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Release time: 2025-01-23 | Source: Unknown
Tottenham have scouted Lens midfielder Andy Diouf this season Tottenham Hotspur extended their poor run of form by dropping points against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday, remaining winless in five games since their 4-0 battering of Manchester City last month. Ange Postecoglou’s side arrived at the Ibrox under pressure, having squandered a two-goal lead against Chelsea last weekend to lose 4-3, but struggled once again to produce the goods and claim all three points. The Greek-Aussie’s resources in the squad have been severely depleted in recent weeks and months following the injuries to Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Ben Davies. Mikey Moore has also been out for over a month now with a bad illness. While Postecoglou has come under scrutiny for the dire run of performances and results, the club continue to plan behind the scenes to shape up the squad. He enjoys a good working relationship with CEO Daniel Levy and, considering the state of the squad will expect some backing in the January transfer market. According to an exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT , Tottenham have been monitoring Lens midfielder Andy Diouf ahead of a possible January swoop. The Spurs scouts watched the midfielder in action against Greek side Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League back in August, having been notified by his performances for Lens since sealing a move from FC Basel in 2023. Andy Diouf, who was a part of France’s Summer Olympics team that won a Silver medal, has been one of the best performers for Lens this season. With his passing ability, reading of the game, physicality and tackling, the 21-year-old has caught the attention of several European clubs . Excelling as a box-to-box midfielder, he has racked up 14 Ligue 1 appearances , registering a goal and an assist apiece. The aforementioned report adds Diouf’s versatility to operate as a No.8 and No.10 has caught the eye of Postecoglou, who is contemplating entering the January market for a new central midfielder. It is believed that Lens are now bracing a formal offer for their star midfielder from Spurs next month. The Lilywhites are lacking the desired depth in their squad to compete on all fronts. Yves Bissouma and James Maddison have been extremely inconsistent this term, while Rodrigo Bentancur continues to serve a domestic seven-game ban. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are more investments for the future, but injuries and suspensions have forced Big Ange’s hand to use them more than he would have liked to. With reports suggesting that Bissouma has been placed on the chopping block after his disastrous performance against Chelsea, the North Londoners may want to replace the Malian with Diouf in the squad. At 21, Diouf will also be another addition to the exciting pool of the club’s young talents if Spurs can agree on a fee with Lens. This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.The state of Maryland is set to gain control of the DC Air National Guard fighter squadron as part of a major deal that will see the nation’s capital take over the site of RFK stadium. The Air Force approved the transfer of the 121st Fighter Squadron from Washington, DC, to the Maryland Air National Guard, according to spokeswoman Ann Stefanek. Maryland currently flies A-10 attack aircraft, but those are scheduled for divestment from the Air Force next year, according to the governor’s office. The new development means the Maryland Air National Guard will soon fly F-16 fighter jets, a more advanced aircraft that serves as one of the mainstays of the Air Force’s fleet. The DC Air National Guard also defends the National Capital Region, which is some of the most sensitive airspace in the country. The fighter wing has a round-the-clock alert force as part of its mission. By contrast, the Maryland Air National Guard’s aging A-10 aircraft were primarily used in an overseas attack role when deployed. The Maryland unit was supposed to transition into a cyber role, but the transfer of control of the fighter squadron will maintain the unit’s flying mission. “The men and women of the Maryland Air National Guard are some of the finest and most experienced pilots in the world. In partnership with our congressional delegation and federal partners, we have advocated vigorously to maintain Maryland’s flying mission, both in the interest of national security and to continue the proud tradition that Maryland plays in defending our country,” Democratic Gov. Wes Moore said in a joint statement with the state’s senators on Monday. The transfer of the fighter squadron was a critical part of a complex deal that allows Washington, DC, to take over the land around RFK stadium, which could bring the NFL back to the nation’s capital, while also providing Maryland with funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge . The deal was at risk of collapse last week when a provision to transfer the stadium land to DC was stripped from a government funding package following opposition from President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. But in a surprise move early Saturday morning, the Senate unanimously passed a bill giving DC control of the land. The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature after it passed the House earlier this year. The Washington Commanders football team has played at Northwest Stadium, formerly known as FedEx Field, in Landover, Maryland, since 1997. The franchise previously played at RFK Stadium from 1961 until 1996. Maryland Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Drew Dougherty called the deal an “historic moment” for the unit. “Over the past few years, we have been resolute on our commitment to securing a future flying mission. This transition is the first step in delivering a path where we can maintain our highly experienced pilots and maintainers, positions that are critically manned across the total force, while still keeping Maryland at the forefront of cyber operation,” Dougherty said in a statement. Details about the timeline and the transition of the fighters from DC to Maryland “will be announced at a later date,” said Stefanek.slot bet 555

The PGA Tour announced its schedule of seven post-season tournaments for the fall of 2025 on Tuesday with no Las Vegas event on the calendar for the first time since 1983. The lineup is one fewer than this year and tees off with the Procore Championship in Napa, California, on September 11-14, two weeks after the 2025 Tour Championship. Absent from the schedule is the Shriners Children's Open in Las Vegas. After the Ryder Cup next September at Bethpage Black, the PGA Tour events resume with the Sanderson Farms Championship on October 2-5. The PGA Tour's Japan stop, the Baycurrent Classic, will be October 9-12 at Yokohama Country Club followed by the Black Desert Championship on October 23-26 in Utah. The World Wide Technology Championship at Los Cabos, Mexico, will be November 6-9 followed the next week by the Bermuda Championship and the RSM Classic on November 20-23 at Sea Island, Georgia. More from this section "With events in four US states, Japan, Mexico and Bermuda, the conclusion to the 2025 golf calendar promises to be exciting for our fans worldwide," said Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour chief competitions officer. Under tighter qualifying rules for the 2026 PGA Tour approved by the Player Advisory Council last month, only the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will secure exempt status with the 50 who reach next year's BMW Championship being exempt into signature events for 2026. Those ranked 51st and beyond will take FedEx Cup points into the fall to try and accumulate eligibility points for the 2026 campaign. Three PGA Tour Challenge season events will be played next December -- the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas hosted by Tiger Woods, the LPGA-PGA mixed-team Grant Thornton Invitational and the PNC Championship parent-child event. Tour commissioner Jay Monahan also announced Tuesday that the PGA is searching for a new chief executive officer whose job would be to grow the business side of the operation in light of the $1.5 billion investment in PGA Tour Enterprises by Strategic Sports Group, a set of team sports owners. js/bbUnion members held a celebration for a new building for future builders in East Moline Friday morning. The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council held a ribbon cutting in honor of the grand opening of its new Quad-Cities campus. The 55,000 square foot building at 408 Carpenter Court in East Moline will be home to both the Associated General Contractors of the Quad Cities and the Millwright Contractors Associates. The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council had a big day on Friday, Nov. 22, when it celebrated the grand opening of its new 55,000 square foot training facility at 408 Carpenter Court in East Moline. Phil Davidson, director of communications for MACRC, said the new building is outfitted with classrooms, to allow for both classroom work and ongoing training in the field. For the millwrights, it offers more floor space and updated technology to allow them to work on the newest machines available, to help prepare students for the real world. Each of the two unions had previous buildings they were using, but outgrew them due to increased recruitment. During a welcome ceremony Friday, MACRC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Kevin McLaughlin spoke about the importance of the moment and the building. He became an apprentice in 1984 and worked his way up over the last 40 years. It was an honor to open the new building, he said to the crowd. "The fact that we have this many people that we have here today is a testament to the value and impact that this new training center will have on our unique partners and millwrights, as well as our Quad-Cities region as a whole," he said. "We've always said that the Mid-American Carpenters Regional Councils are positive for communities, and this partnership with East Moline is a perfect example of that." That partnership was a point East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman hit on during his own speech. When the city was first approached about the idea of building a new facility, he said, the first thing he looked for was the opportunity to work with business partners, bring new jobs to the area and work toward economic development. Freeman said in high school he had dreams of being a carpenter himself, but ultimately followed a different path. Still, the profession is needed and developing those skills in East Moline strengthens both the job market and the economy as a whole. "You're looking at a profession now that's going to get you somewhere. You're looking at a profession now that brings continuity to the people in the Quad-Cities area, and around this area," he said to the crowd. "Not only do we have economic development here, we're bringing other things here. When all the students arrive in East Moline, they're staying in our city, they're spending money in our city and the communities around around us." Speaking from the state perspective, state Sen. Mike Halpin said Illinois a place where labor is valued, and the creation of the new building proves that. There are more than 350 apprentices enrolled across the two programs, showing a strong value and dedication in the labor force. "This building is the end result of a vision many years in the making, and I think by far the most important thing is that this center ... is of the members, by the members and for the members," he said. "You guys built this yourself the same way that you built the industry here in the Quad-Cities, throughout the State of Illinois and throughout the nation." Halpin said the building was a symbol of the path to the middle class, the path to workers being able to support their families, the path a comfortable living and a retirement that can be spent comfortably and with dignity. "That's all in part because of the collective nature of what we do for the brothers and sisters in the labor movement, providing for each other, negotiating ways and working conditions that are going to benefit you, and in exchange, you are giving the contractors a great product with higher quality work, faster completion times and the skills you can bring," he said. Local 46, union represented prison employees in East Moline, demand safer workplace conditions from IDOC. Union membership in the United States reached a historic low last year with a 2023 rate of just 10%—half that of 1983—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Despite lower rates of membership, labor-movement contributions and milestones continue. Decades of union reform work culminated in 2023 with historic contract victories for Teamsters and the United Auto Workers. In September 2023, President Joe Biden became the first sitting president to appear on a picket line, joining autoworkers in Michigan striking for higher wages. Stacker compiled a list of 30 consequential victories that unions fought for in the name of workers' rights. The list includes information about the milestones unions achieved and the circumstances that made those victories worth fighting for. There have been far more losses than victories over the decades, but the victories made earning a living in the United States a much more equitable, fair, safe, and profitable proposition. American workers today have a host of rights and resources should their workplaces be hostile or harmful because of a rich labor-movement history that put an end to child labor, 16-hour workdays, and unsafe working conditions. Organized labor—namely, unions—is also responsible for securing a 40-hour workweek, minimum wage (such as it is), anti-discrimination laws, and other basic protections that were once far-off pipe dreams for millions of American men, women, and children laboring in subpar and dangerous conditions for poverty wages. These wins show what is possible for the modern labor movement. Keep reading to explore 30 hard-fought victories that America's working class won in our names. You may also like: The states with the most gambling revenue growth in 2023 The rise of so-called journeymen societies in 1794 led to the creation of the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers of Philadelphia, which worked to protect the wages of shoemakers, who toiled in a large and profitable industry. The society was the first true union and can be considered the genesis of the American labor movement. The moment is also significant because it was the first time tradespeople organized for protection against "scabs," workers willing to undermine demands for better pay by agreeing to work for cheaper wages—a dynamic that would remain a central theme throughout the entire history of the labor movement. A court in 1806 ruled against the shoemakers and declared organizing for higher wages a criminal conspiracy. More than three decades later, in 1842, a high court in Massachusetts overturned that precedent in Commonwealth v. Hunt, declaring that workers do, in fact, have a right to organize and strike. The end of slavery emboldened laborers around the country to capitalize on the national sentiment and pursue better conditions for themselves. A year after the Civil War, the formation of the National Labor Union represented the first nationally organized workers' rights group. The organization's efforts went a long way to raising awareness, but the group dissolved in 1873 and soon after, a series of violent strikes and successful corporate anti-labor campaigns compelled much of America to sour on the movement. On Sept. 5, 1882, New York City hosted the country's first Labor Day Parade; around 10,000 workers marched in what is now an annual event, and the holiday was soon moved to the first Monday in September, just as it is celebrated today. Although a parade, of course, didn't directly improve working conditions, the moment signified a psychological victory for labor and indicated a shift in public opinion that would ultimately lead to the rise of the progressive era in the 20th century. In the second half of the 19th century, several major labor groups like the American Federation of Labor emerged as major strikers and often-brutal government and corporate reprisals created a nearly constant state of unrest. Much of that unrest was concentrated around railroad work, most notably, the Pullman Strike of 1894. In an effort to quell tensions, the federal government passed the Erdman Act, which provided workers with arbitration and mediation options, while banning railroad companies from firing or refusing to hire workers for joining a union, a common intimidation tactic known as yellow-dog contracts. It would eventually lead to the more comprehensive Railway Labor Act of 1926, but not before the Supreme Court struck down the Erdman Act's key provisions 10 years later in 1908. You may also like: These 25 counties have the most debt in collections in the US In 1909, the women's rights movement and the labor movement converged with the Uprising of the 20,000, a strike launched by sweatshop laborers known as shirtwaist workers, who were mostly young, immigrant women. The strikers protested low wages, long hours, and appalling conditions, especially the frequent and intentional locking of doors and fire escapes to prevent workers from leaving or even from taking breaks. The uprising secured the support of the powerful and well-heeled Women's Trade Union League, and by 1910, most of the protestor's employers agreed to sign union contracts. On March 25, 1911, the deadliest industrial disaster in New York City history changed the course of the labor movement when the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire killed 146 sweatshop workers, mostly women. Although the owners and management staff escaped unharmed, the workers found themselves in a death trap of locked doors, blocked fire escapes, and highly flammable material, like the kind the 1909 protestors had warned about. Although the fire itself, of course, was hardly a victory for labor, the death of the workers was not in vain—it galvanized the previously scattered and frequently infighting labor movement to unify, and stoked public outrage and demand for change. On March 4, 1913, the efforts of generations of labor activists were realized, at least in part, when President William Howard Taft signed a law creating the U.S. Department of Labor. The labor movement now had representation in a Cabinet-level agency. By the turn of the 20th century, 2 million children were laboring on farms, on city streets, and in mills, mines, factories, and stores. The work of social reformers and a nationwide campaign by National Child Labor Committee photographer Lewis W. Hine to chronicle and publicize the abuses led to calls for reform. In 1916, the Keating-Owen Act limited the number of hours children could work and prohibited interstate sale of merchandise produced by child labor, but the Supreme Court ruled the act unconstitutional just nine months later. The disparaging term "redneck" can be traced to 1921 when 10,000 West Virginia coal miners rose up against mining companies, managers, and their allies in government after decades of abuses in what was the largest uprising in labor history and the most significant armed insurrection since the Civil War. Tying red bandanas around their necks in a show of unity, the miners faced off against thousands of heavily armed company agents, scab workers, law enforcement officers, and military personnel who confronted the workers with heavy machine guns and, eventually, the only aerial bombardment of American civilians in U.S. history. At least 100 people died and 1 million rounds of ammunition were fired before the rebellion was put down, but the efforts of the miners would lead to some immediate improvement in conditions and, more importantly, a larger voice during FDR's future New Deal negotiations. You may also like: In-person, online, or hybrid shopping? American consumer habits are changing in surprising ways Shortly after the Civil War, George Pullman revolutionized travel with luxurious railroad sleeping cars, each of which came with a personal attendant called a Pullman Car porter. Consisting entirely of black men—originally recently freed slaves—the position was considered prestigious in the African American community, but the reality was grueling work, long hours, low pay, and daily indignities and mistreatment. In 1925, after 12 years of struggle, the Pullman Porters formed their own union, becoming the first black labor union in history to force a powerful corporation to the negotiating table, marking a triumph of both labor rights and civil rights. After decades of widespread, public, and often violent labor strikes—which were commonly put down by force with the aid of government troops—President Calvin Coolidge compelled unions and railroad bosses to agree on a different means of conflict resolution. In 1926, the Railway Labor Act substituted strikes for bargaining, mediation, and arbitration, and gave both unions and railroad companies the opportunity and responsibility to negotiate before resorting to strikes. It was the first federal law that guaranteed workers the right to organize, unionize, and choose their own leaders without company interference. By 1931, the Great Depression was raging; the masses were desperate for work and employers found it easy to offer take-it-or-leave-it wage ultimatums. The Davis-Bacon Act required private contractors on all significant public-works construction projects to pay workers the "prevailing wage." Those wages generally corresponded with union wages, and the standard now covers one in five construction projects and one in four construction workers at any given time. In 1932, labor made major gains when the Norris-LaGuardia Act prevented federal courts from issuing injunctions to stop peaceful union strikes and protests, which had long hurt their ability to organize. It also protected workers from being fired for joining a union or from being forced to sign yellow-dog contracts, which demanded a vow not to join a union. History was made in 1933 when Frances Perkins became the first woman ever to serve in a presidential Cabinet position—but the milestone was literally forged in fire. Twenty-two years earlier, Perkins was in New York City, having tea in Washington Square, when sirens and growing commotion compelled her to join a gathering crowd outside the towering inferno of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where she watched helplessly as 47 workers, mostly young women, made the agonizing choice to jump to their deaths instead of burning alive. She later called the catastrophe "the day the New Deal was born." You may also like: What kinds of mobile apps are performing the best? Frances Perkins is a towering figure in American labor, having dedicated her life and career to the common worker and the downtrodden in general. When FDR asked Perkins to join his Cabinet, the woman who would become the principal architect of the New Deal made it clear that she would only agree if Roosevelt backed her priorities, which the president promised he would. Those priorities, according to the Frances Perkins Center , were an amalgamation of the ideals the labor movement had pursued for generations: "a 40-hour work week, a minimum wage, unemployment compensation, worker's compensation, abolition of child labor, direct federal aid to the states for unemployment relief, Social Security, a revitalized federal employment service, and universal health insurance." The National Labor Relations Act legitimized, enfranchised, and vindicated the workers' rights movement more than any provision that had come before. The culmination of decades of union struggle, the act guaranteed the rights of private-sector workers to unionize, engage in collective bargaining for higher wages and better conditions, and, if necessary, to strike. It remains the foundation of modern American labor law. At 8 p.m. on the night before Christmas Eve in 1936, autoworkers in Flint, Mich., took over one—and later, several—major GM factories, locking themselves in, refusing to work, and bringing production to a standstill. The company tried to freeze and starve them out, and the courts deemed the strike illegal, but the workers refused to budge. The governor also refused to send in the National Guard. In February 1937, after 44 days of dramatic stalemate, GM—arguably the most powerful and politically influential company in the world—capitulated to most of the workers' demands, which included a fair minimum wage scale, protections against injury for assembly line workers, a grievance system, and the recognition of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The crowning achievement of the American union movement came in 1938 with the signing of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which guaranteed a minimum wage, an eight-hour workday, a 40-hour workweek, and time-and-a-half overtime. It also mandated that minors under 18 be barred from certain hazardous work and prevented children under 16 from working in mines or manufacturing, or in any job during school hours. The act ushered American labor into the modern era, gave 700,000 Americans an immediate raise, and continues to serve as the basic foundation of workers' rights and protections in the United States. In 1941, the Fair Employment Practice Commission (FEPC) was assembled to enforce an executive order from President Roosevelt that barred employment discrimination based on race, national origin, color, or creed in defense or government industries that received federal funding. FEPC served as the teeth of the executive order, as the commission was authorized to investigate complaints of discrimination and take action against offending companies or organizations. You may also like: Forcing people back into the office is once again leading to increased carbon emissions On Jan. 17, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order that for the first time gave federal employees the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. Although private-sector employees had enjoyed these basic rights for decades, the moment was a milestone for federal workers. The women's rights movement and the labor movement ran parallel to each other and often intertwined from the very beginning. In 1963, the two movements achieved a mutual milestone when JFK signed the Equal Pay Act. An amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act banned pay disparity for equal work based on gender. Although the 1964 Civil Rights Act mandated sweeping social reforms that were by no means limited to labor, union-backed workers' rights campaigns were central to the civil rights movement—Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in Memphis while supporting a strike by sanitation workers. The landmark civil rights legislation, in part, banned workplace discrimination based on race, gender, religion, color, or national origin. Organized labor continued its run of success in 1967 with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. It prevented hiring discrimination based on age and protected workers over 40 or those collecting age-related federal benefits from termination or forced retirement. The act basically extended to older workers the rights associated with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. From black lung and mine collapses to farming accidents and factory fires, American workers were driven to unionize first and foremost for their own safety, health, and wellbeing, which were often afterthoughts for the companies that used their labor. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) required employers to protect their workers from toxic substances, mechanical dangers, unsanitary conditions, excessive heat and cold, and other known physical hazards. The legislation created OSHA to inspect, investigate, and enforce the measure. You may also like: These states offer the greatest benefits to veteran-owned businesses A central thesis of the workers' rights movement is that a lifetime of labor should guarantee a stable retirement. In 1974, the Employee Retirement and Security Income Act protected workers enrolled in private-industry pension plans by setting minimum standards for how those plans are managed. The legislation required companies to disclose information about the plans to their employees and also put fiduciary responsibility on the people or organizations in charge of their assets. Union workers long lived with the knowledge that a decision could be made to close their auto plant or coal mine without them knowing that their next paycheck would be their last. In 1988, however, Congress signed the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act without President Ronald Reagan's signature. The act required most companies with more than 100 workers to give 60-days advance written notice if mass layoffs or plant closings were imminent. The Americans With Disabilities Act amended the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include workers with disabilities. It also required employers to make reasonable accommodations in terms of accessibility and other special needs. The Family and Medical Leave Act required employers to allow their workers to take off 12 job-protected workweeks in a year for things like the birth or adoption of a child, a serious illness, or to care for a seriously ill child or spouse. There are also extended considerations involving military families. Unlike in most wealthy Western countries, however, the act does not mandate paid maternity or paternity leave, which means the time off is guaranteed, but uncompensated. The 2009 amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, was so-named for the plaintiff in a Supreme Court case that spurred the legislation. Prior to 2009, the mandated 180-day statute of limitations for a worker to file an equal-pay lawsuit began when the employer made the initial discriminatory pay decision, meaning that if a woman found out she was being paid less than a man for equal work six months after she agreed to her salary, it was too late for her to file suit. The 2009 legislation reset the statute of limitations with every discriminatory paycheck received. Additional writing by Nicole Caldwell. You may also like: Robots are starting to deliver takeout orders. Are they here to stay? Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Belichick's bid to reshape UNC football latest sign of pro influence on college level

Social Security Announces 2 New Changes to Check Payments in 2025New initiative pairs agents with in-country Local Sponsors to enhance market-specific expertise and support eXp Realty Launches Local Sponsor Partnership Program to Strengthen Global Agent Success New initiative pairs agents with in-country Local Sponsors to enhance market-specific expertise and support The program addresses the need for in-country support by pairing eXp agents with experienced Local Sponsors in their respective markets. These Local Sponsors provide hands-on guidance to ensure agents successfully implement eXp Realty's cutting-edge tools and thrive in their local real estate landscapes. "Through the Local Sponsor Partnership Program, we're empowering our agents with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed in their local markets while growing globally,” said Glenn Sanford, Founder, Chairman and CEO, eXp World Holdings. "This program represents the essence of eXp Realty's commitment to agent success by providing a collaborative framework that drives innovation, growth and local expertise.” For agents with an international sponsor, the Local Sponsor Partnership Program ensures they receive personalized, in-country support to navigate their markets effectively. The program also opens opportunities for experienced eXp agents to become Local Sponsors, enabling them to lead locally and earn level-one revenue share earnings from their sponsee's transactions. "This is more than a program; it's a movement toward empowering agents with the tools and mentorship they need to lead locally and achieve unparalleled success globally,” Sanford added. With this new initiative, eXp Realty agents can now benefit from a robust support system that strengthens local leadership and fosters collaboration across global markets. About eXp World Holdings, Inc. eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty ® , FrameVR.io and SUCCESS ® Enterprises. eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 85,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, India, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including an innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by FrameVR.io technology, offering immersive 3D platforms that are deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS ® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS ® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication. For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com . Safe Harbor Statement The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future program availability, improvements in technology and related cost efficiencies. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in program availability, changes in technology offerings, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. Media Relations Contact: eXp World Holdings, Inc. [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: Denise Garcia [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89757d05-33ae-4c89-97a1-98158a5c984cThe world is losing the fight against international gangs

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A special alcohol-free zone will be created in South Albury to stop anti-social behaviour linked to the annual Chryslers on the Murray car show. or signup to continue reading A temporary ban on boozing in an area bounded by Union Bridge in the south, Smollett Street in the north, Wodonga Place in the west and Townsend Street in the east is set to apply for the next two March weekends when the event is held. There would also be a non-permanent alcohol prohibited area in the nearby parks alongside the Murray River over the same dates. Albury Council will vote on a recommendation supporting the new measures at its meeting on Monday, November 25, with an opportunity for feedback with the proposals to be publicly exhibited for 30 days. The crackdown on alcohol follows a brawl during an unsanctioned cruise along Wodonga Place as part of this year's Chrysler gathering. The parade of vehicles has been occurring for years, but in Albury Wodonga Chrysler Club president Rod Taylor welcomed the council adopting the alcohol-free area, which will be in force from 5pm to 9am across the Friday and Saturday nights. "We 100 per cent support that," Mr Taylor said. "It will just calm things down a bit more, it's a move in the right direction. "Most of the people understood that it was getting a bit out of hand and something had to be done because it was getting a bit dangerous." Mr Taylor said he would also like police to have a mobile random breath testing unit in the area as a deterrent. He attended the and saw police there rotating around such a unit and believed it should be replicated in Albury. Albury Council has already committed to having its mobile security camera trailer in the cruise area to allow police to monitor behaviour and communicate with crowds via onboard loud speakers. In their report to Monday night's meeting, the council's community safety partner Julia Vesval and acting team leader communities Diane Small note NSW police have concerns about spectator safety and their resources being strained. Police stated roads, such as Wodonga Place, could not be closed due to the need for emergency access and their heavy vehicle route status. The council staff conclude the proposed CCTV trailer deployment and alcohol-free zones "will ensure the streets and open spaces are available equally for the enjoyment of everyone, while remaining relevant to contemporary community expectations, and continue to provide a collective vision that supports cohesive growth and enhancement of our city". Chryslers on the Murray, which is centred on Wodonga's Gateway Island, is tipped to attract 7000 car fans and inject $2.8 million into the Border economy. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. 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AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementJustin Trudeau taking the time to reflect following Freeland departureCiti Bike is set to expand significantly in fall 2025, bringing bike-share access to underserved Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Bay Ridge , Brownsville, East New York and Kensington. The expansion will add more than 250 new stations and 2,900 bikes citywide, half of which will be electric, increasing access to convenient, affordable transportation across the boroughs. Our civic and sacred duty to hold onto hope “This Citi Bike expansion is the latest way we’re making it easier and more affordable to get around New York City, particularly for low-income New Yorkers,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “People in Brownsville and other low-income neighborhoods deserve Citi Bike access as much as any other New Yorker, and this expansion brings us closer to ensuring just that.” The four underserved Brooklyn neighborhoods will see new stations alongside Queens communities west of Flushing Meadows Corona Park and parts of the Bronx. The expansion also includes high-demand Kings County nabes such as Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Park Slope, as well as Midtown Manhattan and Harlem. “Citi Bike is more popular than ever because it’s convenient, sustainable, and a quick way to get around,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Bike share has become an integral part of our transportation landscape, and this expansion will bring this great service to even more communities.” With the addition of new stations, the Citi Bike network will bring bike-share access within a five-minute walk of 64% of New Yorkers — more than 5.6 million residents. Combined with the city’s e-scooter share program in the East Bronx and Eastern Queens, over 75% of New York City’s population will have access to shared micromobility services. “It’s been astounding to see Citi Bike grow from an idea into a critical part of New York City’s transportation network, now supporting over 1.6 million unique riders on their 44 million journeys this year,” said Caroline Samponaro, vice president of external affairs at Lyft Urban Solutions, which operates Citi Bike. Brooklyn residents will benefit from the expansion as the system grows to over 36,000 bikes and 2,400 stations, nearly seven times its original size at launch in 2013. The network continues to meet record demand, officials said, with October 2024 marking a monthly record of 5.1 million rides, including a single-day record of 193,645 rides. “This is about giving New Yorkers more ways to quickly and safely get where they need to go,” said New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, whose district includes Bay Ridge, and parts of Kensington and Downtown Brooklyn. “Expanding Citi Bike to neighborhoods like Bay Ridge means more people can bike to work, school, the doctor’s office, or even a subway station that’s further away. This is a win for our environment, our economy, and most importantly, our communities.” Additional reporting by Christian Murray

TOKYO, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. MRM ("MEDIROM") announces that M3, Inc. (TOKYO PRIME: 2413), or an affiliate within the M3 group, is participating in the Series A equity financing round of MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc., a subsidiary of MEDIROM. NFES Technologies Inc. is the lead investor of the Series A financing round at a pre-money valuation of JPY9 billion. Additional information is available here: https://medirom.co.jp/en/ir/20240824/6148%09 Forward-Looking Statements Regarding MEDIROM Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about MEDIROM's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to MEDIROM's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause MEDIROM's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond MEDIROM's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects MEDIROM's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to MEDIROM's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect MEDIROM's business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price is included in MEDIROM's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including in the "Risk Factors" and "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" sections of MEDIROM's most recently filed periodic report on Form 20-F and subsequent filings, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . MEDIROM assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. ABOUT M3, Inc. M3 is a one of a kind venture company that operates a multitude of global services centred around its physician platform such as m3.com. M3 is the first company incorporated after the year 2000 to be included in the Nikkei 225 Index. Its 330,000+ Japanese and 6,500,000+ global physician member panel serves as a central platform in advancing innovation and reform across healthcare worldwide. Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Securities code 2413) 1-11-44 Akasaka Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 JAPAN Web https://corporate.m3.com/en ABOUT MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc. A subsidiary of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. MRM , focuses on the health-tech sector. The company's core activities include the "Specific Health Guidance Program" offered through the "Lav" health application and development and sales of the 24/7 recharge-free MOTHER Bracelet smart tracker. By leveraging the features of the recharge-free MOTHER Bracelet, MOTHER Labs offers customizable health management solutions across diverse sectors, including caregiving, logistics, manufacturing, etc. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. NASDAQ Symbol: MRM Tradepia Odaiba, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Web https://medirom.co.jp/en Contact: ir@medirom.co.jp MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc. Tradepia Odaiba, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan MOTHER Bracelet is the world's first* 24/7 recharge-free smart tracker. It uses innovative technology from a Silicon Valley tech company that allows for power generation based on temperature differences between body and surrounding air. The recharge-free feature eliminates the risk of data loss when a device is taken off for recharge. MOTHER Bracelet records five basic metrics: heart rate, calories burned, body surface temperature, step count, and sleep. Official Website: https://mother-bracelet.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Nov, 2024) Khan has said that economic indicators are improving and country's interest rate has come down to 15 percent while the inflation has touched single digit. Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Federation of and (FPCCI) at the 's House here on Friday, he said continuity of policies is very important for improvement in economy. The ceremony was attended by the newly elected presidents and group leaders of the and , small chambers, ’s chambers and joint chambers. Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that the community is the backbone of the country’s economy. He said industrial growth fosters social and economic development in the country. The said, "It is a saddening that despite being an agricultural country, we are importing items." He said that at present about 25 (2.5 crore) gunny bags are lying outside in warehouses which are likely to spoil. He said that things are getting better and will improve furthest. He further said that the tax system should be simplified, adding, "We have to respect the tax payers." The FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, UBG/FPCCI Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer, Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Mago, Vice President and Regional Chairman Zaki Ijaz, UBG President Zubair Tufail also addressed the ceremony.W ith her budget coming under attack from businesses and protesting farmers alike, Rachel Reeves is also facing questions over her integrity. Five occasions have emerged where the chancellor has embellished her credentials as an economist at key moments in her career. When standing for parliament in 2010, Reeves claimed she worked “as an economist... at Halifax Bank of Scotland”. In fact, she had been running a customer relations department dealing with complaints and mortgage retention at the bank, where one colleague recalled her as “thinking she was above” others. She told Stylist magazine in 2021: “I spent a decade at the Bank of England and loved it”. In fact she had worked there for six years, one of which was spent studying for a master’s degree at the London School of Economics (LSE).

The Miami Dolphins have released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, ending the three-time Pro Bowler's short tenure with the team. Beckham signed a one-year, $3m deal with the Dolphins in May, but started the season on the physically unable to perform list after offseason knee surgery. He leaves after only nine catches for 55 yards in nine games. Beckham had missed the past two days of practice for what the team called personal reasons. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel indicated on Friday that the decision to part ways was mutual. "Odell and I have been very communicative since he's been here," McDaniel told reporters. "He had a tough start in terms of having to rehab his way into the season and then just looking at it as simple as, all right, what's the best for both him and the team moving forward? "We just thought it was a good time to go that direction. That was the motivation behind it. That's all." Trending Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Beckham, the No 12 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, shot to stardom in his first five NFL seasons with the New York Giants. Despite missing the first four games of his debut campaign due to injury, Beckham broke all kinds of receiving records, becoming the first player to record more than 75 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 10 touchdowns in their rookie year. Also See: NFL schedule Stream the NFL with NOW Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Inside the Huddle podcast During Week 12 of that 2014 season, Beckham forever cemented himself in NFL history when making a sensational one-handed touchdown catch in a Sunday Night Football clash with the Dallas Cowboys, which many consider to be the greatest of all time. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019, OBJ's three years in Ohio were more of a struggle and he'd eventually be released midway through the 2021 season after his father complained on social media over the way his son was being used in the Browns offense. He then signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he won a Super Bowl that same season, though it was bittersweet success as he suffered a torn ACL in the game which has hampered his subsequent years in the NFL. After missing the entire 2022 season, Beckham signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and went on to have 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns last year before being cut by the Ravens in March. Brought to Miami in the offseason to be a third receiving option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Beckham never seemed to fit into the Dolphins offense. If he clears waivers, the 32-year-old would be free to sign with any team. Although his best years are most definitely behind him, it does leave open the prospect of the star wideout again latching on with a Super Bowl contender like he did with the Rams in 2021. Watch another triple-header of live NFL action this Sunday on Sky Sports, starting with Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans from 6pm.

What US buyers (and investors) can expect from the auto industry in 2025If you're searching for a refreshing and health-conscious alternative to traditional sodas, look no further than . Currently discounted by 11% on , this flavorful beverage is a delightful fusion of taste and wellness. Firstly, is a wonderful choice for those who prioritize health without compromising on taste. Each can contains unfiltered apple cider vinegar, renowned for its potential health benefits, including digestion improvement and skin health. Combined with the prebiotics from agave inulin, this drink not only satisfies your thirst but could also support your overall digestive health. Moreover, with just 5 grams of sugar or less and no more than 25 calories per can, is an excellent low-calorie option for those monitoring their sugar intake. This makes it a great alternative to high-calorie and sugar-laden beverages like diet sodas, coconut water, and energy drinks. The Cranberry Fizz flavor offers a burst of refreshing fruitiness, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're on the go or just looking to wind down after a long day, has got you covered. It's versatile too—mix it up as a refreshing cocktail ingredient or serve it chilled on its own. Finally, as a verified Shark Tank brand, represents innovation and quality you can trust. This limited-time discount on provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on this unique, health-focused drink. Experience the delicious benefits for yourself and make a positive addition to your beverage selection today by purchasing .WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!MINNEAPOLIS — Even as UnitedHealth Group workers have been wrongly made to feel unsafe by a barrage of threats and vitriol over the past nine days, CEO Andrew Witty said in a New York Times op-ed Friday that insurers must do better in being transparent with patients when coverage for care is denied. “Health care is both intensely personal and very complicated, and the reasons behind coverage decisions are not well understood,” Witty wrote in the guest column. “We share some of the responsibility for that. Together with employers, governments and others who pay for care, we need to improve how we explain what insurance covers and how decisions are made.” The comments follow a wave of public anger that crashed over the insurance industry online and in social media since the killing of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare chief executive and Maple Grove resident who was shot repeatedly on a sidewalk in New York City. The outrage was fueled by early media reports on Thompson’s death that quoted his wife as saying the executive had received threats, possibly over denials, and because the words “deny” and “delay” reportedly were found written on bullet casings recovered from the crime scene. UnitedHealth Group confirmed Thursday night that shooting suspect Luigi Mangione did not have health insurance from UnitedHealthcare, contrary to speculation that the 26-year-old might have been motivated by a coverage dispute with the company. Safety concerns amid the animosity prompted two other health insurers in the Twin Cities to temporarily close offices this month. Leaders of Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group have appreciated “an enormous outpouring of support” from some, Witty wrote, for Thompson as well as the company’s UnitedHealthcare insurance division. “Yet we also are struggling to make sense of this unconscionable act and the vitriol that has been directed at our colleagues who have been barraged by threats,” he said. “No employees ... should have to fear for their and their loved one’s safety.” UnitedHealth Group employs about 19,000 people at its corporate headquarters as well as the health insurance business and Optum, which runs clinics and manages pharmacy benefits. In the op-ed, Witty echoed themes he started to send during an investor conference that was interrupted by word that Thompson had been killed on his way into the event. The company is well aware of problems with the U.S. health care system, he said, and is focused on driving change. “We know the health system does not work as well as it should, and we understand people’s frustrations with it,” Witty wrote. “No one would design a system like the one we have. And no one did. It’s a patchwork built over decades.” When making decisions on whether to deny coverage or pay for patient services, health insurers rely on clinical evidence to determine whether a treatment is safe and will bring the best patient outcome, Witty wrote. For months before Thompson’s killing, tensions over health insurance denials were on display in Minnesota during contract disputes between UnitedHealthcare and two large health systems in the state. Bloomington-based HealthPartners and Duluth-based Essentia Health threatened to drop out of the insurance company’s Medicare Advantage networks, saying the denial rate was excessive at UnitedHealthcare. The insurance company called the allegations outlandish and untrue, while suggesting hospitals in contract disputes often try using patients as leverage to win higher reimbursement rates. Ultimately, both health systems agreed to contracts so they’ll stay in-network next year for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. In October, a report by a U.S. Senate subcommittee found problems at three national health insurers including UnitedHealthcare, which reportedly denied prior authorization requests for post-acute care at three times the rate of other requests. The company said in response it still approves the vast majority of requests for post-acute care for patients after hospitalizations, and that it is federally required to give those claims heightened scrutiny. In July, 11 people were arrested outside its Minnetonka headquarters during an event to spotlight coverage denials. The company responded by stressing the safety of its workers while asserting it had resolved the group’s concerns for individual patients and was open to further dialogue. Health policy experts say there’s been a lack of comprehensive data on how frequently denials occur as well as the reasons for them. Surveys have shown public support for making more information available to patients. In his editorial, Witty did not advance any specific proposals but called for greater understanding of how health care is complex and change is difficult. “While the health system is not perfect, every corner of it is filled with people who try to do their best for those they serve,” Witty wrote. “Brian was one of those people. ... The ideas he advocated were aimed at making health care more affordable, more transparent, more intuitive, more compassionate — and more human.” ©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit at startribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Wetv Partners With Magnite To Enhance Video Inventory MonetisationLondon, Nov 22 (AP) Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new UK digital rules taking effect next year. The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker's tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. Apple does this by restricting progressive web apps, which don't need to be downloaded from an app store and aren't subject to app store commissions, the report said. Also Read | Hush Money Case: Judge Postpones US President-Elect Donald Trump’s Sentencing Indefinitely. “This technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices,” the watchdog said in a provisional report on its investigation into mobile browsers that it opened after an initial study concluded that Apple and Google effectively have a chokehold on “mobile ecosystems”. The CMA's report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers “the clearest or easiest option”. Also Read | France Shocker: Man Rapes Daughter For Years, Offers Her to Strangers For Sex; Sentenced to 20 Years in Jail. And it said that the a revenue-sharing deal between the two US Big Tech companies “significantly reduces their financial incentives” to compete in mobile browsers on Apple's iOS operating system for iPhones. Both companies said they will “engage constructively” with the CMA. Apple said it disagreed with the findings and said it was concerned that the recommendations would undermine user privacy and security. Google said the openness of its Android mobile operating system “has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps" and that it's “committed to open platforms that empower consumers.” It's the latest move by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to crack down on the dominance of Big Tech companies. US federal prosecutors this week unveiled their proposals to force Google to sell off its Chrome browser as they target its monopoly in online search. The CMA's final report is due by March. The watchdog indicated it would recommend using the UK's new digital competition rulebook set to take effect next year, which includes new powers to rein in tech companies, to prioritise further investigation into Apple's and Google's “activities in mobile ecosystems". (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

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FACT CHECK: Obama did not resettle 70,000 Somalis in Minnesota

WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site had not posted any American Airlines flights on Tuesday morning, but showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Jae C. Hong, Associated Press Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Lost Luggage Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: Alert the airline, both in person and in writing, of any missing bags. Remember, the clock starts ticking immediately. After 21 days, the baggage is considered lost and the airline is liable for it and its contents. Contact the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Canadian Transportation Agency , who will query the airline on your behalf and give them a 30-day deadline to respond. Usually, the airline will resolve the issue, but if it doesn't, or if you're unsatisfied with the offer, the next level is mediation. Beyond that, the case could move to adjudication, a court-like process with a panel deciding on the outcome. On international flights, you have up to two years to file litigation. If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Delayed/Cancelled Flights Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Flight Compensation in the U.S. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." Flight Compensation in Canada The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: A plane must return to its gate after three hours on the tarmac. Minimum requirements will be set for procuring food, drink, lavatories, ventilation, and access to electronic communications during the delay. For larger airlines, payouts will range from $400 for a 3-6 hour delay, to $700 for 6-9 hours, and $1,000 for more than nine hours. For smaller carriers, the compensation would be $125, $250, and $500, respectively. Here's the loophole: If the delay is related to the air carrier's maintenance problems, no compensation is required. The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Bumped Off the Flight Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Gorodenkoff // ShutterstockEyeEm Mobile GmbH/iStock via Getty Images In a matter of months, AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ( NASDAQ: ASTS ) went from a mostly ignored former SPAC to surging over 1,000%. The company building a space-based cellular broadband network is near priced for perfection If you'd like to learn more about how to best position yourself in undervalued stocks mispriced by the market to start December, consider joining Out Fox The Street . The service offers a model portfolio, daily updates, trade alerts and real-time chat. Sign up now for a risk-free 2-week trial to started finding the best stocks with potential to double and triple in the next few years. Stone Fox Capital (aka Mark Holder) is a CPA with degrees in Accounting and Finance. He is also Series 65 licensed and has 30 years of investing experience, including 10 years as a portfolio manager. Out Fox The Street Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. 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Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Daily Post Nigeria Tinubu appoints Nwakuche Ndidi acting Controller-General of prisons Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Tinubu appoints Nwakuche Ndidi acting Controller-General of prisons Published on December 13, 2024 By Seun Opejobi President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Nwakuche Ndidi as the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. In a statement released on Friday, Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Board, announced that Ndidi’s appointment will officially begin on December 15, 2024. His appointment comes after the conclusion of the term of the current Comptroller General, Haliru Nababa. The statement reads: “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has graciously approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service following the expiration of the tenure of Haliru Nababa. His appointment takes effect from December 15, 2024. “Nwakuche, born on November 26, 1966, hails from Oguta in Imo State. Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Controller-General in charge of the Training and Staff Development Directorate. He is a fellow of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and holds the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic. “The President further enjoined him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new capacity.” Related Topics: Nwakuche Ndidi Tinubu Don't Miss Appeal Court sets aside order restraining release of funds to Rivers State You may like Shettima heads for Dubai to represent Tinubu at launch of oil facility Leadership vacuum: Stakeholders appeal to Tinubu for stability in NCAA Tinubu, AGF, Akpabio dragged to court over removal of CCT chair, Danladi Umar Sack ministers who shun Senate summons – Orji Kalu tells Tinubu Appointments: Tinubu favouring his Yoruba ethnic group – Arewa youths World Bank to approve Nigeria’s $500m loan request, 10th under Tinubu Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

( MENAFN - The Peninsula) QNA Doha: Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the State of Qatar's priority in handling the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic is currently humanitarian to ensure providing all the essential help to maintain stability there. During the weekly media availability organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari, said the air bridge being operated by the State of Qatar to help the brotherly people of Syria is underway, as long as, there is a need for that, highlighting that the fifth aircraft of the Qatar Armed Forces landed in Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, on Monday, with over 33 tons of medical, food and shelter items onboard provided by Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) to Syria, thereby bringing the total number of aid, heretofore, provided to the Syrians to 144 tons. He reiterated the State of Qatar's call for the essential lifting of the international sanctions on Syria as soon as possible to ensure there would be no hindrance in getting all kinds of humanitarian aid to the brotherly people of Syria and extend the Qatari air bridge to all airports within the Syrian territories, thereby facilitating the delivery of these aids. Dr. Al Ansari added the Qatari position regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria is crystal clear, especially since the reasons behind sanctions, which are represented in the former regime, have been diminished, implying that they no longer exist, and it is incumbent on international community to promptly act to lift those sanctions. Within the framework of the Qatari delegation's visit to Damascus led by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, aboard the first flight of Qatar Airways to Damascus International Airport, the foremost needs were discussed there, alongside how the State of Qatar can directly contribute to meeting those needs, pointed out Dr. Al Ansari, underling that the State of Qatar will spare no effort in providing the essential support for the brotherly people of Syria. He pointed out that the technical team that accompanied HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Damascus was intended to get familiarized with the airports technical needs and discussed how Qatar can perform a positive role in this respect to ensure it is swiftly recommissioned as an international airport, especially that it had been neglected for a very long time and came under shelling from the Israeli occupation. Dr. Al Ansari highlighted that the symbolic message associated with the landing of the Qatar Airways plane in Damascus International Airport reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to taking all essential measures to ensure the airport's recommissioning and resuming flights to the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, noting that flights will return to the airport simultaneously when technical requirements are in place. Dr. Al Ansari said the Syrian Arab Republic's needs are being scrutinized for the aid to be announced - whether urgent, short-term or strategic. The priority is for urgent humanitarian needs to ensure a successful and unhindered transition process, especially on the humanitarian side, followed by efforts for Syria's returning to the Arab nation, Al Ansari added. He pointed out that the embassy of the Syrian opposition in the State of Qatar is the first of the new Syrian embassies - a stance that reflects the State of Qatar's unchanged position since the first day of the Syrian crisis, and supports the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people by all available means. In this context, Al Ansari highlighted the resumption of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Syrian Arab Republic on December 17, and the appointment of HE Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as Charge d'Affaires there. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the resumption of embassy operations comes after approximately 13 years since all diplomatic relations were severed with the Syrian regime in 2011, expressing Qatar's principled stance in support of the Syrian people's revolution and its steadfast support for their demands for a dignified life, freedom, and social justice. It also reaffirms Qatar's unequivocal rejection of all the oppressive policies of the Syrian regime against the Syrian people. Dr. Al Ansari added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the resumption of the embassys work in conjunction with the victory of the Syrian peoples revolution reflects the continued firm and supportive position of the State of Qatar towards the Syrian people and their struggle to obtain their legitimate rights to a decent life, and enhances its relief efforts that began with an air bridge to help the Syrian people overcome the requirements of the transition process, noting the raising of the Qatari flag on December 21 in Damascus for the first time in 13 years. Referring to Monday's meeting between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and Leader of the new administration of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa as part of a Qatari delegation visit to Damascus, Al Ansari said the meetings covered close bilateral relations and ways to boost them, the future of Syria and the prospects of the State of Qatars unwavering support for the brotherly Syrian people across all fields. He pointed out that HE Al Khulaifi stressed the State of Qatar's continued firm support for the Syrian brothers to build a state of institutions that is governed by justice, freedom, development and peace, and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people. Noting the State of Qatar's position has always remained supportive of the revolution of the brothers in Syria, HE Al Khulaifi stressed the need for Syrians to take decisions independently, ensure the unity of Syria and work on a peaceful power transfer through a political process that includes the whole spectrum of the Syrian people. Meanwhile, Dr. Al Ansari said that it is too early to talk about investing in Syria at the present time, noting that the focus is now on providing everything necessary to support Syrians, especially in areas such as energy, the humanitarian aspect and infrastructure. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and HE Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria HE Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the negotiations are ongoing, with technical talks taking place in Doha and other tracks occurring in Cairo with continuous coordination with the Arab Republic of Egypt in this regard, adding that no one can predict a specific timeline for reaching an agreement. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari confirmed that the situation in Gaza has not improved at all, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening, reiterating the call to all parties to engage seriously with the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation without any actions that might hinder the success of these negotiations. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted Qatar's welcome of the UN General Assembly's resolution to refer the ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to the International Court of Justice. Qatar considers the adoption of the resolution, with 137 votes in favor, as reflecting the broad international rejection of the Israeli occupation authorities' decisions to ban UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. He pointed out Qatar's warning that banning UNRWA's activities will lead to severe humanitarian and political consequences, especially depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria of essential services, as well as the liquidation of the Palestinian refugee issue and their right to return to their homes. Separately, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Qatar-Iran relations are strong and solid, with both sides collaborating on certain gas projects in the region, praising the bilateral relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that their discussions on regional events are ongoing. Regarding Qatar's relations with Russia, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari stated that Qatar's relationship with the Russian Federation remains ongoing and positive, highlighting Qatar's involvement in another mediation between Russia and Ukraine, aimed at reuniting children affected by the war with their families. On the Lebanese front, Al Ansari referred to the meeting of HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi on December 16 with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament HE Nabih Berri, and Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon HE Najib Mikati. He explained that these meetings discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, emphasizing the critical role of the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability in Lebanon, preserving the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid increasing security and political challenges, and reaffirming Qatar's steadfast position towards the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, and territorial integrity, and its continued support for the Lebanese people. MENAFN24122024000063011010ID1109028577 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA's two stuck astronauts just got their space mission extended again. That means they won't be back on Earth until spring — 10 months after rocketing into orbit on Boeing's Starliner capsule. NASA announced the latest delay in Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' homecoming Tuesday. The two test pilots planned to be away just a week or so when they blasted off June 5 on Boeing's first astronaut flight to the International Space Station. Their mission grew from eight days to eight months after NASA decided to send the company's problem-plagued Starliner capsule back empty in September. FILE - This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (NASA via AP, File) Now the pair won't return until the end of March or even April because of a delay in launching their replacements, according to NASA. A fresh crew needs to launch before Wilmore and Williams can return and the next mission was bumped more than a month, according to the space agency. NASA's next crew of four was supposed to launch in February, followed by Wilmore and Williams' return home by the end of that month alongside two other astronauts. But SpaceX needs more time to prepare the new capsule for liftoff. That launch is now scheduled for no earlier than late March. NASA said it considered using a different SpaceX capsule to fly up the replacement crew in order to keep the flights on schedule. However, it decided the best option was to wait for the new capsule to transport the next crew. NASA prefers to have overlapping crews at the space station for a smoother transition, according to officials. Most space station missions last six months, with a few reaching a full year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, left, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, gives a thumbs up as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Complex 40 for a mission to the International Space Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., (AP Photo/John Raoux) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, talks to his family members as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov looks on after leaving the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts are beginning a mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) In this image from video provided by NASA, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, and astronaut Nick Hague travel inside a SpaceX capsule en route to the International Space Station after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (NASA via AP) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Falcon 9's first stage booster returns to Landing Zone 1 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightingsQNL explores strategies to support language development among children

Tottenham have scouted Lens midfielder Andy Diouf this season Tottenham Hotspur extended their poor run of form by dropping points against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday, remaining winless in five games since their 4-0 battering of Manchester City last month. Ange Postecoglou’s side arrived at the Ibrox under pressure, having squandered a two-goal lead against Chelsea last weekend to lose 4-3, but struggled once again to produce the goods and claim all three points. The Greek-Aussie’s resources in the squad have been severely depleted in recent weeks and months following the injuries to Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Ben Davies. Mikey Moore has also been out for over a month now with a bad illness. While Postecoglou has come under scrutiny for the dire run of performances and results, the club continue to plan behind the scenes to shape up the squad. He enjoys a good working relationship with CEO Daniel Levy and, considering the state of the squad will expect some backing in the January transfer market. According to an exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT , Tottenham have been monitoring Lens midfielder Andy Diouf ahead of a possible January swoop. The Spurs scouts watched the midfielder in action against Greek side Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League back in August, having been notified by his performances for Lens since sealing a move from FC Basel in 2023. Andy Diouf, who was a part of France’s Summer Olympics team that won a Silver medal, has been one of the best performers for Lens this season. With his passing ability, reading of the game, physicality and tackling, the 21-year-old has caught the attention of several European clubs . Excelling as a box-to-box midfielder, he has racked up 14 Ligue 1 appearances , registering a goal and an assist apiece. The aforementioned report adds Diouf’s versatility to operate as a No.8 and No.10 has caught the eye of Postecoglou, who is contemplating entering the January market for a new central midfielder. It is believed that Lens are now bracing a formal offer for their star midfielder from Spurs next month. The Lilywhites are lacking the desired depth in their squad to compete on all fronts. Yves Bissouma and James Maddison have been extremely inconsistent this term, while Rodrigo Bentancur continues to serve a domestic seven-game ban. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are more investments for the future, but injuries and suspensions have forced Big Ange’s hand to use them more than he would have liked to. With reports suggesting that Bissouma has been placed on the chopping block after his disastrous performance against Chelsea, the North Londoners may want to replace the Malian with Diouf in the squad. At 21, Diouf will also be another addition to the exciting pool of the club’s young talents if Spurs can agree on a fee with Lens. This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.The state of Maryland is set to gain control of the DC Air National Guard fighter squadron as part of a major deal that will see the nation’s capital take over the site of RFK stadium. The Air Force approved the transfer of the 121st Fighter Squadron from Washington, DC, to the Maryland Air National Guard, according to spokeswoman Ann Stefanek. Maryland currently flies A-10 attack aircraft, but those are scheduled for divestment from the Air Force next year, according to the governor’s office. The new development means the Maryland Air National Guard will soon fly F-16 fighter jets, a more advanced aircraft that serves as one of the mainstays of the Air Force’s fleet. The DC Air National Guard also defends the National Capital Region, which is some of the most sensitive airspace in the country. The fighter wing has a round-the-clock alert force as part of its mission. By contrast, the Maryland Air National Guard’s aging A-10 aircraft were primarily used in an overseas attack role when deployed. The Maryland unit was supposed to transition into a cyber role, but the transfer of control of the fighter squadron will maintain the unit’s flying mission. “The men and women of the Maryland Air National Guard are some of the finest and most experienced pilots in the world. In partnership with our congressional delegation and federal partners, we have advocated vigorously to maintain Maryland’s flying mission, both in the interest of national security and to continue the proud tradition that Maryland plays in defending our country,” Democratic Gov. Wes Moore said in a joint statement with the state’s senators on Monday. The transfer of the fighter squadron was a critical part of a complex deal that allows Washington, DC, to take over the land around RFK stadium, which could bring the NFL back to the nation’s capital, while also providing Maryland with funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge . The deal was at risk of collapse last week when a provision to transfer the stadium land to DC was stripped from a government funding package following opposition from President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. But in a surprise move early Saturday morning, the Senate unanimously passed a bill giving DC control of the land. The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature after it passed the House earlier this year. The Washington Commanders football team has played at Northwest Stadium, formerly known as FedEx Field, in Landover, Maryland, since 1997. The franchise previously played at RFK Stadium from 1961 until 1996. Maryland Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Drew Dougherty called the deal an “historic moment” for the unit. “Over the past few years, we have been resolute on our commitment to securing a future flying mission. This transition is the first step in delivering a path where we can maintain our highly experienced pilots and maintainers, positions that are critically manned across the total force, while still keeping Maryland at the forefront of cyber operation,” Dougherty said in a statement. Details about the timeline and the transition of the fighters from DC to Maryland “will be announced at a later date,” said Stefanek.slot bet 555

The PGA Tour announced its schedule of seven post-season tournaments for the fall of 2025 on Tuesday with no Las Vegas event on the calendar for the first time since 1983. The lineup is one fewer than this year and tees off with the Procore Championship in Napa, California, on September 11-14, two weeks after the 2025 Tour Championship. Absent from the schedule is the Shriners Children's Open in Las Vegas. After the Ryder Cup next September at Bethpage Black, the PGA Tour events resume with the Sanderson Farms Championship on October 2-5. The PGA Tour's Japan stop, the Baycurrent Classic, will be October 9-12 at Yokohama Country Club followed by the Black Desert Championship on October 23-26 in Utah. The World Wide Technology Championship at Los Cabos, Mexico, will be November 6-9 followed the next week by the Bermuda Championship and the RSM Classic on November 20-23 at Sea Island, Georgia. More from this section "With events in four US states, Japan, Mexico and Bermuda, the conclusion to the 2025 golf calendar promises to be exciting for our fans worldwide," said Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour chief competitions officer. Under tighter qualifying rules for the 2026 PGA Tour approved by the Player Advisory Council last month, only the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will secure exempt status with the 50 who reach next year's BMW Championship being exempt into signature events for 2026. Those ranked 51st and beyond will take FedEx Cup points into the fall to try and accumulate eligibility points for the 2026 campaign. Three PGA Tour Challenge season events will be played next December -- the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas hosted by Tiger Woods, the LPGA-PGA mixed-team Grant Thornton Invitational and the PNC Championship parent-child event. Tour commissioner Jay Monahan also announced Tuesday that the PGA is searching for a new chief executive officer whose job would be to grow the business side of the operation in light of the $1.5 billion investment in PGA Tour Enterprises by Strategic Sports Group, a set of team sports owners. js/bbUnion members held a celebration for a new building for future builders in East Moline Friday morning. The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council held a ribbon cutting in honor of the grand opening of its new Quad-Cities campus. The 55,000 square foot building at 408 Carpenter Court in East Moline will be home to both the Associated General Contractors of the Quad Cities and the Millwright Contractors Associates. The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council had a big day on Friday, Nov. 22, when it celebrated the grand opening of its new 55,000 square foot training facility at 408 Carpenter Court in East Moline. Phil Davidson, director of communications for MACRC, said the new building is outfitted with classrooms, to allow for both classroom work and ongoing training in the field. For the millwrights, it offers more floor space and updated technology to allow them to work on the newest machines available, to help prepare students for the real world. Each of the two unions had previous buildings they were using, but outgrew them due to increased recruitment. During a welcome ceremony Friday, MACRC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Kevin McLaughlin spoke about the importance of the moment and the building. He became an apprentice in 1984 and worked his way up over the last 40 years. It was an honor to open the new building, he said to the crowd. "The fact that we have this many people that we have here today is a testament to the value and impact that this new training center will have on our unique partners and millwrights, as well as our Quad-Cities region as a whole," he said. "We've always said that the Mid-American Carpenters Regional Councils are positive for communities, and this partnership with East Moline is a perfect example of that." That partnership was a point East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman hit on during his own speech. When the city was first approached about the idea of building a new facility, he said, the first thing he looked for was the opportunity to work with business partners, bring new jobs to the area and work toward economic development. Freeman said in high school he had dreams of being a carpenter himself, but ultimately followed a different path. Still, the profession is needed and developing those skills in East Moline strengthens both the job market and the economy as a whole. "You're looking at a profession now that's going to get you somewhere. You're looking at a profession now that brings continuity to the people in the Quad-Cities area, and around this area," he said to the crowd. "Not only do we have economic development here, we're bringing other things here. When all the students arrive in East Moline, they're staying in our city, they're spending money in our city and the communities around around us." Speaking from the state perspective, state Sen. Mike Halpin said Illinois a place where labor is valued, and the creation of the new building proves that. There are more than 350 apprentices enrolled across the two programs, showing a strong value and dedication in the labor force. "This building is the end result of a vision many years in the making, and I think by far the most important thing is that this center ... is of the members, by the members and for the members," he said. "You guys built this yourself the same way that you built the industry here in the Quad-Cities, throughout the State of Illinois and throughout the nation." Halpin said the building was a symbol of the path to the middle class, the path to workers being able to support their families, the path a comfortable living and a retirement that can be spent comfortably and with dignity. "That's all in part because of the collective nature of what we do for the brothers and sisters in the labor movement, providing for each other, negotiating ways and working conditions that are going to benefit you, and in exchange, you are giving the contractors a great product with higher quality work, faster completion times and the skills you can bring," he said. Local 46, union represented prison employees in East Moline, demand safer workplace conditions from IDOC. Union membership in the United States reached a historic low last year with a 2023 rate of just 10%—half that of 1983—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Despite lower rates of membership, labor-movement contributions and milestones continue. Decades of union reform work culminated in 2023 with historic contract victories for Teamsters and the United Auto Workers. In September 2023, President Joe Biden became the first sitting president to appear on a picket line, joining autoworkers in Michigan striking for higher wages. Stacker compiled a list of 30 consequential victories that unions fought for in the name of workers' rights. The list includes information about the milestones unions achieved and the circumstances that made those victories worth fighting for. There have been far more losses than victories over the decades, but the victories made earning a living in the United States a much more equitable, fair, safe, and profitable proposition. American workers today have a host of rights and resources should their workplaces be hostile or harmful because of a rich labor-movement history that put an end to child labor, 16-hour workdays, and unsafe working conditions. Organized labor—namely, unions—is also responsible for securing a 40-hour workweek, minimum wage (such as it is), anti-discrimination laws, and other basic protections that were once far-off pipe dreams for millions of American men, women, and children laboring in subpar and dangerous conditions for poverty wages. These wins show what is possible for the modern labor movement. Keep reading to explore 30 hard-fought victories that America's working class won in our names. You may also like: The states with the most gambling revenue growth in 2023 The rise of so-called journeymen societies in 1794 led to the creation of the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers of Philadelphia, which worked to protect the wages of shoemakers, who toiled in a large and profitable industry. The society was the first true union and can be considered the genesis of the American labor movement. The moment is also significant because it was the first time tradespeople organized for protection against "scabs," workers willing to undermine demands for better pay by agreeing to work for cheaper wages—a dynamic that would remain a central theme throughout the entire history of the labor movement. A court in 1806 ruled against the shoemakers and declared organizing for higher wages a criminal conspiracy. More than three decades later, in 1842, a high court in Massachusetts overturned that precedent in Commonwealth v. Hunt, declaring that workers do, in fact, have a right to organize and strike. The end of slavery emboldened laborers around the country to capitalize on the national sentiment and pursue better conditions for themselves. A year after the Civil War, the formation of the National Labor Union represented the first nationally organized workers' rights group. The organization's efforts went a long way to raising awareness, but the group dissolved in 1873 and soon after, a series of violent strikes and successful corporate anti-labor campaigns compelled much of America to sour on the movement. On Sept. 5, 1882, New York City hosted the country's first Labor Day Parade; around 10,000 workers marched in what is now an annual event, and the holiday was soon moved to the first Monday in September, just as it is celebrated today. Although a parade, of course, didn't directly improve working conditions, the moment signified a psychological victory for labor and indicated a shift in public opinion that would ultimately lead to the rise of the progressive era in the 20th century. In the second half of the 19th century, several major labor groups like the American Federation of Labor emerged as major strikers and often-brutal government and corporate reprisals created a nearly constant state of unrest. Much of that unrest was concentrated around railroad work, most notably, the Pullman Strike of 1894. In an effort to quell tensions, the federal government passed the Erdman Act, which provided workers with arbitration and mediation options, while banning railroad companies from firing or refusing to hire workers for joining a union, a common intimidation tactic known as yellow-dog contracts. It would eventually lead to the more comprehensive Railway Labor Act of 1926, but not before the Supreme Court struck down the Erdman Act's key provisions 10 years later in 1908. You may also like: These 25 counties have the most debt in collections in the US In 1909, the women's rights movement and the labor movement converged with the Uprising of the 20,000, a strike launched by sweatshop laborers known as shirtwaist workers, who were mostly young, immigrant women. The strikers protested low wages, long hours, and appalling conditions, especially the frequent and intentional locking of doors and fire escapes to prevent workers from leaving or even from taking breaks. The uprising secured the support of the powerful and well-heeled Women's Trade Union League, and by 1910, most of the protestor's employers agreed to sign union contracts. On March 25, 1911, the deadliest industrial disaster in New York City history changed the course of the labor movement when the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire killed 146 sweatshop workers, mostly women. Although the owners and management staff escaped unharmed, the workers found themselves in a death trap of locked doors, blocked fire escapes, and highly flammable material, like the kind the 1909 protestors had warned about. Although the fire itself, of course, was hardly a victory for labor, the death of the workers was not in vain—it galvanized the previously scattered and frequently infighting labor movement to unify, and stoked public outrage and demand for change. On March 4, 1913, the efforts of generations of labor activists were realized, at least in part, when President William Howard Taft signed a law creating the U.S. Department of Labor. The labor movement now had representation in a Cabinet-level agency. By the turn of the 20th century, 2 million children were laboring on farms, on city streets, and in mills, mines, factories, and stores. The work of social reformers and a nationwide campaign by National Child Labor Committee photographer Lewis W. Hine to chronicle and publicize the abuses led to calls for reform. In 1916, the Keating-Owen Act limited the number of hours children could work and prohibited interstate sale of merchandise produced by child labor, but the Supreme Court ruled the act unconstitutional just nine months later. The disparaging term "redneck" can be traced to 1921 when 10,000 West Virginia coal miners rose up against mining companies, managers, and their allies in government after decades of abuses in what was the largest uprising in labor history and the most significant armed insurrection since the Civil War. Tying red bandanas around their necks in a show of unity, the miners faced off against thousands of heavily armed company agents, scab workers, law enforcement officers, and military personnel who confronted the workers with heavy machine guns and, eventually, the only aerial bombardment of American civilians in U.S. history. At least 100 people died and 1 million rounds of ammunition were fired before the rebellion was put down, but the efforts of the miners would lead to some immediate improvement in conditions and, more importantly, a larger voice during FDR's future New Deal negotiations. You may also like: In-person, online, or hybrid shopping? American consumer habits are changing in surprising ways Shortly after the Civil War, George Pullman revolutionized travel with luxurious railroad sleeping cars, each of which came with a personal attendant called a Pullman Car porter. Consisting entirely of black men—originally recently freed slaves—the position was considered prestigious in the African American community, but the reality was grueling work, long hours, low pay, and daily indignities and mistreatment. In 1925, after 12 years of struggle, the Pullman Porters formed their own union, becoming the first black labor union in history to force a powerful corporation to the negotiating table, marking a triumph of both labor rights and civil rights. After decades of widespread, public, and often violent labor strikes—which were commonly put down by force with the aid of government troops—President Calvin Coolidge compelled unions and railroad bosses to agree on a different means of conflict resolution. In 1926, the Railway Labor Act substituted strikes for bargaining, mediation, and arbitration, and gave both unions and railroad companies the opportunity and responsibility to negotiate before resorting to strikes. It was the first federal law that guaranteed workers the right to organize, unionize, and choose their own leaders without company interference. By 1931, the Great Depression was raging; the masses were desperate for work and employers found it easy to offer take-it-or-leave-it wage ultimatums. The Davis-Bacon Act required private contractors on all significant public-works construction projects to pay workers the "prevailing wage." Those wages generally corresponded with union wages, and the standard now covers one in five construction projects and one in four construction workers at any given time. In 1932, labor made major gains when the Norris-LaGuardia Act prevented federal courts from issuing injunctions to stop peaceful union strikes and protests, which had long hurt their ability to organize. It also protected workers from being fired for joining a union or from being forced to sign yellow-dog contracts, which demanded a vow not to join a union. History was made in 1933 when Frances Perkins became the first woman ever to serve in a presidential Cabinet position—but the milestone was literally forged in fire. Twenty-two years earlier, Perkins was in New York City, having tea in Washington Square, when sirens and growing commotion compelled her to join a gathering crowd outside the towering inferno of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where she watched helplessly as 47 workers, mostly young women, made the agonizing choice to jump to their deaths instead of burning alive. She later called the catastrophe "the day the New Deal was born." You may also like: What kinds of mobile apps are performing the best? Frances Perkins is a towering figure in American labor, having dedicated her life and career to the common worker and the downtrodden in general. When FDR asked Perkins to join his Cabinet, the woman who would become the principal architect of the New Deal made it clear that she would only agree if Roosevelt backed her priorities, which the president promised he would. Those priorities, according to the Frances Perkins Center , were an amalgamation of the ideals the labor movement had pursued for generations: "a 40-hour work week, a minimum wage, unemployment compensation, worker's compensation, abolition of child labor, direct federal aid to the states for unemployment relief, Social Security, a revitalized federal employment service, and universal health insurance." The National Labor Relations Act legitimized, enfranchised, and vindicated the workers' rights movement more than any provision that had come before. The culmination of decades of union struggle, the act guaranteed the rights of private-sector workers to unionize, engage in collective bargaining for higher wages and better conditions, and, if necessary, to strike. It remains the foundation of modern American labor law. At 8 p.m. on the night before Christmas Eve in 1936, autoworkers in Flint, Mich., took over one—and later, several—major GM factories, locking themselves in, refusing to work, and bringing production to a standstill. The company tried to freeze and starve them out, and the courts deemed the strike illegal, but the workers refused to budge. The governor also refused to send in the National Guard. In February 1937, after 44 days of dramatic stalemate, GM—arguably the most powerful and politically influential company in the world—capitulated to most of the workers' demands, which included a fair minimum wage scale, protections against injury for assembly line workers, a grievance system, and the recognition of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The crowning achievement of the American union movement came in 1938 with the signing of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which guaranteed a minimum wage, an eight-hour workday, a 40-hour workweek, and time-and-a-half overtime. It also mandated that minors under 18 be barred from certain hazardous work and prevented children under 16 from working in mines or manufacturing, or in any job during school hours. The act ushered American labor into the modern era, gave 700,000 Americans an immediate raise, and continues to serve as the basic foundation of workers' rights and protections in the United States. In 1941, the Fair Employment Practice Commission (FEPC) was assembled to enforce an executive order from President Roosevelt that barred employment discrimination based on race, national origin, color, or creed in defense or government industries that received federal funding. FEPC served as the teeth of the executive order, as the commission was authorized to investigate complaints of discrimination and take action against offending companies or organizations. You may also like: Forcing people back into the office is once again leading to increased carbon emissions On Jan. 17, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order that for the first time gave federal employees the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. Although private-sector employees had enjoyed these basic rights for decades, the moment was a milestone for federal workers. The women's rights movement and the labor movement ran parallel to each other and often intertwined from the very beginning. In 1963, the two movements achieved a mutual milestone when JFK signed the Equal Pay Act. An amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act banned pay disparity for equal work based on gender. Although the 1964 Civil Rights Act mandated sweeping social reforms that were by no means limited to labor, union-backed workers' rights campaigns were central to the civil rights movement—Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in Memphis while supporting a strike by sanitation workers. The landmark civil rights legislation, in part, banned workplace discrimination based on race, gender, religion, color, or national origin. Organized labor continued its run of success in 1967 with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. It prevented hiring discrimination based on age and protected workers over 40 or those collecting age-related federal benefits from termination or forced retirement. The act basically extended to older workers the rights associated with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. From black lung and mine collapses to farming accidents and factory fires, American workers were driven to unionize first and foremost for their own safety, health, and wellbeing, which were often afterthoughts for the companies that used their labor. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) required employers to protect their workers from toxic substances, mechanical dangers, unsanitary conditions, excessive heat and cold, and other known physical hazards. The legislation created OSHA to inspect, investigate, and enforce the measure. You may also like: These states offer the greatest benefits to veteran-owned businesses A central thesis of the workers' rights movement is that a lifetime of labor should guarantee a stable retirement. In 1974, the Employee Retirement and Security Income Act protected workers enrolled in private-industry pension plans by setting minimum standards for how those plans are managed. The legislation required companies to disclose information about the plans to their employees and also put fiduciary responsibility on the people or organizations in charge of their assets. Union workers long lived with the knowledge that a decision could be made to close their auto plant or coal mine without them knowing that their next paycheck would be their last. In 1988, however, Congress signed the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act without President Ronald Reagan's signature. The act required most companies with more than 100 workers to give 60-days advance written notice if mass layoffs or plant closings were imminent. The Americans With Disabilities Act amended the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include workers with disabilities. It also required employers to make reasonable accommodations in terms of accessibility and other special needs. The Family and Medical Leave Act required employers to allow their workers to take off 12 job-protected workweeks in a year for things like the birth or adoption of a child, a serious illness, or to care for a seriously ill child or spouse. There are also extended considerations involving military families. Unlike in most wealthy Western countries, however, the act does not mandate paid maternity or paternity leave, which means the time off is guaranteed, but uncompensated. The 2009 amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, was so-named for the plaintiff in a Supreme Court case that spurred the legislation. Prior to 2009, the mandated 180-day statute of limitations for a worker to file an equal-pay lawsuit began when the employer made the initial discriminatory pay decision, meaning that if a woman found out she was being paid less than a man for equal work six months after she agreed to her salary, it was too late for her to file suit. The 2009 legislation reset the statute of limitations with every discriminatory paycheck received. Additional writing by Nicole Caldwell. You may also like: Robots are starting to deliver takeout orders. Are they here to stay? Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Belichick's bid to reshape UNC football latest sign of pro influence on college level

Social Security Announces 2 New Changes to Check Payments in 2025New initiative pairs agents with in-country Local Sponsors to enhance market-specific expertise and support eXp Realty Launches Local Sponsor Partnership Program to Strengthen Global Agent Success New initiative pairs agents with in-country Local Sponsors to enhance market-specific expertise and support The program addresses the need for in-country support by pairing eXp agents with experienced Local Sponsors in their respective markets. These Local Sponsors provide hands-on guidance to ensure agents successfully implement eXp Realty's cutting-edge tools and thrive in their local real estate landscapes. "Through the Local Sponsor Partnership Program, we're empowering our agents with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed in their local markets while growing globally,” said Glenn Sanford, Founder, Chairman and CEO, eXp World Holdings. "This program represents the essence of eXp Realty's commitment to agent success by providing a collaborative framework that drives innovation, growth and local expertise.” For agents with an international sponsor, the Local Sponsor Partnership Program ensures they receive personalized, in-country support to navigate their markets effectively. The program also opens opportunities for experienced eXp agents to become Local Sponsors, enabling them to lead locally and earn level-one revenue share earnings from their sponsee's transactions. "This is more than a program; it's a movement toward empowering agents with the tools and mentorship they need to lead locally and achieve unparalleled success globally,” Sanford added. With this new initiative, eXp Realty agents can now benefit from a robust support system that strengthens local leadership and fosters collaboration across global markets. About eXp World Holdings, Inc. eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty ® , FrameVR.io and SUCCESS ® Enterprises. eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 85,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, India, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including an innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by FrameVR.io technology, offering immersive 3D platforms that are deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS ® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS ® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication. For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com . Safe Harbor Statement The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future program availability, improvements in technology and related cost efficiencies. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in program availability, changes in technology offerings, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. Media Relations Contact: eXp World Holdings, Inc. [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: Denise Garcia [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89757d05-33ae-4c89-97a1-98158a5c984cThe world is losing the fight against international gangs

GAINERS: Leafbuyer Techs LBUY shares closed up 33.33% at $0.02 Target Group CBDY shares closed up 25.00% at $0.00 Auxly Cannabis Group CBWTF shares closed up 22.11% at $0.02 CLS Holdings USA CLSH shares closed up 17.88% at $0.04 Affinor Growers RSSFF shares closed up 16.67% at $0.07 Eastside Distilling EAST shares closed up 15.20% at $0.80 4Front Ventures FFNTF shares closed up 10.53% at $0.02 Urban-gro UGRO shares closed up 8.57% at $1.08 CNBX Pharmaceuticals CNBX shares closed up 6.00% at $0.01 1933 Industries TGIFF shares closed up 5.15% at $0.01 Zelira Therapeutics ZLDAF shares closed up 4.88% at $0.37 Zoned Properties ZDPY shares closed up 4.53% at $0.46 Cansortium CNTMF shares closed up 3.57% at $0.07 LOSERS: MPX International MPXOF shares closed down 81.82% at $0.0002 Body and Mind BMMJ shares closed down 24.35% at $0.01 Global Compliance FUAPF shares closed down 24.05% at $0.00 Rocky Mountain High RMHB shares closed down 18.75% at $0.01 Currenc Group CURR shares closed down 14.77% at $1.56 EnWave NWVCF shares closed down 8.97% at $0.14 Kaya Holdings KAYS shares closed down 7.16% at $0.03 CV Sciences CVSI shares closed down 6.52% at $0.03 MariMed MRMD shares closed down 6.43% at $0.12 Charlottes Web Holdings CWBHF shares closed down 4.37% at $0.10 This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

A special alcohol-free zone will be created in South Albury to stop anti-social behaviour linked to the annual Chryslers on the Murray car show. or signup to continue reading A temporary ban on boozing in an area bounded by Union Bridge in the south, Smollett Street in the north, Wodonga Place in the west and Townsend Street in the east is set to apply for the next two March weekends when the event is held. There would also be a non-permanent alcohol prohibited area in the nearby parks alongside the Murray River over the same dates. Albury Council will vote on a recommendation supporting the new measures at its meeting on Monday, November 25, with an opportunity for feedback with the proposals to be publicly exhibited for 30 days. The crackdown on alcohol follows a brawl during an unsanctioned cruise along Wodonga Place as part of this year's Chrysler gathering. The parade of vehicles has been occurring for years, but in Albury Wodonga Chrysler Club president Rod Taylor welcomed the council adopting the alcohol-free area, which will be in force from 5pm to 9am across the Friday and Saturday nights. "We 100 per cent support that," Mr Taylor said. "It will just calm things down a bit more, it's a move in the right direction. "Most of the people understood that it was getting a bit out of hand and something had to be done because it was getting a bit dangerous." Mr Taylor said he would also like police to have a mobile random breath testing unit in the area as a deterrent. He attended the and saw police there rotating around such a unit and believed it should be replicated in Albury. Albury Council has already committed to having its mobile security camera trailer in the cruise area to allow police to monitor behaviour and communicate with crowds via onboard loud speakers. In their report to Monday night's meeting, the council's community safety partner Julia Vesval and acting team leader communities Diane Small note NSW police have concerns about spectator safety and their resources being strained. Police stated roads, such as Wodonga Place, could not be closed due to the need for emergency access and their heavy vehicle route status. The council staff conclude the proposed CCTV trailer deployment and alcohol-free zones "will ensure the streets and open spaces are available equally for the enjoyment of everyone, while remaining relevant to contemporary community expectations, and continue to provide a collective vision that supports cohesive growth and enhancement of our city". Chryslers on the Murray, which is centred on Wodonga's Gateway Island, is tipped to attract 7000 car fans and inject $2.8 million into the Border economy. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementJustin Trudeau taking the time to reflect following Freeland departureCiti Bike is set to expand significantly in fall 2025, bringing bike-share access to underserved Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Bay Ridge , Brownsville, East New York and Kensington. The expansion will add more than 250 new stations and 2,900 bikes citywide, half of which will be electric, increasing access to convenient, affordable transportation across the boroughs. Our civic and sacred duty to hold onto hope “This Citi Bike expansion is the latest way we’re making it easier and more affordable to get around New York City, particularly for low-income New Yorkers,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement. “People in Brownsville and other low-income neighborhoods deserve Citi Bike access as much as any other New Yorker, and this expansion brings us closer to ensuring just that.” The four underserved Brooklyn neighborhoods will see new stations alongside Queens communities west of Flushing Meadows Corona Park and parts of the Bronx. The expansion also includes high-demand Kings County nabes such as Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Park Slope, as well as Midtown Manhattan and Harlem. “Citi Bike is more popular than ever because it’s convenient, sustainable, and a quick way to get around,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Bike share has become an integral part of our transportation landscape, and this expansion will bring this great service to even more communities.” With the addition of new stations, the Citi Bike network will bring bike-share access within a five-minute walk of 64% of New Yorkers — more than 5.6 million residents. Combined with the city’s e-scooter share program in the East Bronx and Eastern Queens, over 75% of New York City’s population will have access to shared micromobility services. “It’s been astounding to see Citi Bike grow from an idea into a critical part of New York City’s transportation network, now supporting over 1.6 million unique riders on their 44 million journeys this year,” said Caroline Samponaro, vice president of external affairs at Lyft Urban Solutions, which operates Citi Bike. Brooklyn residents will benefit from the expansion as the system grows to over 36,000 bikes and 2,400 stations, nearly seven times its original size at launch in 2013. The network continues to meet record demand, officials said, with October 2024 marking a monthly record of 5.1 million rides, including a single-day record of 193,645 rides. “This is about giving New Yorkers more ways to quickly and safely get where they need to go,” said New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, whose district includes Bay Ridge, and parts of Kensington and Downtown Brooklyn. “Expanding Citi Bike to neighborhoods like Bay Ridge means more people can bike to work, school, the doctor’s office, or even a subway station that’s further away. This is a win for our environment, our economy, and most importantly, our communities.” Additional reporting by Christian Murray

TOKYO, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. MRM ("MEDIROM") announces that M3, Inc. (TOKYO PRIME: 2413), or an affiliate within the M3 group, is participating in the Series A equity financing round of MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc., a subsidiary of MEDIROM. NFES Technologies Inc. is the lead investor of the Series A financing round at a pre-money valuation of JPY9 billion. Additional information is available here: https://medirom.co.jp/en/ir/20240824/6148%09 Forward-Looking Statements Regarding MEDIROM Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about MEDIROM's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to MEDIROM's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause MEDIROM's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond MEDIROM's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects MEDIROM's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to MEDIROM's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect MEDIROM's business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price is included in MEDIROM's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including in the "Risk Factors" and "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" sections of MEDIROM's most recently filed periodic report on Form 20-F and subsequent filings, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . MEDIROM assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. ABOUT M3, Inc. M3 is a one of a kind venture company that operates a multitude of global services centred around its physician platform such as m3.com. M3 is the first company incorporated after the year 2000 to be included in the Nikkei 225 Index. Its 330,000+ Japanese and 6,500,000+ global physician member panel serves as a central platform in advancing innovation and reform across healthcare worldwide. Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Securities code 2413) 1-11-44 Akasaka Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 JAPAN Web https://corporate.m3.com/en ABOUT MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc. A subsidiary of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. MRM , focuses on the health-tech sector. The company's core activities include the "Specific Health Guidance Program" offered through the "Lav" health application and development and sales of the 24/7 recharge-free MOTHER Bracelet smart tracker. By leveraging the features of the recharge-free MOTHER Bracelet, MOTHER Labs offers customizable health management solutions across diverse sectors, including caregiving, logistics, manufacturing, etc. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. NASDAQ Symbol: MRM Tradepia Odaiba, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Web https://medirom.co.jp/en Contact: ir@medirom.co.jp MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc. Tradepia Odaiba, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan MOTHER Bracelet is the world's first* 24/7 recharge-free smart tracker. It uses innovative technology from a Silicon Valley tech company that allows for power generation based on temperature differences between body and surrounding air. The recharge-free feature eliminates the risk of data loss when a device is taken off for recharge. MOTHER Bracelet records five basic metrics: heart rate, calories burned, body surface temperature, step count, and sleep. Official Website: https://mother-bracelet.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Nov, 2024) Khan has said that economic indicators are improving and country's interest rate has come down to 15 percent while the inflation has touched single digit. Speaking at a ceremony organized by the Federation of and (FPCCI) at the 's House here on Friday, he said continuity of policies is very important for improvement in economy. The ceremony was attended by the newly elected presidents and group leaders of the and , small chambers, ’s chambers and joint chambers. Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that the community is the backbone of the country’s economy. He said industrial growth fosters social and economic development in the country. The said, "It is a saddening that despite being an agricultural country, we are importing items." He said that at present about 25 (2.5 crore) gunny bags are lying outside in warehouses which are likely to spoil. He said that things are getting better and will improve furthest. He further said that the tax system should be simplified, adding, "We have to respect the tax payers." The FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, UBG/FPCCI Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer, Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Mago, Vice President and Regional Chairman Zaki Ijaz, UBG President Zubair Tufail also addressed the ceremony.W ith her budget coming under attack from businesses and protesting farmers alike, Rachel Reeves is also facing questions over her integrity. Five occasions have emerged where the chancellor has embellished her credentials as an economist at key moments in her career. When standing for parliament in 2010, Reeves claimed she worked “as an economist... at Halifax Bank of Scotland”. In fact, she had been running a customer relations department dealing with complaints and mortgage retention at the bank, where one colleague recalled her as “thinking she was above” others. She told Stylist magazine in 2021: “I spent a decade at the Bank of England and loved it”. In fact she had worked there for six years, one of which was spent studying for a master’s degree at the London School of Economics (LSE).

The Miami Dolphins have released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, ending the three-time Pro Bowler's short tenure with the team. Beckham signed a one-year, $3m deal with the Dolphins in May, but started the season on the physically unable to perform list after offseason knee surgery. He leaves after only nine catches for 55 yards in nine games. Beckham had missed the past two days of practice for what the team called personal reasons. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel indicated on Friday that the decision to part ways was mutual. "Odell and I have been very communicative since he's been here," McDaniel told reporters. "He had a tough start in terms of having to rehab his way into the season and then just looking at it as simple as, all right, what's the best for both him and the team moving forward? "We just thought it was a good time to go that direction. That was the motivation behind it. That's all." Trending Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Beckham, the No 12 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, shot to stardom in his first five NFL seasons with the New York Giants. Despite missing the first four games of his debut campaign due to injury, Beckham broke all kinds of receiving records, becoming the first player to record more than 75 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 10 touchdowns in their rookie year. Also See: NFL schedule Stream the NFL with NOW Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Inside the Huddle podcast During Week 12 of that 2014 season, Beckham forever cemented himself in NFL history when making a sensational one-handed touchdown catch in a Sunday Night Football clash with the Dallas Cowboys, which many consider to be the greatest of all time. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019, OBJ's three years in Ohio were more of a struggle and he'd eventually be released midway through the 2021 season after his father complained on social media over the way his son was being used in the Browns offense. He then signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he won a Super Bowl that same season, though it was bittersweet success as he suffered a torn ACL in the game which has hampered his subsequent years in the NFL. After missing the entire 2022 season, Beckham signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and went on to have 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns last year before being cut by the Ravens in March. Brought to Miami in the offseason to be a third receiving option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Beckham never seemed to fit into the Dolphins offense. If he clears waivers, the 32-year-old would be free to sign with any team. Although his best years are most definitely behind him, it does leave open the prospect of the star wideout again latching on with a Super Bowl contender like he did with the Rams in 2021. Watch another triple-header of live NFL action this Sunday on Sky Sports, starting with Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans from 6pm.

What US buyers (and investors) can expect from the auto industry in 2025If you're searching for a refreshing and health-conscious alternative to traditional sodas, look no further than . Currently discounted by 11% on , this flavorful beverage is a delightful fusion of taste and wellness. Firstly, is a wonderful choice for those who prioritize health without compromising on taste. Each can contains unfiltered apple cider vinegar, renowned for its potential health benefits, including digestion improvement and skin health. Combined with the prebiotics from agave inulin, this drink not only satisfies your thirst but could also support your overall digestive health. Moreover, with just 5 grams of sugar or less and no more than 25 calories per can, is an excellent low-calorie option for those monitoring their sugar intake. This makes it a great alternative to high-calorie and sugar-laden beverages like diet sodas, coconut water, and energy drinks. The Cranberry Fizz flavor offers a burst of refreshing fruitiness, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're on the go or just looking to wind down after a long day, has got you covered. It's versatile too—mix it up as a refreshing cocktail ingredient or serve it chilled on its own. Finally, as a verified Shark Tank brand, represents innovation and quality you can trust. This limited-time discount on provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on this unique, health-focused drink. Experience the delicious benefits for yourself and make a positive addition to your beverage selection today by purchasing .WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!MINNEAPOLIS — Even as UnitedHealth Group workers have been wrongly made to feel unsafe by a barrage of threats and vitriol over the past nine days, CEO Andrew Witty said in a New York Times op-ed Friday that insurers must do better in being transparent with patients when coverage for care is denied. “Health care is both intensely personal and very complicated, and the reasons behind coverage decisions are not well understood,” Witty wrote in the guest column. “We share some of the responsibility for that. Together with employers, governments and others who pay for care, we need to improve how we explain what insurance covers and how decisions are made.” The comments follow a wave of public anger that crashed over the insurance industry online and in social media since the killing of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare chief executive and Maple Grove resident who was shot repeatedly on a sidewalk in New York City. The outrage was fueled by early media reports on Thompson’s death that quoted his wife as saying the executive had received threats, possibly over denials, and because the words “deny” and “delay” reportedly were found written on bullet casings recovered from the crime scene. UnitedHealth Group confirmed Thursday night that shooting suspect Luigi Mangione did not have health insurance from UnitedHealthcare, contrary to speculation that the 26-year-old might have been motivated by a coverage dispute with the company. Safety concerns amid the animosity prompted two other health insurers in the Twin Cities to temporarily close offices this month. Leaders of Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group have appreciated “an enormous outpouring of support” from some, Witty wrote, for Thompson as well as the company’s UnitedHealthcare insurance division. “Yet we also are struggling to make sense of this unconscionable act and the vitriol that has been directed at our colleagues who have been barraged by threats,” he said. “No employees ... should have to fear for their and their loved one’s safety.” UnitedHealth Group employs about 19,000 people at its corporate headquarters as well as the health insurance business and Optum, which runs clinics and manages pharmacy benefits. In the op-ed, Witty echoed themes he started to send during an investor conference that was interrupted by word that Thompson had been killed on his way into the event. The company is well aware of problems with the U.S. health care system, he said, and is focused on driving change. “We know the health system does not work as well as it should, and we understand people’s frustrations with it,” Witty wrote. “No one would design a system like the one we have. And no one did. It’s a patchwork built over decades.” When making decisions on whether to deny coverage or pay for patient services, health insurers rely on clinical evidence to determine whether a treatment is safe and will bring the best patient outcome, Witty wrote. For months before Thompson’s killing, tensions over health insurance denials were on display in Minnesota during contract disputes between UnitedHealthcare and two large health systems in the state. Bloomington-based HealthPartners and Duluth-based Essentia Health threatened to drop out of the insurance company’s Medicare Advantage networks, saying the denial rate was excessive at UnitedHealthcare. The insurance company called the allegations outlandish and untrue, while suggesting hospitals in contract disputes often try using patients as leverage to win higher reimbursement rates. Ultimately, both health systems agreed to contracts so they’ll stay in-network next year for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. In October, a report by a U.S. Senate subcommittee found problems at three national health insurers including UnitedHealthcare, which reportedly denied prior authorization requests for post-acute care at three times the rate of other requests. The company said in response it still approves the vast majority of requests for post-acute care for patients after hospitalizations, and that it is federally required to give those claims heightened scrutiny. In July, 11 people were arrested outside its Minnetonka headquarters during an event to spotlight coverage denials. The company responded by stressing the safety of its workers while asserting it had resolved the group’s concerns for individual patients and was open to further dialogue. Health policy experts say there’s been a lack of comprehensive data on how frequently denials occur as well as the reasons for them. Surveys have shown public support for making more information available to patients. In his editorial, Witty did not advance any specific proposals but called for greater understanding of how health care is complex and change is difficult. “While the health system is not perfect, every corner of it is filled with people who try to do their best for those they serve,” Witty wrote. “Brian was one of those people. ... The ideas he advocated were aimed at making health care more affordable, more transparent, more intuitive, more compassionate — and more human.” ©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit at startribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Wetv Partners With Magnite To Enhance Video Inventory MonetisationLondon, Nov 22 (AP) Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new UK digital rules taking effect next year. The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker's tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. Apple does this by restricting progressive web apps, which don't need to be downloaded from an app store and aren't subject to app store commissions, the report said. Also Read | Hush Money Case: Judge Postpones US President-Elect Donald Trump’s Sentencing Indefinitely. “This technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices,” the watchdog said in a provisional report on its investigation into mobile browsers that it opened after an initial study concluded that Apple and Google effectively have a chokehold on “mobile ecosystems”. The CMA's report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers “the clearest or easiest option”. Also Read | France Shocker: Man Rapes Daughter For Years, Offers Her to Strangers For Sex; Sentenced to 20 Years in Jail. And it said that the a revenue-sharing deal between the two US Big Tech companies “significantly reduces their financial incentives” to compete in mobile browsers on Apple's iOS operating system for iPhones. Both companies said they will “engage constructively” with the CMA. Apple said it disagreed with the findings and said it was concerned that the recommendations would undermine user privacy and security. Google said the openness of its Android mobile operating system “has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps" and that it's “committed to open platforms that empower consumers.” It's the latest move by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to crack down on the dominance of Big Tech companies. US federal prosecutors this week unveiled their proposals to force Google to sell off its Chrome browser as they target its monopoly in online search. The CMA's final report is due by March. The watchdog indicated it would recommend using the UK's new digital competition rulebook set to take effect next year, which includes new powers to rein in tech companies, to prioritise further investigation into Apple's and Google's “activities in mobile ecosystems". (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

NoneCadiz Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend for Q4 2024 on Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

FACT CHECK: Obama did not resettle 70,000 Somalis in Minnesota

WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site had not posted any American Airlines flights on Tuesday morning, but showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Jae C. Hong, Associated Press Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Lost Luggage Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: Alert the airline, both in person and in writing, of any missing bags. Remember, the clock starts ticking immediately. After 21 days, the baggage is considered lost and the airline is liable for it and its contents. Contact the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Canadian Transportation Agency , who will query the airline on your behalf and give them a 30-day deadline to respond. Usually, the airline will resolve the issue, but if it doesn't, or if you're unsatisfied with the offer, the next level is mediation. Beyond that, the case could move to adjudication, a court-like process with a panel deciding on the outcome. On international flights, you have up to two years to file litigation. If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Delayed/Cancelled Flights Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Flight Compensation in the U.S. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." Flight Compensation in Canada The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: A plane must return to its gate after three hours on the tarmac. Minimum requirements will be set for procuring food, drink, lavatories, ventilation, and access to electronic communications during the delay. For larger airlines, payouts will range from $400 for a 3-6 hour delay, to $700 for 6-9 hours, and $1,000 for more than nine hours. For smaller carriers, the compensation would be $125, $250, and $500, respectively. Here's the loophole: If the delay is related to the air carrier's maintenance problems, no compensation is required. The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Bumped Off the Flight Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Gorodenkoff // ShutterstockEyeEm Mobile GmbH/iStock via Getty Images In a matter of months, AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ( NASDAQ: ASTS ) went from a mostly ignored former SPAC to surging over 1,000%. The company building a space-based cellular broadband network is near priced for perfection If you'd like to learn more about how to best position yourself in undervalued stocks mispriced by the market to start December, consider joining Out Fox The Street . The service offers a model portfolio, daily updates, trade alerts and real-time chat. Sign up now for a risk-free 2-week trial to started finding the best stocks with potential to double and triple in the next few years. Stone Fox Capital (aka Mark Holder) is a CPA with degrees in Accounting and Finance. He is also Series 65 licensed and has 30 years of investing experience, including 10 years as a portfolio manager. Out Fox The Street Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. 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Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Daily Post Nigeria Tinubu appoints Nwakuche Ndidi acting Controller-General of prisons Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Tinubu appoints Nwakuche Ndidi acting Controller-General of prisons Published on December 13, 2024 By Seun Opejobi President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Nwakuche Ndidi as the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. In a statement released on Friday, Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Board, announced that Ndidi’s appointment will officially begin on December 15, 2024. His appointment comes after the conclusion of the term of the current Comptroller General, Haliru Nababa. The statement reads: “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has graciously approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service following the expiration of the tenure of Haliru Nababa. His appointment takes effect from December 15, 2024. “Nwakuche, born on November 26, 1966, hails from Oguta in Imo State. Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Controller-General in charge of the Training and Staff Development Directorate. He is a fellow of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and holds the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic. “The President further enjoined him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new capacity.” Related Topics: Nwakuche Ndidi Tinubu Don't Miss Appeal Court sets aside order restraining release of funds to Rivers State You may like Shettima heads for Dubai to represent Tinubu at launch of oil facility Leadership vacuum: Stakeholders appeal to Tinubu for stability in NCAA Tinubu, AGF, Akpabio dragged to court over removal of CCT chair, Danladi Umar Sack ministers who shun Senate summons – Orji Kalu tells Tinubu Appointments: Tinubu favouring his Yoruba ethnic group – Arewa youths World Bank to approve Nigeria’s $500m loan request, 10th under Tinubu Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

( MENAFN - The Peninsula) QNA Doha: Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the State of Qatar's priority in handling the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic is currently humanitarian to ensure providing all the essential help to maintain stability there. During the weekly media availability organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari, said the air bridge being operated by the State of Qatar to help the brotherly people of Syria is underway, as long as, there is a need for that, highlighting that the fifth aircraft of the Qatar Armed Forces landed in Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, on Monday, with over 33 tons of medical, food and shelter items onboard provided by Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) to Syria, thereby bringing the total number of aid, heretofore, provided to the Syrians to 144 tons. He reiterated the State of Qatar's call for the essential lifting of the international sanctions on Syria as soon as possible to ensure there would be no hindrance in getting all kinds of humanitarian aid to the brotherly people of Syria and extend the Qatari air bridge to all airports within the Syrian territories, thereby facilitating the delivery of these aids. Dr. Al Ansari added the Qatari position regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria is crystal clear, especially since the reasons behind sanctions, which are represented in the former regime, have been diminished, implying that they no longer exist, and it is incumbent on international community to promptly act to lift those sanctions. Within the framework of the Qatari delegation's visit to Damascus led by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, aboard the first flight of Qatar Airways to Damascus International Airport, the foremost needs were discussed there, alongside how the State of Qatar can directly contribute to meeting those needs, pointed out Dr. Al Ansari, underling that the State of Qatar will spare no effort in providing the essential support for the brotherly people of Syria. He pointed out that the technical team that accompanied HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Damascus was intended to get familiarized with the airports technical needs and discussed how Qatar can perform a positive role in this respect to ensure it is swiftly recommissioned as an international airport, especially that it had been neglected for a very long time and came under shelling from the Israeli occupation. Dr. Al Ansari highlighted that the symbolic message associated with the landing of the Qatar Airways plane in Damascus International Airport reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to taking all essential measures to ensure the airport's recommissioning and resuming flights to the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, noting that flights will return to the airport simultaneously when technical requirements are in place. Dr. Al Ansari said the Syrian Arab Republic's needs are being scrutinized for the aid to be announced - whether urgent, short-term or strategic. The priority is for urgent humanitarian needs to ensure a successful and unhindered transition process, especially on the humanitarian side, followed by efforts for Syria's returning to the Arab nation, Al Ansari added. He pointed out that the embassy of the Syrian opposition in the State of Qatar is the first of the new Syrian embassies - a stance that reflects the State of Qatar's unchanged position since the first day of the Syrian crisis, and supports the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people by all available means. In this context, Al Ansari highlighted the resumption of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Syrian Arab Republic on December 17, and the appointment of HE Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as Charge d'Affaires there. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the resumption of embassy operations comes after approximately 13 years since all diplomatic relations were severed with the Syrian regime in 2011, expressing Qatar's principled stance in support of the Syrian people's revolution and its steadfast support for their demands for a dignified life, freedom, and social justice. It also reaffirms Qatar's unequivocal rejection of all the oppressive policies of the Syrian regime against the Syrian people. Dr. Al Ansari added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the resumption of the embassys work in conjunction with the victory of the Syrian peoples revolution reflects the continued firm and supportive position of the State of Qatar towards the Syrian people and their struggle to obtain their legitimate rights to a decent life, and enhances its relief efforts that began with an air bridge to help the Syrian people overcome the requirements of the transition process, noting the raising of the Qatari flag on December 21 in Damascus for the first time in 13 years. Referring to Monday's meeting between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and Leader of the new administration of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa as part of a Qatari delegation visit to Damascus, Al Ansari said the meetings covered close bilateral relations and ways to boost them, the future of Syria and the prospects of the State of Qatars unwavering support for the brotherly Syrian people across all fields. He pointed out that HE Al Khulaifi stressed the State of Qatar's continued firm support for the Syrian brothers to build a state of institutions that is governed by justice, freedom, development and peace, and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people. Noting the State of Qatar's position has always remained supportive of the revolution of the brothers in Syria, HE Al Khulaifi stressed the need for Syrians to take decisions independently, ensure the unity of Syria and work on a peaceful power transfer through a political process that includes the whole spectrum of the Syrian people. Meanwhile, Dr. Al Ansari said that it is too early to talk about investing in Syria at the present time, noting that the focus is now on providing everything necessary to support Syrians, especially in areas such as energy, the humanitarian aspect and infrastructure. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and HE Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria HE Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the negotiations are ongoing, with technical talks taking place in Doha and other tracks occurring in Cairo with continuous coordination with the Arab Republic of Egypt in this regard, adding that no one can predict a specific timeline for reaching an agreement. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari confirmed that the situation in Gaza has not improved at all, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening, reiterating the call to all parties to engage seriously with the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation without any actions that might hinder the success of these negotiations. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted Qatar's welcome of the UN General Assembly's resolution to refer the ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to the International Court of Justice. Qatar considers the adoption of the resolution, with 137 votes in favor, as reflecting the broad international rejection of the Israeli occupation authorities' decisions to ban UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. He pointed out Qatar's warning that banning UNRWA's activities will lead to severe humanitarian and political consequences, especially depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria of essential services, as well as the liquidation of the Palestinian refugee issue and their right to return to their homes. Separately, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Qatar-Iran relations are strong and solid, with both sides collaborating on certain gas projects in the region, praising the bilateral relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that their discussions on regional events are ongoing. Regarding Qatar's relations with Russia, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari stated that Qatar's relationship with the Russian Federation remains ongoing and positive, highlighting Qatar's involvement in another mediation between Russia and Ukraine, aimed at reuniting children affected by the war with their families. On the Lebanese front, Al Ansari referred to the meeting of HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi on December 16 with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament HE Nabih Berri, and Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon HE Najib Mikati. He explained that these meetings discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, emphasizing the critical role of the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability in Lebanon, preserving the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid increasing security and political challenges, and reaffirming Qatar's steadfast position towards the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, and territorial integrity, and its continued support for the Lebanese people. MENAFN24122024000063011010ID1109028577 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA's two stuck astronauts just got their space mission extended again. That means they won't be back on Earth until spring — 10 months after rocketing into orbit on Boeing's Starliner capsule. NASA announced the latest delay in Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' homecoming Tuesday. The two test pilots planned to be away just a week or so when they blasted off June 5 on Boeing's first astronaut flight to the International Space Station. Their mission grew from eight days to eight months after NASA decided to send the company's problem-plagued Starliner capsule back empty in September. FILE - This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (NASA via AP, File) Now the pair won't return until the end of March or even April because of a delay in launching their replacements, according to NASA. A fresh crew needs to launch before Wilmore and Williams can return and the next mission was bumped more than a month, according to the space agency. NASA's next crew of four was supposed to launch in February, followed by Wilmore and Williams' return home by the end of that month alongside two other astronauts. But SpaceX needs more time to prepare the new capsule for liftoff. That launch is now scheduled for no earlier than late March. NASA said it considered using a different SpaceX capsule to fly up the replacement crew in order to keep the flights on schedule. However, it decided the best option was to wait for the new capsule to transport the next crew. NASA prefers to have overlapping crews at the space station for a smoother transition, according to officials. Most space station missions last six months, with a few reaching a full year. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, left, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, gives a thumbs up as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Complex 40 for a mission to the International Space Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., (AP Photo/John Raoux) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, talks to his family members as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov looks on after leaving the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts are beginning a mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) In this image from video provided by NASA, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, and astronaut Nick Hague travel inside a SpaceX capsule en route to the International Space Station after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (NASA via AP) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Falcon 9's first stage booster returns to Landing Zone 1 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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