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Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks
BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey spent months clamoring for lawmakers to finish work on a sweeping jobs package she filed in March, and she wound up needing only about 60% of the time allotted for her review before making it law. Healey on Wednesday signed her approval on almost the entirety of the 319-page, roughly $4 billion package that offers hundreds of millions of dollars of long-term state support to the life sciences and climate technology industries, clears the way for development of a professional soccer stadium in Everett, controversially shields a nonprofit accused of predatory lending, and more. The governor is approaching the midpoint of her four-year term, and has now signed into law a major jobs package, a borrowing bill she believes will supercharge housing production and a tax relief package, all of which she identified as priorities. Agreeing to almost everything the Legislature packed into the bill, including scores of project earmarks, she did not veto any language from the bill (H 5100), and she sent a single section dealing with motor vehicle liability insurance back with a proposed amendment. “This legislation includes nearly all of the authorizations and transformative policy initiatives that I filed in March, bringing the total authorized to nearly $4 billion, and takes important steps toward implementing our economic development plan,” Healey wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “This bill is essential to keeping the Massachusetts economy strong and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.” Healey had until Sunday to review the bill, but decided Wednesday that she was ready to act. The measure reaches across different facets of the state’s economy, and lawmakers crammed it full of additional policy riders — some that are controversial — including language admitting Massachusetts to a national nurse licensure compact and a section that opponents say could shield a Boston nonprofit facing predatory lending accusations from lawsuits. One section would effectively protect BlueHub Capital, a Roxbury nonprofit that was sued in 2020 over predatory lending allegations, according to the Boston Globe. An earlier iteration of the language drew scrutiny from Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who described “serious consumer protection concerns,” the Globe reported. The issue burst into the spotlight Wednesday, when someone in the crowd interrupted Healey at an event in Waltham to criticize her for not vetoing the language. “I was your attorney general. I went after the subprime predatory lenders. I’m pretty well-schooled in this, and we took them on and took them down,” Healey replied. “I probably more than anybody know what it means to stand up ... and fight predatory lending.” On the borrowing front, large chunks of capital funding would flow to two industries that lawmakers and administration officials view as current or future cornerstones: life sciences, and climate technology. The law reauthorizes another $500 million over 10 years for the state’s Life Sciences Initiative, which launched under Gov. Deval Patrick and continued under Gov. Charlie Baker, and it boosts the annual life sciences tax incentive program from $30 million to $40 million. It includes $400 million in capital authorizations and $300 million in tax incentives for the climate tech field, which Healey described as “modeled on the same type of investments that have successfully transformed our life sciences sector into a global powerhouse.” Another $100 million will go toward creating a Massachusetts AI Hub. “Look, AI is here to stay. We’ve worked together to put together a program for an AI hub in Massachusetts that’s going to help transform all of our industries, and that includes small businesses,” Healey said in a speech to retailers on Wednesday. Many of the law’s most eye-catching provisions go beyond dollars and cents. One section would authorize municipalities and government entities to enter into project labor agreements, which often require unionized labor only. Another would allow the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to craft an alternative certification process for some teachers, which supporters say will help diversify the educator workforce. In a boost for the Kraft family and the New England Revolution soccer team they own, the law would remove the designated port area classification from a parcel of land in Everett, viewed as a key hurdle toward developing a new stadium there. It took lawmakers years to get on the same page supporting the change, and the final accord prohibits public funding from flowing toward construction of the stadium. Developers would also need to strike community mitigation agreements with the cities of Everett and Boston. Another section of the law installs new regulations around event ticket sales, including by prohibiting the use of “bots” that quickly snatch up many tickets. Consumer groups had criticized language outlining requirements for nontransferable tickets, arguing that it would give buyers fewer choices on the secondary markets, but Healey opted to sign her approval on the full package. Her only proposed amendment would change the amounts and effective date for new limits on motor vehicle insurance liability coverage. Healey wrote to lawmakers that the existing limits “have not been updated in over 30 years” and signaled support for raising them. “I support these limit increases, but I also recognize that the language as currently drafted would become effective immediately upon my signature, providing insurance companies inadequate time for implementation,” she wrote. “Insurers must update current policies and submit new forms and rates to the Commissioner of Insurance for review and approval before implementing these changes. Based on feedback from industry stakeholders, pushing out the effective date to July 1, 2025 will ensure that these changes take place in an orderly way.” The bill takes a limited run at tax policy changes to boost economic development, with tax incentives focused on the life sciences and climate tech sectors and a new tax credit to assist the live theater sector. On Oct. 31, the Tax Foundation released its State Tax Competitiveness Index, formerly the State Business Tax Climate Index, and Massachusetts ranked 41st among the 50 states. The foundation cited “overly burdensome” individual income taxes, property taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes in Massachusetts, and said property taxes here are “among the highest in the nation.” While the new income surtax on high earners is facilitating major new investments in education and transportation — two focus areas of businesses — the foundation blamed the 2022 constitutional amendment approved by voters statewide for “dismantling the state’s formerly competitive flat income tax and making Massachusetts less attractive for productive households and businesses.” Aides said the governor “will host a ceremonial signing event in the near future” to bring more attention to the new jobs law. Sam Drysdale and Michael P. Norton contributed reporting.Political leaders slam Bushra Bibi's allegations on 'Saudi role in Imran Khan's ouster'
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Avior Wealth Management LLC Has $104,000 Position in Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:SPOT)Jamaican fish tea is a fragrant soup that buzzes with flavour and heat
Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday after three seasons with the Wolverines. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound junior was a third-team All-American and a second-team All-Big Ten selection this season. He had three sacks among his 32 total tackles over 12 games in 2024. As a sophomore, Grant helped the Wolverines claim the national championship with 29 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in 15 games. "I am very appreciative to Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and coach (Sherrone) Moore and the rest of the University of Michigan staff that I have crossed paths with," Grant posted on social media. "It has been an honor to be developed into a Michigan Man." Other Michigan players who intend to leave the program for the draft include defensive lineman Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland. --Field Level MediaST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 This time Clement's men have no-one to blame but themselves After a week of finger-pointing, Ibrox side are architects of their own downfall against Saints ... and are now 12 points behind Celtic Smyth scored penalty opener following Butland blunder, only for Danilo to pull Rangers level But Boyd-Munce's stunning late winner condemned visitors to first league defeat in Paisley in 13 years Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By STEPHEN MCGOWAN Published: 21:41 GMT, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 21:50 GMT, 26 December 2024 e-mail View comments If Rangers are seeking accountability for their first league defeat in Paisley for 13 years, they should look no further than the nearest mirror. In a week when the Ibrox club wrote to the SFA pointing fingers over the non-award of a penalty in the Premier Sports Cup final, there was no conceivable way of deflecting blame elsewhere for last night’s loss. It left Philippe Clement’s team trailing Celtic at the summit of the Premiership by 12 points. The last time they lost a game to St Mirren in the league was Christmas 2011, Aaron Mooy hitting the winner on a night of wind and rain. By Clement’s own admission, he didn’t see this one coming after four leagues wins in a row. Even a half-time hairdryer failed to fix it. Oisin Smyth opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a rush of blood to the head for Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland. Thereafter, Saints were forced to weather another festive storm when Danilo pulled the visitors level after 61 minutes. Kudos to Stephen Robinson. On a night of outstanding game management, the St Mirren boss will never make three better substitutions than he did here. Danilo's dejection sums up the whole Rangers team after their disastrous loss in Paisley Caolan Boyd-Munce scores the late winner for St MIrren Philippe Clement cuts a lonely figure after the dramatic 2-1 defeat His replacements combined for the winner in the third minute of stoppage time. Jonah Ayunga set the ball rolling by picking the pocket of Dujon Sterling deep in the opposition half. Galloping down the flank, he did brilliantly to steer a low ball towards Evan Mooney. The 17-year-old laid up the ball up perfectly for Caolan Boyd-Munce to smash a superb drive low into the bottom corner for the winner. A word of praise, too, for another 17-year-old sub, Callum Penman, his late cushioned header back to Ellery Balcombe so laid back he could have been lying on his sofa watching Gavin and Stacey. Only the fifth meeting of these teams on Boxing Day, Rangers had won the previous four by an aggregate score of 9-1. Defeat here will raise questions over Clement’s decision to rest Danilo and Nico Raskin during an abysmal first half when the home side deservedly claimed the lead. Narrowing the gap on Celtic to nine points last weekend, momentum was lost on a day when the league title surely went the same way. A lack of sleep offered the only logical explanation for the manner in which Butland surrendered the opener. Back in goal after missing the 1-0 win over Dundee to attend the birth of his baby daughter, he was guilty of blind panic when he rushed from his line to clatter Greg Kiltie after half an hour. Chasing an up-and-under long-ball clearance from Saints keeper Balcombe, Kiltie had been careful to stay onside, doing enough to put his body between Butland and ball. The Rangers No1 took the bait. VAR took a look for offside before deciding the original decision stood. Smyth sent Butland the wrong way and St Mirren had a lead. Only Celtic had scored more first-half goals than St Mirren this season. Strike No 16 offered another problem for a Rangers side who had failed to win any of the three games when they’d conceded the opening goal away from home in the Premiership. So it would prove again here. Adding fuel to the fire is a deepening defensive crisis ahead of the Old Firm clash on January 2. Oisin Smyth gave the Buddies the perfect start with his converted penalty after half an hour Danilo pulled Rangers level after firing home in the 61st minute The Ibrox forward wheels away in delight after making it 1-1 in Paisley Leon Balogun started alongside Dujon Sterling at the heart of defence, lasting just 16 minutes before pulling up with a calf or Achilles muscle injury in a race with Toyosi Olusanya. Balogun held it together well enough to prevent the striker taking full advantage of his discomfort, before tumbling to the deck in obvious pain. With John Souttar sidelined for a number of weeks and Neraysho Kasanwirjo’s season already over, Balogun’s loss was a set-back Clement could do without. Sterling and Robin Propper are now the last men standing, the former culpable for St Mirren’s winner. After an underwhelming first-half display, Clement made two changes. Danilo and Raskin had come out the team for Nedim Bajrami and Connor Barron in a well-intentioned attempt to give them some rest. In hindsight, it was evident that this squad simply isn’t good enough to give the better players a break. Raskin, in particular, moved the ball quicker, getting things moving. Rangers now carried more threat. A thumping, dipping James Tavernier free kick from 20 yards sailed a yard wide. Danilo’s deflected strike gave Balcombe a save to make. The visitors’ situation was now urgent. The St Mirren crossbar is probably still shaking from Vaclav Cerny’s thundering strike and, when Balcombe denied Danilo at the back post, the pressure increased.Substitute Boyd-Munce was to have the last laugh when he scored in stoppage time Sub Boyd-Munce lapped up the adoration of St Mirren fans after his stoppage time winner The dam finally burst shortly after the hour. St Mirren couldn’t clear their lines and, when Raskin failed to finish from eight yards, Danilo pounced to finish the job. Pressing subs Ayunga and Alex Iacovitti into action, Robinson got his team back to posing a threat on the break. Rangers’ momentum began to ebb and slide. The home side struck the woodwork when a corner swung in on top of the unconvincing Butland, provoking a panicked flap before Propper turned the ball against his own crossbar. When Boyd-Munce fired home a brilliant winner, the SMISA Stadium erupted in festive joy. They’d waited a long time for another night like this. Celtic Rangers Share or comment on this article: ST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 This time Clement's men have no-one to blame but themselves e-mail Add comment
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Philadelphia Flyers President Keith Jones recently discussed Matvei Michkov ’s response to a two-game scratching on the FAN Hockey Show . Jones expressed how pleased the organization was with the Russian rookie’s maturity, attitude, and performance upon returning to the lineup. Some might argue that Michkov’s reaction means the Flyers’ player development plan under head coach John Tortorella is working. Why Michkov Sat for Two Games Michkov’s scratching was not solely about punishment but a calculated decision to help him learn and reset. Tortorella has consistently used this approach with players, including Travis Sanheim . According to Jones, Michkov had struggled in the five games leading up to the benching. Sitting him allowed the team to refocus Michkov’s mindset, allowing him to analyze his game from a new perspective. The team’s performance during Michkov’s absence added another layer to the decision. With a win in his first missed game, the Flyers sent a broader message about accountability to the entire roster. Michkov’s Response Was Exceptional Jones emphasized how Michkov took the benching “exactly how the Flyers hoped he would.” Some young players might sulk or underperform after such an experience, but Michkov responded by embracing the lesson. His performance exceeded expectations when he returned to the lineup, showing significant growth and maturity. Jones noted that Michkov’s reaction sets a positive example and reflects the type of culture the Flyers aim to build. His willingness to adapt and improve following the setback underscores why the team believes Michkov will play a significant role in their future success. The Flyers’ Long-Term Focus The Flyers recognize they are still rebuilding and setting the foundation for consistent playoff contention. Developing young talent like Michkov is crucial to that process. Tortorella’s approach, while challenging at times, aligns with the organization’s goals of fostering resilience and accountability in its players. Jones highlighted that these lessons are as much about building character as they are about improving on-ice performance. For Michkov, the experience appears to have been a valuable stepping stone in his young career. The Bottom Line: A Model for Growth Michkov’s ability to bounce back from a two-game scratch demonstrates his potential as a player and the effectiveness of the Flyers’ developmental philosophy. His story could serve as a blueprint for how the Flyers handle young talent in the future. This episode might signal the beginning of Michkov’s transformation into a cornerstone player for Philadelphia. If he continues to take challenges in stride and use them as opportunities to grow, his ceiling could be higher than anyone initially anticipated. This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.
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