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MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a "tragic incident" following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that Russian air defenses shot down the plane while attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference Saturday at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner "repeatedly" attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane. The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that "relevant services" from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while attempting to land. There were 29 survivors. According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyev's press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to "external physical and technical interference," though he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses. Part of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane lies on the ground Thursday near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan. Aliyev noted the plane had holes in its fuselage and the occupants sustained injuries "due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight." He said that a team of international experts began a probe of the incident at Azerbaijan's initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny. On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack. U.S. President Joe Biden, responding Saturday to a reporter asking whether he thought Putin should take responsibility for the crash, said: "Apparently he did but I haven't spoken to him." Biden made the comment after leaving church in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Passengers and crew members who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it circled over Grozny. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic. Yadrov said after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau. People attend a funeral Saturday for Mahammadali Eganov, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's airport of Aktau at the age of 13, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier this past week, Rosaviatsia cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board. In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed "physical and technical interference" and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didn't say where the interference came from or provide any further details. If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014. Russia denied responsibility but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base. The grave of Mahammadali Eganov, 13, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's Aktau airport, is seen Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan. Following Wednesday's suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities. Several other airlines made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month. Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian country's flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this past week, Israel's El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing "developments in Russia's airspace." Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.SAINT PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Mariah Keopple and Alexandra Labelle scored their first goals of the season and the Montreal Victoire edged the Minnesota Frost 3-2 on Saturday. Marie-Philip Poulin's goal almost six minutes into the second period was the difference as she converted a 2-on-1 from Laura Stacey and Jennifer Gardiner and Montreal (2-2-0-1), which went 0 for 3 on the power play, won its third straight while handing Minnesota (3-1-1-1) its first regulation loss of the season. Despite having the better control of the action from the start Montreal fell behind 1-0 near the middle of the first period when Claire Thompson and Taylor Heise set up Britta Curl-Salemme for her third goal of the season. But in the last five minutes of the period Keopple scored on a pass from Claire Dalton, and Labelle banged in a rebound of her initial shot. Minnesota pulled into a tie at just 3:17 into the second period when Brooke McQuigge picked up her first goal during a scramble in front of the Montreal goal. Barely 2 1/2 minutes later the Victoire were back on top on Poulin's second goal of the season and Ann-Renee Desbiens, who made 22 saves, made that stand up. Maddie Rooney made 22 saves for Minnesota, which went 0-1 on the power play. Boston plays at Montreal on Monday. The Frost are home against Boston on Thursday. AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockeySAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office , according to a Federal Police report unsealed Tuesday. Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. “The evidence collected throughout the investigation shows unequivocally that then-President Jair Messias Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organization aiming to launch a coup d’etat and eliminate the democratic rule of law, which did not take place due to reasons unrelated to his desire,” the document said. At another point, it says: “Bolsonaro had full awareness and active participation.” Bolsonaro, who had repeatedly alleged without evidence that the country's electronic voting system was prone to fraud, called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, according to the police report, signed by four investigators. The decree would have launched an investigation into suspicions of fraud and crimes related to the October 2022 vote, and suspended the powers of the nation's electoral court. The navy’s commander stood ready to comply, but those from the army and air force objected to any plan that prevented Lula’s inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Bolsonaro never signed the decree to set the final stage of the alleged plan into action. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or awareness of any plot to keep him in power or oust his leftist rival and successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “No one is going to do a coup with a reserve general and half a dozen other officers. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup,” Bolsonaro told journalists in Brazil’s capital Brasilia on Monday. “If someone came to discuss a coup with me, I’d say, that’s fine, but the day after, how does the world view us?” he added. “The word ‘coup’ has never been in my dictionary.” The top court has passed the report on to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. Ahead of the 2022 election, Bolsonaro repeatedly alleged that the election system, which does not use paper ballots, could be tampered with. The top electoral court later ruled that he had abused his power to cast unfounded doubt on the voting system, and ruled him ineligible . Still, he has maintained that he will stand as a candidate in the 2026 race. Since Bolsonaro left office, he has been targeted by several investigations, all of which he has chalked up to political persecution. Federal Police have accused him of without properly declaring them and directing a subordinate . Authorities are also investigating whether he in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in Brasilia, seeking to prompt intervention by the army that would oust Lula from power. Bolsonaro had left for the United States days before Lula’s inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023 and stayed there three months, keeping a low profile. The police report unsealed Tuesday alleges he was seeking to avoid possible imprisonment related to the coup plot, and also await the uprising that took place a week later. ___ Hughes reported from Rio de Janeiro
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Unretired two-time Pro Bowl LB Shaquil Barrett signs to resume career with Tampa Bay BuccaneersShare Tweet Share Share Email Financial empowerment remains a critical challenge for many communities. Traditional banking systems often exclude those in low-income brackets, leaving them without access to basic savings and credit services. However, a grassroots solution has emerged to address this gap: social micro-savings groups. These community-based initiatives bring people together to collectively save money and work toward shared financial goals, proving that unity can drive transformative change . Understanding Social Micro-Savings Groups Social micro-savings groups are informal collectives where members pool their savings. These groups are typically composed of individuals from similar socioeconomic backgrounds, often within the same community. Members contribute small amounts of money regularly, creating a shared fund. This pool of resources can be used to provide loans, support emergencies, or invest in shared projects. Unlike formal financial institutions, these groups operate on mutual trust and transparency. They have minimal overhead costs, making them accessible to people who might otherwise be excluded from traditional banking systems. Additionally, they foster a sense of ownership and accountability, as each member has a direct stake in the group’s success. Core Principles of Micro-Savings Groups Collective Responsibility: Each member contributes to and benefits from the group’s resources. This shared accountability ensures the system remains functional. Transparency: Regular meetings and clear documentation maintain trust among members. Flexibility: Contributions are tailored to suit the financial capabilities of members. Inclusivity: Groups often prioritize marginalized individuals, including women and rural populations. Benefits of Micro-Savings Groups Financial Inclusion For many individuals, access to formal banking services is a distant dream due to high fees, stringent requirements, or geographic barriers. Micro-savings groups bridge this gap by providing a simple, accessible platform for saving money and accessing credit. Members can build financial resilience without navigating the complexities of traditional banking. Empowerment Through Community Being part of a micro-savings group fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Members often share knowledge, skills, and resources, creating a supportive network. This collective strength enables individuals to pursue financial goals they might not achieve alone. Encouraging Savings Habits Saving money can be challenging, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck. Micro-savings groups instill discipline by requiring regular contributions. Over time, members develop a habit of saving, which can lead to greater financial stability. Access to Credit In emergencies or for investment purposes, accessing loans can be crucial. Micro-savings groups offer an alternative to predatory lenders by providing low-interest loans from the shared fund. This system ensures that financial assistance remains affordable and within the community. How Micro-Savings Groups Operate Formation and Membership Groups usually form organically, with members coming together based on mutual trust. Ideal group sizes range from 10 to 25 members, ensuring manageability while fostering a sense of community. Once formed, members establish rules, including contribution amounts, meeting schedules, and loan terms. Contribution and Savings Members contribute fixed amounts at regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly. These contributions are recorded meticulously to ensure transparency. The accumulated savings create a fund that members can borrow from as needed. Loan Disbursement and Repayment Loans are granted based on group consensus, with clear repayment terms and minimal interest rates. Members are motivated to repay loans promptly, as the fund’s sustainability depends on it. Default rates are typically low due to the high level of trust within the group. Profit Sharing At the end of a savings cycle, often a year, the group distributes the accumulated savings and any profits from loan interest among members. This payout serves as a tangible reward for collective effort and financial discipline. The Role of Women in Micro-Savings Groups Women play a pivotal role in the success of micro-savings groups. In many communities, they are the primary caretakers and financial planners. By participating in these groups, women gain access to resources that can improve their families’ well-being. Micro-savings groups also provide a platform for women to develop leadership skills. As treasurers, secretaries, or chairpersons, they gain experience in financial management and decision-making. This empowerment extends beyond the group, enabling women to take on more active roles in their communities. Challenges and Solutions Lack of Financial Literacy Many participants may have limited knowledge of financial management, which can hinder the group’s effectiveness. Regular training sessions on budgeting, saving, and record-keeping can address this issue. Trust Issues Trust is the foundation of micro-savings groups. Any breach, such as mismanagement of funds, can jeopardize the group’s stability. To prevent this, members should establish clear rules and accountability mechanisms. Limited Funds The small contributions of members may not always meet the group’s financial needs. Partnering with NGOs or local governments can provide additional resources and support. Examples of Successful Micro-Savings Initiatives Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) VSLAs are a popular model of micro-savings groups, particularly in Africa. These groups have helped thousands of rural families access financial services, invest in businesses, and improve their quality of life. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India SHGs empower women in rural areas by providing them with access to savings and credit. These groups have significantly contributed to poverty reduction and women’s empowerment. Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) ROSCAs operate on a rotating basis, where each member receives the entire savings pool at a predetermined time. This system is simple yet effective in addressing immediate financial needs. The Future of Micro-Savings Groups As technology advances, micro-savings groups are evolving. Digital platforms and mobile banking are making it easier for groups to manage their funds and expand their reach. Apps designed specifically for savings groups can facilitate record-keeping, enhance transparency, and connect members with additional financial services. Moreover, partnerships with microfinance institutions and NGOs can amplify the impact of these groups, providing them with access to training, funding, and resources. By leveraging technology and collaboration, micro-savings groups can continue to thrive and empower more communities. Conclusion Social micro-savings groups are a testament to the power of collective effort. By pooling resources and working together, individuals can overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams. These groups not only provide practical financial solutions but also foster a sense of community and empowerment. As they continue to grow and evolve, micro-savings groups have the potential to transform countless lives, proving that unity truly is strength . Related Items: Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request after it experienced trouble with its flight operating system, or FOS. The airline blamed technology from one of its vendors. As a result, flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 36% of the airline's 3,901 domestic and international flights leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company; 51 flights were canceled. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the FOS system. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS went down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Hours after the ground stop was lifted, Tajer said the union had not heard about "chaos out there beyond just the normal heavy travel day." He said officials were watching for cascading effects, such as staffing problems. On social media, however, customers expressed frustration with delays that caused them or their family members to miss connecting flights. One person asked if American planned to hold flights for passengers to make connections, while others complained about the lack of assistance they said they received from the airline or gate agents. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Bobby Tighe, a real estate agent from Florida, said he would miss a family Christmas Eve party in New York because his American flight was repeatedly delayed. The delays made him miss a connecting flight, leaving him the choice of going to his destination — Westchester, N.Y. — on Christmas Day or taking another flight to Newark, N.J., scheduled to land Tuesday evening. He chose the latter. "I'm just going to take an Uber or Lyft to the airport I was originally supposed to go to, pick up my rental car and kind of restart everything tomorrow," Tighe said. He said his girlfriend was "going through the same exact situation" on her way from Dallas to New York. Cirium noted the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 39% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays, Cirium said. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site did not post any American Airlines flights Tuesday morning, but it showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms were developing in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That's because finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so it had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The Transportation Security Administration said it expected to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!1 2 Jaipur: Speaking at a press conference at BJP state office on Tuesday, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma accused Congress of having disrespected B R Ambedkar both historically and in recent political narratives. Sharma also claimed that Congress had shared an incomplete video clip to falsely accuse Union home minister Amit Shah of insulting Ambedkar. "It was due to Congress that Ambedkar, India's first law minister, was forced to resign from the cabinet. Even after his resignation, he was denied the opportunity to address Parliament. Congress must explain why they suppressed Ambedkar's resignation letter and denied its public acknowledgment," Sharma said. He added that Jawahar Lal Nehru's disdain for Ambedkar was evident in a letter Nehru wrote to Edwina Mountbatten, expressing relief over Ambedkar's resignation from the cabinet. Sharma alleged that Congress actively worked to undermine Ambedkar's political career. Contrasting this with the BJP's approach, Sharma highlighted the party's efforts to honour Ambedkar's legacy. Sharma approved a Rs 10 per quintal increase in the sugarcane purchase price on Tuesday, a move expected to provide an additional income of Rs 2 crore to thousands of sugarcane farmers in Sriganganagar. Under the revised rates, the early variety of sugarcane will now be procured at Rs 401 per quintal, the mid-season variety at Rs 391 per quintal, and the late-season variety at Rs 386 per quintal. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes .
Shoppers despair as Easter eggs found on supermarket shelves in DecemberGaya: Union micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi, who chaired the national executive meeting of the party in New Delhi on Monday, said the party would contest Bihar assembly elections under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar . He added that a decision on contesting Delhi assembly polls would be taken after a meeting with the Delhi unit of the BJP . The national executive meeting passed nine resolutions in view of upcoming Bihar and Delhi assembly elections. Party’s national spokesperson Nandlal Manjhi said, “As per the resolutions passed at the meeting, a delegation will meet PM Narendra Modi and hand over a memorandum demanding installation of statue of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar at Dikshabhumi (Nagpur)”. “A delegation will also meet CM Nitish Kumar and submit a memorandum for fixation of minimum Rs 2,000 for any kind of pension and increment like dearness allowance to govt employees,” he said. He added, “Other resolutions include proposal for starting Mata Shabri Samman Yojana in Bihar for the girls of all classes, conventional and vocational education for girls, Rs 2,000 per month unemployment allowance upto to the age of 35 years, provision for treatment upto Rs 10 to 15 lakh to middle class people under health insurance policy on the lines of Ayushman card scheme.” “Resolution was also passed to name the main roads of Delhi after freedom fighters, including Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad, Khudiram Bose, Ashfaqulla Khan, Sarojini Naidu, Savitri Bai Phule and others,” he said. National president Santosh Suman, who is also minister in Bihar govt, said people from all the states are continuously joining the party. We also published the following articles recently HAM-S to contest assembly polls in Bihar under Nitishs leadership: Manjhi Union MSME minister and HAM-S founder Jitan Ram Manjhi announced the party's decision to contest Bihar assembly elections under CM Nitish Kumar's leadership. The national executive meeting in New Delhi passed resolutions including demands for a statue of Ambedkar, a minimum pension, and a health insurance policy. A decision on Delhi polls will follow talks with the BJP. Wont allow BJP to insult Baba Saheb or Constitution: Cong Congress and the BJP in Ranchi are clashing over remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Congress demands Shah's resignation and accuses BJP of disrespecting the Constitution, while BJP claims Congress has consistently disrespected Ambedkar. Both parties are rallying public support on this contentious issue. Will contest on all assembly seats, says RLJP president Pashupati Kumar Paras Former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras signaled his party's intent to contest all 243 assembly seats in Bihar, highlighting tensions with the ruling NDA. Paras, whose party RLJP is part of NDA, expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP over seat allocation and other issues. The alliance decision will be made during the party's working committee meeting. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes.
Putin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., closes a door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) By LISA MASCARO and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee’s long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations , including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican’s bid to lead the Justice Department . Related Articles National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report’s release on Monday, slammed the committee’s findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” Gaetz wrote in one post on Monday. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Here’s a look at some of the committee’s key findings: The committee found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women “likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use.” He paid the women using through online services such as PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp and with cash or check, the committee said. The committee said it found evidence that Gaetz understood the “transactional nature” of his relationships with the women. The report points to one text exchange in which Gaetz balked at a woman’s request that he send her money, “claiming she only gave him a ‘drive by.’” Women interviewed by the committee said there was a “general expectation of sex,” the report said. One woman who received more than $5,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 said that “99 percent of the time” that when she hung out with Gaetz “there was sex involved.” However, Gaetz was in a long-term relationship with one of the women he paid, so “some of the payments may have been of a legitimate nature,” the committee said. Text messages obtained by the committee also show that Gaetz would ask the women to bring drugs to their “rendezvous,” the report said. While most of his encounters with the women were in Florida, the committee said Gaetz also traveled “on several occasions” with women whom he paid for sex. The report includes text message exchanges in which Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, initially connected with women through an online service. In one text with a 20-year-old woman, Greenberg suggested if she has a friend, the four of them could meet up. The woman responded that she usually does “$400 per meet.” Greenberg replied: “He understands the deal,” along with a smiley face emoji. Greenberg asks if they are old enough to drink alcohol, and sent the woman a picture of Gaetz. The woman responded that her friend found him “really cute.” “Well, he’s down here for only for the day, we work hard and play hard,” Greenberg replied. The report details a party in July 2017 in which Gaetz is accused of having sex with “multiple women, including the 17-year-old, for which they were paid.” The committee pointed to “credible testimony” from the now-woman herself as well as “multiple individuals” who corroborated the allegation. The then-17-year-old — who had just completed her junior year in high school — told the committee that Gaetz paid her $400 in cash that night, “which she understood to be payment for sex,” according to the report. The woman acknowledged that she had taken ecstasy the night of the party, but told the committee that she was “certain” of her sexual encounters with the then-congressman. There’s no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn’t tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he didn’t how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. In sum, the committee said it authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. But when the committee subpoenaed Gaetz for his testimony, he failed to comply. “Gaetz pointed to evidence that would ‘exonerate’ him yet failed to produce any such materials,” the committee said. Gaetz “continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed.” The report details a months-long process that dragged into a year as it sought information from Gaetz that he decried as “nosey” and a “weaponization” of government against him. In one notable exchange, investigators were seeking information about the expenses for a 2018 get-away with multiple women to the Bahamas. Gaetz ultimately offered up his plane ticket receipt “to” the destination, but declined to share his return “from” the Bahamas. The report said his return on a private plane and other expenses paid by an associate were in violation of House gift rules. In another Gaetz told the committee he would “welcome” the opportunity to respond to written questions. Yet, after it sent a list of 16 questions, Gaetz said publicly he would “no longer” voluntarily cooperate. He called the investigation “frivolous,” adding: “Every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration.” The report said that while Gaetz’s obstruction of the investigation does not rise to a criminal violation it is inconsistent with the requirement that all members of Congress “act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House.” The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021 and deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request. It renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation without filing any charges against him. The committee sought records from the Justice Department about the probe, but the agency refused, saying it doesn’t disclose information about investigations that don’t result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department, but after a back-and-forth between officials and the committee, the department handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the report. “To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses,” the committee said. Many of the women who the committee spoke to had already given statements to the Justice Department and didn’t want to “relive their experience,” the committee said. “They were particularly concerned with providing additional testimony about a sitting congressman in light of DOJ’s lack of action on their prior testimony,” the report said. The Justice Department, however, never handed over the women’s statements. The agency’s lack of cooperation — along with its request that the committee pause its investigation — significantly delayed the committee’s probe, lawmakers said.Turning challenges into opportunities(Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron shared an intense series of handshakes on Saturday, reminiscent of the white-knuckled grip-off that marked a meeting between the two leaders more than seven years ago. Visiting Paris to attend the reopening of the Notre-Dame cathedral, Trump was greeted by Macron at the steps of the Elysee Palace. It was Trump's first foreign trip since winning the Nov. 5 U.S. election. Exiting his vehicle, Trump pulled Macron's right hand towards his body as the two hugged and gripped each other with clenched fists, shaking firmly back and forth. While friendly, it appeared both men were holding on tight. As they ascended the steps of the palace and turned again towards the cameras, Trump positioned his hand above Macron's and pushed down firmly as they locked hands for a second time. The sequence triggered approval from some Trump supporters online, who saw in the president-elect's actions a concerted attempt to intimidate Macron. "President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake," an account who goes by the username @BehizyTweets posted on the social media platform X. "Macron is going to need a hand massage after all that twisting and pulling Trump did to him." The two men have a history of intense handshakes. When they met for the first time in May 2017 ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels, each man gripped each other's right hand so firmly that their knuckles turned white and their jaws seemed to clench as they sat for a face-to-face meeting. Macron told a newspaper in 2017 that the white-knuckle handshake was "not innocent" and "a moment of truth" aimed at showing his U.S. counterpart, whose first term ended in January 2021, that he would not be intimidated. Trump and Macron were joined later on Saturday by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The meeting occurred with world leaders in Paris to celebrate Notre-Dame's restoration five years after it was ravaged by fire. Trump and Macron shared another firm and prolonged handshake outside the cathedral, though it fell short of the intensity of the 2017 grip-off, according to social media influencer Collin Rugg. "The handshake battle between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron continues," Rugg posted on X. "Their handshake at the Notre Dame Cathedral lasted for 17 seconds, coming short of their previous record of 29 seconds." (Reporting by Nathan Layne in New York; Editing by Paul Simao)
Telegram profitable for first time, founder announcesSpectral Capital Announces Transformation into a Deep Quantum Technology Platform 12-24-2024 09:40 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: AIO Newswire Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/1735058514.jpg Seattle, WA - December 24, 2024 - Spectral Capital Corporation [ https://www.spectralcapital.com/](OTCQB: FCCN) [ https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SPECTRAL-CAPITAL-CORPORAT-120789102/ ], a leader in quantum innovation, proudly announces its transformation into a Deep Quantum Technology Platform. This strategic evolution positions Spectral at the forefront of the quantum era, uniting proprietary technologies in quantum cloud computing, distributed quantum ledger databases, and plasmonic quantum chips. With the addition of renowned quantum physicist Dr. Moshik Cohen as Chief Technology Officer and the groundbreaking Verdant Quantum initiative, Spectral Capital is pioneering scalable, sustainable, and practical quantum computing solutions. From Incubator to Operator: Spectral's New Vision Spectral Capital has redefined its role in quantum technology by moving beyond incubation to develop, own, and operate its proprietary quantum systems. "This is not just a rebranding-it is a bold leap into the future of quantum computing," said Jenifer Osterwalder, CEO. "Spectral Capital is now delivering a fully integrated platform with technologies like the Vogon Decentralized Edge and Hybrid Cloud [ https://www.spectralcapital.com/vogon ], its embedded Distributed Quantum Ledger Database (DQLDB), plasmonic System-On-a-Chip (SOC) architecture, and energy-efficient quantum algorithms. These innovations bridge the gap between classical and quantum systems, offering the scalability and environmental responsibility required for the quantum era." Introducing Room Temperature Quantum Transfer and Compute To drive its ambitious vision, Spectral announced earlier this month the addition Dr. Moshik Cohen, an expert in quantum state dynamics and plasmonic computing as CTO. The Company is fusing the revolutionary initiative from Verdant Quantum to eliminate the need for cryogenic cooling by leveraging room-temperature plasmonic chips. This solution bridges classical and quantum computing with CMOS-compatible plasmonic processors allowing these chips harness energy waves controlled by light, called plasmons, to deliver near-light-speed data processing with unmatched precision and efficiency-all while dramatically reducing energy consumption and costs. Transformative Innovations Powering Spectral's Platform The world's first plasmonic-ready distributed quantum ledger database, Vogon, provides secure, scalable, and semantically enriched data management. Its key features include: * Deterministic Concurrency for low-latency performance. * Post-Quantum Cryptography with SPHINCS+ for unparalleled security. * Consensus Algorithms to ensure robust and scalable decentralized operations. The Vogon DQLDB seamlessly connects legacy systems to quantum ecosystems, enabling industries such as finance, logistics, and healthcare to harness quantum efficiencies today. Plasmonic System-On-a-Chip (SOC) Spectral's miniaturized plasmonic SOC technology redefines the potential of its Vogon Cloud data centers, enabling near-light-speed processing at room temperature. These chips will power Spectral's edge and hybrid compute data centers across 16 global regions, which will also serve as test beds for sustainable quantum computing. "This innovation addresses the global call for environmentally friendly quantum solutions, reducing infrastructure costs while increasing processing power," Brehm emphasized. Quantum Algorithms and Collective Intelligence Spectral's proprietary quantum algorithms leverage cooperative distributed inferencing and analytic tomography to unlock real-time insights. By integrating these algorithms with Vogon DQLDB, Spectral enables industries to optimize operations, from autonomous vehicles to investment portfolio management. Why Spectral Capital? The quantum computing market is projected to grow from $885.4 million in 2023 to $12.62 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of up to 34.8%. Spectral's technologies are poised to capture this growth while addressing urgent industry demands for scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable quantum solutions. "Over the next decade, quantum computing will redefine the global economy," said Brehm. "Spectral Capital is at the epicenter of this transformation. With Dr. Moshik Cohen, and our ecosystem partners, we are building not just for the future-we are building the future ." A Call to Visionary Investors Spectral Capital invites forward-thinking investors to join us in shaping the quantum revolution. With groundbreaking technologies and a commitment to sustainability, Spectral offers a unique opportunity to drive the next wave of global innovation. About Spectral Capital Spectral Capital Corporation (OTCQB: FCCN) is a Deep Quantum Technology Platform company delivering practical, scalable, and sustainable quantum solutions. Through its proprietary Vogon DQLDB, QuantumVM, and plasmonic SOCs, Spectral Capital is revolutionizing industries and paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable world. For more information, visit www.spectralcapital.com [ http://www.spectralcapital.com/ ] or contact our Investor Relations team at Rubenstein and Associates. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from expectations. Please review the company's filings for a full risk assessment. Media Contact Company Name: Plato Data Intelligence Contact Person: Bryan Feinberg Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=spectral-capital-announces-transformation-into-a-deep-quantum-technology-platform ] Phone: +1551 574-2169 Address:144 E 44th Street City: New York State: New York Country: United States Website: http://platodata.io This release was published on openPR.Daniel Penny is staying “staying positive and optimistic” and spending the weekend with his family as he waits for a Manhattan jury to resume deliberations in his high-profile subway chokehold case, his lawyer told The Post. Jurors are expected back in court Monday to consider whether to convict Penny on a criminally negligent homicide charge, after they deadlocked on a top charge of manslaughter. “He’s been spending as much of his free time with his mothers and sisters,” Penny’s attorney Thomas Kenniff told The Post Saturday. “They’ve been his rock throughout this very difficult time.” Criminally negligent homicide carries a sentence of probation up to four years behind bars. “While Danny is relieved by the dismissal of the manslaughter count, he still faces the second homicide charge in the indictment, and a significant state prison sentence,” Kenniff said. “He remains confident that when the jury returns on Monday, they will agree he acted reasonably in the face of the unprecedented terror Jordan Neely manifested aboard the F train. There can be no compromise when it comes to an innocent man’s freedom.” Penny’s lawyers have said the Long Island native and aspiring architect was justified in protecting passengers from a man who witnesses said yelled, “Someone’s going to die today!” and who said he was ready to go to jail after boarding the uptown F train. Deliberations began on Tuesday afternoon and culminated in the dramatic turn of events in court Friday, when prosecutors ultimately tossed the manslaughter charge. The developments garnered praise for Penny from none other than champion golfer Phil Mickelson, who shared a post from political commentator Collin Rugg on X that called Penny a “model citizen...that every mayor of every city should want more of,” a “hero” and a “breed of young men who are becoming less and less common.” Mickelson agreed with Rugg’s words. “Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual,” Mickelson wrote .
Thomas scores 19, Rhode Island beats Providence 69-63
A forecaster says ripe avalanche conditions are expected to persist across much of British Columbia for the rest of the week. Large swaths of the province, stretching from the coast to the Alberta boundary, are under “considerable” or “moderate” avalanche danger warnings. Tyson Rettie with Avalanche Canada says the conditions are largely a result of a series of storms that have lead to temperature fluctuations and significant amounts of snow at high elevation points. “We’ve seen a pattern of a storm every 18 hours or so on the coast for over a week now,” Rettie said in an interview Tuesday. “Every time the storm comes through, it deposits significant amounts of snow, often with strong or extreme winds.” He said storms like these deposit wind and storm slabs, or layers of snow, on mountains. These deposits bond together on top of existing layers of snow, Rettie said, and when the top slab is stronger than the layer beneath it, the greater the risk for an avalanche. “We’re seeing formation of both storm and wind slabs that are large enough to justify a ‘considerable hazard’ (warning),” he said. “Even just the new snow itself can form what we call a storm slab problem or a wind slab problem.” As of Tuesday afternoon, Avalanche Canada had a “considerable hazard” warning covering Vancouver Island, a stretch of coastal B.C. from Powell River to Pemberton in the east, and more areas. There were also significant areas of the province covered under “moderate hazard” avalanche warnings. One of these moderate areas is east of Pemberton towards Lillooet, and Rettie noted a few avalanches have been reported in the area over the past week. On Monday, four backcountry skiers were buried in an avalanche on Ipsoot Mountain north of Whistler, B.C., and a fifth was partially buried. All were rescued. B.C. Emergency Health Services said in a statement that three of the skiers were transported to hospital in stable condition, while the other two didn’t require hospitalization. Premier David Eby shared his appreciation for the first responders in a social media post, calling it “an incredible rescue.” Const. Antoine Graebling with the Whistler RCMP detachment said the avalanche was a 2.5 on a five-point scale, which means it was large enough to seriously injure or kill people. Graebling said his detachment hasn’t been notified of any other avalanches. But he and Rettie both said conditions can change daily. “Each of these storms is bringing a significant amount of precipitation, often warmer temperatures and strong or extreme wind speeds,” Rettie said. “The more intense the storm, the higher the danger.” He said the storm pattern is expected to continue near the coast for the rest of this week. “The timing and intensity of it is a bit uncertain. But at least over the next three days, we’re expecting a couple of significant storms to impact the coast,” he said. He encouraged backcountry skiers to check the Avalanche Canada forecasts, which are updated daily, before they hit the slopes.
Ludhiana: Inter-College Youth Festival concluded at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on Friday evening, with the College of Agriculture lifting the overall trophy in addition to running trophies for literary, dance, music and theatre items. The College of Community Science clinched the running trophies for fine arts and heritage items. Dressed-up in typical traditional costumes, bedecked with multi-coloured bangles and jewellery as well as wearing turbans, students delivered power-packed performances in giddha and bhangra. The 10-day youth fest enlivened the faculty and the students through a wide range of events encompassing fine arts, intellectual aptitude and items pertaining to dance, heritage and theatre. Chief guest Hardeep Singh Mundian, Punjab housing and urban development, water supply and sanitation minister, lauded students for participation and gave away the prizes to the winners. Famous folk dancer Paramjit Singh Pammi Bai and film actor Hobby Dhaliwal also captivated the audience. The societal impact of drug addiction, youths’ obsession with social media and rising unemployment were touched upon during the drama enactment. On display was the social fabric of Punjab, showing youths shifting to foreign lands to earn big bucks while elders stay back. Maintaining that participation was more important than winning, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, PAU vice-chancellor, said, “This unique platform is a microcosm, paving way for new innings which lie ahead.” He exhorted the students to “think out of box”, make unceasing devotion to their respective domains and stay cheerful in challenging times. Dr Nirmal Singh Jaura, director, students’ welfare, lauded the efforts of his entire team in successful conduct of the fest and proposed a vote of thanks. GADVASU Fest Soon Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana is going to organise Youth Festival from Nov 25. The whole show will be organised in two phases from Nov 25 to Dec 5. Dr Parkash Singh Brar, director, students’ welfare, said: “Our students hold a winning record” in different extra-curricular activities at All India Agricultural & Veterinary Inter University fests in the past and have won a number of prizes and trophies in these events.” VC Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill said that the fest will be the springboard for students to achieve the new heights in extracurricular and creative activities. Dr Brar said to streamline all the functioning, committees have been formed and duties allocated. The fest will be conducted according to the notified rules. Inter-Varsity Youh Fest Punjab Youth Development Board chairman Parminder Singh Goldy said that the Punjab State Inter-Varsity Youth Festival will be held at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) from Nov 29 to Dec 2. During this festival, teams from top universities will participate in 51 different cultural and heritage competitions.As we are a few days away from 2025, the health insurance industry faces a trifecta of challenges, all of which have been tarring and feathering performance. Facing growing pressure to curb escalating healthcare costs and growing consumer dissatisfaction, the industry has faced a host of headwinds. Managed care stocks have significantly underperformed this year, with some major players seeing their stock prices plunge by as much as 20%, a stark contrast to the S&P 500’s 27% gain. While insurers are challenged by increased usage, policy changes, and regulation, the 2025 outlook is still unclear and it seems that there is potential for volatility. What lies at the core is the escalating cost of healthcare consumption. In the midst of high numbers of US citizens specifically elderly patients who are delaying care due to pandemic-induced cancellations, CNAs report an increase in claims, notably Medicare Advantage. It has also been particularly difficult for organizations like Humana (HUM), where Medicare Advantage revenues constitute more than 30% of its overall revenues. This program, which offers a variety of other cost savings (eg, gym memberships, prescription drugs), has always been financially more advantageous for insurers than traditional Medicare, with reimbursement rates paid out to providers being higher. But as claim numbers increase and insurers are having to pay out more in premiums they have to pay, this has eaten into profit margins. Medical loss ratio (MLR), one of the most important indicators to calculate the fraction of premium dollars spent on health care services, has been increasing for the majority of the big insurers. Humana, for example, saw its MLR climb to 89.2% in 2024, up from 86.6% in the previous year. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to spend between 80% and 85% of premiums on healthcare, but many insurers are struggling today to meet them while being profitable. In a few instances, insurers have adopted the strategy of reducing brokers’ commissions to reduce the number of new enrollments. Table of Contents Health Insurance Industry Faces Uncertainty Ahead of 2025, Murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Adds to Chaos What’s Next for Health Industry? Health Insurance Industry Faces Uncertainty Ahead of 2025, Murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Adds to Chaos In particular health insurers have also faced an unprecedented mix of events including the tragic murder of an insurance worker. This incident, together with the growing unrest and disapproval of the public, has a firm basis for calls for reform in the industry. The recent uptick in scrutiny from both the Federal Trade Commission and Congress, particularly focused on industry giants like UnitedHealth Group (UNH), has compounded the challenges facing insurers. Despite the challenges, insurance companies continue to report unprecedented revenue growth driven by a larger share of insured individuals and government rebates. In contrast, UnitedHealth for the year 2023 disclosed revenue of $372 billion, which is an order of magnitude higher than $123 billion in 2013. No doubt, while the top-line growth has been stunning, the profit margin has not grown accordingly, reflecting the cost growth arising from the expansion of the insured population. What’s Next for Health Industry? Looking into 2025, the industry continues to be uncertain. The possibility of a regulatory shift, including due to a new administration and current political struggle over the fate of the Affordable Care Act, may make the field even more disruptive. Simultaneously, pressure for further competitive cost and increased disclosure can be expected to also trigger renewals of business practices for insurers. Health insurers have to extraordinarily navigate these evolving needs to be able to rebound and stabilize in the year to come. Meantime, investors are getting ready for a rough time, since the industry henceforth presents itself in 2025 in the face of several attacks. Also, see: Stock Market Santa Rally Begins With Strong Gains: A Look at Year-End Trends
By Tony Leys | KFF Health News GLENWOOD, Iowa — Hundreds of people who were separated from society because they had disabilities are buried in a nondescript field at the former state institution here. Disability rights advocates hope Iowa will honor them by preventing the kind of neglect that has plagued similar cemeteries at other shuttered facilities around the U.S. The southwest Iowa institution, called the Glenwood Resource Center, was closed this summer in the wake of allegations of poor care . The last of its living residents were moved elsewhere in June. But the remains of about 1,300 people will stay where they were buried on the grounds. The graveyard, which dates to the 1800s, covers several acres of sloping ground near the campus’s brick buildings. A 6-foot-tall, weathered-concrete cross stands on the hillside, providing the most visible clue to the field’s purpose. On a recent afternoon, dried grass clippings obscured row after row of small stone grave markers set flat in the ground. Most of the stones are engraved with only a first initial, a last name, and a number. “If somebody who’s never been to Glenwood drove by, they wouldn’t even know there was a cemetery there,” said Brady Werger, a former resident of the facility. During more than a century of operation, the institution housed thousands of people with intellectual disabilities. Its population declined as society turned away from the practice of sequestering people with disabilities and mental illness in large facilities for decades at a time. The cemetery is filled with residents who died and weren’t returned to their hometowns for burial with their families. State and local leaders are working out arrangements to maintain the cemetery and the rest of the 380-acre campus. Local officials, who are expected to take control of the grounds next June, say they’ll need extensive state support for upkeep and redevelopment, especially with the town of about 5,000 people reeling from the loss of jobs at the institution. Hundreds of such places were constructed throughout the U.S. starting in the 1800s. Some, like the one in Glenwood, served people with disabilities, such as those caused by autism or seizure disorders. Others housed people with mental illness. Most of the facilities were built in rural areas, which were seen as providing a wholesome environment. States began shrinking or closing these institutions more than 50 years ago. The shifts were a response to complaints about people being removed from their communities and subjected to inhumane conditions, including the use of isolation and restraints. In the past decade, Iowa has closed two of its four mental hospitals and one of its two state institutions for people with intellectual disabilities. After closures in some other states, institutions’ cemeteries were abandoned and became overgrown with weeds and brush. The neglect drew protests and sparked efforts to respectfully memorialize people who lived and died at the facilities. “At some level, the restoration of institutions’ cemeteries is about the restoration of humanity,” said Pat Deegan, a Massachusetts mental health advocate who works on the issue nationally . Deegan, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager, sees the neglected graveyards as symbolic of how people with disabilities or mental illness can feel as if their individual identities are buried beneath the labels of their conditions. Deegan, 70, helped lead efforts to rehabilitate a pair of overgrown cemeteries at the Danvers State Hospital near Boston, which housed people with mental illness before it closed in 1992. More than 700 former residents were buried there, with many graves originally marked only with a number. The Massachusetts hospital’s grounds were redeveloped into a condominium complex. The rehabilitated cemeteries now have individual gravestones and a large historical marker, explaining what the facility was and who lived there. The sign notes that some past methods of caring for psychiatric patients seem “barbarous” by today’s standards, but the text portrays the staff as well-meaning. It says the institution “attempted to alleviate the problems of many of its members with care and empathy that, although not always successful, was nobly attempted.” Deegan has helped other groups across the country organize renovations of similar cemeteries. She urges communities to include former residents of the facilities in their efforts. Iowa’s Glenwood Resource Center started as a home for orphans of Civil War soldiers. It grew into a large institution for people with disabilities, many of whom lived there for decades. Its population peaked at more than 1,900 in the 1950s, then dwindled to about 150 before state officials decided to close it. Werger, 32, said some criticisms of the institution were valid, but he remains grateful for the support the staff gave him until he was stable enough to move into community housing in 2018. “They helped change my life incredibly,” he said. He thinks the state should have fixed problems at the facility instead of shutting it. He said he hopes officials preserve historical parts of the campus, including stately brick buildings and the cemetery. He wishes the graves had more extensive headstones, with information about the residents buried there. He would also like to see signs installed explaining the place’s history. Two former employees of the Glenwood facility recently raised concerns that some of the graves may be mismarked . But officials with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, which ran the institution, said they have extensive, accurate records and recently placed stones on three graves that were unmarked. Department leaders declined to be interviewed about the cemetery’s future. Spokesperson Alex Murphy wrote in an email that while no decisions have been made about the campus, the agency “remains committed to ensuring the cemetery is protected and treated with dignity and respect for those who have been laid to rest there.” Glenwood civic leaders have formed a nonprofit corporation that is negotiating with the state over development plans for the former institution. “We’re trying to make the best of a tough situation,” said Larry Winum, a local banker who serves on the new organization’s board. Tentative plans include tearing down some of the existing buildings and creating up to 900 houses and apartments. Winum said redevelopment should include some kind of memorial sign about the institution and the people buried in the cemetery. “It will be important to us that those folks be remembered,” he said. Activists in other states said properly honoring such places takes sustained commitment and money. Jennifer Walton helped lead efforts in the 1990s to properly mark graves and improve cemetery upkeep at state institutions in Minnesota . Some of the cemeteries are deteriorating again, she said. Activists plan to ask Minnesota legislators to designate permanent funding to maintain them and to place explanatory markers at the sites. “I think it’s important, because it’s a way to demonstrate that these spaces represent human beings who at the time were very much hidden away,” Walton said. “No human being should be pushed aside and ignored.” Related Articles Health | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too Health | CDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changes Health | New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants Health | Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans Health | PG&E eyes higher bills, seeking revenue to meet rising energy demand On a recent day, just one of the Glenwood graves had flowers on it. Retired managers of the institution said few people visit the cemetery, but amateur genealogists sometimes show up after learning that a long-forgotten ancestor was institutionalized at Glenwood and buried there. Former grounds supervisor Max Cupp said burials had become relatively rare over the years, with more families arranging to have deceased residents’ remains transported to their hometown cemeteries. One of the last people buried in the Glenwood cemetery was Kenneth Rummells, who died in 2022 at age 71 after living many years at the institution and then at a nearby group home overseen by the state. His guardian was Kenny Jacobsen, a retired employee of the facility who had known him for decades. Rummells couldn’t speak, but he could communicate by grunting, Jacobsen said. He enjoyed sitting outside. “He was kind of quiet, kind of a touch-me-not guy.” Jacobsen helped arrange for a gravestone that is more detailed than most others in the cemetery. The marker includes Rummells’ full name, the dates of his birth and death, a drawing of a porch swing, and the inscription “Forever swinging in the breeze.” Jacobsen hopes officials figure out how to maintain the cemetery. He would like to see a permanent sign erected, explaining who is buried there and how they came to live in Glenwood. “They were people too,” he said.
Banker, 6 footer — DJ Cuppy on her ideal man
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