 273-127. Assistant: Andy Byer. District/classification: 5/2A. 2023-24 record: 22-6. Returning starters: 4. Returning lettermen: 6. Coach’s outlook: “The success of the Indians basketball team this season will depend upon leadership and unselfishness to achieve this team’s goals.” Roster Senior: Kieran Kane, 5-9 G. Juniors: Jacob Bartis, 6-1 F; Carson Brotz, 5-10 G; Colin Dinyar, 6-3 G/F; Brennan Lohr, 5-7 G; Ethan Matera, 6-4 F; Stephen Stango, 5-10 G. Sophomores: Erik McClemons, 6-8 F; Colton Shippey, 5-9 G. Freshmen: Cayden Dail, 5-11 F; Braedon Maldet, 6-0 F; Mason Springer, 5-9 G; Zach Stein, 5-11 F; Grayson Studer, 5-10 G. Conemaugh Valley Coach: Tre’von Williams, second season. Career record: 20-6. Assistants: Elijah Fields, Nicholas Boslet. District/classification: 6/1A. 2023-24 record: 20-6 (13-3 Heritage). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 3. Coach’s outlook: “Trust in one another and buy into the system and process. Play with energy, grit and together as one for four quarters every game.” Roster Seniors: Jeremy Dietz Jr., G/F; Tyler Wagner, F. Juniors: Gavin Buchan, G; Jaylen Henry, G; Ethan Hill, G; Eric Korhut, F/C; William Palmer, F; Josef Toth, F; George Weimer, G/F. Sophomores: Julian Dietz, G; Lance Masser, C; Nathan Stiffler, G. Freshmen: Aiden Blair, G; Ayden Burke, G. Ferndale Coach: Matt Lushko, second season. Career record: 12-17. Assistant: Matt Reckner. District/classification: 6/1A. 2023-24 record: 10-12 (5-5 WestPAC). Returning starters: 5. Returning lettermen: 5. Coach’s outlook: “We are limited on numbers this season, but they are working hard and we should be able to compete with any team we play.” Roster Seniors: Caleb Fenton, 6-2 C/F; Alex Lushko, 6-0 G/F. Juniors: Logan Bryner, 5-9 G; Connor Hrivnak, 6-0 G/F; Joe Prave, 5-6 G; Chance Washington, 6-3 G/F. Sophomores: Breslin Carter, 6-0 G/F; Donovin Corson, 5-5 G. Freshman: Ian McClucas, 5-7 G. Forest Hills Coach: Dominic Vescovi, 10th season. Career record: 101-107. Assistants: Justin Myers, Jim Burda, Ryan Richardson, Josh Schrock, Richard Crabtree, Samuel Hughes. District/classification: 6/3A. 2023-24 record: 21-6 (15-5). Returning starters: 4. Returning lettermen: 7. Coach’s outlook: “We are excited to be returning so many players who contributed to a successful season last year. We spent the offseason improving on the court and in the weight room. We would like to compete in the Laurel Highlands and in the district playoffs.” Roster Seniors: Paul Crowell, 5-10 G; Cam Middleton, 5-10 F; Chase Williamson, 6-1 F. Juniors: Kevin Edmondson, 6-2 F; Brandon Gregovich, 6-3 C; Koy McGough, 6-1 G; Xander Richardson, 5-10 F; Jordan Shutty, 6-2 F; Colson Tokarsky, 5-8 G. Sophomores: Nathaniel Birch, 5-9 G; Nathan Gabany, 6-4 C; Christian Gay, 5-10 G; Easton Gramling, 5-10 G; Jackson Henderson, 5-10 F; Josh Myers, 5-10 G; Dylan Stohon, 6-5 F. Greater Johnstown Coach: Ryan Durham, eighth season at Greater Johnstown, 14th overall. Career record: 202-95. Assistants: Marcus Tullis, Marcus Martin, Drezyre Toney, Marcus Howling, Izir Britt. District/classification: 6/5A. 2023-24 record: 23-6 (17-1 LHAC). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 6. Coach’s outlook: “We’re hoping to stay competitive in the LHAC.” Roster Seniors: Dom Alberter, 6-3 G; Hakim Braswell, 5-8 G; D’Myah Carr, 5-10 G; Donte Tisinger, 6-3 G. Juniors: Messiah Armstrong, 5-10 G; Tommy Ashcom, 5-10 G; Raheem Braswell, 5-10 G; Emmanuel Hill, 6-5 C; Aaron King, 5-11 G; Amire Robinson, 6-3 G. Sophomores: Demaunie Dudley, 5-11 G; Jamieer Dykes, 5-10 F; Ronnison Edwards, 6-3 C; Stephon Hill-Goodman, 6-0 C; Julius Reed, 5-9 G; Aubrey Robinson, 6-1 G. Freshmen: Kemmett Armstrong, 6-3 G; Omaurie Dudley, 5-11 G; Ranson Goggins, 5-9 G; LaRon Jackson, 6-1 F. Meyersdale Roster Seniors: James Kretchman, Ryan Sechler. Juniors: Matthew Hainsworth, Tyler Hanson, Nicholas Kimble, Landon Ludy, Aiden Mosholder. Sophomores: Gavan Steinberg, Carter Vogt, Hunter Weber, Spencer Whitfield. Freshmen: Xander Adriance, Stephen Friend, Riley Ritchey, Aiden Thomas. North Star Coach: Randy Schrock, 13th season, nine boys, four girls. Career record: 184-112. Assistants: Joe Zimmerman, Kevin Nicklow, Mikel Balsley, Hunter Stevens, Noah Jones, Kent Biery, Luke Schrock, Barry McVicker, Andy Zuchelli, Tim Gustin. District/classification: 5/3A. 2023-24 record: 17-6 (5-3 ICC West). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 5. Coach’s outlook: “We have a hard-working group that shows up every day and works hard with aspirations of competing for the ICC and District 5-3A championships.” Roster Seniors: Ayden Boyd, Noah Maurer, Andy Retassie, Toby Sheehan, Ethan Smith. Juniors: Tristan Ash, Bryson Durst, Kolten Lohr, J.C. Will. Sophomores: Bryce Frombach, Johnny Steltzer, Freshmen: Will Eshelman, Tucker Gisbrecht, Austin Landis, Louis Lepley, Max Pristas, Ben Steltzer. Penn Cambria Coach: Jim Ronan, 17th season. Career record: 198-185 Assistants: Guido Fabbri, Donte Lilly. District/classification: 6/3A. 2023-24 record: 11-12. Returning starters: 4. Returning lettermen: 10. Coach’s outlook: “We want to keep the momentum that the football team provides and strive to compete for championships. Our strengths are our depth, super-athletic and fast, strong athletes. Our players have had experience in big games in football.” Roster Seniors: Preston Farabaugh, 6-1 F; Gavin Harrold, 5-11 G; Derek Hite, 6-2 F; Tommy Plunkett, 5-11 F; Brandon Rabish, 6-0 G; Isaac Strittmatter, 6-2 F. Juniors: Caden Gibbons, 6-1 G; Grant Gides, 5-11 G; Ayden Himmer, 5-10 F; Brady Jones, 5-9 F; Blake Lilly, 5-9 G; Nick Marshall, 5-7 G; Blake Nadolsky, 6-1 F; Logan Price, 5-10 F; Jackson Rice, 5-9 F; Landon Semelsberger, 5-7 G. Sophomores: Braedon Foreman, 5-9 G; Evan Latterner, 5-10 G; Colvin Mallory, 6-1 F. Freshman: Jayce Davison, 6-0 G. Portage Coach: Travis Kargo, 25th season. Career record: 323-254. Assistants: Joe Dziabo, Jade Zatek, Koby Kargo. District/classification: 6/2A. 2023-24 record: 14-9 (12-4 Heritage). Returning starters: 4. Returning lettermen: 6. Coach’s outlook: “We anticipate working together and allowing our experience and maturity to help guide us as we play a very difficult schedule.” Roster Seniors: Owen Gouse, 5-11 G; Ethan Hodge, 6-2 G; Zach Hodge, 6-2 F; Trae Kargo, 5-10 G; Bode Layo, 6-4 F; Jacob McCoy, 6-2 F. Juniors: Gavin Bobolsky, 5-10 G; Darnell Caldwell, 6-0 F; Teagan Kick, 5-9 G; Easton Slanoc, 5-10 G. Sophomores: Colton Burgan, 5-9 G; Brayden Ciokota, 5-11 F; Aden Gabel, 6-1 F; Josh Papcun, 6-3 F; Rylan Regitz, 5-9 G. Freshman: Landon Simala, 6-2 F. Richland Coach: Joel Kaminsky, third season. Career record: 34-18. Assistants: Mike Ziants, Lance Burrell and Wade Fyock. District/classification: 6/3A. 2023-24 record: 11-13 overall, 8-11 conference. Returning starters: Two. Returning lettermen: Three. Coach’s outlook: “I look forward to seeing what our upcoming group of guys can do with our mixture of experience, as well as some new talent stepping up.” Roster Senior: Henry Levander, 6-5 C. Juniors: Van Gontkovic, 6-1. G; Glaiden Hale, 6-5 C; Noah Lushko, 6-0 G; Arison McCulty, 6-0 G; Luke Polocek, 5-11 G; Ian Selepack, 5-11 G; Braden Yoder, 6-1 F. Sophomores: Jamere Christian, 5-10 G; Kaden Hause, 6-1 F; Arnold Mugerwa, 6-3 F; Brayden Smith, 5-8 G; Brayden Swope, 6-0 G. Freshman: Cavan Skinner, G. Shanksville-Shade Coach: Matthew Long, sixth season. Career record: 32-82. Assistants: Chris Baeckel, Brian Edmonson, Wayne Long, Aaron Smith, Braden Adams. District/classification: 5/1A. 2023-24 record: 9-14 (4-7 WestPAC). Returning starters: 4. Returning lettermen: 7. Coach’s outlook: “We have a chance to be competitive. We need to commit to defense and rebounding. Staying healthy will also be key.” Roster Seniors: Braxton Faidley, 6-0 F; Layne Mincek, 6-0 F; Joshua Weyant, 5-10 F. Juniors: Grant Boozer, 6-2 F; Michael Kipp, 5-8; Caleb Miller, 6-0 G; Braxton Newman, 6-3 F. Sophomores: Grayson Baldwin, 5-7 G; Parker Belsterling, 5-9 G; Jack Carter, 5-7 G; Caleb Custer, 5-9 F; Liam Galish, 5-9 F; Braylon Johnson, 6-3 F; Connor Mulcahy, 5-9 G; Jordan Weigle, 5-7 G. Freshmen: Chase Renner, 5-8 F; Eddie Shaw, 6-2 F. Somerset Coach: Chris Zanoni, second season. Career record: 1-21. Assistants: Michael Benton, Daniel Shirley. District/classification: 5/4A. 2023-24 record: 1-21 (0-18 LHAC). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 5. Coach’s outlook: “We are looking to be an improved team. Though we are young, our players have worked hard to improve their athleticism and game skills.” Roster Seniors: Benjamin Bowers, G; Jiacheng Feng, F; Dominic Heiple, G. Juniors: Josiah Antram, G; Colton Beener, F; Dean Hostetler, C; Max Means, G/F; Cole Parry, G. Sophomores: Aiden Roby, G/F; Ethan Speelman, G/F; Jacob Stoy, G/F; Chris Thompson, G. Freshmen: Kellan Hagans, F; Deacon Sherbine, G. Turkeyfoot Valley Roster Seniors: Bryce Nicholson, 5-7 G; Colt Rugg, 5-6 G; Zack Ryan, 6-2 G/F. Juniors: Lance Jones, 6-3 G/F; Bronson Perez, 5-6 G; Daniel Younkin, 5-11 F. Sophomores: Shiloh Bonnell, 6-3 F; Lee Bowers, 5-10 F; Lawson Smith, 5-11 F; Chase Tressler, 5-11 F; Ely Walker, 5-8 G. United Coach: Matt Rodkey, fifth season. Career record: 75-28. Assistant: Caleb McAdoo, Jason Payne. District/classification: 6/2A. 2023-24 record: 11-12 (8-8 Heritage). Returning starters: 4. Returning lettermen: 6. Coach’s outlook: “We play in a great conference in which there are no nights off. We need to get back to playing team defense at a higher level than we did last season. We hope to be very competitive within our conference and in District 6 Class 2A.” Roster Seniors: Ethan Chilenski, 5-9 F; James Kordish, 5-11 G; Braxton Jelley, 6-4 C; Aidan Stiffler, 6-0 F. Juniors: Jake Burkett, 5-10 F; Connor Darr, 6-2 F; Carter Payne, 5-10 G; Brady Robertson, 6-2 F; Dmitri Worthington, 6-0 G. Sophomores: Brody Burkett, 6-0 G; Ryan Felix, 6-4 F; Dawson Laughard, 6-0 F; Peyton McElwee, 5-7 G; Cole McGinnis, 5-9 G; Shaydon Oleksa, 5-7 G; Luke Shepler, 6-3 F. Westmont Hilltop Coach: Dave Roman Jr., 27th season. Career record: 405-277. Assistants: Jeff Callihan, Casey Craig, Ian Valente, Dan Oberst. District/classification: 6/3A. 2023-24 record: 20-6 (17-3 LHAC). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 5. Coach’s outlook: “We had a very good offseason of skill and team development. Each of our guys are ready to take on a bigger role.” Roster Seniors: Aiden Kohan, 6-0 F; Caden Miller, 6-3 F; Connor Sweeney, 5-10 G; Kenny Taylor, 5-10 G. Juniors: James Webb, 6-0 F; Sully Weir, 5-11 G; Jack Wesner, 6-2 G. Sophomores: Brock Bowles, 6-2 F; Elijah Brownlee, 5-10 G; Brady Cox, 6-2 F; Grant Craig, 5-9 G; Bryce Goodman, 6-0 F; Landen Valente, 5-5 G. Freshmen: Derek Gartner, 5-11 G; Kamron Hinton, 5-10 G; Joziah Jashienski, 6-0 F; Luke Wesner, 5-11 G. Windber Coach: Steve Slatcoff, ninth season. Career record: 105-81. Assistants: Jeff Slatcoff Jr., A.J. Bender, Albert Torquato. District/classification: 5/2A. 2023-24 record: 15-11 (6-3 ICC West). Returning starters: 3. Returning lettermen: 5. Coach’s outlook: “We will continue to build on the foundation of the program by working hard every day to get better. We will trust this process in an effort to become better as a team.” Roster Seniors: Evan Brady, F; Ryan Grohal, F; Grady Klosky, G. Junior: Nathan Betcher, G. Sophomores: Aiden Hamilton, G; Kennan Klosky, G/F; Ace Kolson, F; Jonas Krause, G/F; Logan Sorenko, G; Dalton Strick, G; Kyler Wilson, G; Dylan Woodruff, G. Freshmen: Elijah Conjelko, G; Dakota Gutskey, F; Cole Heinrich, G; Levi Manley, G; Sean McClain, G; Brady Rager, F. Chestnut Ridge, Johnstown Christian, Ligonier Valley, Meyersdale, Northern Cambria, Rockwood and Turkeyfoot Valley did not return questionnaires. (c)2024 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.bioAffinity Technologies stock hits 52-week low at $1.21

WINDSOR, Conn. , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced an initial agreement with Insignia Financial (Insignia) to deliver superannuation member administration services. Insignia Financial supports around 1.1 million superannuation fund members through its wealth management offerings. Upon signing a final binding agreement, more than 1,000 team members in seven offices across Australia will transfer from Insignia to SS&C. The team will then leverage SS&C's in-house technology to automate processes and streamline operations while providing top-notch service delivery to Insignia's customers alongside SS&C's experts. "As a leading global provider of retirement solutions, SS&C is a trusted partner with extensive expertise in fund administration. We anticipate the collaboration with SS&C will provide our more than 1.1 million members with an improved experience delivered by contemporary technology, our people with the opportunity to be part of a large global enterprise, and greater cost efficiencies," said Insignia Financial's CEO Scott Hartley . "We look forward to welcoming Insignia Financial staff to the team and working closely with our new colleagues," said Bill Stone , Chairman and CEO. "Insignia Financial is one of the largest wealth management businesses in Australia and will be our largest client in Australia . This collaboration will put SS&C one step closer to becoming the leading superannuation administration provider in the region. As more funds look to partner with trusted external providers, we look forward to delivering the best technology and service to optimize superannuation administration for Australia's investors." About Insignia Financial Ltd. With origins dating back to 1846, today the Insignia Financial is a leading Australian wealth manager. Insignia Financial provides financial advice, superannuation, wrap platforms and asset management services to members, financial advisers and corporate employers. Further information about Insignia Financial can be found at www.insigniafinancial.com.au About SS&C SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut , and has offices around the world. Some 20,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world's largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology. Additional information about SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com . Follow SS&C on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ssc-signs-agreement-with-insignia-financial-302326720.html SOURCE SS&CAP News Summary at 5:18 p.m. EST

NoneWASHINGTON — The House passed a $895 billion measure Wednesday 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. The bill 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... 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 wanted to increase defense spending about $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 in 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 nondefense 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, proved 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." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responds to reporters Dec. 6 during his weekly news conference at the Capitol in Washington. 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. 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 The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates 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. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Tennessee is the new No. 1 in men’s college basketball after a massive shakeup in the AP Top 25 . The Vols received 58 first-place votes from a 62-person media panel Monday to reach No. 1 for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Tennessee climbed two spots from last week after Kansas lost twice and Auburn fell to No. 4 Duke. The Tigers remained No. 2 and received three first-place votes. No. 3 Iowa State had one first-place vote and climbed three places from last week for its highest ranking since 1956-57. Kentucky rounded out the top five. In all, 14 ranked teams lost last week, including six teams in the top 10; Kansas and then-No. 11 Wisconsin lost twice. Only two teams — Auburn and No. 12 Oregon — remained in the same poll spots they were a week ago, and the volatility saw five teams jump into the rankings. Tennessee (8-0) is off to its best start since opening the 2000-01 season 9-0 and is No. 1 in the NET rankings. The Vols also are second in the KenPom ratings, ranking second in defensive efficiency and ninth in offensive efficiency despite losing four starters from last year’s SEC championship team. Tennessee beat Syracuse 96-70 in its only game last week. Kansas had been No. 1 since the preseason poll before losing to 76-63 to Creighton and 76-67 to rival Missouri . The losses dropped the Jayhawks to No. 10. Auburn was poised to move into the No. 1 spot for the first time since 2021-22 but lost 84-78 at Duke before beating Richmond. Iowa State had its highest preseason ranking at No. 5 after reaching the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 a year ago. The Cyclones lost by two to Auburn in the Maui Invitational but have reeled off four straight wins since. Iowa State blew out Jackson State 100-58 in its only game last week before facing rival Iowa this week. Two-time reigning national champion UConn nearly dropped out of the poll last week following a 0-for-3 run in Maui. The Huskies bounced back nicely last week, picking up impressive wins over Baylor and Texas to move up seven spots in this week’s poll to No. 18. “Maybe the people with the shovels and the dirt, maybe they were too quick to grab the shovel and throw the dirt on us,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said. Oklahoma had the biggest jump within this week’s poll, climbing eight spots to No. 13 after beating Georgia Tech and Alcorn State . Duke and No. 17 Texas A&M each moved up five spots. Kansas had the biggest drop, followed by No. 20 Wisconsin, which fell nine spots. No. 22 Cincinnati dropped eight places. Multiple teams moved in and out of this week’s poll. No. 14 Michigan is ranked for the first time in nearly three years after tight wins over Wisconsin and Iowa . The Wolverines have won seven straight under first-year coach Dusty May. No. 16 Clemson is ranked for the first time this season following wins over Kentucky and Miami . No. 21 Michigan State also is ranked for the first time after wins over Nebraska and Minnesota . No. 24 UCLA is ranked for the first time since the preseason poll following wins over Washington and Oregon. No. 25 Mississippi State is back in the poll after blowing out Pittsburgh 90-57 and beating Prairie View A&M . Baylor, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Illinois and North Carolina all dropped out of the rankings. The SEC led all conferences with nine ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten with six and the Big 12 with four. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East each had two ranked teams, while the West Coast and Mountain West conferences each had one.EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Sam Darnold pinballed around his collapsed pocket to dodge a sack on third-and-8, before slicing through a skinny opening to sprint right in search of more space as Justin Jefferson's hand shot up downfield. Darnold let rip an on-the-run throw that sailed 45 yards in the air and straight into Jefferson's arms, where he was stunningly wide open inside the 10. He danced his way into the end zone to give the Minnesota Vikings a 21-13 lead, the harbinger of a fourth-quarter surge past the Atlanta Falcons . “I’m not going to tell you what I told him in regards to my opinion on how many guys make that throw,” coach Kevin O'Connell said with a smile. The 42-21 decision on Sunday not only gave the Vikings (11-2) their sixth consecutive victory but further validated their decision to let Kirk Cousins leave in free agency for a cheaper replacement. With O'Connell directing the quarterback development program and calling the plays and Jefferson leading a dangerous and diverse group of pass-catchers, Darnold has finally found a place he can thrive in after such an environment had long eluded the third overall pick in the 2018 draft — even in this roundabout way after the season-ending injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy. Factor in a defense that's allowing only 18.5 points per game, sixth best in the NFL , and leads the league in interceptions (20), and these Vikings are going to be a tough team to outscore in the playoffs. Darnold became the ninth quarterback in NFL history and the first since Aaron Rodgers in 2019 to hit these benchmarks in a game: at least 325 passing yards, five touchdown passes, a 75% completion rate, no interceptions and a 155-plus passer rating. Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for 15 catches, 265 yards and five scores. “This is definitely the ball that we want to play every single game,” Jefferson said. “Just the energy, the tempo that we had, just going out there and executing the plays.” None more spectacular than that on-the-run 52-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Jefferson, who started the play in motion from left to right into a three-man bunch with Addison and Jalen Nailor to set up a favorable matchup with nickel cornerback Dee Alford. Addison ran a clear-out route toward the opposite corner, initially drawing the attention of three defenders. Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates, who was in a single-high alignment while the other Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons blitzed, diverted from Addison toward an uncovered Nailor on the other side while ignoring Jefferson streaking behind him. Cornerback Clark Phillips left Nailor to try to catch Jefferson, who'd blown by Alford. “He absolutely cooked the dude on the route,” Darnold said. The Falcons couldn't have played their coverage worse, leaving three receivers open, but that's the type of stress the Vikings can put on a defense with the way Darnold is throwing the ball. “We already knew what he was about once we got him on our team, that he could throw any pass,” Addison said. “He’s just put it on display for everybody else.” What's working Though Darnold has been sacked 40 times this season, he has the athleticism and instinct to extend plays and find one of his tough-to-cover receivers on longer-developing routes even if pressure comes. What needs help The Vikings have allowed their two highest rushing yardage totals of the season in the last two weeks for an average of 4.95 yards per attempt, a trend worth watching for a defense that still ranks second in the NFL against the run. Their final two games against division rivals Green Bay and Detroit will pit them against two of the top five rushing teams in the league. Stock up Rookie Jalen Redmond made his first career start and played 39 of 74 snaps, the most among the interior defensive linemen, and had two tackles for loss and two deflected passes at the line. One came on a third-and-goal throw by Cousins that forced Atlanta to settle for a short kick right before halftime. Redmond went undrafted last year out of Oklahoma, was released by Carolina during the preseason and played this spring in the United Football League. Stock down Will Reichard made all six extra point attempts in his return from a four-game absence to let a quadriceps strain heal, but his only field goal try from 47 yards in the third quarter clanked off the left upright. Injury report CB Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) and backup OLB Patrick Jones (knee) were held out on Sunday. LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) must miss at least two more games. Key number .660 — O'Connell's winning percentage at 31-16 during the regular season is the highest in Vikings history, ahead of Bud Grant (.621). He's fourth among active NFL coaches, trailing Nick Sirianni (.703), Jim Harbaugh (.682) and Matt LaFleur (.677). Up next The Vikings finish their three-game homestand next Monday night against Chicago (4-9), three weeks after beating the Bears 30-27 on the road in overtime. The Vikings have a two-game edge on the Packers for the first NFC wild card, the No. 5 seed, and will clinch a spot in the playoffs with one more win or one more loss by the Los Angeles Rams, who were the last team to beat them on Oct. 24. The tiebreaker outlook in the NFC North, however, will likely require an additional loss by the Lions (12-1) in the next three games, even if the Vikings were to win their next three, to set up a division title game on the final weekend at Detroit. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Dave Campbell, The Associated Press

Key details to know about the arrest of a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEOAs part of a national “moonshot” to cure blindness, researchers at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus will receive as much as $46 million in federal funding over the next five years to pursue a first-of-its-kind full eye transplantation. “This is no easy undertaking, but I believe we can achieve this together,” said Dr. Kia Washington, the lead researcher for the University of Colorado-led team, during a press conference Monday. “And in fact I’ve never been more hopeful that a cure for blindness is within reach.” The CU team was one of four in the United States that received funding awards from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health , or ARPA-H. The CU-based group will focus on achieving the first-ever vision-restoring eye transplant by using “novel stem cell and bioelectronic technologies,” according to a news release announcing the funding. The work will be interdisciplinary, Washington and others said, and will link together researchers at institutions across the country. The four teams that received the funding will work alongside each other on distinct approaches, though officials said the teams would likely collaborate and eventually may merge depending on which research avenues show the most promise toward achieving the ultimate goal of transplanting an eye and curing blindness. Dr. Calvin Roberts, who will oversee the broader project for ARPA-H, said the agency wanted to take multiple “shots on goal” to ensure progress. “In the broader picture, achieving this would be probably the most monumental task in medicine within the last several decades,” said Dr. Daniel Pelaez of the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which also received ARPA-H funding. Pelaez is the lead investigator for that team, which has pursued new procedures to successfully remove and preserve eyes from donors, amid other research. He told The Denver Post that only four organ systems have not been successfully transplanted: the inner ear, the brain, the spinal cord and the eye. All four are part of the central nervous system, which does not repair itself when damaged. If researchers can successfully transplant the human eye and restore vision to the patient, it might help unlock deeper discoveries about repairing damage to the brain and spine, Pelaez said, as well as addressing hearing loss. To succeed, researchers must successfully remove and preserve eyes from donors and then successfully connect and repair the optical nerve, which takes information from the eye and tells the brain what the eye sees. A team at New York University performed a full eye transplant on a human patient in November 2023, though the procedure — while a “remarkable achievement,” Pelaez said — did not restore the patient’s vision. It was also part of a partial face transplant; other approaches pursued via the ARPA-H funding will involve eye-specific transplants. Washington, the lead CU researcher, said she and her colleagues have already completed the eye transplant procedure — albeit without vision restoration — in rats. The CU team will next work on large animals to advance “optic nerve regenerative strategies,” the school said, as well as to study immunosuppression, which is critical to ensuring that patients’ immune systems don’t reject a donated organ. The goal is to eventually advance to human trials. Pelaez and his colleagues have completed their eye-removal procedure in cadavers, he said, and they’ve also studied regeneration in several animals that are capable of regenerating parts of their eyes, like salamanders or zebra fish. His team’s funding will focus in part on a life-support machine for the eye to keep it healthy and viable during the removal process. InGel Therapeutics, a Massachusetts-based Harvard spinoff and the lead of a third team, will pursue research on 3-D printed technology and “micro-tunneled scaffolds” that carry certain types of stem cells as part of a focus on optical nerve regeneration and repair, ARPA-H said. ARPH-A, created two years ago, will oversee the teams’ work. Researchers at 52 institutions nationwide will also contribute to the teams. The CU-led group will include researchers from the University of Southern California, the University of Wisconsin, Indiana University and Johns Hopkins University, as well as from the National Eye Institute . The teams will simultaneously compete and collaborate: Pelaez said his team has communicated with researchers at CU and at Stanford, another award recipient, about their eye-removal research. The total funding available for the teams is $125 million, ARPA-H officials said Monday, and it will be distributed in phases, in part dependent on teams’ success. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat who represents Denver in Congress, acknowledged the recent election results at the press conference Monday and pledged to continue fighting to preserve ARPA-H’s funding under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The effort to cure blindness, Washington joked, was “biblical” in its enormity — a reference to the Bible story in which Jesus cures a blind man. She and others also likened it to a moonshot, meaning the effort to successfully put Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon nearly 50 years ago. If curing blindness is similar to landing on the moon, then the space shuttle has already left the launchpad, Washington said. “We have launched,” she said, “and we are on our trajectory.”None

Colts Notebook: Richardson again delivers in clutchPope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to 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 Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualties PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members have opened fire on journalists in Haiti’s capital as they were covering the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital, wounding or killing an unknown number of people. The country's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the vicious Christmas Eve attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. Radio Télé Métronome said earlier on Tuesday that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the shooting. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 Palestinians The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank. The ministry said three of the dead were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The attacks took place around the city of Tulkarem and nearby refugee camps. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza. Most festivities were cancelled and crowds of tourists were absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning.The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Bengaluru hosted a two-day capsule course on Cement for quality personnel on Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20, 2024. T. Nagamani, Director, BIS, Bengaluru Branch Laboratory, in her address emphasised the role of quality in business success and highlighted that the programme is a free capacity building initiative for quality personnel, recognising them as the backbone of the industry. Nagaraja K.C., Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Department, the Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore, who was the chief guest of the event, in his address said that the key industry challenges include the misleading labelling of added minerals and the environmental concern related to unsustainable practices in construction. The two-day event also featured practical demonstrations, laboratory visits and a workshop, said a BIS release. Published - December 25, 2024 12:07 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit technology (general)

NEW YORK — A slide for market superstar Nvidia on Dec. 9 knocked Wall Street off its big rally and helped drag U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6 percent Monday, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.5 percent, and the Nasdaq composite pulled back 0.6 percent from its own record. Nvidia's fall of 2.5 percent was by far the heaviest weight on the S&P 500 after China said it's investigating the company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. Nvidia has skyrocketed to become one of Wall Street's most valuable companies because its chips are driving much of the world's move into artificial-intelligence technology. That gives its stock's movements more sway on the S&P 500 than nearly every other. Nvidia's drop overshadowed gains in Hong Kong and for Chinese stocks trading in the United States on hopes that China will deliver more stimulus for the world's second-largest economy. Roughly three in seven of the stocks in the S&P 500 rose. The week's highlight for Wall Street will arrive midweek when the latest updates on inflation arrive. NEW YORK — Omnicom is buying Interpublic Group in a stock-for-stock deal that will create an advertising powerhouse with combined annual revenue of almost $26 billion. The New York City agencies have had a hand in iconic marketing campaigns like "Got Milk" for the California Milk Processor Board, "Priceless" for Mastercard, "Because I'm Worth It" for L'Oreal and "Think Different" for Apple. The combined company will be valued at more than $30 billion. It will will keep the Omnicom name and trade under the "OMC" ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange. The deal is expected to have annual cost savings of $750 million and is expected to close during the second half of next year. It still needs the approval of Omnicom and Interpublic shareholders. NEW YORK — Activist investor Barington Capital Group is calling on department store retailer Macy's to develop an internal real estate subsidiary, reduce capital expenditures and explore strategic options for its Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury chains among other changes to boost its slumping stock, according to its proposal made public Dec. 9. The presentation came after Barington, which has stakes in such brands as Victoria's Secret, Hanes and Dillard's, has built an undisclosed stake in Macy's. Barington said it has partnered with property owner Thor Equities. They said that Macy's stock is undervalued and that the real estate, including the flagship at Herald Square in Manhattan, is worth between $5 billion and $9 billion. They said Macy's should create a unit to collect market rents from its retail operations and pursue sales and redevelopment opportunities. WASHINGTON — TikTok asked a federal appeals court Dec. 9 to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews its challenge to the statute. The legal filing was made after a panel of three judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires China-based TikTok parent ByteDance to divest its stakes in the social media company or face a ban, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and ByteDance have said the popular app will shut down by Jan. 19. TikTok has more than 170 million American users who would be affected, the companies have said. In a legal filing, attorneys for the two companies wrote that even if a shutdown lasted one month, it would cause TikTok to lose about a third of its daily users in the U.S. "Before that happens, the Supreme Court should have an opportunity, as the only court with appellate jurisdiction over this action, to decide whether to review this exceptionally important case," the filing said. It's not clear if the high court will take up the case. Some legal experts have said the justices are likely to weigh in since the dispute raises novel issues about social media platforms and how far the government could go in protecting national security.

Is the CFP bracket fair? Here are some tweaks that would have changed thingsHouse approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors

NFL will consider replay assist for facemask penalties and other plays