lottery meaning in tagalog
lottery meaning in tagalog
Less than a decade later, the death of his father and namesake, a merchant farmer and local politician who went by “Mr. Earl,” prompted the submariner and his wife, Rosalynn, to return to the rural life of Plains, Georgia, they thought they’d escaped. The lieutenant never would be an admiral. Instead, he became commander in chief. Years after his presidency ended in humbling defeat, he would add a Nobel Peace Prize, awarded not for his White House accomplishments but “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” The life of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, ended Sunday at the age of 100 where it began: Plains, the town of 600 that fueled his political rise, welcomed him after his fall and sustained him during 40 years of service that redefined what it means to be a former president. With the stubborn confidence of an engineer and an optimism rooted in his Baptist faith, Carter described his motivations in politics and beyond in the same way: an almost missionary zeal to solve problems and improve lives. Carter was raised amid racism, abject poverty and hard rural living — realities that shaped both his deliberate politics and emphasis on human rights. “He always felt a responsibility to help people,” said Jill Stuckey, a longtime friend of Carter's in Plains. “And when he couldn’t make change wherever he was, he decided he had to go higher.” Carter's path, a mix of happenstance and calculation , pitted moral imperatives against political pragmatism; and it defied typical labels of American politics, especially caricatures of one-term presidents as failures. “We shouldn’t judge presidents by how popular they are in their day. That's a very narrow way of assessing them," Carter biographer Jonathan Alter told the Associated Press. “We should judge them by how they changed the country and the world for the better. On that score, Jimmy Carter is not in the first rank of American presidents, but he stands up quite well.” Later in life, Carter conceded that many Americans, even those too young to remember his tenure, judged him ineffective for failing to contain inflation or interest rates, end the energy crisis or quickly bring home American hostages in Iran. He gained admirers instead for his work at The Carter Center — advocating globally for public health, human rights and democracy since 1982 — and the decades he and Rosalynn wore hardhats and swung hammers with Habitat for Humanity. Yet the common view that he was better after the Oval Office than in it annoyed Carter, and his allies relished him living long enough to see historians reassess his presidency. “He doesn’t quite fit in today’s terms” of a left-right, red-blue scoreboard, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who visited the former president multiple times during his own White House bid. At various points in his political career, Carter labeled himself “progressive” or “conservative” — sometimes both at once. His most ambitious health care bill failed — perhaps one of his biggest legislative disappointments — because it didn’t go far enough to suit liberals. Republicans, especially after his 1980 defeat, cast him as a left-wing cartoon. It would be easiest to classify Carter as a centrist, Buttigieg said, “but there’s also something radical about the depth of his commitment to looking after those who are left out of society and out of the economy.” Indeed, Carter’s legacy is stitched with complexities, contradictions and evolutions — personal and political. The self-styled peacemaker was a war-trained Naval Academy graduate who promised Democratic challenger Ted Kennedy that he’d “kick his ass.” But he campaigned with a call to treat everyone with “respect and compassion and with love.” Carter vowed to restore America’s virtue after the shame of Vietnam and Watergate, and his technocratic, good-government approach didn't suit Republicans who tagged government itself as the problem. It also sometimes put Carter at odds with fellow Democrats. The result still was a notable legislative record, with wins on the environment, education, and mental health care. He dramatically expanded federally protected lands, began deregulating air travel, railroads and trucking, and he put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy. As a fiscal hawk, Carter added a relative pittance to the national debt, unlike successors from both parties. Carter nonetheless struggled to make his achievements resonate with the electorate he charmed in 1976. Quoting Bob Dylan and grinning enthusiastically, he had promised voters he would “never tell a lie.” Once in Washington, though, he led like a joyless engineer, insisting his ideas would become reality and he'd be rewarded politically if only he could convince enough people with facts and logic. This served him well at Camp David, where he brokered peace between Israel’s Menachem Begin and Epypt’s Anwar Sadat, an experience that later sparked the idea of The Carter Center in Atlanta. Carter's tenacity helped the center grow to a global force that monitored elections across five continents, enabled his freelance diplomacy and sent public health experts across the developing world. The center’s wins were personal for Carter, who hoped to outlive the last Guinea worm parasite, and nearly did. As president, though, the approach fell short when he urged consumers beleaguered by energy costs to turn down their thermostats. Or when he tried to be the nation’s cheerleader, beseeching Americans to overcome a collective “crisis of confidence.” Republican Ronald Reagan exploited Carter's lecturing tone with a belittling quip in their lone 1980 debate. “There you go again,” the former Hollywood actor said in response to a wonky answer from the sitting president. “The Great Communicator” outpaced Carter in all but six states. Carter later suggested he “tried to do too much, too soon” and mused that he was incompatible with Washington culture: media figures, lobbyists and Georgetown social elites who looked down on the Georgians and their inner circle as “country come to town.” Carter carefully navigated divides on race and class on his way to the Oval Office. Born Oct. 1, 1924 , Carter was raised in the mostly Black community of Archery, just outside Plains, by a progressive mother and white supremacist father. Their home had no running water or electricity but the future president still grew up with the relative advantages of a locally prominent, land-owning family in a system of Jim Crow segregation. He wrote of President Franklin Roosevelt’s towering presence and his family’s Democratic Party roots, but his father soured on FDR, and Jimmy Carter never campaigned or governed as a New Deal liberal. He offered himself as a small-town peanut farmer with an understated style, carrying his own luggage, bunking with supporters during his first presidential campaign and always using his nickname. And he began his political career in a whites-only Democratic Party. As private citizens, he and Rosalynn supported integration as early as the 1950s and believed it inevitable. Carter refused to join the White Citizens Council in Plains and spoke out in his Baptist church against denying Black people access to worship services. “This is not my house; this is not your house,” he said in a churchwide meeting, reminding fellow parishioners their sanctuary belonged to God. Yet as the appointed chairman of Sumter County schools he never pushed to desegregate, thinking it impractical after the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board decision. And while presidential candidate Carter would hail the 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by fellow Democrat Lyndon Johnson when Carter was a state senator, there is no record of Carter publicly supporting it at the time. Carter overcame a ballot-stuffing opponent to win his legislative seat, then lost the 1966 governor's race to an arch-segregationist. He won four years later by avoiding explicit mentions of race and campaigning to the right of his rival, who he mocked as “Cufflinks Carl” — the insult of an ascendant politician who never saw himself as part the establishment. Carter’s rural and small-town coalition in 1970 would match any victorious Republican electoral map in 2024. Once elected, though, Carter shocked his white conservative supporters — and landed on the cover of Time magazine — by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Before making the jump to Washington, Carter befriended the family of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., whom he’d never sought out as he eyed the governor’s office. Carter lamented his foot-dragging on school integration as a “mistake.” But he also met, conspicuously, with Alabama's segregationist Gov. George Wallace to accept his primary rival's endorsement ahead of the 1976 Democratic convention. “He very shrewdly took advantage of his own Southerness,” said Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee professor and expert on Carter’s campaigns. A coalition of Black voters and white moderate Democrats ultimately made Carter the last Democratic presidential nominee to sweep the Deep South. Then, just as he did in Georgia, he used his power in office to appoint more non-whites than all his predecessors had, combined. He once acknowledged “the secret shame” of white Americans who didn’t fight segregation. But he also told Alter that doing more would have sacrificed his political viability – and thus everything he accomplished in office and after. King's daughter, Bernice King, described Carter as wisely “strategic” in winning higher offices to enact change. “He was a leader of conscience,” she said in an interview. Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19 at the age of 96, was identified by both husband and wife as the “more political” of the pair; she sat in on Cabinet meetings and urged him to postpone certain priorities, like pressing the Senate to relinquish control of the Panama Canal. “Let that go until the second term,” she would sometimes say. The president, recalled her former aide Kathy Cade, retorted that he was “going to do what’s right” even if “it might cut short the time I have.” Rosalynn held firm, Cade said: “She’d remind him you have to win to govern.” Carter also was the first president to appoint multiple women as Cabinet officers. Yet by his own telling, his career sprouted from chauvinism in the Carters' early marriage: He did not consult Rosalynn when deciding to move back to Plains in 1953 or before launching his state Senate bid a decade later. Many years later, he called it “inconceivable” that he didn’t confer with the woman he described as his “full partner,” at home, in government and at The Carter Center. “We developed a partnership when we were working in the farm supply business, and it continued when Jimmy got involved in politics,” Rosalynn Carter told AP in 2021. So deep was their trust that when Carter remained tethered to the White House in 1980 as 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran, it was Rosalynn who campaigned on her husband’s behalf. “I just loved it,” she said, despite the bitterness of defeat. Fair or not, the label of a disastrous presidency had leading Democrats keep their distance, at least publicly, for many years, but Carter managed to remain relevant, writing books and weighing in on societal challenges. He lamented widening wealth gaps and the influence of money in politics. He voted for democratic socialist Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in 2016, and later declared that America had devolved from fully functioning democracy to “oligarchy.” Yet looking ahead to 2020, with Sanders running again, Carter warned Democrats not to “move to a very liberal program,” lest they help re-elect President Donald Trump. Carter scolded the Republican for his serial lies and threats to democracy, and chided the U.S. establishment for misunderstanding Trump’s populist appeal. He delighted in yearly convocations with Emory University freshmen, often asking them to guess how much he’d raised in his two general election campaigns. “Zero,” he’d gesture with a smile, explaining the public financing system candidates now avoid so they can raise billions. Carter still remained quite practical in partnering with wealthy corporations and foundations to advance Carter Center programs. Carter recognized that economic woes and the Iran crisis doomed his presidency, but offered no apologies for appointing Paul Volcker as the Federal Reserve chairman whose interest rate hikes would not curb inflation until Reagan's presidency. He was proud of getting all the hostages home without starting a shooting war, even though Tehran would not free them until Reagan's Inauguration Day. “Carter didn’t look at it” as a failure, Alter emphasized. “He said, ‘They came home safely.’ And that’s what he wanted.” Well into their 90s, the Carters greeted visitors at Plains’ Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and where he will have his last funeral before being buried on family property alongside Rosalynn . Carter, who made the congregation’s collection plates in his woodworking shop, still garnered headlines there, calling for women’s rights within religious institutions, many of which, he said, “subjugate” women in church and society. Carter was not one to dwell on regrets. “I am at peace with the accomplishments, regret the unrealized goals and utilize my former political position to enhance everything we do,” he wrote around his 90th birthday. The politician who had supposedly hated Washington politics also enjoyed hosting Democratic presidential contenders as public pilgrimages to Plains became advantageous again. Carter sat with Buttigieg for the final time March 1, 2020, hours before the Indiana mayor ended his campaign and endorsed eventual winner Joe Biden. “He asked me how I thought the campaign was going,” Buttigieg said, recalling that Carter flashed his signature grin and nodded along as the young candidate, born a year after Carter left office, “put the best face” on the walloping he endured the day before in South Carolina. Never breaking his smile, the 95-year-old host fired back, “I think you ought to drop out.” “So matter of fact,” Buttigieg said with a laugh. “It was somehow encouraging.” Carter had lived enough, won plenty and lost enough to take the long view. “He talked a lot about coming from nowhere,” Buttigieg said, not just to attain the presidency but to leverage “all of the instruments you have in life” and “make the world more peaceful.” In his farewell address as president, Carter said as much to the country that had embraced and rejected him. “The struggle for human rights overrides all differences of color, nation or language,” he declared. “Those who hunger for freedom, who thirst for human dignity and who suffer for the sake of justice — they are the patriots of this cause.” Carter pledged to remain engaged with and for them as he returned “home to the South where I was born and raised,” home to Plains, where that young lieutenant had indeed become “a fellow citizen of the world.” —- Bill Barrow, based in Atlanta, has covered national politics including multiple presidential campaigns for the AP since 2012.
By Sheila Dang and Chibuike Oguh NEW YORK (Reuters) -TikTok advertisers were in no rush to shift their marketing budgets after a U.S. appeals court upheld a law on Friday requiring a divestment or ban of the popular Chinese-owned short video app, citing TikTok’s continued survival despite years of threats. Chinese tech firm ByteDance must sell TikTok’s U.S. assets by Jan. 19 or the app that is used by 170 million Americans will face an unprecedented ban that jeopardizes billions in ad revenue. TikTok and ByteDance had argued that the law is unconstitutional and violates Americans’ free speech rights. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. With TikTok’s future in the U.S. uncertain, advertising executives said brands are maintaining their activities on the app, while ensuring they have a plan B. “Advertisers have not pulled back from TikTok, though several are developing contingency plans for potential reallocation of investment should there be a ban,” said Jason Lee, executive vice president of brand safety at media agency Horizon Media. Horizon is working with clients to prepare for a variety of scenarios if the app is sold or banned, Lee said. Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, stands to gain the majority of TikTok’s ad revenue if the app is banned, followed by Alphabet’s YouTube, said Erik Huberman, CEO of marketing agency Hawke Media. Both companies have introduced short-form video features in the past few years to compete with TikTok. Still, “there’s no decision to make until there’s a decision to make,” he said. TikTok’s U.S. ad revenue is expected to reach $12.3 billion this year, according to estimates from research Emarketer. By comparison, analysts on average expect Meta Platforms’ advertising revenue in 2024 to reach about $159 billion, according to LSEG data. The potential boon for rivals propelled stocks on Friday. Meta Platforms shares rose to an all-time record high of $629.78 earlier on Friday, and were up 2.3% at $622.85 in late afternoon regular trading. Alphabet shares were up 1.1% at $176.21. Trump Media & Technology, which operates the Truth Social app and is majority-owned by President-elect Donald Trump, rose 3% to $34.78. Shares of Snap, owner of messaging app Snapchat, rose 1.89% to $12.40. (Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York and Sheila Dang in Austin; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Kid Photobombs Trump-Trudeau Mar-a-Lago Dinner, Delights Internet
A coalition of housing advocates and renters launched on Monday “Tenants Not Tourists,” a campaign to challenge New York City Council’s recent introduction of a bill that critics say threatens to exacerbate the city’s housing crisis. During a heated rally outside of City Hall on Dec. 9, t he coalition of representatives from various housing organizations voiced strong opposition to the measure, urging the City Council to reject it and protect the city’s scarce housing supply. Intro. 1107 , introduced last month, looks to amend current codes surrounding short-term rentals in New York. The bill would permit a permanent occupant with registration under the short-term rental law to host a short-term rental for a maximum of four guests along with their children. However, members of the coalition view it as a potential catalyst for removing tens of thousands of rental units from the market. Advocates argue that the bill would enable private equity firms to dominate the rental market, fueling rent increases and further destabilizing the city’s housing landscape. “The City Council can’t claim to be fighting for more housing and against deed theft while carving out loopholes that incentivize private equity vultures and weaken enforcement against bad actors,” said Whitney Hu, director of civic engagement and research for Churches United for Fair Housing. “We know New Yorkers are struggling to find affordable, stable housing in the middle of a crisis that demands immediate action — not giveaways to Airbnb and other corporate interests draining our housing supply.” The rally coincided with the three-year anniversary of Local Law 18, known as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law, which was designed to regulate the short-term rental market by requiring hosts to register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE). This law aimed to bolster enforcement against illegal short-term rentals and protect the availability of affordable housing in the city. OSE revealed data indicating that at least 55% of Airbnb’s revenue in New York City stems from illegal short-term rentals, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective enforcement prior to the law’s introduction. Despite Airbnb’s claims to the contrary, advocates maintained that Local Law 18 was a critical step toward enhancing accountability among landlords and homeowners engaging in illegal short-term rental practices. “Amid the ongoing housing crisis, it is nonsensical to convert residential homes into short-term rentals for tourists, instead of using this housing stock to help New Yorkers secure permanent housing,” said Robert Desir, staff attorney in the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “Intro 1107 directly contradicts the goals of Local Law 18 of 2022, which sought to expand our housing stock’s availability to low- and middle-income New Yorkers who are increasingly being priced out, and those seeking to move from shelter into permanent housing.” According to the coalition, there has been a reported decline in listings on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb since Local Law 18 was implemented. ‘Making things work’ Local homeowners who supported Intro 1107, however, had a lot to say during the rally outside of City Hall — arguing that the bill represents economic opportunity for more New Yorkers rather than hurting renters. Shortly after the event started, they showed up with signs like “home sharing + home affordability” and “home sharing helps me support my family.” Homeowners in favor of Intro 1107 disrupted the rally shortly after it started. Photo by Jada Camille During conversations with amNewYork Metro, many pro-Intro. 1107 residents asserted the need for the law which would allow for short-term rentals for larger groups. “I have a legal two-family home that I want to rent in the short term. I want to be able to use my home to meet my financial needs. I want to be able to support my family,” Jeanne Raleigh, a homeowner in support of Intro 1107, told amNewYork Metro at the rally. Raleigh, who previously rented part of her home out for short-term rentals, said the rentals were like a stream of income for her family. Alex, another homeowner who chose not to share her last name, said that her previous short-term leases made the most sense for her and her family. Some residents said home sharing helps them support their families. Photo by Jada Camille Opponents of Intro 1107 are particularly alarmed by its provisions, which would exempt owners of one- and two-family homes from enforcement and remove the requirement for short-term rental hosts to be present during guest stays. This, they argue, sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to a significant increase in residential properties being used solely as short-term rentals, thereby diminishing the available housing stock for New Yorkers in need. Alex, who has owned her home in the East Village for 35 years, rejects these claims. “I’m not a rich person, so home-sharing has allowed me to continue living in my house,” she said. “If I’m just renting my place out for the week, it doesn’t suddenly go on the market. It’s still my home. I still own it. I’m just making things work.” Airbnb representatives said that while Local Law 18 looked to protect affordable housing, the housing market has remained unaffected by its provisions. “This bill aims to fix an overly restrictive short-term rental law that, in the last year, has failed to decrease rents in NYC and only increased hotel rates exorbitantly for travelers,” Nathan Rotman, director of Policy for Airbnb, said in a statement. “The bill [Intro 1107] makes common sense and marginal updates to the existing law [Local Law 18] by allowing New Yorkers to share their primary homes and yet, the big hotel chains are using scare tactics to exploit one of the biggest social challenges of our time to boost their profits with sky high nightly rates – it’s time to fix a broken law that hasn’t helped housing but has padded hotel industry pockets at everyone else’s expense.” The “Tenants Not Tourists” coalition includes a diverse range of organizations focused on housing rights, including Citizen Action of NY, the Coalition Against Illegal Hotels, Make the Road New York, the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council and others. Intro. 1107 would make amends Local Law 18 by: raising rentals maximums from two people to four allowing listing to go unhosted at the time of a guest stay; hosts must currently be presents throughout the entire rental allowing the host to restrict guest from areas i.e.closets, officesTHIS is the incredible moment Ukraine unleashes a shotgun-wielding drone to hunt down and destroy Russians on the battlefield. The impressive footage, captured from the frontlines, shows the powerful mounted UAVs taking on Russian drones single-handedly and blasting them out of the sky with ease. Foundation for Assistance to Defenders of Ukraine shared a compilation of the drone-on-drone executions on social media. The minute-long clip shows a small Russian aircraft soaring above a Ukrainian warzone before being ruthlessly targeted. In the insane video a Ukrainian drone stealthily appears above its Russian counterpart with two shotguns attached to its front. The operator takes aim and with near pinpoint accuracy fires - launching a deathly bullet straight to the Russian drone. A quick flash of light erupts as the shotgun strikes the drone and sends it tumbling to the ground. Another clips sees the Russian war weapon approaching the destructive new invention over a snowy battleground. Within seconds, a shotgun bullet is fired and splits Vladimir Putin's drone in two as it plunges downwards and smashes off the ground. A third video shows a pair of drones battling it out in a wild chase. The shotgun-wielding Ukrainian can be seen hunting down the fleeing Russian drone. After a long, daring flight the flashy new Ukrainian weapon takes charge and finds its target with a devastating strike. The compilation of videos were followed by the caption: "For the first time on video - hard drive drones shoot down other drones with shotguns. "Defenders of Ukraine are testing the developments of Lesia UA technology." Ukraine's use of drone warfare has kept Putin's troops at bay since the conflict started almost three years ago. They have repeatedly used impressive aerial tactics to strike key Russian infrastructure and to take out incoming fighters with ease. One of the most advanced drones being used is the dragon drone which spews flesh-melting thermite onto Russian bunkers. Terrifying footage has shown the drone beginning to spew the thermite across a trench and into the entrance of a snowy Russian bunker . Anyone caught underneath the iron oxide and aluminium combination would be burned to death. After shooting the lethal mixture for around 20 seconds the drone catches fire itself and flies inside the bunker hoping to take Russian soldiers with it. Kyiv has been deploying the menacing weapon over tree lines and forests - attacking Russia with scorching hot molten. Earlier this month footage also showed Ukrainian drones equipped with machine guns being used for the first time to ambush Russian troops. Ukrainian soldiers fitted a Wild Hornets drone with an AK-47 assault rifle and used it to fire on opposition forces . It comes just days after Russian despot Putin admitted he's open for peace talks with Ukraine again - but only "if it comes to that". The ageing tyrant welcomed Slovakian PM Robert Fico to the Kremlin before Christmas and claims the pair spoke about using Slovakia as a negotiating headquarters to help solve the nearly three-year conflict. Despite the comments, Putin launched a brutal missile and drone barrage on Ukraine in a horror Christmas massacre. Over 70 missiles, including ballistic projectiles, and more than 100 kamikaze drones were launched in a coordinated assault early on December 25. The attack disrupted festive celebrations across Ukraine, with families forced to take shelter in metro stations as air raid sirens wailed across the country.Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in MiamiLiam Dann: No more economic booms - RBNZ’s grim warning as productivity woes come to a head
I worked retail at a large brick-and-mortar Lego store ages ago. Of the myriad customers walking through the doors, many of them were looking for Lego gifts to give their friends and family. No matter who came into the store, we could find a Lego set that was a good fit for them and their gift-giving needs. That’s because Lego has so many options to choose from: freeform brick sets, Disney Princess playboxes, iconic architecture replicas, and the list goes on. While my time at the Lego store was years ago, I’ve since written many gift guides for NBC Select, and leveraged both experiences to find Lego gifts for all kinds of people across all ages. SKIP AHEAD: The best Lego gifts in 2024 | Lego accessory gifts | Why trust NBC Select? Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. I organized each Lego set by its suggested age according to the brand. Lego Duplo Classic Brick Box Building Set Lego Duplo blocks are simpler and much larger than regular Lego, making them best for small children one and a half year olds and up. This box includes 65 colorful pieces, two figurines and no instructions — it’s a free-form building set they can use to make whatever they imagine. It comes in a plastic box that doubles as a storage bin when playtime is over. Best for ages: 1.5+ | Pieces: 65 Lego Duplo Number Train The centerpiece of this set is a colorful, movable train with three removable train cars. You can stack pieces like the numbered blocks on each car, encouraging children to play with numbers, colors and motion. Best for ages: 1.5+ | Pieces: 23 Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box This is one of the best Lego gifts if they are looking to start or bolster their Lego collection. It includes a colorful variety of small and large pieces like blocks, windows, eyes, tires and base plates they can use to build whatever they like. They will also be able to add on to existing Lego sets they already use. It comes in a plastic bin that doubles as a storage box. Best for ages: 1+ | Pieces : 484 Lego City Blue Monster Truck A Lego monster truck easily fits into any Lego collection — huge rubber tires and blue flame decals help this one stand out. It comes with a Lego Minifigure driver with a helmet, but they can easily place their favorite character in the driver’s seat for some four-wheel action. Best for ages : 1+ | Pieces : 148 Lego Kitty Fairy’s Garden Party From the Gabby’s Dollhouse TV show, this set includes Gabby, Pandy Paws and Kitty Fairy, along with a fantastical tree house that includes a slide, swing, merry-go-around and gardening accessories. Best for ages : 1+ | Pieces : 130 Lego Ninjago Jay’s Lightning Jet Lego Ninjago is all about action — this set includes a Jay minifigure and pieces to build his ninja plane. They can also add stud shooters and golden blades to the plane. This is an older set — they may already have this one if they have been playing with Lego for a few years. Best for ages: 6+ | Pieces: 130 Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Shuttle This three-in-one set can be built into a space shuttle, spaceship or astronaut figure. The space shuttle has a hatch that opens, where they can place an extendable satellite, while the astronaut has movable arms and legs. If they get bored of one build, they can take it apart and build a different model. Best for ages: 6+ | Pieces: 144 Lego Star Wars Luke Skywalker X-Wing Mech Ready for action and adventure playtime, this set includes a Luke Skywalker Minifigure and a buildable X-Wing robot mech for him to pilot. The mech has adjustable jetpack pieces on the back and can hold a large Lightsaber and stud-shooting blaster in each hand. It stands about 5.1 inches tall. Best for ages: 6+ | Pieces: 195 Lego Despicable Me 4 Minions and Banana Car This set includes four Minions from Despicable Me: Mel, AVL Tim, Mega Minion Dave and Pit Crew Ron. It also includes a small banana car and other accessories to imagine fun scenarios to play out with the Minions. Best for ages: 6+ | Pieces: 136 Lego Animal Crossing Isabelle’s House Visit This Lego set is inspired by one of our favorite Nintendo Switch games : Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It includes two characters from the game: Isabelle and Fauna, as well as pieces to build Fauna’s house. The set includes a baseplate and accessories, making it easy to adjust or rearrange the scenery to your liking. Best for ages: 6+ | Pieces: 389 Lego Adventures with Interactive Lego Mario Mario is not just a video game character: he is in movies, theme parks and Lego sets. This one includes buildable Mario, Bowser Jr., Yoshi and Goomba toy figures, alongside iconic Mario pieces like a pipe and a question-mark block. Best for ages: 6+ | Pieces: 218 Lego Hogwarts Express Train Set The centerpiece of this magical set is the Hogwarts Express train: it has movable engine, coal and passenger cars, and it has room to fit and pose various Minifigures and accessories. Plus, it includes the Hogsmeade train station and eight Minifigures, including Harry, Ron, Hermione and Hagrid. Best for ages: 8+ | Pieces: 1074 Lego Inside Out 2 Mood Cubes Play with changing moods using this Lego set featuring Joy and Anxiety from the movie Inside Out 2. The set has two buildable cubes and nine mood plates that can easily be arranged and rearranged on the cubes however they like. It also has a buildable display stand with a small control board, just like in the movie. Best for ages: 9+ | Pieces: 394 Lego Creator 3-in-1 Main Street Set Create a bustling main street to play out scenarios with all their Minifigures and vehicles. Each building is open in the back for more opportunities to pose and play with figures. With the pieces of this three-in-one set, you can build either a main street with four buildings, an archway market street or a four floor skyscraper. Best for ages: 9+ | Pieces: 1459 Lego Minifigure Puzzle This 25-inch by 20-inch puzzle depicts 78 different Minifigures, and is a great way for puzzle-lovers and Lego-lovers to get together in play. It is a jigsaw-style puzzle full of fun and goofy characters. Best for ages: 9+ | Pieces: 1000 Lego Up-Scale Lego Minifigure This mega-sized Minifigure is 10.6-inches tall — it makes regular minifigures look like ants by comparison. It has a movable head, arms, legs and hands, but it also has an opening hat. Inside, there is a regular-sized minifigure that appears to be piloting the mega-sized one. Best for ages: 10+ | Pieces: 654 Lego Tiny Plants Set These little Lego succulents never need water and will never wilt on you, no matter your green thumb. The set includes nine tiny plants inside of terracotta-colored Lego plant pots. They make for good desk decor or accent pieces to a large Lego set. Best for ages: 18+ | Pieces: 758 Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat The Lego Ideas series has some of the more interesting Lego sets for adults, in my experience. This large Lego cat has tuxedo coloring with two sets of eyes: yellow and blue. The head, ears, paws and tail can be rotated and posed into different playful positions. The Lego cat stands about 12.5-inches tall. Best for ages: 18+ | Pieces: 1710 Lego Disney Castle Set This massive Lego set is a great fit for Disney super-fans who love Lego, elaborate architecture and lavish details. It has tons of small details and callbacks to classic Disney movies, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. The set is over 4,800 pieces and measures about 31.5-inches tall when complete. Best for ages: 18+ | Pieces: 4837 Lego 4-Stud Blue Desk Drawer Organize your Lego, or anything else, using this plastic drawer in the shape of a four-stud Lego block. It stacks with other four-stud Lego storage bricks, so you can build out drawers to your liking. Best for ages: 5+ Lego Brick Pouch This small soft pouch is best for carrying non-Lego items — think school supplies, chargers, makeup, anything you might put in a small zip bag. It has one large zippered compartment and two smaller, stud-shaped ones on the top. Best for ages: 3+ Lego Storage Organizer Cubes (3-Pack) These organizer cubes can store Lego bricks or anything else they need sorted and sealed. Each cube has a zipper closure and a see-through top so you can easily grab what is inside with a quick glance. The smaller red and blue cubes fit inside the larger yellow one, if all three are empty. Best for ages: 6+ I’m a reporter who frequently covers technology and fitness, where I’ve written about the best fitness trackers , wireless earbuds , TV brands and more. For this article, I curated gifts using my experience with the Lego brand as well as top-rated items from the brand catalog. Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.Azealia Banks sends cease-and-desist to the 1975's Matty Healy, demanding $1 million and an apology
The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is Dead at age 100Chandigarh: Decks have been cleared for the installation of solar panels on all houses above 250 square yards (10 marla) in the city as the UT urban planning department has given an approval to Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technologies Promotion Society (CREST) to go ahead with the move. Earlier, mandatory solar installations were limited to houses having a plot size of 500 square yards (1 kanal) and above. Empowered to make decisions and proceed with the implementation, CREST has begun preparing and finalising procedures in coordination with relevant departments of the Chandigarh administration . CREST has identified a total of 4,552 houses throughout Chandigarh that do not have solar panels on their rooftops. The estate office will collaborate with CREST to develop an action plan and related procedures. A meeting between CREST and estate office officials is scheduled soon. The implementation will follow the Model Building Bylaws 2016, approved by the Union ministry of urban development. In its communication to CREST, the urban planning department said, "In this regard, it is to inform that earlier notification for mandatory installation of solar photovoltaic power plant for a minimum plot size of 500 square yards was done by your department. Further action for reducing the area up to 250 square yards is also related to your office. Accordingly, further decision in this regard has to be taken by your office in consultation with the estate department of the Chandigarh administration." Unlike regulations for 500 square yard properties, CREST is considering flexible criteria for solar panel sizes on 250 square yard houses. Property owners will have discretion regarding installation size. Due to smaller rooftop areas, residents can choose panel sizes based on available space. Box: Currently, solar panels are mandatory for houses having a plot size of 500 square yards and above in Chandigarh. As per UT records, approximately 1,800 houses out 6,408 houses in 500 square yard and above category have installed solar panels on their rooftops. The estate office had issued resumption notices to non-compliant properties. Though some residents have moved Punjab and Haryana high court on this issue, the Chandigarh administration has told the court about the need to install solar panels on rooftops of houses. Box: Over 2,850 out of 5,545 eligible govt houses in the city are now fully equipped with solar panels to date, and they have started solar energy generation. Work is ongoing for 1,091 houses, whilst tenders for the remaining 1,600 will be allocated shortly. Additionally, 110 government schools have 6-megawatt solar installations, generating 6.9 MU against 6.1 MU usage, contributing to surplus energy. Chandigarh currently generates over 68-megawatt solar energy. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat , Ox , Tiger , Rabbit , Dragon , Snake , Horse , Goat , Monkey , Rooster , Dog , and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes and messages .
Following its recent capture of major cities in Syria, the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, pledged to respect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities. Rights experts, noting the group’s extremist ideology and history of brutality, caution that these promises must be backed by tangible actions. HTS, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, along with a coalition of Turkish-backed armed groups, has in the past week seized control of Aleppo, Hama and dozens of surrounding towns in northwest Syria amid a complete collapse of forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government. Shortly after capturing Aleppo, which has significant Kurdish and Christian populations, HTS issued statements reassuring both minority groups that they would be protected under its rule. HTS leaders have also met with representatives of Aleppo’s Christian community. Rights groups acknowledge that such statements are a positive step but highlight HTS’s poor human rights record in areas it has governed in recent years, particularly in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province. “As we watch the HTS-led opposition coalition liberate areas that have been under the Assad regime, we have so far seen the protection of religious and ethnic minorities,” said Nadine Maenza, president of the Washington-based International Religious Freedom Secretariat. “We pray that continues, as HTS has a troubling history of governing under a harsh version of Islamic law in Idlib,” she told VOA. HTS, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, is a Sunni Islamist group that has been a major actor in Syria’s 13-year conflict. It was the main affiliate of al-Qaida in Syria until 2017, when it formally severed ties with the global terror group. According to The CIA World Factbook , Sunni Muslim Arabs make up 50% of Syria’s nearly 24 million population, while Alawites, Kurds and Christians make up 45%. The remaining percentage comes from Druze, Ismaili and other ethnic and religious groups. In an interview with CNN that aired Friday, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani admitted that “there were some violations against them [minorities] by certain individuals during periods of chaos, but we addressed these issues.” “No one has the right to erase another group. These sects have coexisted in this region for hundreds of years, and no one has the right to eliminate them,” he said. 'Time will tell' Hadeel Oueis, a Washington-based Syrian journalist, noted a sense of caution and anticipation among the various communities now living under HTS rule. “I have been speaking with members of my family in Aleppo, and there seems to be [a] degree of self-control not only toward Christians but also Alawites and other groups,” Oueis, who is a Syriac Christian, told VOA by phone. “Only time will tell if HTS is truly committed to changing and presenting a different image of itself to both Syrians and the international community,” she said. Experts say that while HTS has demonstrated a degree of tolerance toward minorities with no significant abuses reported in recent days, rights groups should closely monitor the actions of its allied rebel factions. Izzadin Saleh, executive director of the Synergy Association for Victims in Syria, said his group has documented violations committed by the Syrian National Army, or SNA, a coalition of Turkish-backed Islamist militias, against Kurdish residents in other parts of Aleppo province. The SNA was established in 2017 with Turkey’s support. The umbrella organization previously took part in two Turkish-backed offensives against Kurdish forces in 2018 and 2019. Some groups aligned with the SNA have been known for their radical Islamist ideology. Last year, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Suleiman Shah Brigade and the Hamza Division, two main factions within the SNA, for “serious human rights abuses against those residing in the Afrin region of northern Syria.” Saleh told VOA by phone that “SNA’s rhetoric explicitly incites violence against the Kurds in particular,” adding that “they are accusing all Kurdish residents of being terrorists.” Maenza of the IRF Secretariat also stated that SNA militias have targeted Kurds, Christians and Yazidis, particularly those from the Shahba region of Aleppo. Experts say all parties involved in crimes and rights abuses in the Syrian conflict must be held accountable when the country reaches a permanent political settlement. “If the Syrian war has taught us anything, it is that the Syrian regime is not the only party that has committed horrific crimes against civilians; other groups have equally – and at times even worse – perpetrated crimes in areas they have captured from the regime,” said Bassam Alahmad, executive director of the Paris-based advocacy group Syrians for Truth and Justice. "It is important to ensure there is a comprehensive path to accountability in the post-conflict era,” he said.
NoneRJ Johnson, Daylen Berry lift Charleston Southern to surprising 83-79 victory over Miami
UnitedHealth Stock Sell-Off 'Unjustified' After UnitedHealthcare CEO's MurderNow that the gifts are unwrapped and the stockings are empty, it’s time to focus on someone who deserves a treat: you. Didn’t get everything on your wishlist? No worries — as any pro deal hunter knows, the biggest winter sales don't start until after the holidays come to a close. So whether you have a gift card burning a hole in your pocket (or you just want to congratulate yourself on being the best gift-giver), you can save on everything you've had your eye on all year, thanks to a ton of after-Christmas sales from all your favorite retailers. Need some inspiration? How about new , down to just $73 for four? What about half-off a brand-new ? You can also upgrade your floppy old pillows for these No.1 bestselling for $21 a pop. There's a ton more where those came from, too — just keep scrolling and we'll do the rest. Yahoo Senior Tech Editor Rick Broida dubbed this iPad the , so if you're looking for the cream of the crop, grab it now while it's on sale. It comes with a one-year warranty, boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge and has a 10.9-inch screen and 64GB storage. "[It] seamlessly pairs with the rest of my Apple devices," . "Build quality is great as all Apple devices are. ... Charges via USB-C and includes a nice braided charger. Screen is great, speakers are clear and battery is long-lasting." Ready to tackle those wrinkles? Love by more than 11,000 five-star fans, the Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Anti-Aging Night Cream goes to work at night to deeply nourish skin while you sleep. Infused with Vitamin C and glycerin, it smooths out wrinkles, corrects uneven skin tone and helps with loss of firmness. Grab a jar while it's over 40% off. Active noise cancellation in these No. 1 bestsellers shuts out the world so you can immerse yourself in music, podcasts or whatever makes you happy. Adaptive Transparency mode lets you listen to your tunes but also hear any important noises from your surroundings. You might not have visions of sugarplums dancing in your head for another year, but you can still resolve to get a more restful sleep in 2025. The first step? Swapping those flabby pillows for this No. 1 bestselling set. Yahoo staffers adore these fluffy, cooling headrests, as do more than Amazon shoppers. Check out our full for more. This bag's long handles and longer, narrower silhouette make this sleeker than other totes. Elegant and classic, it's right at home alongside everything from jeans and a white tee to a polished office look or date night 'fit. You can even match it up with the marshmallowiest of winter puffer coats and it'd still be cute. When it comes to serums, this beloved snail mucin from CosRx stands out — it's won multiple awards, has more than 57,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and also . Users have boasted about its ability to soothe, hydrate, repair and improve dullness in the skin and have made it a No. 1 bestseller. If you're new to K-beauty and are looking for a product that defines the entire genre, this is it. If you're snail mucin-curious, now's the time to and get it. All-time low price alert! Never lose your luggage, purse, car — anything, really — again. Just toss one of these smart tags inside the item you want to track and you'll be alerted of its whereabouts via your phone. The deal on this four-pack brings each tag just over $18 a pop. Grab a few for your, er, family members (in my case that was me)! Pros and home bakers alike adore this No.1 bestseller. At 5 quarts, it can hold enough dough to make up to nine dozen cookies at a time (though it won't take up much room in your kitchen). It'll give your arms a break by doing all of the mixing, and you can let it run while you prep other ingredients. This is the brand I (Britt) use in my own home kitchen, and it comes with a beater, dough hook and whisk attachments for making practically any baked good under the sun. Ready to upgrade your listening experience? These wildly popular earbuds are down to their lowest price , so grab a pair while you can save big. Equipped with features like active noise canceling and transparency modes, you'll be able to choose how much of the outside world you'd like to tune out while enjoying playlists and audiobooks. Plus, these babies are sweat- and water-resistant, meaning you can take 'em to the gym, and you'll be treated to up to 24 hours of listening time via the charging case. At 40 inches, this highly rated (and reasonably priced) telly is the one Goldilocks would likely opt for; not too big, not too small, just right. High-def resolution and Dolby Digital Audio help enhance the viewing experience with clear picture and sound, and you'll have easy access to all of your favorite streaming platforms in one place. At just $150, this price matches the TV's all-time low, so act fast! If there's one type of Shark we're always happy to run into, it's one that's on sale — and this 65% off deal is pretty -dropping. Complete with a HEPA filter, this bad boy will help purify the air while it sucks up dust bunnies. (Psst: This price beats the refurbished one on Amazon!) If you've been waiting to buy an Apple Watch until it goes on sale, well, wait no more. The on-page coupon drops the price to within a dollar of its all-time low, so you really can't do much better than that. You're getting the latest version, which features a larger display and a more lightweight design for comfortable wear. Now you'll be able to track your steps and sleep, take a call, listen to music and more — all from your wrist. Gordon Ramsay himself uses these pots and pans, so ... that's saying something! They're made of aluminum sandwiched between stainless steel for expert heat conduction and distribution, and their nonstick interiors make them a breeze to clean. Plus, the signature hexagonal etching helps encourage browning. With this starter set, you'll get the 12-inch, 10-inch and 8-inch Hybrid pans, plus lids for each — and for nearly 40% off. Check out our roundup of the for more. Keep your personal information protected with this sleek RFID-blocking wallet, which has a whopping 15 card slots and two zip-up pockets. It hasn't dipped lower in price in years, and makes a great gift. (Psst: There's a on sale for just $9, too!) If your under-eye area could use a little freshening up, it's this No. 1 bestselling cream to the rescue! Formulated with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, calming niacinamide and three essential ceramides, it helps maintain and restore the skin barrier to preserve hydration and minimize the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Even celebs like are fans — get it now for nearly 30% off. This model, powered by Apple's ultrafast M3 chip, was released this year, so we're surprised to find it on sale — especially at a $200 discount (one of its lowest prices ever). In fact, the only time it's ever been lower was during Black Friday/Cyber Monday. It's also one of the thinnest and lightest laptops you'll find, so can you really go wrong? You can't go wrong with this 6.75-quart beauty, which was designed to be more lightweight (measured by quart) than other premium cast iron cookware on the market. is a fan of the brand, saying it's "great for soups, stews and braising." This model is a bit more shallow than standard Dutch ovens, but it has a large surface area that makes it ideal for browning meat and reducing liquids. We're not seeing it for any less than it is here — and it comes in eight stunning colors, so good luck choosing! We're seeing savings of up to 40% — sometimes more! — on everything from bedding and kitchenware to tech, clothing and beauty during the . Save up to 50% on appliances, plus nab savings on TVs, laptops, headphones and tablets. Score up to 60% off and snag hundreds of big brands at a discount, including Hoka, Nike, Ugg, Zella and more. Take advantage of the retailer's end-of-year clearance sale, which nabs you up to 45% off all clearance merch. The retailer's outlet section has a plethora of great offerings: Score up to 50% off clothing, footwear, REI Co-Op brand deals and hiking items. Save up to 50% on brands like Fenty, Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl's and more. You can always count on Target to bring the deals, including up to 40% off floor care, up to 45% off headphones and 50% off board games for the perfect New Year's Eve night in. The mega-retailer's end-of-year sale has massive discounts that rival (and often beat) Amazon on vacuums, kitchen appliances, bedding and clothing, to name a few. Take advantage of up to 60% off on furniture, kitchen tools and home decor during the retailer's end-of-year clearance sale. Enjoy stellar savings on a wide variety of footwear brands, including , and more. I almost never ask for electronics for Christmas; I'd much rather get a gift card and take advantage of year-end sales to find the exact model of iPad, MacBook Air or headphones that I want rather than let my family members try and make that decision for me. Luckily, there's no shortage of stunning tech deals out there right now, from Apple, Beats, Samsung, Amazon and more. ($279, originally $349): This iPad is one of the best tablets you can buy, period. While we’ve seen this model for slightly cheaper, this is still a steal for the quality and performance you get — especially with features like the A14 Bionic chip, 10-hour battery life and that gorgeous Retina display. ($119, originally $129): Offering premium sound, seamless connectivity and a comfortable, all-day fit, these fan-favorite buds are perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their audio game without breaking the bank. ($190, originally $249): As a long-time Apple user, I waited way too long to buy my AirPods Pro. Don't be like me, get nearly $60 off these noise-canceling No.1 bestsellers now. ($310, originally $520): You're looking at the lowest price of the year on this stunning set, thanks to a 35% discount. ($5,000, originally $8,000) Samsung is stepping up with fantastic discounts on its TV lineup, including a jaw-dropping deal on this nearly 100-inch beast, now marked down by a whopping $3,000. If you’re looking to (seriously) upgrade your viewing experience — and have five-grand burning a hole in your pocket — this deal's got your name on it. ($15, originally $40): When we put some of the best earbuds to the test, we crowned the Baseus buds as the top budget pick, thanks to their impressive sound quality and noise-cancelling features. Even at their usual $40 they'd be a steal, but 50% off coupon (plus an extra 13% off on top of that) puts them at their lowest price ever, making them dang near irresistible. ($100, originally $200): Noise-cancelling headphones can keep you sane if you’re trying to get your work done around screaming kids or watching a movie on a plane ... next to screaming kids. And at 50% off, your sanity doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. ($359, originally $429): Planning to get serious about your workout regimen in '25? Snag yourself one of these. Packed with features such as a brighter display than previous models, advanced health tracking (including ECG and sleep monitoring) and seamless integration with your Apple devices, it’s perfect for anyone looking to stay connected and monitor their fitness goals. ($1,297, originally $1,997): This TV isn’t just for binge-watching; it lets you show off your artistic side by displaying everything from classic works of art to the photos you took on vacation. Yes, it’s a splurge, but with a gorgeous matte display and at $700 off, it’s a whole lot easier to justify. ($152, originally $230): This home security camera continuously records in stunning 4K for up to 96 hours on a single charge, or for up to 500 days in motion-detection mode. You get excellent night vision too. Another bonus: No pesky subscription fee. ($1,150, originally $1,800): This QLED TV delivers eye-popping clarity and vivid colors, offering lifelike, immersive visuals that are perfect for movies, sports and other high-quality content. At this price, you’re getting a premium viewing experience that’s hard to beat. ($30, originally $50): The Fire TV Stick gives you instant access to more than 1.5 million movies and TV shows, all for less than the cost of a couple of movie tickets. Plus, for half off, it's close to as low as we've ever seen it. You might be done with holiday meal prep for another year, but we'd argue you still have a good three months of prime cooking time ahead of you. Doesn't spending a chilly day in the kitchen cooking your favorite comfort food sound like the coziest thing ever? And you can revamp your arsenal for a steal: We're seeing lots of post-Christmas sales on some of the most sought-after appliance and cookware brands, from KitchenAid stand mixers to the Yahoo editor-approved Our Place Always Pan (celebs love it too). That gets a resounding, "Yes, Chef!" ($259, originally $359): Need a more industrial option? Here ya go! Because it has a bowl-lift design rather than the tilt-head variety, this model is more stable and can whip things up with greater power. Plus, it has 10 speeds for any recipe or task. Available on sale in four colors and full price for Dried Rose. ($280, originally $430): You won't find this stunner from Ina Garten's favorite brand for any less than it currently is at Sur La Table. Use it to make delectable soups, stews, braises and other family feasts this winter. ($149, originally $199): Keep the ice cream party going all year long with this top-rated appliance, which makes churning out customizable frozen treats a breeze. It's on sale for less at Walmart than it is at Amazon ... (it's also Yahoo editor-approved — check out our for more). ($40, originally $230): It's an air fryer ... it's a toaster oven ... it's ... well, it's both. Made of sleek stainless steel, this compact cooker turns out crispy favorites with hardly any oil, and you can get it at Target for less than at Amazon (it's down to a record low). ($99, originally $150): This multi-use, nonstick beauty might become your most-reached-for piece of , thanks to its thoughtful design. It took the internet by storm a few years ago and quickly became a favorite of home cooks and celebs alike. ( did a collaboration with the brand, and Oprah has called it "the kitchen magician.") It's not often on sale, so grab it while it's $51 off (within $4 of the lowest it's ever been). Check out our full for more. ($20, originally $30): Kick off the new year with a fresh set of blades — at a serious price slash. This colorful collection comes with six different knives and protective covers for each. Plus, their nonstick coatings make them a breeze to clean. ($330, originally $532): Gordon Ramsay approves of this brand, and you know how peevishly particular he is. The pans' hybrid construction combines the best qualities of stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick for a one-of-a-kind product that, according to , "is highly versatile and cooks exceptionally well." If you've been looking for an excuse to overhaul your regimen, look no further — it's a New Year! Whether the winter chill has been leaving your skin feeling a little parched or you're on the hunt for a hair tool that'll help you master the art of the blowout, there are markdowns aplenty to be had. How about kicking off 2025 with some pampering for your skin? This trio of is $11 off. Want to eradicate those coffee stains for good? are over 30% off. Here are some other picks we're eyeing: ($36 with coupon, originally $55): The Ferrari of toothbrushes has a motor that delivers 82,000 vibrations per minute and removes up to 10 times more buildup than an ordinary toothbrush. ($14, originally $20): This No. 1 bestselling cream contains three restorative ceramides, moisturizing hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide to combat dryness and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. ($1.00, originally $1.29): There’s nothing we love more than a . And if you can find one that’s ultra-affordable? Even better! Luckily for you (and your wallet!), over 7,000 Amazon shoppers in the past month have found a lipstick that ticks all those boxes and then some. It comes in nearly 30 colors and can be yours for a mere $1. ($29, originally $50): Reviewers can attest that this kit delivers on its pro-level, smile-brightening claims. It promises to remove up to 15 years' worth of stains from your chompers. Plus, it's designed with sensitive smiles in mind. ($11, originally $18): Get your gourd on! This mask has been a favorite of beauty experts for decades, and for good reason — it's a powerful at-home exfoliating treatment that truly wakes up your skin and gives it a serious glow. It uses enzymes from pumpkin, which are similar to alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid but a lot more gentle. This makes it an ideal exfoliant for those with more sensitive skin. ($32, originally $45): If parched, frigid winter air wreaks havoc on your hands, it's time to step up your moisturizer game with this TLC-giving trio. Kiehl's beloved formula is rich enough to hydrate your skin for hours without leaving it greasy or oily. "Very nice lotion," raved one shopper. "Very healing without being too greasy. Perfect for dry winter hands!" If you've vowed to work on improving your sleep in 2025, replacing your shabby pillows, sheets and mattress is a good place to start. Uncomfortable bed making you toss and turn? Give it a wallet-friendly refresh courtesy of markdowns on Casper, Tempur-Pedic ... even Oprah's favorite, Cozy Earth. With savings of up to 60%, these sales are anything but a snoozefest. ($233, originally $389): This ethereally soft, breathable set is one of Oprah's favorite things, so you know it's good — and Yahoo editors adore it too (check out our for more). Plus, save up to 40% sitewide. ($30, originally $59): Not only will these silky-smooth sleeves elevate the look of your bed, they'll feel divine against your skin. Save nearly 50% on this gorgeous pair and more from the dreamy linen brand (oh, and if it's your first order, you can chop an extra 15% off at checkout). ($1,199, originally $1,499): This bestseller features the brand's patented GelFlex Grid, which adapts to support your movements while you sleep — and we're seeing it for $100 less than it was just over a month ago. ($649, originally $998): If you're looking for a marriage of affordability and excellence, Bear is a brand you'll want to check out. Apply code at checkout for 35% off (and free accessories!). ($649, originally $1,563): Here's another option that's on the more budget-friendly side, though with over 40,000 perfect ratings, you wouldn't know it. It's nearly 60% off! ($1,999, originally $2,199): This New Year's deal saves you $200 on the brand's comfortable and pressure-relieving sleep surface, which is made of its proprietary Tempur-Material. ($19, originally $63): A Walmart favorite, this wildly popular, double-brushed sheet set is on mega-sale. 12,000-plus five-star fans can't be wrong, right? ($116, originally $250): Snagging a queen-size mattress for under $200 might sound too good to be true, but it's possible over at Wayfair. This 55%-off deal scores you a medium-firm model that adapts to your body's contours and keeps things cool and comfy for custom support. And that pillow layer is like having a plush mattress topper built right in! So, you're resolving to clean more regularly in the New Year? Why not start from the (literal) ground floor and snag one of the highly discounted dust picker-uppers we've spotted — brands like iRobot, Shark and, yes, even Dyson can be yours for a steal. Whether you prefer a lightweight stick vacuum, sturdy upright, portable handheld or just want a robovac to do all of the dirty work for you, we've got a model with your name on it. ($100, originally $270): We think it's pretty "Inse"-ane that such a sleek-looking vac could cost so little, but this bestseller proves you don't have to break the bank to upgrade your cleaning appliance. It runs for up to 45 minutes and weighs just over 8 pounds, making it a breeze to bring from room to room. ($500, originally $650): Of course, if it's a stick vac you want, a Dyson stick vac you can get — and for a not-so-shabby $250 discount at Walmart. This is the brand's most lightweight model (just 5.2 pounds!), but it can run for up to an hour per charge. It ranked high on our list of the . ($200, originally $400): This model's just slightly heavier but costs half as much at 50% off. The detangling Motorbar gets into thick carpet fibers to suck up deeply embedded dust and hair, and it runs for up to 40 minutes. ($149, originally $250): Rather not push a vacuum around at all? Not only will this No. 1 bestselling robovac zap up dirt and dust while you relax on the couch, it'll empty itself when it's full too! This is the lowest price we've ever seen it on sale for. ($88, originally $124): Attention, pet parents: Before you call your local carpet cleaning service, you'll want to check out this under-$100 Walmart bestseller, which has powerful suction to help eliminate stubborn stains (and their accompanying odors). We often see it on sale for $98, so grab it while it's $10 less! ($50, originally $70): This wildly affordable debris demon weighs just 9 pounds and has an 8-foot extension wand for reaching higher surfaces. We've yet to see this Target-exclusive dip lower than it is now. ($68, originally $100): Animal cohabitators, this small yet mighty hair-zapper's for you. It was specially designed with stubborn shedded fur in mind, and features an anti-tangle brush with rubber bristles to help remove matted messes from your floor, furniture and car. ($70, originally $199): If there's one type of Shark we're always happy to run into, it's one that's on sale — and this 65% off deal really puts the bite on its price. Complete with a HEPA filter, this bad boy will help purify the air while it sucks up dust bunnies. Whether you're dreaming of a closet overhaul or just need a new pair of boots, now is the time to scoop up some serious style steals. Why so many markdowns? Retailers are trying to clear their e-racks to make room for spring looks, which translates to big savings on cold weather essentials — and with at least two more months of winter chill, we're there for it. Even if you're not on the hunt for a new coat or the perfect cashmere scarf, there are still plenty of savings to take advantage of on season-less styles, like , bags and PJs. Here are some we have our eye on: ($19, originally $48): If you're looking for denim that's designed to fit women of all shapes and sizes, the No. 1 bestselling Amanda jeans definitely fit the bill (pun intended). They're a classic high-rise pair that sits at your natural waist and will go with just about anything. ($29, originally $34): Not only do these leggings boast thousands of 5-star reviews, senior deals writer Britt penned her own love letter to : "If you're looking for leggings that are comparable to Lululemon, Colorfulkoala Dreamlux leggings are an affordable alternative (though they're supremely comfortable in their own right). You can stock up on several colors for less than half the price of many high-end brands, which I'd very much advise doing." ($117, originally $195): This pajama set is a for a reason: It's made nearly entirely from bamboo, plus it's super stretchy, doesn't pill and feels cool on the skin. ($73 with coupon, originally $359): This bag's long handles and narrower silhouette make this sleeker than other totes. Elegant and classic, it's right at home alongside everything from jeans and a white tee to a polished office look or date night 'fit. You can even match it up with the marshmallowiest of winter puffer coats and it'd still be cute. ($17, originally $70): Stride out for flannel season in style! This Walmart button-down has a slightly oversize fit and a curved hem to flatter a variety of shapes, and it's ideal over a tee on warm days and a snuggly layer on chilly nights. Available in 15 colors. ($30, originally $46): This just might be the most popular fleece jacket ever made. Made of soft maximum-thermal-retention (MTR) filament fleece, the zip-up works to keep you toasty even on the coolest days, even though it's also thin enough to serve as the perfect under-layer with a parka or puffer when the temps dip below zero. Revolutionize your cleaning routine with this versatile and powerful scrubber, now up to 64% off as part of the After-Christmas deals. Featuring dual adjustable speeds and eight brush heads, it tackles stubborn stains, soap scum, and grout effortlessly. The extendable handle and adjustable brush head make it ideal for hard-to-reach spots, saving your back and knees. With a 1.5-hour battery life and durable, anti-scratch bristles, it’s a must-have for a spotless home! Say goodbye to stubborn pet hair with this reusable lint roller, perfect for furniture, carpets, clothing, and more. Designed for dog and cat hair removal, its manual operation traps fur into a built-in receptacle for easy disposal. Sustainable and adhesive-free, it’s a must-have for pet owners. Don’t miss this After-Christmas deal and snag it now at 12% off for a cleaner, fur-free home! Keep your home neat and organized with these foldable, breathable fabric storage bags, now up to 50% off. With a 60L capacity each, they’re perfect for storing clothing, blankets, and comforters while protecting them from dust and moisture. Reinforced handles ensure easy transport, and the clear front window lets you quickly identify contents. Grab this After-Christmas deal to simplify your storage solutions! Experience premium sound with these advanced wireless earbuds, now 24% off. Featuring Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Personalized Spatial Audio, they deliver high-fidelity sound tailored to your environment. With improved call quality, a customizable fit, and water-resistant durability, these earbuds are designed for all-day comfort and exceptional performance. Don’t miss this After-Christmas deal for a top-tier listening experience! Keep tabs on your essentials with ease using these sleek trackers. Effortlessly connect to your iPhone or iPad, play a sound to locate items, or rely on Precision Finding for pinpoint accuracy. With a year-long replaceable battery and water-resistant design, they’re built for durability. Don’t miss this After-Christmas deal and grab them now to stay organized and worry-free! Protect and organize your 9 ft artificial Christmas tree with ease. This waterproof, durable bag shields your tree from dust and moisture, keeping it pristine year after year. Reinforced handles ensure effortless transport, while the dual zipper allows for quick access. With a built-in labeling slot for easy identification, post-holiday cleanup just got a whole lot simpler. Simplify your floor cleaning routine with this After-Christmas deal, now 40% off. This cordless vacuum mop combines powerful suction and on-demand spray to tackle dirt and tough messes with ease. Lightweight and equipped with LED headlights, it reveals hidden debris while offering no-touch disposable pads for effortless cleanup. A must-have for spotless floors without the hassle! Upgrade your home entertainment with this After-Christmas deal, now 38% off. Enjoy vivid 4K Ultra HD picture quality with HDR 10 and Dolby Digital Plus, bringing your favorite movies and shows to life. With the Alexa Voice Remote, streaming, gaming, and live TV are just a command away. Perfect for everyday entertainment, this smart TV is a steal! Treat yourself to café-quality coffee at home with this After-Christmas deal, now 33% off. With 3 brew sizes and a Strong Brew feature, it delivers bold, fresh coffee in minutes. The 42oz removable reservoir means fewer refills, while the compact design accommodates travel mugs. Perfect for busy mornings or relaxing afternoons, it’s the ultimate coffee companion! Maximize your home workouts with this After-Christmas deal, now 28% off. This adjustable dumbbell ranges from 5 to 52.5 lbs. with a simple turn of the dial, replacing 15 sets of weights. Perfect for total-body training, it’s a space-saving essential for fitness enthusiasts. Don’t wait to upgrade your gym setup! Say goodbye to tedious cleaning with this Roomba robot vacuum, now 40% off. Its 3-Stage Cleaning System and smart navigation deliver powerful, thorough cleaning on carpets and hard floors. The compact design gets into tight spaces, while the app and Alexa compatibility make control effortless. Self-charging and easy to set up, it’s the ultimate time-saver for a spotless home. Don’t miss this deal! Whip up your culinary creations with this After-Christmas deal, now 22% off. Featuring a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, 10 speeds, and a tilt-head design, it’s perfect for everything from kneading dough to whipping cream. Available in Ice Blue and other stunning colors! Snag this After-Christmas deal and save 51%! These wireless noise-cancelling headphones offer Personalized Spatial Audio, up to 40 hours of battery life, and seamless Apple and Android compatibility. Perfect for music lovers and multitaskers alike! Treat your feet to ultimate care with these exfoliating masks, now 26% off. Infused with aloe vera and botanical extracts, they gently remove dead skin, leaving your heels smooth and baby-soft. Perfect for men and women, the easy-to-use masks fit most sizes and reveal rejuvenated feet in just 7-14 days. This Amazon’s Choice product is a must-have for self-care or a thoughtful gift! Brighten your smile effortlessly with this powerful 28 LED blue light device, now 14% off in this After-Christmas deal. Designed for quick 10-minute sessions, the lightweight and wireless device activates whitening gel to remove stubborn stains and achieve a radiant smile. With gentle, form-fitted mouth trays and a compact USB charger, it’s perfect for whitening on the go. Elevate your oral care routine with this modern teeth-whitening solution! Elevate your dental care routine with this ADA-accepted water flosser, now 20% off in this After-Christmas deal. Featuring 10 pressure settings, 7 tips for multiple users, and a large 90-second reservoir, it ensures a custom clean for teeth, gums, braces, and more. With advanced features like massage mode and a built-in timer, it effectively removes up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria for healthier gums and fresher breath. A dentist-recommended essential for your oral care! Achieve firmer, more youthful-looking skin with this Amazon's Choice skin-firming cream, now 37.5% off. Clinically tested, it improves firmness, texture, and elasticity with the power of hyaluronic acid and an advanced hydration blend. Designed specifically for the neck and chest, this hypoallergenic cream smooths, hydrates, and nourishes aging skin. Add this 2 oz essential to your skincare routine for noticeable results! Keep meals warm and delicious on the go with this #1 Best Seller in Lunch Boxes, now 11% off. Perfect for travel, work, or car use, its 20-ounce capacity is ideal for individual portions. Featuring a spill-free Seal & Store lid, detachable cord, and dishwasher-safe components, it combines practicality with a sleek faded blue design. Upgrade your lunch game with this portable food warmer that’s as convenient as it is stylish! Light up your life with this rechargeable, windproof, and flameless arc lighter. Designed with safety in mind, it features a child-lock switch and auto power-off after 7 seconds for worry-free use. Perfect for candles, BBQs, camping, and more, it’s lightweight and easy to carry. With real-time battery level indicators and a sleek champagne gold finish, this versatile tool is as stylish as it is practical. Don’t miss this 18% off deal! Elevate your sleep with these luxurious down alternative pillows, designed for back, side, or stomach sleepers. Crafted with a breathable cotton cover and plush polyester fill, they provide cooling relief for night sweats while maintaining their shape thanks to a no-shift design. OEKO-TEX certified for safety and easy to clean, these pillows combine comfort and convenience. Grab this attractive deal for hotel-quality rest every night!
Women Will Control $34 Trillion in U.S. Assets by 2030: Report
If the beginning of every year is associated with making resolutions, the final days of December are often dedicated to reflecting on the highs and lows of the past 12 months. As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to take stock of the strides made by Aboitiz Foundation in fulfilling its commitment to uplift Filipinos’ lives through education, jobs and climate action. Creating meaningful and lasting change requires teamwork, which is why Aboitiz Foundation scaled up partnerships with stakeholders. By cultivating the culture of collaboration, we’re able to work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure our programs reach more communities. Education has always been at the heart of Aboitiz Foundation’s mission. The Aboitiz Future Leaders program continues to make a significant impact, supporting 123 new scholars this year across various universities in the Philippines. More than just providing financial support to students, the scholarship is about creating pathways to success and empowering the youth to become changemakers. Since the program began in 2006, Aboitiz Future Leaders have graduated from college, becoming innovators and catalysts for progress in the workforce. Aurora PH, Aboitiz Foundation’s initiative to connect last-mile schools to the internet through solar power, surpassed its 2024 pilot goal of linking 10 schools to the digital world. A total of 11 schools in remote communities now harness sustainable energy to access educational materials and vital resources. One of the project’s newest beneficiaries is Iram II Elementary School in Zambales. In partnership with Subic EnerZone, solar panels were installed on top of school buildings, providing a reliable power source for students and teachers. Moving forward, Aboitiz Foundation aims to energize 300 last-mile schools to improve access to education and empower surrounding communities through access to vital services and livelihood opportunities. Elevate AIDA has been a game-changer for women empowerment. This program, in partnership with Connected Women, provides training in artificial intelligence and data annotation to women from marginalized sectors. For 2024, a total of 1,800 women from various provinces, including the cities of Naga and Talisay and the municipality of Consolacion, successfully completed the program. Equipped with digital skills, the graduates can seek employment opportunities that allow them to earn a steady income while balancing their responsibilities at home. Looking ahead over the next five years, Aboitiz Foundation plans to scale up Elevate AIDA to benefit 300,000 women, further expanding its impact and empowering more women across the Philippines. In the area of climate action, 2024 marked the launch of CarbonPH, a large-scale, multipartite reforestation and watershed recovery project in partnership with the provincial government of Cebu. This initiative involves the reforestation and protection of the 29,000-hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape, which serves as Cebu’s main water source and is home to several endemic species. Beyond its mission to drive positive change, Aboitiz Foundation is committed to nation building through initiatives in education, jobs and climate action. 2024 was a testament to the power of partnership, with our programs inspiring innovation and creating lasting impact. As we look ahead to 2025, Aboitiz Foundation’s vision remains clear: To continue building a better and more sustainable Philippines. We’re keen on forging new partnerships and sustaining our collaboration with long-time stakeholders to fulfill our vision of transforming more lives and creating inclusive growth.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Northern California was under a rare and brief tsunami warning alert Thursday that tested local emergency notification systems after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook part of the state. The National Weather Service canceled its alert after roughly an hour and before the tsunami was expected to arrive. In that hour, some cities and counties ordered evacuations while others relied on social media and text messages to inform people of the warning. Some people headed for higher ground, while others drove to the beach to get a better view. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
There's nothing quite like a wide receiver vs. cornerback beef in the NFL. Pittsburgh's George Pickens and Cleveland's Greg Newsome II are quickly putting themselves in a head-to-head rivalry smack in the middle of their squads' AFC North rivalry, each with some choice words about one another on Friday. The Steelers and Browns are set to face off for the second time this season in Week 14, and Pickens and Newsome had some heated moments in their last meeting. Now, it's extending to the second edition of the rivalry matchup. What's causing the feud between Pickens and Newsome? Here's what to know about the beef between the two players. NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule George Pickens vs. Greg Newsome II beef, explained During a snowy meeting between the Steelers and Browns a few weeks ago, Pickens and Newsome got into a brawl on the final play of Cleveland's 24-19 win. As Pittsburgh tossed a Hail Mary attempt, the two kept running past the end zone, pushing and shoving one another. George Pickens fighting Greg Newsome during the Hail Mary LMFAO pic.twitter.com/1QT1sN1w5o After the game, Pickens said the Browns "aren't a good team at all." Newsome, meanwhile, took to social media to call Pickens a "fake tough guy." MORE: Week 14 NFL playoff picture Week 14 NFL Power Rankings Week 14 NFL picks Week 14 NFL picks against the spread Fake tough guy 😂😂😂 The bad blood from the Week 12 matchup has now seeped into their teams' second meeting this season. Pickens, asked about Newsome ahead of Browns vs. Steelers on Sunday, deflected the question by saying "I don't even know who that is." George Pickens dropping a, "I don't know who that is", on Greg Newsome @gnewsii ahead of Sunday is classically entertaining #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/TSB37xKnN3 Of course, Newsome also had something to say, adding fuel to the fire by telling reporters that Pickens is "a guy that cares more so about himself" than his team, and "you can see that in the penalties he causes." Browns CB Greg Newsome responds to Steelers WR George Pickens’ comments: “Obviously he’s a guy who cares more so about himself and you see that in the penalties he causes.” https://t.co/d2aTXerxZE pic.twitter.com/2idInzybix MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS: SN's Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board Updated NFL Draft order after Week 13 Just for good measures, Newsome took to social media once again on Friday to show that Pickens had messaged him back in 2019. 😂🤡 https://t.co/ET5ObZNVjV pic.twitter.com/027W1zMoKF Steelers vs. Browns is already an NFL rivalry between two divisional opponents, but now, there's a one-on-one matchup to keep an eye out for on Sunday: Pickens vs. Newsome.Women Will Control $34 Trillion in U.S. Assets by 2030: Report
President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to run the sprawling government agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplace — celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz — recently held broad investments in health care, tech, and food companies that would pose significant conflicts of interest. Oz’s holdings, some shared with family, included a stake in UnitedHealth Group worth as much as $600,000, as well as shares of pharmaceutical firms and tech companies with business in the health care sector, such as Amazon. Collectively, Oz’s investments total tens of millions of dollars, according to financial disclosures he filed during his failed 2022 run for a Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat. Trump said Tuesday he would nominate Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency’s scope is huge: CMS oversees coverage for more than 160 million Americans, nearly half the population. accounts for approximately $1 trillion in annual spending, with over 67 million enrollees. UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest health care companies in the nation and arguably the most important business partner of CMS, through which it is the leading provider of commercial health plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. UnitedHealth also offers managed-care plans under Medicaid, the joint state-federal program for low-income people, and sells plans on government-run marketplaces set up via the Affordable Care Act. Oz also had smaller stakes in CVS Health, which now includes the insurer Aetna, and in the insurer Cigna. It’s not clear if Oz, a heart surgeon by training, still holds investments in health care companies, or if he would divest his shares or otherwise seek to mitigate conflicts of interest should he be confirmed by the Senate. Reached by phone on Wednesday, he said he was in a Zoom meeting and declined to comment. An assistant did not reply to an email message with detailed questions. “It’s obvious that over the years he’s cultivated an interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the insurance industry,” said Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a watchdog group. “That raises a question of whether he can be trusted to act on behalf of the American people.” (The publisher of KFF Health News, David Rousseau, is on the .) Oz used his TikTok page on multiple occasions in November to praise Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including their efforts to take on the “illness-industrial complex,” and he slammed “so-called experts like the big medical societies” for dishing out what he called bad nutritional advice. Oz’s positions on health policy have been chameleonic; in 2010, he urging Californians to sign up for insurance under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, telling viewers they had a “historic opportunity.” Oz’s 2022 financial disclosures show that the television star invested a substantial part of his wealth in health care and food firms. Were he confirmed to run CMS, his job would involve interacting with giants of the industry that have contributed to his wealth. Given the breadth of his investments, it would be difficult for Oz to recuse himself from matters affecting his assets, if he still holds them. “He could spend his time in a rocking chair” if that happened, Lurie said. In the past, nominees for government positions with similar potential conflicts of interest have chosen to sell the assets or otherwise divest themselves. For instance, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Attorney General Merrick Garland agreed to divest their holdings in relevant, publicly traded companies when they joined the Biden administration. Trump, however, declined in his first term to relinquish control of his own companies and other assets while in office, and he isn’t expected to do so in his second term. He has not publicly indicated concern about his subordinates’ financial holdings. CMS’ main job is to administer Medicare. About half of new enrollees now choose Medicare Advantage, in which commercial insurers provide their health coverage, instead of the traditional, government-run program, from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Proponents of Medicare Advantage say the private plans offer more compelling services than the government and better manage the costs of care. Critics note that Medicare Advantage plans have a long history of than the traditional program. UnitedHealth, CVS, and Cigna are all substantial players in the Medicare Advantage market. It’s not always a good relationship with the government. The Department of Justice filed a 2017 complaint against UnitedHealth used false information to inflate charges to the government. The case is ongoing. Oz is an enthusiastic proponent of Medicare Advantage. In 2020, he proposed offering Medicare Advantage to all; during his Senate run, he offered a more general pledge to expand those plans. After Trump announced Oz’s nomination for CMS, Jeffrey Singer, a senior fellow at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, “uncertain about Dr. Oz’s familiarity with health care financing and economics.” Singer said Oz’s Medicare Advantage proposal could require large new taxes — perhaps a 20% payroll tax — to implement. Oz has gotten a mixed reception from elsewhere in Washington. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, the Democrat who defeated Oz in 2022, signaled he’d potentially support his appointment to CMS. “If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude,” on the social platform X. Oz’s investments in companies doing business with the federal government don’t end with big insurers. He and his family also hold hospital stocks, according to his 2022 disclosure, as well as a stake in Amazon worth as much as nearly $2.4 million. (Candidates for federal office are required to disclose a broad range of values for their holdings, not a specific figure.) Amazon operates an internet pharmacy, and the company announced in June that its is available to Medicare enrollees. It also , One Medical, that accepts Medicare and “select” Medicare Advantage plans. Oz was also directly invested in several large pharmaceutical companies and, through investments in venture capital funds, indirectly invested in other biotech and vaccine firms. Big Pharma has been a frequent target of criticism and sometimes conspiracy theories from Trump and his allies. Kennedy, whom Trump has said he’ll nominate to be Health and Human Services secretary, is a longtime anti-vaccine activist. During the Biden administration, Congress gave Medicare authority to negotiate with drug companies over their prices. CMS initially selected 10 drugs. Those drugs collectively accounted for between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, under Medicare’s Part D prescription drug benefit. At least four of those 10 medications are manufactured by companies in which Oz held stock, worth as much as about $50,000. Related Articles Oz may gain or lose financially from other Trump administration proposals. For example, as of 2022, Oz held investments worth as much as $6 million in fertility treatment providers. To counter fears that politicians who oppose abortion would ban in vitro fertilization, Trump making in vitro fertilization treatment free. It’s unclear whether the government would pay for the services. In his TikTok videos from earlier in November, Oz echoed attacks on the food industry by Kennedy and other figures in his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. They blame processed foods and underregulation of the industry for the poor health of many Americans, concerns shared by many Democrats and more mainstream experts. But in 2022, Oz owned stakes worth as much as $80,000 in Domino’s Pizza, Pepsi, and US Foods, as well as more substantial investments in other parts of the food chain, including cattle; Oz reported investments worth as much as $5.5 million in a farm and livestock, as well as a stake in a dairy-free milk startup. He was also indirectly invested in the restaurant chain Epic Burger. One of his largest investments was in the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain Wawa, which sells fast food and all manner of ultra-processed snacks. Oz and his wife reported a stake in the company, beloved by many Pennsylvanians, worth as much as $30 million. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.PITTSBURGH — Maybe the most deflating aspect of the Steelers' last-minute loss in Cleveland was the second-stingiest defense in the NFL failing to protect another lead against one of the worst offenses in the league. And it wasn't the first time. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
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