MEMPHIS, Tenn. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- uLab Systems ® announces an exciting new strategic collaboration with Voxel Dental and LuxCreo, Inc., two other leaders in the orthodontic industry, aimed at advancing the use of direct print aligner technology. All three companies share the vision of transforming the landscape of in-office manufacturing capabilities for orthodontists. Together they will streamline the overall workflow for direct print appliances and further the adoption of this promising technology. "We could not be happier to team up with Voxel and LuxCreo," said Charlie Wen, Co-founder and President of uLab Systems. "This collaboration will enable us to deliver needed advancements in direct print technology workflow, ultimately benefiting our customers and their patients with fast, precise, and cost-effective solutions." Mark Bacino , Vice President of Orthodontic Solutions at Voxel, added, "We're thrilled about the future of direct print aligners with the LuxCreo system. Previously, we were concerned about the lengthy digital workflow, but now, with the integration of uLab's uDesign platform and LuxCreo FastTrack AI, setting up direct print cases is much easier. The reduction in labor time is invaluable, eliminating the need for physically blocking out, thermoforming, cutting, and trimming in-office aligners." Mike Yang , CEO of LuxCreo, commented, "We are excited to partner with Voxel and uLab, uniting our shared commitment to enhance patient care through disruptive solutions. Together, we are advancing the frontier of digital dentistry, empowering doctors with elegant solutions and the ability to create lasting value for their business and patients. This collaboration underscores our collective vision to shape a brighter, more connected future." uLab's uDesign software has been the established leader in digital aligner treatment planning platforms since its commercial launch in 2019. Since then, the company has been focused on creating flexible workflows to empower orthodontists, giving them greater control over their treatment plans and aligner manufacturing. uLab recently enabled direct print capabilities for the uDesign software application and is working with LuxCreo on integrations that will save time for users. Register for an upcoming event to learn more: Hands-On with 3D Printed Aligners: From Treatment Planning to Finished Aligner 1/31/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/21/25 LuxCreo, Inc., Headquarters – Chicago, IL Register Now! https://voxeldental.com/products/luxdemo Digital Workflows for In-office Printing with uLab 3/7/25 Voxel Dental Headquarters – Houston, TX Register Now! https://ulabsystems.swoogo.com/ulabvoxel About uLab Systems uLab's mission is to advance the orthodontic industry with aligner products and digital treatment planning software that let orthodontists take back control of their treatment plans to provide the best outcomes for their patients. uLab sustainably manufactures uSmile aligners in Memphis, Tennessee , recycling over 80% of manufacturing mold materials. uSmile clear aligners, the uAssist concierge service, and the uDesign software are available to orthodontic practices in the USA . To learn more, visit www.ulabsystems.com. Contact: Johanna Beckmen , pr@ulabsystems.com . About Voxel Dental Voxel Dental is the #1 provider of digital orthodontic workflow solutions, offering the industry's top brands along with decades of combined experience in dental technologies. The Voxel team field tests every digital technology we provide to recommend the highest quality tailored solutions for our customers across a comprehensive product line. Focusing on a high-tech, high-touch philosophy, we specialize in 3D printers, intraoral scanners, digital X-ray, laser welding, thermoforming plastics, and wire-bending robotics with an emphasis on providing unmatched education, training, and technical support. For more information, please visit our website at voxeldental.com or call us at 281.789.7270. Contact: Chris Koch , marketing@voxeldental.com . About LuxCreo, Inc. LuxCreo, Inc., is the leading platform for personalized medical and dental devices, dedicated to transforming patient care through innovation, speed, and customer success. We empower doctors to design, create, and deliver same-day treatments that enhance smiles, health, and well-being for a wider variety of patients. Our unique ecosystem supports dental and medical professionals with onsite, scalable solutions and flexible production with laboratory design and production services. LuxCreo helps doctors grow their practices and improve patient care by delivering more customized and effective treatments with convenience and precision. For more information, visit LuxCreo.com © 2024 uLab Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. uSmile and Reva are trademarks and uLab, uLab Systems, uAssist and uDesign are registered trademarks of uLab Systems, Inc. MAR-0001792 Rev 1 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ulab-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-voxel-and-luxcreo-to-revolutionize-direct-print-aligner-technology-302330747.html SOURCE uLab Systems, Inc.

Daily Post Nigeria Gombe: Gov Yahaya signs N369.9bn budget Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Gombe: Gov Yahaya signs N369.9bn budget Published on December 23, 2024 By Chris Johnson Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has officially signed the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a budget of N369.9 billion. The signing ceremony, held at the Government House in Gombe, followed the bill’s swift passage by the State House of Assembly. Governor Yahaya described the budget as a strategic roadmap for economic growth and social development, emphasising his administration’s focus on sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens. “This appropriation law demonstrates our commitment to advancing our development agenda. It prioritises healthcare, education, and social services, ensuring the effective use of resources for the benefit of our people,” Yahaya said. The governor praised the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, which he credited for the progress achieved since 2019. “I thank the honourable members of the House of Assembly for their speedy passage of this bill. This collaboration has been vital in securing remarkable achievements across various sectors, including security and healthcare,” he added. Yahaya also announced that the government would release the performance report for the 2024 budget in January, expressing optimism about achieving a high rating. The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, explained that the initial budget proposal of N320.1 billion submitted by the governor was increased to N369.9 billion to better address the aspirations of the people. “The adjustments reflect our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. We prioritised areas that will drive infrastructure development and long-term growth, with 69 per cent of the budget allocated to capital expenditure,” Luggerewo stated. The speaker commended Governor Yahaya’s focus on development and assured the public of the Assembly’s commitment to effective oversight to ensure the budget’s successful implementation. Governor Yahaya reiterated his administration’s dedication to utilising the increased sectoral allocations to improve healthcare delivery and social services. He expressed confidence that the 2025 budget would build on the progress made in previous years, driving sustainable development across Gombe State. The signing ceremony concluded with assurances from both the executive and legislative branches to continue their collaboration for the benefit of the state. Related Topics: gombe Yahaya Don't Miss Robbery, fraud suspects set to face trial in Jigawa — Police You may like Two arrested for purchasing beans with counterfeit naira notes in Gombe Police arrest man for allegedly raping 5-yr-old girl in Gombe Gombe ta bada N5m da kayan agaji ga wadanda hare-haren makiyaya suka shafa Gunmen attack Gombe village, kill one, burn several houses Mutum daya ya mutu sakamakon rikici tsakanin makiyaya da matasa a Gombe Gombe government set to implement disability bill Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdThe future of ethical influencer marketing: How Clark Influence is setting new standards in ChicagoArticle content QAMISHLI, Syria — The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Tuesday they have launched a counter-offensive against the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army to take back areas near Syria’s northern border with Turkey. The SDF is Washington’s critical ally in Syria, targeting sleeper cells of the extremist Islamic State group scattered across the country’s east. Since the fall of the totalitarian rule of Bashar Assad earlier this month, clashes have intensified between the U.S.-backed group and the SNA, which captured the key city of Manbij and the areas surrounding it. The intense weeks-long clashes come at a time when Syria, battered by over a decade of war and economic misery, negotiates its political future following half a century under the Assad dynasty’s rule. Ruken Jamal, spokesperson of the Women’s Protection Unit, or YPJ, under the SDF, told The Associated Press that their fighters are just over 11 km away from the centre of Manbij in their ongoing counter-offensive. She accused Ankara of trying to weaken the group’s influence in negotiations over Syria’s political future through the SNA. “Syria is now in a new phase, and discussions are underway about the future of the country,” Jamal said. “Turkey is trying, through its attacks, to distract us with battles and exclude us from the negotiations in Damascus.” A Britain-based opposition war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says since the SNA’s offensive in northern Syria against the Kurds started earlier this month, dozens from both sides have been killed. U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on Tuesday with Turkish National Defence Minister Yaşar Guler, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj.-Gen. Pat Ryder. He said they discussed the ongoing situation in Syria, and Austin emphasized that close and continuous co-ordination is crucial to a successful effort to counter IS in the country. They also discussed the importance of setting the conditions to enable a more secure and stable Syria. Ankara sees the SDF as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which it classifies as a terrorist organization. Turkish-backed armed groups alongside Turkish jets for years have attacked positions where the SDF are largely present across northern Syria, in a bid to create a buffer zone free from the group along the large shared border. While the SNA was involved in the lightning insurgency — led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — that toppled Assad, it has continued its push against the SDF, seen as Syria’s second key actor for its political future. RECOMMENDED VIDEO On Monday, the SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami said the group’s forces pushed back the Turkish-backed rebels from areas near the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates, a key source of hydroelectric power. He said the SDF also destroyed a tank belonging to the rebels southeast of Manbij. The British-based war monitor said on Tuesday that the Kurdish-led group, following overnight fighting, has reclaimed four villages in the areas near the strategic dam. Turkish jets also pounded the strategic border town of Kobani in recent days. During Syria’s uprising-turned-conflict, the Kurds carved out an enclave of autonomous rule across northeastern Syria, never fully allying entirely with Assad in Damascus nor the rebels trying to overthrow him. Even with the Assad family out of the picture, it appears that Ankara’s position won’t change, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s landmark visit to Syria maintaining a strong position on the Kurdish-led group in his meeting with de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa of HTS. “It has turned the region into a cauldron of terror with PKK members and far-left groups who have come from Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Europe,” Fidan said in a news conference after the meeting. “The international community is turning a blind eye to this lawlessness because of the wardenship it provides (against IS).” With the ongoing fighting, SDF Cmdr. Mazloum Abdi has expressed concern about a strong IS resurgence due to the power vacuum in Syria and the ongoing fighting, which has left the Kurdish-led group unable to carry out its attacks and raids on the extremist group’s scattered sleeper cells. Tens of thousands of children, family members, and supporters of IS militants are still held in large detention centres in northeastern Syria, in areas under SDF control.

When the snow is falling and hot chocolate is piping, few activities are more refreshing and relaxing than plopping down on the couch and turning on the television. Some will watch live Christmas events from Rockefeller Center, while others will tune into a bowl game. But if you’re of a certain age, you clearly remember the excitement when Nickelodeon began to roll out its litany of timeless Christmas specials. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Last Chance to Save $100 Off the New Asus ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld PCAs the cost of living crisis persists, there are a number schemes to help you live more comfortably in 2025. These payments, freebies and discounts are designed to help your money go further and are worth considering as we go into the new year. The new year will usher in a new energy price cap, with customers of British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus facing bills exceeding £1,700 for the first quarter of the year. However, schemes are available to assist with balancing the books. Cash-strapped households can optimise their finances and ensure their budgets stretch further thanks to several Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initiatives. Some of these are accessible even to those not claiming benefits. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Here are seven strategies to increase your income and ensure you have more cash on hand to navigate whatever the new year brings: Household Support Fund - up to £500 The Household Support Fund (HSF) offers financial assistance to households in difficulty and has been extended multiple times since its introduction by the previous Conservative Party government in 2021. The funds, totalling £421 million, are allocated to local councils for distribution to those most in need within their communities, reports Birmingham Live . Depending on your location, assistance could come in the form of direct cash transfers, shopping vouchers or other means to aid with bills and other expenses. You can find out what your local council is offering by visiting their website. However, be aware that it's somewhat of a postcode lottery. The highest payments recorded in some local authority areas reach up to £500. Energy hardship schemes - up to £2,000 Several energy companies offer grants to customers facing financial difficulties to help cover their bill costs, including British Gas, Scottish Power and EDF. The British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) provides support to families and individuals experiencing hardship who are struggling with energy debts. The British Gas Energy Trust, which includes the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, is an independent charitable Trust funded solely by donations from British Gas. The Trust's mission is to assist those in financial difficulty, particularly focusing on energy debt. The trust awards grants to clear gas and electricity debts for families and individuals experiencing hardship. This significantly impacts thousands of people each year, helping them regain their footing and maintain a debt-free life moving forward. Additionally, the trust funds organisations across England, Wales and Scotland to provide fuel debt and money advice services within communities. Help with water bills - up to £1,000 If you're living on a tight budget, exploring social tariffs with your water supplier is definitely worth the effort. These special rates can slash your water bill by hundreds of pounds annually. Depending on the company, you might qualify for either a percentage-based discount or a fixed rate. Additionally, if you're already receiving a council tax reduction, you could be eligible for an even lower water rate. While savings vary, one individual received a refund exceeding £1,000 through this initiative. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water offers a social tariff called HelpU to help low-income households with their water bills. Assistance with phone and broadband - up to £227 Low-income families might be surprised to learn that they're eligible for affordable broadband and mobile phone plans. Several providers offer these "social tariffs" to households receiving specific benefits, which can lead to substantial savings. Generally, these tariffs are available to those on qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit, and are significantly cheaper than standard broadband packages. Prices start at £12 for mobile contracts and £12.50 for broadband plans. Take BT's Home Essentials package, for instance. This social tariff starts at £15 per month, whereas their standard tariffs begin at £33.99. By opting for the social tariff, you could pocket a £227.88 annual saving. Warm Home Discount - £150 The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers a one-time £150 reduction on your electricity bill. If you qualify, the discount will be applied directly to your bill by your electricity provider. The money is not given to you directly. Typically, if you're eligible, the discount is applied automatically. However, if you're on a low income in Scotland, you'll need to apply through your energy supplier. If you receive both gas and electricity from your supplier and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply the discount to your gas bill instead. Contact your supplier for more information. Winter Fuel Payment - £300 If you were born before September 23 1958, you could be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment of either £200 or £300 to help cover your heating costs for winter 2024 to 2025. Eligibility may depend on whether you or your partner receive certain benefits. Please note that the additional Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - provided in 2022 and 2023 - stopped in winter 2023. Eligible individuals will receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount they will receive. If you don't receive a letter but believe you're eligible, check if you need to make a claim. Payments are typically made in November or December for most eligible people. Cold Weather Payments - £25 You may be entitled to Cold Weather Payments if you're receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. These payments are made automatically if you're eligible, so there's no need to apply. However, you may need to inform Jobcentre Plus if you have a newborn or if a child under five comes to live with you. The payments do not affect your other benefits. You'll receive a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You'll receive £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between November 1 2024 and March 31 2025.

BY SAMANTHA CHRISTMANN Dec. 24, 2024 Al Cohen's Bakery on Broadway. Al Cohen's Premium Dough sheds rye bread legacy When I say Al Cohen's, what does it make you think of? It's the iconic rye bread with the blue and white label, right? Well, imagine how confusing it would have to be if you're an entirely separate company in Buffalo – one that makes frozen pizza dough – that is also called Al Cohen's? That has been the reality for Al Cohen's Premium Dough Products since 2019. That's the year Al Cohen's Rye Bread, which is now made in Syracuse, split its frozen dough manufacturing operation into a separate company. Al Cohen's – the frozen dough company, not the rye bread company – also makes and sells frozen bread dough, which is baked fresh in grocery store bakeries. "You can imagine how confusing it gets," said owner Chris Covelli. Being associated with the rye bread name didn't do enough for the frozen bread maker's brand to make it worth the headaches. Now, Al Cohen's – the frozen dough company, not the rye bread company – will cut the confusion by changing its name. Al Cohen's Premium Dough Products will be known as Covelli Premium Dough Products starting Feb. 1. "Very few people realize that the frozen dough business is separate from the fresh rye bread business,” Covelli said. He added, “Most importantly, none of our products will change. We will continue to use the same recipes and production processes that have made our frozen dough products successful for over 50 years." Aside from the name change, there's another big move in store for Covelli – literally. The company bought the former Will Poultry building at 1075 William St., for $2.2 million. "The biggest challenge by a mile is this facility. We're spending, like, upwards of $60,000 a month right now just keeping this building operational," Covelli said in July. "We explored trying to stay here, and the city wanted to work with us. It's just the bones, the building will not allow us to make a functional food production facility." Only about two-thirds of the 30,000-square-foot building on Broadway was usable. It had just one loading dock, which let out onto the busy Broadway portion of the factory, making it difficult for trucks to move in and out efficiently. "The biggest thing is just putting the frustrations of repairs and maintenance and building issues behind us, and really focusing on growth," Covelli said. "Like I said, we've got a couple really nice pieces of business that want to come on board, and there's too many distractions in this building to really grow. The new facility will give us four times the capacity and eliminate all those headaches and really give us a place to grow into comfortably." Covelli spent more than a year looking for a new building, which spans 57,000 square feet and sits on nearly 3 acres of land. “The main challenge was finding a facility with the specific features we need, such as sufficient frozen storage space, food-grade production rooms, and ample electrical capacity,” Covelli said. The company plans to invest up to $1 million to transform and modernize the facility, turning it into a "hub for growth." The renovated space will include state-of-the-art production lines, new offices and employee break rooms, a test kitchen with advanced equipment for research and development and enhanced cosmetic upgrades throughout. “We’re excited about the new facility and the opportunities it will bring,” Covelli said. “The renovations will ensure we have everything we need to support long-term growth and maintain our commitment to excellence.” Covelli bought out Gioia Capital and Robert Drago in late 2023 and has since taken on two strategic partners. The first is former Army captain Jason Cordova, who is experienced in the frozen food manufacturing space. He is the former owner of Finger Food Products, maker of the Original Pizza Log. "I’m very excited to leverage my experience in growing a relatively regional company to one with national distribution once again,” Cordova said. Covelli declined to name the other partner but said it is a leading importer of Italian ingredients focusing on the artisan pizza segment in the United States, he said. “The addition of my two strategic partners has really helped position the business to get to the next level," Covelli said. "The rebranding of the frozen dough business aligns with the company’s vision and was a priority for the new partners." Welcome to Buffa lo Next. This newsletter from The Buffalo News will bring you the latest coverage on the changing Buffalo Niagara economy – from real estate to health care to startups. Read more at BuffaloNext.com . THE LATEST Four Buffalo Niagara Starbucks stores were closed on Tuesday after workers went on strike, as part of a nationwide work stoppage. A big solar power project in Somerset received approval from a state siting agency. The Starbucks strike spread to Buffalo − the city where the push to unionize the coffee maker's workers began. Starbucks Workers United launched strikes at 4 local stores. The Buffalo Bills are planning to include a transportation hub at the new stadium in hopes of making it easier for fans to take public transit to games and events there. Developer Douglas Jemal is getting a $10 million state grant to pay for a portion of his $140 million project to renovate the Statler Buffalo. The Buffalo Niagara unemployment rate didn't change in November, holding at 3.6%, but that didn't include the Sumitomo Rubber USA job cuts. Striking Milk-Bone workers reached a three-year contract agreement. Party City is shutting down, including its three stores in the Buffalo Niagara region. Starbucks workers went on strike at unionized stores in three big U.S. cities. When could the strikes spread to its Buffalo Niagara stores? The union representing workers at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum has ratified its first labor contract. National Fuel Gas Co. won approval to raise its delivery rates by 40% over the next three years. The Sumitomo job cuts didn’t impact the November job numbers. But knowing what’s coming shows just how fragile the Buffalo Niagara job market is. A Lancaster manufacturer is getting tax breaks to move to a bigger facility in Alden. Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula is trying to spur more activity around KeyBank Center with more events. Could that approach help spur development around the new Buffalo Bills stadium? The Erie County Industrial Development Agency is creating a loan fund to help Sumitomo Rubber USA workers interested in starting their own business. A big project is in the works to upgrade the amenities inside Shea’s Performing Arts Center. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the region’s economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up to get the latest news in your inbox. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! News Business Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Shohei Ohtani and his wife announce they are expecting their first child

A Maryland Cracker Barrel fired three of its employees, including a general manager, after the branch allegedly refused to seat 11 schoolchildren with special needs , turning them and seven teachers away. "Senior Cracker Barrel executives met on Monday with leadership and teachers from the school as well as the parent community to hear their concerns directly. We also shared actions we have taken ... to address recent missteps at that store locations," Cracker Barrel's media relations team said on Wednesday. "These actions include completing an internal investigation ... separating three members of the store's team, including the general manager." The group of students and teachers from Charles County Public Schools went to the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on Robert S. Crain Highway on Dec. 3 as part of an initiative called community-based instruction, through which children with special needs can practice their social skills. After being refused seating, the group waited for over an hour to receive their food in to-go containers in order to be able to eat outside, reported 11 Alive. "The alleged treatment of CCPS students and staff at Cracker Barrel is one that no one should experience," CCPS Superintendent Maria Navarro said last Thursday. "However, it is encouraging that the district manager said the business would be willing to work with CCPS to do better." According to Cracker Barrel, while its staff admittedly made mistakes in not following protocol, they did not discriminate against the students due to their special needs. Cracker Barrel also clarified that the group was not refused service. "We did not refuse service to this student group," Cracker Barrel's media relations team said on Wednesday. "But operational breakdowns caused by staffing shortages and poor communication on our part led us to fall well short of our service standards that day." However, Superintendent Navarro pointed out that the group had called the restaurant beforehand in order to plan the scheduled visit, and had communicated the purpose of the visit to restaurant staff, as well as how many people would be in the attending party. "Charles County Public Schools staff notified the establishment of the planned visit, including how many were in the party," Superintendent Navarro told parents and community members on Thursday. "... CCPS staff were reportedly told by restaurant staff that no reservations were necessary." Originally published by Latin Times.

South Korea Export Price Growth (YoY): 7% (November) vs 2%

The American drone was shot down while it was on a “hostile mission” in Yemen’s airspace, the armed forces said in a statement carried by Al-Masirah TV Network on Saturday night. According to the statement, the armed forces shot down the unmanned aircraft, using a domestically-made surface-to-air missile. It said the aircraft was the 13th MQ-9 drone destroyed by the Yemeni armed forces during their military operations in support of Gaza. The operations, which have also included attacks on Israel-linked ships, began a year ago to put pressure on the regime to end its war on Gaza. The Yemeni armed forces have time and again said that they will continue their operations until the Israeli regime and its ally the United States stops the aggression on Gaza. The Yemenis say the US is directly responsible for the killing of civilians in Gaza as it supplies the Israeli regime with weapons and politically supports it in international bodies. 4194COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork said Thursday that he is "absolutely" confident that Ryan Day will be back as football coach in 2025. Calls to fire the sixth-year coach rose among Ohio State fans after the Buckeyes lost to Michigan for the fourth straight year. Bjork, in an interview on 97.1 The Fan, said Day is the man for the job, regardless of how the Buckeyes perform in the College Football Playoff. They host Tennessee in a first-round game Dec. 21. "Coach Day is awesome," said Bjork, who came from Texas A&M to replace the retiring Gene Smith last summer. "He's great to work with. He totally gets it. He loves being a Buckeye. So, we're going to support him at the highest level." The 13-10 loss to Michigan followed by an ugly melee between the teams put the coach in a precarious spot. He and his team were booed off the field by the home fans. Bjork ended up releasing a statement expressing his support for the coach. "The reason we had to say something after (the Michigan) game is, we're still breathing, we're still alive," Bjork said. "The season's not over. The book is not closed." Thanks to the playoff, Day has a chance to redeem himself with Ohio State's huge fanbase with a win against the Volunteers — and perhaps more in the 12-team tournament. Regardless of what happens, Day will be back next year, according to Bjork. "Coach Day and I just hit it off so well," Bjork said. "I've been really, really impressed. Every single time I talked to him, I learn something. He's innovative. He recruits at the highest level. He's got a great staff." Day wouldn't directly address his job status last weekend. "When you first come off those types of things, there's a lot of emotion," he said, referring to the Michigan loss. "And then as time goes on, you've got to get refocused because you know what you've done in the past does not affect what's going on moving forward. Everything is out in front of us." Failing to consistently beat Michigan is one of the few flaws in Day's coaching record. Hired as a member of coach Urban Meyer's staff in 2017, Day was the hand-picked successor when Meyer retired after the 2018 season. Compiling an overall 66-10 record, he is widely admired in the coaching community. "Great respect for what he's done in his coaching career, what he's done there at Ohio State and the success that they've had year-in and year-out," Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. Day is in trouble now because losing The Game is considered an unforgiveable sin by Buckeyes fans. "What we have to do is this whole 'championship or bust' mentality, you want that as the goal, but it has to be about the process," Bjork said. "To me, we've got to maybe change some conversations a little bit. I think we need to maybe just approach things a little bit differently." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has rapped Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton over criticisms regarding government’s recent salary increase announcements for public servants. In criticising the 10% retroactive increase for 2024 and the additional 8% increase for 2025, Norton called out President Dr Irfaan Ali’s monthly salary of $2.9 million. But Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday, labelled Norton as being hypocritical, noting that the Opposition Leader makes $1.8 million monthly for doing ‘practically nothing’. Jagdeo, who is also the country’s Vice President, disclosed that Norton’s emoluments, allowances and other benefits equate to $1.8 million, excluding vacation allowance and other annual payments. “This is what Norton gets....for doing nothing practically, for just walking around the place and being a nuisance. At least Ali is working,” Jagdeo contended. Furthermore, the Vice President noted that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration has increased wages and salaries by 80% from 2020 to 2025 compared to a 36% increase for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government. “In five years, your salary increases were less than the 50% the government took three months after they got into office,” he said referring to the 50% increase in salaries granted to Government Ministers in 2015. According to Jagdeo, since 2020, the PPP has successfully increased the overall public sector wages as follows: Central Government – $71.8B in 2020 to $121.4B in 2024 Public enterprises – $16.1B in 2020 to $24B in 2024 Statutory bodies – $38.9B in 2020 to $69.2B in 2024 “For the whole of the public sector, in 2020, the wage bill was $126.8B, it’s $210.7B per year. That means it’s an $83.9B more per year than the public sector is currently getting from the Government of Guyana...this is a significant increase” This, he said, benefits over 70,000 persons.