Four Canadian women honoured in World Rugby's Dream Teams of the Year(The Center Square) – Hurricane Helene, Donald Trump and a swelling population were intriguing North Carolina storylines in 2024 as The Center Square delivered news and information. Two dozen of them are gathered here, though the list is not a ranking, does not attempt to define “the most” of anything including republications by news partners. Rather, it is a collection of interesting, important and useful news and information delivered by The Center Square news wire service. Here’s 24 from 2024. • U.S. Census Bureau estimates have pushed the population to 11.1 million . • Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, among the matriarchs of the state's Democrats, will begin work next month with a sixth different governor. She is 79 years young and on track to have 32 consecutive years in the office. Marshall told The Center Square in a one-on-one interview in September , “It’s historic, and it’s also astonishing to me because I didn’t grow up dreaming that I would be even a lawyer, let alone running a major office in government. I didn’t dream big enough for myself.” • Actions of Carolina fraternity brothers with the American flag on the famed Polk Place campus quad drew the praise of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and led to a joint session of Congress rising for a standing ovation and chanting, “USA! USA! USA!” The April actions amid a protest about the war between Hamas and Israel also led to a guest spot at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. • First bet was the Legislature approving sports wagering. Through the first 265 days, North Carolina is averaging a gain of $372,177 per day on the $98,627,032 total. • VinFast, in line to be a recipient of $1.2 billion in taxpayer money through incentives, failed this summer to start production of its $4 billion plant in Moncure . It’s bleeding money, too, with a third-quarter net loss of $550 million – a tad less than half of the $1.15 billion Mega Millions jackpot drawing on Friday night. • North Carolina is expected to remain a destination for abortions in the South following two decisions in a federal case litigating new state law. Overall, most of the law enacted Dec. 1, 2023, in the wake of Roe v. Wade being reversed in June 2022 is in place. Included are no abortions after 12 weeks, down from 20, except in cases of rape, incest, or “life-limiting anomalies." • Well beyond the halcyon days of the Bible Belt, faith still matters in eastern North Carolina. Speaking to The Center Square at a Trump rally in Rocky Mount, 1st Congressional District candidate and retired Army Col. Laurie Buckhout said, “Faith matters in this state. Faith matters in this district, more than a whole lot of people think.” And, she says, not of the old Bible Belt way. “It did get shook,” she says of the moniker, “and it came to have a not great conversation. Now, it’s a loving, accepting positive environment. It’s a wide environment. I see it all over the state.” • Agriculture, North Carolina’s No. 1 industry forever, topped $111.1 billion in economic impact in 2024 with No. 1 in production rankings nationally for sweet potatoes, tobacco, and poultry and eggs. Growth since coming out of the COVID-19 era in 2022 is $18 billion. • The school choice waiting list of about 55,000 was wiped clean when lawmakers appropriated $463 million to the Opportunity Scholarship program. • The state’s 100 sheriffs, according to a new law, are to hold suspects believed to have illegally entered or be illegally living in the United States. The detainer is up to 48 hours, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement is to be notified . • With a ruling from Judge Melissa Owens Lassiter at the Office of Administrative Hearings, Aetna is in and BlueCross BlueShield is out as the State Health Plan. • Charlotte City Council approved allocation of $650 million to the stadium project of NFL Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and his companies. He’s the 94th richest person on the planet at an estimated $20.6 billion net worth and owns the stadium used by his Panthers, his Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer, and his Tepper Sports & Entertainment. • Kylee Alons, a two-time national champion and 31-time All-American for N.C. State, is among 16 collegiate athletes, including 12-time All-American Riley Gaines, suing the NCAA for letting men who say they are women compete against them and use the same locker rooms. • Payton McNabb, the volleyball player from Hiawassee Dam High School in the mountains injured in 2022 by a boy saying he was a girl so he could play, continued to lead the national fight to protect women’s spaces alongside notable figures such as Gaines and Paula Scanlan. The Independent Women’s Forum coalition and its Our Bodies Our Sports “Take Back Title IX” Bus Tour, of which she was a part of, was vandalized while making a stop in Chapel Hill. By year’s end, the Biden administration had withdrawn changes to Title IX in a true national grassroots movement victory. • In one of the two biggest legislative wins of the last 15 years for the fight against human trafficking, lawmakers made solicitation of prostitution a felony . Enactment was Dec. 1. • Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, 72, won a sixth term last month . North Carolina was more blue than purple in the 1990s when he felt Democrats were hostile to tobacco production and he left the party to be a Republican. • Gov. Roy Cooper, 67, was a strong consideration for the Democrats’ presidential ticket, ultimately saying he would support Harris but not be her running mate . He remains with a perfect election record, unbeaten in 13 – three for North Carolina House of Representatives, four in the state Senate, four four-year terms for attorney general, and two four-year terms for governor. There's a watch for his decision related to the U.S. Senate seat race in 2026. • Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson held a modest polling lead as late as May against Democrat Josh Stein in the governor’s race. The summer swoon of the Republican went to unthinkable depths – losing by 14 points on Election Day – in part ignited by a Sept. 19 report from CNN. • AI & Politics ’24, led by Lee Rainie and Jason Husser at Elon University, in May said 78% believe it is likely artificial intelligence will be abused to impact the outcome of the presidential race. • Between July 22 and Sept. 12, seven lawsuits were filed against the State Board of Elections that includes Democrats Alan Hirsch, its chairman, Jeff Carmon and Siobhan Millen; and Republicans Stacy Eggers and Kevin Lewis; and Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell. • Hurricane Helene killed 103 in the state, 232 across seven states, and caused an estimated $53 billion in damage to the state. Arguably, it is the state’s worst natural disaster. • Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as well as their vice president picks and for Harris presidents present and past, were regular visitors ahead of Election Day . Trump’s win kept intact a pattern now 60 years old. • Average household spending in North Carolina is $1,017 more per month today to buy the same goods and services as it was in 2021 according to a July report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 22% cumulative inflation. • Fifty-nine positions were eliminated and 131 realigned after the University of North Carolina System changed a diversity policy that ensures “equality of all persons and viewpoints.” Total reported savings are $17.1 million and total redirected savings are $16.2 million.
US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. TikTok's future uncertain after appeals court rejects its bid to overturn possible US ban A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January - is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City NEW YORK (AP) — Police officials believe the gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of Wednesday's shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, the chief of detectives told CNN on Friday. The police commissioner said investigators believe he left New York City. The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras. The reason for the killing remains unknown. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel. China's ban on key high-tech materials could have broad impact on industries, economy BANGKOK (AP) — China has banned exports of key materials used for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, radar systems and CT scanners, swiping back at Washington after it expanded export controls to include dozens of Chinese companies that make equipment used to produce computer chips. Both sides say the controls are justified by national security concerns. Analysts say they could have a much wider impact on manufacturing in many industries and supply chains, depending on the ability of each side to compensate for loss of access to strategically important materials, equipment and components. Here's why this could be a tipping point in trade conflict between the two biggest economies.
Why Bill Shorten embodies the best, and worst, of Australian politicsNoneATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. People are also reading... “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org. On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com. Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com. Be the first to know
Today, 42 percent of U.S. adults have obesity. This figure has been climbing every year. On its own, obesity can cause acute ailments, including breathlessness and back pain. Worse, it often leads to other chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Obesity is now the second-leading cause of preventable death in the United States, right after smoking. In addition to the burden of poor health, obesity imposes financial burdens on the individuals affected and their insurance programs. If we can reduce obesity, we can reduce chronic disease. We've never had better tools to do so than we do today. It's time for our health care system to expand access to them. Some mistakenly believe that the source of obesity is a lack of individual willpower. Shaming people over their weight accomplishes little and fails to take into account the major societal forces in play: Working life has become ever more sedentary and technology ever more adept at gluing us to our screens. Our food is often highly processed and includes added sugars and empty calories. Stress and environmental factors—like a lack of nearby access to public places to exercise—also contribute. We have an opportunity to tackle this problem at the public policy level, and efforts must start with prevention. Recent estimates suggest that obesity is associated with $385 billion in annual health spending. Since Medicare and Medicaid pay about a quarter of that total, reducing obesity would reduce costs for the government and taxpayers. Employers also stand to save from lower health care costs. For adults with employer-sponsored insurance and a body-mass index (BMI) of 30—the clinical definition of obesity—a 5 percent reduction in weight would cut the amount they spend on health care each year by nearly 10 percent. The savings are more dramatic for those with higher BMIs. For someone with a BMI of 45, a 25 percent BMI reduction would lower health care costs by more than 44 percent. Recent studies have estimated similar reductions in spending for Medicare patients. Most Medicare beneficiaries are 65 or older, and many have multiple chronic conditions. A 65-year-old with a BMI of 30 who achieves a 5 percent reduction in BMI would reduce personal health care spending by more than 6 percent per year. If that same 65-year-old dropped their weight by a quarter, annual health care costs could go down by more than 28 percent. It's been more than a decade since the American Medical Association declared obesity to be a disease. Public recognition of just how significantly that disease affects patients' quality of life and financial well-being is long overdue. The good news is that proven interventions can help people achieve significant, sustainable weight loss. The Diabetes Prevention Program, for instance, has aided countless individuals in attaining a healthy weight through dietary and lifestyle changes. Bariatric surgery, which reduces the size of the stomach in order to lower appetite, is effective for many patients. And now, new medications known as GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated impressive results, with some patients losing more than 20 percent of body weight. Currently, patients face many barriers to accessing these treatments. But a recent CMS proposal to cover anti-obesity medications under Medicare Part D and Medicaid for obesity treatment and in the Diabetes Prevention Program represents a shift toward better access to preventive interventions and treatment. This change in coverage could greatly enhance access to these innovative treatments, potentially lowering obesity-related health care costs and improving public health. Our society's outdated view of obesity as a personal fault rather than a complex medical condition has led to inadequate prevention, treatment, and support for people affected. By prioritizing prevention and investing in evidence-based weight loss treatment, we could dramatically improve the health and quality of life for millions of Americans with chronic diseases like obesity. Nationwide, we could see improvements in life expectancy and lower health care costs. With health care costs spiraling and chronic diseases on the rise, we can't afford inaction. Kenneth E. Thorpe is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Health Policy at Emory University and the chairman of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Nvidia says next-gen Blackwell chip sales will top prior forecasts, calming delay worries
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The deadliest place for women is at home and 140 women and girls on average were killed by an intimate partner or family member per day last year, two U.N. agencies reported Monday. Globally, an intimate partner or family member was responsible for the deaths of approximately 51,100 women and girls during 2023, an increase from an estimated 48,800 victims in 2022, UN Women and the U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime said. The report released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women said the increase was largely the result of more data being available from countries and not more killings. But the two agencies stressed that “Women and girls everywhere continue to be affected by this extreme form of gender-based violence and no region is excluded.” And they said, “the home is the most dangerous place for women and girls.” UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda told a news conference launching the report that women have been killed by their loved ones for a long time and the trend is continuing because underlying issues haven’t been addressed — especially gender stereotyping and social norms. “This is killing which is associated with power over women,” she said, and it continues because of the continuing impunity for violent attacks against women. Gumbonzvanda, a Zimbabwean and longtime advocate for women’s rights, said there is “a lot of perpetrator anonymity” when it comes to the killing of women by partners or family members because “it means the family members have to bring justice against another family member.” UN Women is campaigning for those with economic and political power and for leaders in various traditions not to use their power to perpetuate violence. “Power should be used to facilitate options for prevention,” she said. According to the report, the highest number of intimate partner and family killings was in Africa – with an estimated 21,700 victims in 2023. Africa also had the highest number of victims relative to the size of its population — 2.9 victims per 100,000 people, it said. There were also high rates last year in the Americas with 1.6 female victims per 100,000 and in Oceania with 1.5 per 100,000, it said. Rates were significantly lower in Asia at 0.8 victims per 100,000 and Europe at 0.6 per 100,000. According to the report, the intentional killing of women in the private sphere in Europe and the Americas is largely by intimate partners. By contrast, the vast majority of male homicides take place outside homes and families, it said. “Even though men and boys account for the vast majority of homicide victims, women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by lethal violence in the private sphere,” the report said. “An estimated 80% of all homicide victims in 2023 were men while 20% were women, but lethal violence within the family takes a much higher toll on women than men, with almost 60% of all women who were intentionally killed in 2023 being victims of intimate partner/family member homicide,” it said. The report said that despite efforts to prevent the killing of women and girls by countries, their killings “remain at alarmingly high levels.” “They are often the culmination of repeated episodes of gender-based violence, which means they are preventable through timely and effective interventions,” the two agencies said.
China's army releases chilling 'hit list' of US naval targets during potential conflictMUMBAI: RBI has expressed concern over banks and finance companies setting high ceilings for unsecured loans, stating that it expects their boards to exercise prudence. Noting that there has been some moderation in unsecured lending after RBI tightened norms for this segment, it said, "While specific limits have been prescribed for unsecured lending by urban co-operative banks (UCBs), the boards of commercial banks and NBFCs have discretion in fixing limits on unsecured exposures. However, some entities have set very high ceilings, which need to be continuously monitored." Going forward, RBI expects the boards of regulated entities to exercise prudence and avoid exuberance in the interest of both their own financial health as well as systemic financial stability , it added. In addition to unsecured loans, RBI has also raised concerns about top-up loans on gold loans, stating they could present similar risks to unsecured loans. RBI noted that these loans "could lead to a buildup of risks, especially during times when collateral for such loans becomes volatile or faces cyclical downturns." In light of these concerns, RBI had instructed that all top-up loans extended by regulated entities (REs) against movable assets - which are inherently depreciating in nature - should be treated as unsecured loans for credit appraisal, prudential limits, and exposure purposes. Another area of concern for RBI is private credit. Acknowledging the trend of shifting from formal lenders to private credit, RBI said, "A closer look is, however, warranted at the interlinkages between regulated entities, including banks and NBFCs, and such firms. Strong interrelationships between them could give rise to systemic concerns, along with the possibility of regulatory arbitrage to circumvent regulations." Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!
NoneAlan Shearer issues damning three-word Man City verdict Liverpool will love ahead of title clash
Cold Agglutinin Disease Pipeline Review 2024: Clinical Trials Updates, Therapies, Mechanism of Action, Route of Administration, and Developments | Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Incyte corporation, Sanofi, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, NovartisGuess who hasn't even started their holiday shopping yet? Yours truly. But I know, statistically speaking, surely I can't be alone. Luckily I've hunted down some Walmart deals on gear that the WIRED team has hand-tested and would recommend to a friend. Today those friends are you and me. May the odds be ever in our favor. WIRED Featured Deals A sleek-looking Chromebook: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 for $329 ($171 off) The best fitness tracker: Fitbit Charge 6 for $120 ($40 off) Stocking stuffer earbuds: JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds for $10 ($20 off) An excellent Dyson deal: Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum for $400 ($250 off) Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today . Tech Deals Samsung 65-inch S90D QD-OLED TV for $1,348 ($200 off) This discount comes close to what we saw during Black Friday. The Samsung S90D ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is one of our very favorite TVs out of the dozens and dozens we've tested. The colors are vivid, but not too vivid, and the contrast and black levels are perfect. It also comes equipped for gaming with a bevy of ports and support for Samsung's Game Hub. Sony 65-inch Bravia 9 QLED TV for $2,698 ($302 off) This is another great deal that's a holdover from Black Friday sales. The Sony Bravia ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite QLED TV . The mini LEDs give it super bright backlighting, and it's also packed with dimming technology to ensure contrast and black levels stay optimal. We wish it had a few more ports, but overall you're getting stunning picture quality in nearly any environment at a price that could justifiably be higher. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) for $599 ($144 off) This MacBook Air ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the cheapest MacBook you can buy, and the discount makes it even more attainable. It's a little older now, but it's still a great laptop for everyday tasks like getting work done, browsing the web, or binge-watching video essays on YouTube. If you just need a computer that'll do the job without costing an arm and a leg, this is a very good option. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 for $329 ($171 off) On the hunt for a great-looking Chromebook ? That'd be the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ). Chromebooks often look bulky or dated, but the CX34 is sleek and svelte, with an all-white design that belies its affordable price tag. It can handle multiple tabs and open apps, and the webcam looks great too. We wish the keyboard was backlit, but this is still an excellent, affordable option that might make a great gift for your household's chief homework-doer. Bose Smart Soundbar for $399 ($100 off) Everybody should have a soundbar . The Bose Smart Soundbar ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is nice and compact, and despite its small footprint it packs in great, expansive sound that'll immerse you in whatever you're watching. Since it doesn't have a subwoofer, you won't get room-shaking bass, but it's still going to sound much better than your TV's tinny built-ins. Learn more about it and get additional recommendations in our Soundbars Buying Guide . Beats Pill (2024) Bluetooth Speaker for $100 ($50 off) The new Beats Pill ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) has the hallmark thumping bass that's characteristic of Beats audio gear. And it packs all that sound into a portable little capsule-shaped package that's got a 24-hour battery life and one-touch pairing for Apple and Android devices. It's dust- and water-resistant, and it can even charge your phone through its USB-C output. If you're looking for a portable party, this Bluetooth speaker is absolutely worth checking out, especially at this price. Fitbit Charge 6 for $120 ($40 off) The Fitbit Charge 6 is our favorite fitness tracker , and this is a very solid deal if you or a loved one have some health-related New Year's resolutions coming up. The tracker can help keep tabs on your steps, your heart rate, your skin temperature, and your sleep to name just a few key categories. Some features are locked behind a $10/month Fitbit Premium subscription, but we still think this offers a great suite of features for a very reasonable price. Find more recommendations in our Fitbit Buying Guide . Logitech G Pro X 2 Gaming Headset for $185 ($65 off) We've seen better discounts for it, but if you're in the market, you can save a decent amount on the best gaming headset . The sound quality and fit are great. It has very low latency—important when you're trying to figure out where you're landing on the Fortnite map—and crystal clear audio quality for when you're trying to tell your teammates to heal you. And it does it all wirelessly. Read more about it in our Gaming Headset Buying Guide . JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds for $10 ($20 off) This deal beats Black Friday's discount by 10 bucks. It used to be hard to find cheap headphones at stocking stuffer prices, but that's exactly what you're getting here. Resident audio expert Parker Hall keeps a pair of these in his gym bag as a backup in case he forgets his usual cans. He says they sound totally decent, and the price tag is icing on the cake. A few different, fun colors are on sale. If your kid is always losing their earbuds, or you just want a reliable backup pair, it's hard to go wrong with this deal. Home and Beauty Deals Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum for $400 ($250 off) This discount beats what we saw on Black Friday by a staggering $130. The Dyson V12 Detect ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite cordless Dyson vacuum for small spaces. It's got a small canister, which makes it best suited to tasks like cleaning the kitchen or the living room rather than the entire house (unless you're in a studio or one-bedroom, in which case it might be able to handle the whole shebang). It's compact and easy to store, and it has a few different attachments as well as a neat bright-green laser to help you spot any missed dust bunnies. Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum for $600 ($150 off) If you want a higher-performance vacuum than the V12, you could check out the Dyson 15 Detect, which is the best Dyson vacuum overall. It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it also has the eye-catching neon green laser that shines a spotlight on missed dirt and dust. The vacuum intelligently adjusts suction levels as you clean, and it can run for an hour before needing to be charged. It's expensive, but it's high-quality and might be the best choice for folks with allergies. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for $17 ($5 off) The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a godsend when it comes to my chapped lips in harsh Midwestern winters. The balm-like texture is thick and sticky at first, but it quickly melts and sinks into those painful grooves and cracks, leaving behind soft and soothed skin. My jar has lasted for years because a little goes such a long way. It also makes a great cuticle cream in a pinch. We haven't seen it sell for less. Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0 for $37 ($31 off) This little gadget is our favorite blow-dry brush . It's a revamped version of the original, and it's faster and smaller than the older model. It's easy to use and gets your hair styled quickly, leaving behind volume and movement that'll make your blowouts look fresh out of the salon. The brush is also detachable if you don't need all that airflow but you still want to tame your tresses.
Halas Intrigue Bears podcast: Served upNoneNone
EMERYVILLE, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: DVAX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative vaccines, today announced that the Company will present at the 7th Annual Evercore HealthCONx Conference on Tuesday, December 3 at 2:35 p.m. ET . The presentation will be webcast and may be accessed through the "Events & Presentations" page on the "Investors" section of the Company's website at https://investors.dynavax.com/events-presentations . About Dynavax Dynavax is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative vaccines to help protect the world against infectious diseases. The Company has two commercial products, HEPLISAV-B® vaccine [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted], which is approved in the U.S., the European Union and Great Britain for the prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults 18 years of age and older, and CpG 1018® adjuvant, currently used in HEPLISAV-B and multiple adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccines. For more information about our marketed products and development pipeline, visit www.dynavax.com . For Investors/Media: Paul Cox pcox@dynavax.com 510-665-0499 Nicole Arndt narndt@dynavax.com 510-665-7264 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dynavax-to-present-at-the-7th-annual-evercore-healthconx-conference-302315117.html SOURCE Dynavax TechnologiesOn New Year’s Day, millions of Americans will see their prescription drug costs capped at $2,000 per year—and it’s thanks to the actions of President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. Under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act , federal law prohibits out-of-pocket prescription drug costs from exceeding $2,000 for many Medicare beneficiaries. The AARP estimates that about 3.2 million Americans will save money on prescription medications in 2025, which will increase to more than 4 million people by 2029. But, of course, Republicans didn’t support the law that made this happen. In both the House and Senate, Republicans stood together and opposed the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill only received votes from the Democratic caucus before being signed into law by Biden. The Inflation Reduction Act combined several provisions to cut health care costs—including an insulin benefit for which Donald Trump falsely claimed credit —along with incentives for companies and organizations to use clean energy technologies. Since the law hit the books, the GOP has tried to undermine it with 54 unsuccessful votes led by Republicans in Congress to repeal portions if not all of the law. While Trump has not specifically addressed the Medicare cap, he has expressed anger at the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy credits and has made clear his interest in reversing those measures. During the election, Trump claimed that he would not cut safety net programs like Medicare, but during an interview with CNBC in March he said that “there is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements in terms of cutting.” Under the guise of “government efficiency,” Trump nominated billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as co-chairs of the Department of Government Efficiency to rail against purported government waste and abuse. Musk has already been exercising his power, leading Republican opposition to a bill that funded pediatric cancer research and services for 9/11 first responders. Similarly, Trump nominated quack television doctor Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Oz and Trump have advocated for transferring people to Medicare Advantage, which is a scheme to privatize many of the services that Medicare currently offers. Project 2025 , a far-right initiative written by several Trump-affiliated individuals, has put Medicare squarely within its sights by backing Medicare Advantage, which would significantly limit millions of enrollees’ choices of doctors and specialists. Trump also chose one of the key architects of Project 2025, Russell Vought, to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget. Similarly, Trump is directly connected to one of the most visible attacks on health care benefits: the push to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Trump campaigned heavily on the issue during his 2016 election campaign, and as president he tried to restrict the program from offering health care coverage to millions of Americans. In 2017, Republicans came extremely close to repealing the entire program, which would have upended health insurance for millions of people. Despite Republican opposition, Democrats were able to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which is helping millions of Americans. But the incoming president has a history of attacking health care benefits, and the prescription drug price cap could be his next casualty.
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Mind the Gap: Six Tips to Assess Your Healthcare Coverage Before the New YearMike Ransford Joins Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) as Site ManagerROCHESTER, NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. ("Syntec Optics" or the "Company") OPTX , a leading provider of mission-critical products to advanced technology defense, biomedical, and communications equipment manufacturers, today announced the appointment of Michael J. Ransford as Site Manager. In this role, Ransford will oversee technology and operations. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, operations, and business leadership, Ransford brings a wealth of expertise to Syntec Optics. His impressive career began at the forefront of the internet revolution in the 90s, contributing optics to the critical infrastructure using DWDM technology. Syntec Optics can benefit from this knowledge for its data center optical connectivity products, the growth of which is driven by artificial intelligence deployment. Mike later worked at Semrock, which was subsequently acquired by publicly listed company IDEX, where he contributed to operational efficiency improvements during top-line growth. Syntec Optics can benefit from this background for building efficiency while scaling manufacturing. At IDEX, Ransford advanced to Site Manager, applying his knowledge to global facilities. He later became VP of Life Sciences Optics at IDEX, successfully consolidating multiple optics facilities in Rochester, NY, with the support of government aid. Most recently, he worked in the thin film coating business, an area of vendor improvement for Syntec. He worked closely with investors, leading operations to drive growth from optics M&A using rigorous financial and operational performance metrics. All of this experience benefits Syntec Optics in its long-term M&A strategy. "We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the Syntec Optics team," said Dean Rudy, CFO at Syntec Optics. "His extensive experience and leadership skills, coupled with his proven track record of driving operational excellence and business growth, will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our operations. We are confident that Mike will significantly contribute to our ongoing success." Ransford holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. About Syntec Optics Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. OPTX , headquartered in Rochester, NY, is one of the largest custom and diverse end-market optics and photonics manufacturers in the United States. Operating for over two decades, Syntec Optics runs a state-of-the-art facility with extensive core capabilities of various optics manufacturing processes, both horizontally and vertically integrated, to provide a competitive advantage for mission-critical OEMs. Syntec Optics recently launched new products, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite optics, lightweight night vision goggle optics, biomedical equipment optics, and precision microlens arrays. To learn more, visit www.syntecoptics.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including certain financial forecasts and projections. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements as to the transactions contemplated by the business combination and related agreements, future results of operations and financial position, revenue and other metrics, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, objectives of management for future operations of Syntec Optics, market size, and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends, are forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including "may," "should," "expect," "intend," "will," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "plan," "targets," "projects," "could," "would," "continue," "forecast" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the control of Syntec Optics), which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates, forecasts and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Syntec Optics and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and many factors may cause the actual results to differ materially from current expectations which include, but are not limited to: 1) risk outlined in any prior SEC filings; 2) ability of Syntec Optics to successfully increase market penetration into its target markets; 3) the addressable markets that Syntec Optics intends to target do not grow as expected; 4) the loss of any key executives; 5) the loss of any relationships with key suppliers including suppliers abroad; 6) the loss of any relationships with key customers; 7) the inability to protect Syntec Optics' patents and other intellectual property; 8) the failure to successfully execute manufacturing of announced products in a timely manner or at all, or to scale to mass production; 9) costs related to any further business combination; 10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; 11) the possibility that Syntec Optics may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; 12) Syntec Optics' estimates of its growth and projected financial results for the future and meeting or satisfying the underlying assumptions with respect thereto; 13) the impact of any pandemic, including any mutations or variants thereof and the Russian/Ukrainian or Israeli conflict, and any resulting effect on business and financial conditions; 14) inability to complete any investments or borrowings in connection with any organic or inorganic growth; 15) the potential for events or circumstances that result in Syntec Optics' failure to timely achieve the anticipated benefits of Syntec Optics' customer arrangements; and 16) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in prior SEC filings including registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Syntec Optics does not give any assurance that Syntec Optics will achieve its expected results. Syntec Optics does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by law. For further information, please contact: Sara Hart Investor Relations InvestorRelations@syntecoptics.com SOURCE: Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. OPTX © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. 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