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When Andrew Westphal's Costa Rica honeymoon was over last May, you could say the honeymoon was really over. "Traveler's trots. Let's just say again, gastrointestinal distress," Westphal said. He and his new bride were experiencing the same stomach symptoms and decided to go to an urgent care near them. "And it ended up being a $4 antibiotic that solved the issue completely in a day," Westphal recalled. But then, Westphal said, the real pain began when he received his first bill: $1,888. What really stood out, though, was the difference between what his insurance covered compared to his wife's insurance for the medical testing. "So mine ended up being just about $1,700 to $1,800, and she paid $21 for those labs," Westphal said. "I'm trying to just wrap my head around how I could get such a large bill for such a simple service." His insurance carrier is Anthem while hers is Cigna. They both have high-deductible plans, and neither has met their deductibles. RELATED STORY | Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO ignites online fury over health insurance industry "I, unfortunately, am not surprised," said Adam Fox, the deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. Fox said Westphal's story underscores the idea that insurance plans are not negotiating better costs for the people they are serving, putting consumers at risk of unpredictably high bills. Additionally, Fox said, there is a larger issue with the rates being charged at so-called "Hospital Outpatient Departments." In a letter to Westphal regarding his urgent care bill, UC Health stated that he had "received these services within a Hospital Outpatient Department." Fox said Medicare charges about $440 for the same tests Westphal was billed $1,840. "They're basically charging four times what Medicare does," said Fox. "I think those services can be provided at a much lower cost. And I think what we are seeing is as hospitals acquire more facilities and doctors offices, they are charging higher costs for the same level of service to patients. And that puts Coloradans at financial risk." A UCHealth spokesperson clarified that its urgent care centers are not Hospital Outpatient Departments, but the labs in certain cases are at the hospital. UCHealth and Anthem declined our requests for interviews, but in an email, a UCHealth spokesman pointed to high-deductible health insurance plans, stating, "This shifts more of the burden of paying medical bills onto patients." UCHealth said it offers billing estimates for anyone who wants to know individual responsibility for a service. An Anthem statement also references high-deductible plans, stating that Westphal's "claim was therefore processed correctly." Anthem said, "We are transparent with Anthem members about the price of health care services." Westphal said he had no idea that what he thought was a simple doctor's visit for antibiotics could cost so much. After his appeals were denied, he said he is learning a frustrating lesson. "You need to find out how much your services are going to cost, even if you think it's something that should be very simple, cost so little," Westphal said. "And yet this insurance company or this provider can really do whatever they want." Full statement from Anthem: "We can confirm this member receives employer-sponsored coverage and selected a high-deductible plan option with a $6,000 deductible. Our reviews affirmed that the member’s annual deductible had not been met at the time of service, and his claim was therefore processed correctly according to his benefit plan. While Anthem’s specific negotiated rates with health systems are confidential, we are transparent with Anthem members about the price of health care services. Before selecting a care provider, members can quickly and easily compare prices for health care services from various care providers through the Sydney Health app." This story was originally published by Jaclyn Allen at Scripps News Denver .Pulhams is looking to grow its bus and coach network in Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire. The available roles include assistant operations manager, human resources and payroll administrator, private hire lead, compliance co-ordinator, and service delivery supervisors. The company is also looking for bus and coach drivers and vehicle technicians. Area director for Pulhams, Alex Chutter, said: "This is the next step in our investment in our expansion designed to continually improve our services and fleet to make bus and coach travel as accessible and attractive as possible. "There are several exciting roles available for internal and external candidates to help strengthen our team." In 2023, Go-Ahead Group acquired Pulhams through Oxford Bus Group and more recently bought Swanbrook Transport. Pulhams has been expanding its network, upgrading its fleet and technology, and developing its team over the past year. Oxford Bus Group's managing director, Luke Marion, said: "We have significantly invested in developing Pulhams since Oxford Bus Group acquired the business and have made excellent progress on our improvement strategy. "We’re strengthening the management team in 2025 to further provide the platform for continued growth to enable us to deliver more improvements for our customers." Established in 1880, Pulhams operates bus and coach routes in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.GPI Stock Soars to All-Time High, Reaching $422.92

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Ottawa police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 31-year-old man. Erik Vien was last seen at around 9:40 p.m. Sunday, boarding a westbound LRT train at Blair Station. Police said his family is concerned about his health and wellbeing. Vien is described as white, approximately 6-foot-2 (188 cm), with a thin build, dirty blond curly hair, blue eyes and a beard. He was last seen wearing a red plaid coat, dark jeans with paint marks on them, tan coloured construction boots and a dark tuque. Anyone with information about his current whereabouts is asked to call the Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222. Ottawa Top Stories FREEZING RAIN WARNING | 1 to 3 mm of freezing rain possible in Ottawa-Gatineau tonight OC Transpo well below punctuality targets on 'less frequent' routes Cargo ship runs aground in St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont. OC Transpo hands out 1,900 fines to riders not paying fares in 2 months Katy Perry coming to Ottawa next summer Renovated pool in Pembroke, Ont. could reopen in early 2025 $10k worth of cannabis stolen from Renfrew, Ont. store MISSING | Ottawa police seek help locating missing 31-year-old man CTVNews.ca Top Stories 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Warren Buffett gives away another US$1.1B, announces plans for distributing $147B fortune after death Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than US$1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Premiers seek 'urgent' meeting with Trudeau before Trump returns to White House Canada's premiers are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold an urgent first ministers' meeting ahead of the return to office of president-elect Donald Trump. Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo. Canada Post says progress 'limited' at negotiating table as strike continues Canada Post says they have made 'limited progress' with the union at the negotiating table 11 days after the strike began. Los Angeles judge postpones hearing on release of Menendez brothers A Los Angeles County judge on Monday postponed a hearing over the possible release of Lyle and Erik Menendez after 35 years in prison for the shotgun murder of their parents, saying he wanted to hear from a new district attorney due to take office on Dec. 3. Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Defence Minister Bill Blair 'ready to go faster' on spending timeline Defence Minister Bill Blair said Monday that he's ready to work with the incoming Donald Trump administration to speed up Canada's timeline to meet its NATO alliance spending targets. CEOs demand changes to Liberals' military spending plan The federal government risks jeopardizing the economy unless it meets its NATO military alliance spending obligations within the next five years, says the Business Council of Canada. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Man charged with unsafe storage of a firearm in Tyson MacDonald homicide: RCMP A 61-year-old man is facing unsafe storage charges in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Tyson MacDonald on P.E.I., last December. From cellphones to dentures: Inside Halifax Transit’s lost and found Every single item misplaced on a bus or ferry in the Halifax Regional Municipality ends up in a small office at the Halifax Transit Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth, N.S. Toronto Ontario government passes bill to limit bike lanes Ontario's Progressive Conservative government has passed a controversial law that will force municipalities to seek approval for installing new bike lanes on arterial roads and could see some existing bike lanes torn up. Toronto mother now facing murder charge in death of four-month old baby Toronto police say they have charged a mother with second-degree murder following the death of her infant, who was found with critical injuries in midtown Toronto last week. 'Embarrassing:' NHL team ditches bus and walks to Scotiabank Arena amid gridlock The Utah Hockey Club got the full Toronto experience Sunday night ahead of their first-ever matchup against the Maple Leafs—bumper-to-bumper traffic that forced the team to walk to the game. Montreal More people hurt in Quebec road accidents after fall time change, data shows New data from Quebec's auto insurance board shows that evening road accidents -- including those involving pedestrians -- rise sharply in the 30 days following the fall time change, when the sun sets earlier. Montreal mayor says Friday pro-Palestinian protests were taken over by 'professional vandals' Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante told journalists 'professional vandals' took over protests and smashed windows at the Palais des Congres. Teen girls engage in more risky behaviour than boys: Quebec study Fewer young people in Quebec secondary schools are drinking alcohol, consuming sugary drinks and eating junk food, but not all their habits are improving. More of them are also inactive, taking action to change their weight and not eating breakfast before going to school, according to a recent study. Northern Ontario Elliot Lake, Ont., woman charged with choking neighbour's dog An intoxicated woman in Elliot Lake has been charged with breaking into her neighbour's apartment and choking their dog. Winter weather advisory in effect for most of northeastern Ont. Environment Canada has issued a winter weather advisory for areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Drug bust after a suspect pointed handgun at victim at northern Ont. gas station Three people have been charged with numerous drug and weapons offences following an incident at a gas station in Bruce Mines, Ont., on Nov. 21. Windsor 'Active investigation' underway in Windsor Windsor police are on the scene of what's being called an, "active investigation." "Expect a sustained police presence in the area," read a post on social media. Memorial put up on Walker Road after fatal crash A memorial is located on Walker Road to mark the site where a Windsor couple was killed after getting struck by a vehicle. Alleged impaired mom found asleep at the wheel with two kids in the backseat Windsor police arrested two motorists for impaired driving in separate incidents over the weekend, including a mom with two small children in the backseat. London 'It’s getting dangerous downtown': Rear entrance of London business sprayed with gunfire London police said that no-one was injured when the back entrance of a downtown cannabis shop was sprayed with gunfire early on Monday morning. 'I just knew something was up': London family recounts rushing to their burning home where pet perished A weekend house fire has left a family displaced and taken the life of a beloved pet. The blaze at 454 Alston Road broke out shortly after 12:30 p.m. Christmas tax break will be 'challenging' for small businesses, says gift shop owner Tom Fincher is all for a tax break for consumers but implementing the GST tax break announced by the federal government last week at his till will be easier said than done. Kitchener Waterloo reviews most collision-prone areas to improve safety The City of Waterloo is trying to make its roads safer by putting together a report on some of the locations with the most crashes in the past five years. Driver warned after police receive complaints about car decked out in Christmas lights in Waterloo Drivers are being reminded not to take the holiday spirit too far after police received complaints about a distracting vehicle in Waterloo. Kitchener, Ont. doctor officially claims second Guinness World Record A Kitchener, Ont. emergency room doctor has officially earned his second Guinness World Records title. Barrie 'James deceived us,' Slain Collingwood, Ont. woman's family speak ahead of husband's sentencing James Schwalm sat in the prisoner’s box Monday morning weeping as friends and family members told the court about the devastation he caused when he murdered his wife, Ashley Milne, two years ago inside their Collingwood, Ont. home. Novice driver charged with speeding 95km/h over limit on Hwy 11 accused of being impaired A Thornhill resident accused of driving at a high rate of speed along Highway 11 in Muskoka while impaired faces charges. 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Death of worker in Edmonton smokehouse leads to 26 charges against food processing company An Ontario-based food processing company is facing 26 charges under Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation in connection with the death of a worker at an Edmonton facility in 2023. The story of Alberta's rural long COVID program that never was As better diagnosis and symptom management emerged for people with long COVID, researchers in Alberta set to work creating a program that could remotely connect urban specialists and rural patients. Between development and clinical implementation, the project was shelved. Regina Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature. Regina commits to clearing all 'high priority roads' of snow by Tuesday morning Following a second significant dump of snow in less than a week, the City of Regina says it plans to have all high priority roadways cleared by 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. Regina police release images of suspects following early morning armed robbery Regina police are looking for two people following an early morning armed robbery in the city's downtown on Monday. Saskatoon Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature. Saskatoon's second big snowfall in a week won't trigger emergency response: City City crews and contractors are at it again — clearing roadways after another major snowfall. 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Vancouver Island Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo. Vancouver Whitecaps drop head coach Vanni Sartini Two weeks after the Vancouver Whitecaps’ playoff run ended in the first round, the team has fired head coach Vanni Sartini. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay Connected“Wicked”; “Anora”; “Emilia Perez”; “Challengers”; “A Real Pain”; “The Substance” “The Brutalist”; “A Complete Unknown,”; “Conclave”; “Dune: Part Two”; “Nickel Boys;” “September 5” Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”; Hugh Grant, “Heretic”; Gabriel LaBelle, “Saturday Night; Jesse Plemons, “Kinds of Kindness”’ Glen Powell, “Hitman”; Sebastian Stan, “A Different Man” Amy Adams, “Nightbitch”; Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”; Karla Sofia Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”; Mikey Madison “Anora”; Demi Moore, “The Substance”; Zendaya, “Challengers” Pamela Anderson, “The Last Showgirl′′; Angelina Jolie, ”Maria”; Nicole Kidman, “Babygirl”; Tilda Swinton, “The Room Next Door”; Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”; Kate Winslet, “Lee” Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”; Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown’; Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”; Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”; Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice’’ “Alien: Romulus”; Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”; Deadpool & Wolverine”; “Gladiator II”; “Inside Out 2”; “Twisters”; “Wicked”; “The Wild Robot” “All We Imagine As Light′′; ”Emilia Pérez”; “The Girl With the Needle”; “I’m Still Here”; “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”; “Vermiglio” “Flow”; “Inside Out 2”; “Memoir of a Snail”; “Moana 2”; “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”; “The Wild Robot” Selena Gomez, ”Emilia Pérez”; Ariana Grande, “Wicked”; Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”; Margaret Qualley, “The Substance”; Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”; Zoe Saldaña, ”Emilia Pérez” Yura Borisov, “Anora”; Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”; Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”; Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”; Jeremy Strong, ”The Apprentice”; Denzel Washington, “Gladiator II” Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”; Sean Baker, ”Anora”; Edward Berger, “Conclave”; Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”; Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”; Payal Kapadia, “All We Imagine As Light” Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”; Sean Baker, ”Anora”; Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, “The Brutalist”; Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”; Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”; Peter Straughan, “Conclave” Volker Bertelmann, “Conclave”; Daniel Blumberg, “The Brutalist”; Kris Bowers, “The Wild Robot”; Clement Ducol, Camille “Emilia Pérez”; Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, “Challengers”; Hans Zimmer, “Dune: Part Two” “Beautiful That Way” from “The Last Showgirl” (music/lyrics by Andrew Wyatt, Miley Cyrus, Lykke Zachrisson); “Compress/Repress” from “Challengers’ (music/lyrics by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Luca Guadagnino; “El Mal” from EL MAL” from “Emilia Pérez” (music/lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille, Jacques Audiard; “Forbidden Road” from ”Better Man′′ (music/lyrics by Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler, Sacha Skarbek); “Kiss the Sky” from “The Wild Robot′′ (music/lyrics by Delacey, Jordan K. 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A key driver behind this transformation is technology. From cultivation to distribution, technology has revolutionized how kratom brands ensure product safety, efficacy, and consistency. In this blog, we explore the multifaceted role of technology in advancing kratom brand quality and the benefits it brings to both producers and consumers. How Emerging Technologies Are Redefining Kratom Standards One of the foundational steps in ensuring high-quality kratom is proper cultivation. Modern kratom farms now leverage precision agriculture tools, including GPS mapping, drones, and soil sensors, to optimize growing conditions. By analyzing data such as soil composition, moisture levels, and sunlight exposure, farmers can create ideal environments for Mitragyna speciosa, the plant from which kratom is derived. This level of precision minimizes the risk of contaminants and ensures that the plants produce high concentrations of active alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. In addition to improving plant health, these technologies contribute to sustainability. For example, smart irrigation systems reduce water usage by delivering precise amounts of water to the crops, while drones monitor for signs of pest infestations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. By adopting these tools, kratom brands can maintain eco-friendly practices without compromising quality. Explore the comprehensive list of kratom brands available at West World . Once the kratom leaves are harvested, the next critical step is processing. Traditional drying and grinding methods are prone to inconsistencies, which can affect the potency and purity of the final product. However, advancements in technology have introduced state-of-the-art processing equipment that ensures uniformity and hygiene. For instance, automated drying chambers control temperature and humidity levels to preserve the alkaloid content of the leaves. Similarly, industrial-grade grinders equipped with HEPA filters prevent contamination during the powdering process. These machines not only enhance product quality but also improve efficiency, allowing brands to meet growing consumer demand. One of the most significant technological advancements in the kratom industry is the adoption of sophisticated quality testing methods. Leading kratom brands now utilize laboratory technologies such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze their products. These tests provide detailed insights into the chemical composition of kratom, ensuring that each batch meets the required standards for alkaloid content and purity. Additionally, advanced microbiological testing detects harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, while heavy metal analysis ensures that products are free from contaminants like lead and mercury. By employing these technologies, kratom brands can provide certificates of analysis (COAs) to their customers, building trust and transparency. Supply chain transparency has become a critical factor for consumers, especially in the wellness sector. Blockchain technology is now being employed by innovative kratom brands to enhance traceability and accountability in their supply chains. By recording every step of the production process on an immutable digital ledger, blockchain allows consumers to verify the origins and quality of their kratom products. For example, a QR code on the product packaging can provide detailed information about the farming practices, processing methods, and quality testing results associated with that batch. This level of transparency not only boosts consumer confidence but also sets a new standard for ethical practices in the kratom industry. The rise of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized how kratom brands reach their customers. Advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now being used to personalize the shopping experience. By analyzing consumer behavior, AI can recommend products tailored to individual needs, such as specific strains for pain relief or relaxation. Moreover, kratom brands are leveraging digital marketing technologies like social media analytics and programmatic advertising to connect with their target audiences. These tools help brands create more engaging and informative content, educating consumers about the benefits and proper usage of kratom. Such efforts not only drive sales but also foster a more informed and responsible customer base. Sustainability and safety are two key concerns for modern consumers, and technology is helping kratom brands address these issues through innovative packaging solutions. For example, biodegradable packaging materials reduce environmental impact, while tamper-evident seals and child-resistant caps enhance product safety. Smart packaging technologies, such as RFID tags and NFC-enabled labels, are also being adopted. These features allow consumers to access detailed product information and verify authenticity with a simple scan. By incorporating such technologies, kratom brands can differentiate themselves in a competitive market while addressing consumer demands for quality and sustainability. Technology has also transformed how kratom brands develop new products. Big data analytics enable companies to analyze market trends, customer feedback, and scientific research to create formulations that meet specific consumer needs. For instance, data might reveal a growing demand for kratom-infused beverages or enhanced capsules, prompting brands to innovate accordingly. Furthermore, AI-powered simulations can predict the effects of different formulations, reducing the time and cost associated with product development. This approach allows brands to stay ahead of trends and continuously improve their offerings. Conclusion The integration of technology into the kratom industry has ushered in a new era of quality, transparency, and innovation. From precision agriculture and advanced processing techniques to blockchain transparency and AI-driven personalization, technology is helping kratom brands deliver superior products to their customers. As these technologies continue to evolve, the future of the kratom industry looks promising, with endless possibilities for growth and improvement. For consumers, these advancements mean greater confidence in the safety and efficacy of their kratom products. For brands, they offer a competitive edge in a rapidly growing market. By embracing technology, the kratom industry is not only enhancing product quality but also setting a benchmark for the broader wellness sector.

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NoneAnd single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). Some 2,480 were deemed to have “unmet need” and 1,375 were using mobility aids. During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. But were 21% less likely to go on to use mobility aids when they needed them. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”

Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' concerts cost Toronto Police about $1.9 million

Even Luann de Lesseps makes mistakes—at least according to Hugh Grant . The Four Weddings and a Funeral actor reacted after the Real Housewives of New York City alum recently said the pair once shared a steamy makeout session at a restaurant in the Hamptons. “A girlfriend of mine called me and was like, ‘Hugh Grant is at Pierre's,’” Luann told TooFab in an interview published Nov. 22. “I had my family over, my brother was visiting me, and I said, ‘Let's go.’” The “Money Can’t Buy You Class” singer recalled how she quickly got to business flirting with the Bridget Jones’s Diary star, purposely bumping into him to initiate a conversation. “I go, ‘I'm so sorry,’” the 59-year-old continued, “‘Can I buy you a shot? I feel terrible.’ He goes, ‘Okay, but I'll come have a shot with you if you do one with me.’ Before you know it, we are taking shots and making out... heavily at the table! My brother was like, ‘I can't believe you're making out with Hugh Grant,’ and I was like, ‘Neither can I.’” As for Hugh’s recollection of the event? The 64-year-old shared a screenshot of the exchange on social media, a nd while he didn’t deny the encounter, he admitted his memory of the evening was a bit fuzzy. “I do remember meeting a charming RHNY in a restaurant,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Nov. 25, “but I’d like to stress it was about 15 years ago. I don’t recall shots or kissing but her memory might be better than mine.” The Paddington 2 actor isn’t the only Hollywood heartthrob Luann has come in contact with, as she also described once running into Gerard Butler —but by her recollection, she wasn’t quite as successful. “I got into an elevator with him,” Luann revealed. “I tried my best but he had a girlfriend who was there. You can only try!” For more surprising celebrity confessions, keep reading. Jason Kelce Doesn't Regularly Wash His Feet "What kind of weirdo washes their feet...." Jason Kelce tweeted in June 2024 after a fan noted the athlete "looks like he doesn't wash his legs or feet." The retired Philadelphia Eagles player later doubled down on his comments. "What kind of psychopath washes your feet?" he deadpanned on an episode of his and brother Travis Kelce 's New Heights podcast, adding, "If there's visible dirt on them, I'll scrub the dirt off." Grandma knows best. Kim Kardashian got candid about how her grandma Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell influenced one intimate moment between her and then-boyfriend Pete Davidson , during an October 2022 episode of The Kardashians . "Pete and I were staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel last weekend, and we were sitting in front of the fireplace, just talking for hours," the SKIMS founder recounted to MJ, mom Kris Jenner and sister Khloe Kardashian . "And I was like, 'My grandma told me that you really live life when you have sex in front of the fireplace. And so, we had sex in front of the fireplace in honor of you." Grandma's reaction? A nod of approval. "How creepy to think about your grandma before you have sex?" Kim said, to which MJ replied, "I know, but I was younger once." The love shared in Mila Kunis and husband Ashton Kutcher 's tight-knit family—which includes 8-year-old daughter Wyatt and 6-year-old son Dimitri —knows no boundaries. So much so, that the Black Swan actress revealed they keep an open-door policy at home. "That includes the bathroom," she told E! News in September 2022. "It's just one of those where, for better or for worse, as a family and the kids have all kind of embodied bodily function as a very standard norm." Mila said she arrived at the decision after her family kept knocking on the door and asking to come in, which prompted her to oblige: "I was like, ‘Oh, forget it. Just keep the door open.'" Pre-kids, she might not have imagined she'd flush that particular boundary away. She added, "I'd never thought that I would be the person that was able to go to the bathroom with the door open." Ghouls just want to have fun. As The View panelists were reviewing footage about a woman who alleged she had "sexual ghosts" in her home, Sara Haines asked the group an important question during an October 2022 episode : "If you have sex with a ghost, can you get pregnant?" Fortunately for her, co-host Joy Behar had an answer, adding, "I've had sex with a few ghosts and never got pregnant." "I'm just gonna let that ride," Whoopi Goldberg said in response. "I don't know how many of you just heard what Joy just said, but I'm going to let it ride." Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotab are a thick as thieves, though there is one thing Hoda didn't know about her Today co-host. When the pair were getting ready for an episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna , Hoda discovered Jenna perpetually goes commando. "We both had to change before the show and we were like, 'Oh we have to go back into the changing room,'" Hoda said during a November 2022 episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna . "But then I noticed, Jenna never wears underwear." Jenna's rationale? Well, no underwear might just be more convenient to her. "I think it makes a more pretty silhouette," she said. "I also think you don't have to pack as much. There are a lot of pros to it!" Looks like someone hasn't been keeping up. Britney Spears found herself embracing Keke Palmer 's viral saying "he could be walking down the street, I wouldn't know a thing," when she admitted she didn't know who Pete Davidson and Scott Disick were. Reposting a humorous March video of Pete—who was then dating Kim Kardashian —and Kourtney Kardashian 's ex Scott enjoying a "boyz night," to her Instagram, Britney said the two of them had her cracking up. "Sorry had to repost this," Britney wrote in the since-deleted post. "no idea who these people in the video are but it made me laugh so hard !!!!" Back before the world knew Chris Evans as Captain America and People 's Sexiest Man Alive of 2022 , Jana Kramer knew him as the "heartthrob, cutie" she went on a few dates with. It happened more than a decade ago, the singer revealed on her Whine Down with Jana Kramer podcast in November, and though she can't remember "how many dates it was," she does recall their last encounter. Jana, then about 26 years old, said Chris invited her over to his house while he had friends in town from Boston. "The last interaction that I remember is him going into the bathroom after I just went with asparagus pee," Jana remembered, referencing the veggie's tendency to give urine a very distinct scent. "We didn't hook up that night. He stayed up late with his friends and then [in] the morning I did the asparagus walk of shame out of his house." She added, "I never heard from him again." Not all of these confessions are amusing. Eight years after sharing in an ELLE article that she had been battling a rare type of bone cancer—her fake diagnosis even inspiring a storyline on Grey's Anatomy — show writer Elisabeth Finch admitted in December it was all a ruse . "I told a lie when I was 34 years old and it was the biggest mistake of my life. It just got bigger and bigger and bigger and got buried deeper and deeper inside me," Elisabeth told The Ankler newsletter Dec. 7, adding, "I've never had any form of cancer." Summed up Finch, who was placed on administrative leave from the ABC medical drama before eventually resigning, said, "What I did was wrong. Not okay. F--ked up. All the words." Beauty is pain, but Kim Kardashian might be able to stomach it. Telling The New York Times the lengths she would go to for a more youthful appearance, the reality star cracked that she was willing to try just about anything. "If you told me that I literally had to eat poop every single day and I would look younger, I might," she said in June. "I just might." In a July 2022 interview with Allure , Kim said she was "kind of joking" about the comment, though the idea didn't seem too terrible . "But now that I think about it," Kim added, "I would probably eat s--t if someone told me, ‘If you eat this bowl of poop every single day, you'll look younger.'" How much could she make room for? "Maybe just a bite," she told the outlet. "I don't think I can do a whole bowl."Schieffelin has 18 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists as Clemson hands Penn State first loss 75-67

Why GM CEO Mary Barra Is Our 2024 Person Of The Yearcyber security Photo: VCG The US government on Tuesday announced sanctions targeting a Chinese cybersecurity company and one of its employees for alleged firewall compromise in April 2020. In response, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that China firmly rejects using unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Chinese entities and individuals. The US Department of Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday that the Chengdu-based Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company and one of its employees, Guan Tianfeng, deployed software to break through more than 80,000 firewalls run by thousands of companies worldwide. Guan was separately charged with conspiracy to commit computer and wire fraud, according to a Department of Justice indictment published on Tuesday. The US Department of State announced a reward offer of $10 million for information about Sichuan Silence or Guan. In response, Mao said on Wednesday that China has always opposed and fought all types of cyberattacks in accordance with the law. "We urge the US to stop using cybersecurity issues to smear and vilify China, and stop imposing illicit unilateral sanctions," Mao said. China will do what is necessary to protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens, she added. Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday that: "US' claims lack factual basis, and they continually shift the so-called subjects of infringement. Many of the information sources are anonymous and lack substantial support." Recently, US media outlets once again made so-called allegation that Chinese hackers "may have gained access to systems used by federal authorities for court-approved eavesdropping" and "breached at least three major US telecommunications providers." In November, US authorities claimed that they had uncovered "a broad and significant" campaign carried out by hackers linked to China, dubbed Salt Typhoon, that targeted multiple telecommunications companies, according to media reports. Responding to US accusations of Chinese "state-sponsored hackers," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China's consistent position on cybersecurity on November 14. "We have no interest in interfering in other countries' internal affairs through cyberspace and oppose spreading China-related disinformation out of political agenda," Lin said. Previous media reports revealed that the US deliberately fabricated evidence of cyberattacks to tarnish China's image, with the Volt Typhoon being a typical case exposing the truth behind the US' systematic cyberattack activities.

Fast fashion may seem cheap, but it’s taking a costly toll on the planet − and on millions of young customersOTTAWA—When U.S. president-elect Donald Trump rattled global markets with a new threat of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian and Mexican products and additional tariffs on China, it jolted the Canadian dollar and nerves at all government levels, led to predictions of a recession in 2025, and kicked off bitter partisan shots on Parliament Hill. The early days of a new Trump era suddenly look a lot like the old days, only worse. The Liberal government did not rule out retaliation — possibly a tariff war — if Trump goes ahead with his threat, just as Ottawa levied reciprocal dollar-for-dollar tariffs against the U.S. in 2018 during the bitter NAFTA renegotiation talks — a trade counter-punch that Chrystia Freeland said Tuesday worked. Freeland, the deputy prime minister and finance minister, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and other cabinet ministers said Canada “shares” Trump’s concerns about border security and is intent on beefing it up where necessary, but insisted the overall Canada-U.S. relationship is “balanced and mutually beneficial.” “The fact is, we need them and they also need us,” Freeland told reporters. She pointed to Canadian exports of oil, hydroelectricity, critical minerals and metals the U.S. relies on, all of which could face a sudden 25 per cent price hike for American consumers and businesses. Some economists suggested Canadian oil exports could eventually find new markets, but automotive, manufacturing, and other business leaders said Tuesday a 25 per cent surcharge would be devastating for most other Canadian export sectors. University of Calgary Prof. Trevor Tombe updated a report he wrote for the Chamber of Commerce with a more dire prediction on “X” that 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs would hammer the Canadian economy, cause a recession, and lead to a loss of $2,000 in real annual income for people. For months, the Trudeau government has told Canadians it was getting ready for the prospect of an incoming Trump administration. It knew he’d campaigned on a 10 per cent tariff on all on global imports. It was braced for surprises. Yet on Monday night, Trump’s vow to exact a “big price” on Canada and Mexico and his lumping of Canada together with Mexico as a source of fentanyl and illegal immigration to the U.S. still landed like a bombshell, sources admitted. Trump, in his statement on his Truth Social platform, claimed “thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before.” On his first day in office, he now says he would levy and keep a 25 per cent tariff in place “until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!” Trump’s aggressive move sent the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso into a fall in overnight markets. Premier Doug Ford , who chairs the Council of the Federation, said it was “unfair” and “insulting” for Trump to compare Canada to Mexico. “It’s like a family member stabbing you right in the heart.” Asked if Canada should respond in kind if Trump slaps a 25 per cent tariff on goods shipped into the U.S., Ford said: “Hopefully we won’t come to that. But if it does, there is no choice. We have to retaliate.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately called Trump’s team Monday night, but the call resulted in no pullback by Trump, or dialing down of the threat. Trudeau told the Commons they talked about “how important it was for us to work together to solve some of the challenges we are facing as a continent and as countries, but also work to grow our economy and protect our workers on both sides of the border.” The prime minister essentially argued Canada is not the same problem Mexico is — rather it’s a solution to American concerns about border integrity. A senior government official told the Star the call lasted about 10 minutes, with the first few minutes spent on niceties and catching up, and was not confrontational. Still, at the end of it, Trudeau and his inner circle recognized Trump’s threat must be taken seriously, that Trump has set a deadline at his swearing-in date, and so the government must spend the next two months to avoid that. The sense of urgency pervaded Parliament Hill Tuesday. The Commons was to hold an emergency debate Tuesday night, and Trudeau said he has convened a first ministers’ meeting Wednesday night, at 5 p.m. to hash out how to handle the incoming Trump administration , and the potential crisis posed by his latest threat . It remains unclear if Trump is staking out a tough initial negotiating position, or trying to scare foreign investment capital away from Canada and Mexico. The renegotiated North American trade pact is up for review in 2026 and Trump has boasted since his re-election that he fixed it in his first term. Known here as the Canada-U.S.-Mexican-Agreement or CUSMA, that deal protects duty-free trade among the three countries, and mostly prevents the use of tariffs on each other. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said a tariff war would put “our common businesses at risk,” Associated Press reported. “It is unacceptable and would cause inflation and job losses in Mexico and the United States,” Sheinbaum said. Inside and outside the Commons, the prime minister issued a call for Canadian political leaders to set partisanship aside and show a united front in a “Team Canada approach” to Trump. However, Trudeau’s call didn’t bridge the deep partisan divide on Parliament Hill. Outside the Commons, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Trudeau and Freeland were surprised by Trump’s threat because they are “weak,” and that “if necessary” he would be willing to retaliate against any Trump tariffs, although he did not specify in what manner . Inside the chamber, Poilievre erroneously said Trump made the threat after Trudeau had called him, lambasting Trudeau for having no real plan other than a “Zoom call.” “Where is the plan to stop the drugs and keep our border open to trade?” Poilievre demanded. Trudeau retorted Poilievre “is just making stuff up” — Trump’s threat preceded and prompted their call — and resorting to slogans and fear-mongering. “We are going to continue to work constructively with the incoming administration to protect Canadian jobs, to protect Canadian growth and to take the responsible approach that is not steeped in partisanship,” the prime minister said. New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh said, “The only thing a bully responds to is strength. Where is our plan to fight back? Where is the war room? Where is a concrete plan to bring our issue before CUSMA? Why is the prime minister not fighting like hell for Canadian jobs?” Trudeau said the “idea of going to war with the United States” is not what anybody wants, and his government would not react by “freaking out the way the leader of the NDP seems to be.” Two premiers — Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Quebec’s François Legault — backed Trump, with Smith posting that he “has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border.” “I think that the concerns expressed by Donald Trump are legitimate,” said Legault, speaking in Quebec City. “I understand that the problem is far worse on the Mexican border, but the fact remains that when you look at what’s happening on the Canadian border, especially in recent years, there’s been a significant increase in the number of illegal immigrants going through Canada to arrive in the United States. So Mr. Trudeau, more than ever, now must present a plan, a plan to properly protect the border on both sides.” NDP Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba said Canada could more quickly invest in defence and border security to allay Trump’s concerns. ult agreed a 25-percent tariff would hit many sectors hard, and lead to “tens of thousands” of job losses. Asked if Canada should retaliate in kind with tariffs, Legault appeared skeptical. Quebec sends $87 billion in exports to the U.S. “We export twice as much as what we receive from the US. So the last thing we want is a trade war. We can’t rule it out, but I think we need to do everything we possibly can to avoid it.” With a file from Robert BenzieJudge rejects request to sideline SJSU volleyball player

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street got back to climbing after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 gained 0.8% Wednesday to break a two-day losing streak and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged with a dip of 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that the Fed will deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes are rising Wednesday after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve . The S&P 500 gained 0.9% and is on track to break its first two-day losing streak in nearly a month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 7 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 2:45 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.8% and was heading for a record. Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market as expectations built that Wednesday’s inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a 95% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. Wednesday’s report said U.S. consumers paid prices in November that were 2.7% higher than a year earlier. That’s a slight acceleration from October’s inflation rate of 2.6%, but it was exactly what economists were expecting. Another report on inflation at the wholesale level will arrive on Thursday. “The data have given the Fed the ‘all clear’ for next week, and today’s inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times this year , with the latest coming last week. On Wall Street, Stitch Fix jumped 47.8% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. Albertsons edged down by 0.6% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn’t do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it’s seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 0.6%. A day earlier, judges in separate cases in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants’ merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. Mondelez, the company behind Oreo and other food brands, climbed 2.2% after announcing a plan to send cash to shareholders by buying back up to $9 billion of its own stock. The program replaces a prior $6 billion plan, which had about $2.8 billion of capacity remaining and would have otherwise expired at the end of next year. On the losing end of Wall Street, Macy’s fell 2.3% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. Dave & Buster’s Entertainment sank 18.7% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, rose to 4.16% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an annual planning meeting in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. ___ AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed. Stan Choe, The Associated PressWatchdog finds FBI intelligence missteps before Jan. 6 riot, but no undercover agents were present WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot even though the bureau did prepare for the possibility of violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a watchdog report. It also says no undercover FBI employees were present that day and none of the bureau’s informants was authorized to participate. The report Thursday from the Justice Department inspector general’s office knocks down a fringe conspiracy theory advanced by some Republicans in Congress that the FBI played a role in instigating the events of Jan. 6, when rioters determined to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss stormed the building in a violent clash with police. Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in biggest single-day act of clemency WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. The White House says it’s the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. The clemency follows a broad pardon for his son Hunter, who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. Biden is under pressure from advocacy groups to pardon broad swaths of people before the Trump administration takes over in January. He’s also weighing whether to issue preemptive pardons to those who investigated Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election and are facing possible retribution when he takes office. Police say suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing wasn't a client of the insurer NEW YORK (AP) — Police say the man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione did mention the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald’s. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania. His lawyer there says he hasn’t seen any evidence yet linking him to the crime. Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what's next for those who oppose Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst is an Iraq War veteran and sexual assault survivor who has advocated for years to improve how the military handles claims of sexual misconduct. But she now finds herself in the position of seriously considering Pete Hegseth to serve as defense secretary. Hegseth once said women should not serve in combat and has been accused of sexual assault. The Republican senator is facing an aggressive pressure campaign from President-elect Donald Trump’s allies, complete with threats of primary challengers. It serves a warning to Ernst's colleagues who may have qualms about Trump’s other controversial picks for his Cabinet. Trump extends unprecedented invites to China's Xi and other world leaders for his inauguration WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders to his inauguration next month. It's an unorthodox move that would fold U.S. allies and adversaries into a very American political tradition. Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a Thursday morning appearance on “Fox & Friends” that Trump had invited Xi and other world leaders for his Jan. 20 swearing in. Trump on Thursday said he’s been “thinking about inviting certain people to the inauguration” without referring to any specific individuals. No head of state has previously made an official visit to the U.S. for the inauguration. Israeli strike in Gaza kills 25 people as US makes new push for a ceasefire DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medics said an Israeli airstrike hit a refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least 25 Palestinians and wounding dozens more. The strike Thursday evening came just hours after President Joe Biden’s national security adviser was in Jerusalem and raised hopes about a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. Officials at two hospitals in the Gaza Strip, al-Awda Hospital in the north and al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, reported they received a combined total of 25 bodies. Health officials said Israel struck on a multistory house in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the strike. US senator says mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey should be 'shot down, if necessary' TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — A U.S. senator says mysterious drones spotted flying at night over sensitive areas in New Jersey should be “shot down, if necessary." The unmanned aircraft have also been seen in other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. It remains unclear who owns them. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut says Americans urgently need some intelligence analysis on the issue. The Democrat's remarks Thursday come as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to threaten public safety and the White House on Thursday concurred. Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department and the city of Louisville have reached an agreement to reform the city’s police force after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor. That is according to an announcement on Thursday. The consent decree, which must be approved by a judge, follows a federal investigation that found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights and discrimination against the Black community. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — As several of President-elect Donald Trump’s choices for high-level positions in his administration face scrutiny on Capitol Hill, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Americans have their own doubts. Relatively few Americans overall approve of Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Defense, or Tulsi Gabbard, his pick for intelligence chief, although a substantial share don’t know who those figures are. Trump and his allies are pushing Republican senators to confirm his picks.

Pints could be scrapped for smaller glasses if new Labour law passes unchecked, warn MPsMiddle East latest: Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is set to begin at 4 am

Women are more likely to need walking sticks, wheelchairs and other mobility aids compared to men, but they are less likely to use them, according to a study. And single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 26, 2024-- Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Charlie , banking* for 62+ Americans, launched CharlieSaver , the most comprehensive source for senior discounts nationwide. CharlieSaver has scoured stores all across America to identify over 20,000 senior discounts across 1,000 shopping centers. CharlieSaver is free to use and available to all older Americans, not just Charlie customers. Senior discounts are an excellent way for older Americans to stretch their budget and make the most of the hard work they've put in over the years. This is especially true given that nearly half of older Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, and over 17 million American adults over 65 are economically insecure. At the same time, there are thousands of senior discounts available to this population that are difficult to find and impossible to keep track of. Older Americans could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in savings each year because there is no way to know about all the discounts available to them, and many retailers only offer a discount when asked directly by a customer. CharlieSaver does the important work of gathering all senior discounts in one simple-to-search website. CharlieSaver will continue to expand as new deals are discovered and more stores and restaurants join in to offer these valuable discounts. Charlie is also encouraging the public to share any discounts they find that are not listed on the platform and invites retailers to reach out if they want their senior discount included in CharlieSaver. CharlieSaver is Charlie’s latest effort to empower older Americans to make the most out of their money and keep it safe. Last week, Charlie announced Family FraudShield , a first-of-its-kind financial conversation guide aimed at helping people discuss financial fraud with their older parents and relatives. In June, Charlie introduced SpeedBump , a proprietary combination of pauses, alerts, and real-time education introduced at the exact moments customers are most vulnerable to fraud. In November 2023, Charlie launched FraudShield , a comprehensive, personalized suite of fraud protection tools built exclusively for the unique needs of 62+ Americans. *Charlie is not a bank, banking services provided by Sutton Bank; Member FDIC. About Charlie Charlie is the place for older Americans to get the most out of their money and keep it safe. Charlie uses machine learning technology and an expert, US-based customer service team to study older Americans’ unique financial habits, needs, and vulnerabilities. These insights inform the features and functions Charlie designs to provide them with financial flexibility and protection. With faster access to their Social Security check, groundbreaking fraud protection, competitive earnings on deposits, no monthly fees or minimums, and intuitive, age-optimized product design, Charlie customers have the financial peace of mind they deserve. Banking services provided by Sutton Bank; Member FDIC. To learn more, visit Charlie.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241126462777/en/ CONTACT: Julie Halpin Julie@charlie.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DISCOUNT/VARIETY ELECTRONIC COMMERCE SENIORS TECHNOLOGY OTHER RETAIL DIGITAL MARKETING RESTAURANT/BAR CONSUMER PERSONAL FINANCE ONLINE PRIVACY RETAIL MARKETING FINANCE COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY BABY BOOMERS BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INTERNET ONLINE RETAIL SOURCE: Charlie Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/26/2024 03:25 PM/DISC: 11/26/2024 03:25 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241126462777/en