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www jili178.com How Ainsley Earhardt Became Fox’s Morning Queen–and Made Sean Hannity Husband No. 3THIS WEEK’S DOSE 118th Congress Continues to Grapple with Contentious CR. With the collapse of Republican support for the negotiated continuing resolution (CR) package, as of the time of publication on Friday at 3:00 PM EST, Congress is still grappling with how to extend government funding into the new year. At a minimum, we think any final deal will at least provide a short-term extension to a number of expiring health programs. House Health Committees Select New Republican Members. Republicans identified new committee members, while House Democrats have yet to name new members for the 119th Congress. House Energy & Commerce Committee Announces New Health Subcommittee Chair. Incoming Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) announced today that Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) will be the Health Subcommittee Chair. CBO Details Options to Reduce Federal Deficit. A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report highlights options for Congress to consider to reduce mandatory and discretionary spending. House Bipartisan Task Force on AI Releases Report. The report recommends that the healthcare industry maintain robust support for healthcare research related to artificial intelligence (AI) and encourages the development of standards for AI liability. ASTP/ONC Releases HTI-3 Final Rule. The rule is the second of three expected final rules following the release of a proposed rule from the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator (ASTP/ONC) this summer. CMS Actuary Office Data Shows Increased Healthcare, Hospital Spending. Healthcare spending in 2023 reached $4.9 trillion, a third of which was hospital spending, representing a sharp increase compared to 2022. CONGRESS 118th Congress Continues to Grapple with Contentious CR. Addressing their final agenda item, lawmakers need to at a minimum enact a short-term CR that extends government funding beyond the current CR’s December 20 expiration date. Earlier this week, House Republican leaders brought forth a bipartisan agreement negotiated on both sides of the Capitol to extend government funding through March 14, 2025, and include significant other policies, including disaster relief funding, a Farm Bill extension, and a sizeable package of bipartisan healthcare policies. That package included pharmacy benefit manager reforms, patent reforms, a limited Medicare site neutral policy, Medicaid home- and community-based services policies, a 2.5% offset to the scheduled Medicare physician fee schedule reduction, and a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities. However, amid growing concern from House Republicans, President-elect Donald Trump voiced his opposition Wednesday night and pushed for the debt limit to be raised, putting the package in immediate jeopardy. House Republicans in response developed a slimmed down CR on Thursday to raise the debt limit and fund the government into March 2025, with the inclusion of three months of funding for expiring healthcare programs. A vote on that package failed on the House floor with 38 Republicans joining most Democrats in opposition. As of the time of this publication, on Friday at 3:00 PM EST, House Republicans are working to coalesce around next steps to avoid a government shutdown and appear poised to vote on a CR similar to the one that failed on Thursday, without the provision to raise the debt limit. While we think the CR will include short-term extensions of expiring health provisions, it is not yet clear at this time. Beyond the CR, activity on the House floor this week included passage of numerous public health bills , such as legislation on home care for veterans and funding for autism research. Some of the bills previously passed the Senate and could be signed by President Biden, while others were not voted on in the Senate and will need to be reconsidered next Congress. The House also moved Senate bill S. 4610 , which will now go to the president. This bill proposes to do something we all thought had been done centuries ago: naming the bald eagle the official national bird. House Health Committees Select New Republican Members. The Republican Steering Committee added four new members to the Ways & Means Committee for the 119th Congress: Reps. Rudy Yakym (IN-2), Max Miller (OH-7), Aaron Bean (FL-4), and Nathaniel Moran (TX-1). Ten Republicans have been added to the Energy & Commerce Committee, including three freshmen: Craig Goldman (TX-12), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), and Gabe Evans (CO-8). The seven other Republicans joining the committee are Michael Rulli (OH-6), Erin Houchin (IN-9), Russell Fry (SC-7), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Tom Kean (NJ-7), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Cliff Bentz (OR-2). Democrats still need to select their new members on the Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means Committees. Across the Capitol, both Republicans and Democrats need to select new members for Senate committees. With a switch in control in the Senate, Republicans will add new members to both the Finance Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Democrats also have Finance Committee seats to fill after previous members lost reelection or retired. House Energy & Commerce Committee Announces New Health Subcommittee Chair. Incoming Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) announced today that Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) will be the Health Subcommittee Chair. Carter has been a supporter of extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities and reforming pharmacy benefit managers. CBO Details Options to Reduce the Federal Deficit. The report comes as Republicans, who will control both Congress and the White House next year, look for ways to reduce federal spending and seek policies that could offset their planned extension of Trump 1.0 tax cuts and other objectives. Healthcare options include reducing federal Medicaid matching rates, reducing Medicare Advantage benchmarks, creating federal spending caps for Medicaid, and implementing Medicare site neutral policies. CBO releases this report regularly; just because an option is included does not mean it is politically tenable or will be pursued, but scoring policies does provide a menu to Members of Congress if they are seeking to find savers. CBO also released a primer explaining how it incorporates administrative and judicial actions when publishing projections of the federal budget and preparing cost estimates. House Bipartisan Task Force on AI Releases Report. The task force adopted several high-level principles to frame its policy analysis, and the report includes both overarching and industry-specific findings and recommendations. The task force found that the use of AI in healthcare can reduce administrative burdens and speed up drug development and clinical diagnosis. It also found that the lack of ubiquitous, uniform standards for medical data and algorithms impedes system interoperability and data sharing. Healthcare recommendations include maintaining robust support for healthcare research related to AI and supporting the development of standards for liability related to AI issues. ADMINISTRATION ASTP/ONC Releases HTI-3 Final Rule. In the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-3) rule , ASTP/ONC finalized: The addition of a definition of “reproductive health care” to the information blocking regulation defined terms. Select proposed revisions for two existing information blocking exceptions (the privacy exception and the infeasibility exception). A new information blocking exception (the protecting care access exception). ASTP/ONC has divided finalization of the policies that were included in the broad HTI-2 proposed rule , released in July 2024, into three installments: The HTI-2 final rule released on December 11 focused on the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement. The December 16 HTI-3 final rule focused on protecting care access. The forthcoming HTI-4 final rule will likely address certification updates and other elements of the HTI-2 proposed rule and is expected to be published in March 2025. CMS Actuary Office Data Shows Increased Healthcare, Hospital Spending. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data show that healthcare spending reached $4.9 trillion in 2023, an increase of 7.5% from 2022. This represents the highest percentage change since 2020. The high spending can mostly be attributed to an increase in insurance coverage and high hospital and prescription drug usage in the private insurance market and in Medicare. Hospital spending alone reached $1.5 trillion in 2023, an increase of 10.4%, which is the largest spending increase since 1990. Despite this increased spending, healthcare expenditures remained 17% of the economy overall, the same percentage as in 2022. While the federal share of healthcare spending decreased, an overall increase in healthcare spending could raise alarm bells on Capitol Hill among conservatives who are concerned about high healthcare expenditures. QUICK HITS Biden Administration Releases Fall 2024 Unified Agenda. The agenda lays out what rulemaking is planned for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. Given that President-elect Trump will be inaugurated in one month, don’t get too attached to this list. Many of these regulations could be set aside or rewritten, and other regulations will be initiated. CMS Calls for Proposals for 2025 Health Equity Conference. Proposals are due to CMS by January 17, 2025, and must focus on the theme “Building a Healthier America.” The Health Equity Conference will be held April 23 – 24, 2025, although it should be noted that this event could be altered or cancelled once the new Administration takes office. More information can be found here . CMS Publishes Lessons from AHCAH. The Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) initiative allows acute care hospitals to deliver inpatient care in a patient’s home. A CMS blog post highlights data from a September 2024 report on the initiative and how it improves care. MACPAC Releases 2024 Medicaid, CHIP Data Book. MACStats , released by the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), includes data on Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, spending, and eligibility. Four State Medicaid Programs Will Participate in IBH Model. The Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) model will begin on January 1, 2025, and Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and South Carolina will participate. The model involves collaboration between CMS, participating state programs, and community-based behavioral health providers to improve behavioral and physical health. CMS Holds Webinar on IOTA Model. The webinar provided an overview of the mandatory Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) model . The model is scheduled to begin in July 2025 but could be modified or repealed by the incoming Trump Administration. CMS Approves California Behavioral Health Section 1115 Waiver. The new waiver , which runs from January 2025 through December 2029, gives California authority to test the effectiveness of innovative practices aimed at strengthening the continuum of community-based behavioral health services. Goals of the waiver include strengthening the workforce, supporting the health of children and youth involved in the child welfare system, and reducing stays in institutional settings for significant behavioral health needs. OIG Finds Expenditures for Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs Rapidly Increased. From 2019 to 2023, Medicaid spending on certain diabetes and weight loss drugs, including glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, increased by more than 540% to total $9 billion, according to an Office of Inspector General (OIG) report . The report follows CMS’s proposal to require Medicare and Medicaid coverage of weight loss drugs for the treatment of obesity. Senate Finance Democrats Release Emergency Reproductive Care Report. The partisan report concludes an investigation into how pregnant women are receiving emergency reproductive care at hospitals in the wake of the Dobbs decision. It assesses how they believe abortion bans conflict with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. Marketplace Sees Record High Enrollment. Over 16.6 million consumers enrolled in marketplace coverage in this year’s open enrollment through HealthCare.gov, and their coverage will begin January 1. Consumers can continue to enroll through January 15 for coverage that begins February 1. NEXT WEEK’S DIAGNOSIS Once Congress resolves the CR situation, the 118th Congress will draw to a close. The 119th Congress will begin on January 3, 2025, when members will be sworn in. You can find the combined House/Senate 2025 congressional calendar here . We will next publish on January 10, 2025. We hope you have a happy holiday and a great start to the new year.Greater Victoria could become the next Silicon Valley for life science. A new report from the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) highlights Greater Victoria’s potential as a hub for life sciences innovation. The study, commissioned with the District of Saanich, identifies the region’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities in fields like medical devices, biotech and digital health. With over 60 life sciences companies, key infrastructure like UVic’s Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology, and access to top-tier research and talent, the report emphasizes the region’s ability to foster growth. SIPP’s Dallas Gislason noted that while Vancouver Island accounts for just 15 per cent of B.C.’s life sciences businesses, Greater Victoria is home to some of Canada’s largest life science companies like MedTech and StarFish Medical. Challenges such as limited capital and rising costs remain, but the report calls for boosting investment, strengthening industry-academic ties, and supporting startups. Samuel Mercer of the Vancouver Island Life Sciences Association said Greater Victoria is positioning itself as a leader in innovation, similar to San Diego’s rise alongside San Francisco. The findings position Greater Victoria as a growing player in B.C.’s life sciences sector with the potential to drive innovation and economic growth.

Qatar tribune TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, concluded the second day of its Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG 2024) Summit on Wednesday. PMFG 2024 continued to deliver impactful discussions, uniting global experts to explore groundbreaking ideas in precision medicine and genomics. The summit featured dynamic sessions and a high-profile panel addressing the opportunities and challenges of building a robust biomedical innovation economy in Qatar. A highlight of day two was the panel powered by Doha Debates, which explored the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Exploring the Boundaries of Human Advancement’. Moderated by Al Jazeera’s Dareen Abu Ghaida, the discussion tackled the ethical and philosophical implications of advancing genomics and biotechnology. Panelists included Jamie Metzl (Entrepreneur and Sci-Fi Novelist), Dr Sarah Chan (The University of Edinburgh, UK), and Dr Arash Rafii (Weill Cornell Medical-Qatar). Dr Sarah Chan, Center for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK, said: “Genomic medicine offers unparalleled opportunities to revolutionize healthcare, but achieving genomic justice requires addressing inequalities embedded in our systems. By better understanding genome and its benefits for the long run, we can move toward personalized treatments tailored to individual needs, no matter how unique. This transformative shift must be supported by a fairer, more innovative approach to developing cures for the genomic era, ensuring that the benefits of these advancements are accessible to all.” The second panel session chaired by Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, which convened thought leaders from academia, healthcare, and policymaking, focused on positioning Qatar as a global biomedical hub. Panelists included Dr Francis Yeoh (National University of Singapore), Dr. Mohamed Adel Ghanem (Qatar Investment Authority), Dr. Slim Slama (World Innovation Summit for Health), Dr. Gordan Sanghera (Oxford Nanopore Technologies), and Dr. Peter Owotoki (Vitafluence.AI). Dr Francis Yeoh, Professorial Fellow and Chairman, Innovation & Entrepreneurship – National University of Singapore and Advisor to the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, said: “To build a successful biomedical ecosystem, there are six key components: strong government policies supporting innovation and business, access to cutting-edge healthcare markets, a growing pool of skilled talent, available funding through venture capital and government grants, robust support services like legal aid, startups, and accelerators, and a culture that embraces innovation. Qatar has all of these essential elements in place – positioning it to become a leading biomedical hub.” Dr Mohamed Adel Ghanem, Head of Healthcare at Qatar Investment Authority, said: “This event highlights Qatar’s progress and its ambition to lead in biomedical innovation. With advanced facilities like those at Sidra Medicine and access to comprehensive patient datasets, Qatar is well positioned to attract global partners and accelerate impactful solutions. Focusing on local health needs and creating a supportive regulatory environment gives the country a competitive edge to address global healthcare challenges.” Dr Slim Slama, CEO at the World Innovation Summit for Health, said: “Qatar is a small yet remarkably agile nation with a clear vision for public health, technology, and investment. In a short time, it has made significant contributions to global health dialogue and innovation. It’s essential to ensure these discussions are inclusive and address the unique needs of regions like ours, where challenges range from infectious diseases to chronic conditions.” The final day of PMFG 2024 (Thursday) promises sessions on custom-made therapies, innovative clinical trials, and dialogue in gene therapy. Keynote speakers include Dr. Hakon Hakonarson (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Dr. Chantal Mathieu (European Association for the Study of Diabetes), and Dr James Wilson (Gemma Biotherapeutics), who will explore actionable insights in genomics and rare disease treatments. PMFG 2024 is held under the patronage of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) and the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health, with Qatar Precision Health Institute as a strategic partner, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a knowledge partner, Qatar National Bank as the Official Diamond Patronage and Sponsor, and Msheireb Museums as a community partner. Copy 05/12/2024 10

Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78Tested: Intel Lunar Lake brings real gaming to thin, light laptopsVancouver's Bench Accounting abruptly shuts down, with 600 jobs potentially lost

WASHINGTON — Parents whose kids died allegedly because of social media content are pushing lawmakers to require tech companies to alter practices to minimize such harms. Attorneys general in more than half of U.S. states support the same legislation, saying “many social media platforms target minors, resulting in a national youth mental health catastrophe.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

'We really don't know what's going to happen': Uncertainty grips Damascus"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.My Top 10 Stocks to Buy in 2024 Are Beating the Market by 48%. Should You Buy Them for 2025?Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting has announced its sudden closure, potentially putting hundreds of staff out of work. The company that has described itself as North America’s largest bookkeeping service for small businesses says on its website in a “notice of closure” dated Friday that the platform is “no longer accessible.” The statement acknowledges that the closure is “abrupt and may cause disruption,” and says the firm is committed to helping customers “navigate through the transition.” Bench has previously said it had more than 600 employees and had received investor funding of US$113 million. It said it moved to Vancouver and changed its name to Bench in 2013, having started out in 2012 as 10sheet Inc in the U.S. Calls to Bench’s Vancouver office went to voice mail and did not immediately receive a response. But the company’s former CEO and co-founder Ian Crosby released a statement on social media on Friday, saying he was “very sad” about the closure. Crosby, who said he was ousted by the company’s board about three years ago, said there was a lesson in the fate of the company. “I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs (venture capitalists) that think they can ‘upgrade’ a company by replacing the founder. It never works,” he said. The University of British Columbia Sauder Business School alumni said he had been avoiding speaking publicly about Bench since his exit, but wanted to make a statement in light of the company’s demise. He said that in 2021 he had been battling with some board members over their strategy for a “new direction” that he thought was a “very bad idea.” “Rather than continuing to fight with me, they opted to just replace me, thinking that they could run the company better themselves,” he said. “I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company. I opted to resign rather than fight.” Other bookkeeping companies were quick to reach out to Bench’s former clients, with rivals such as Acuity and Better Bookkeeping making reference to Bench’s closure in social media pitches. A spokeswoman for B.C.‘s jobs ministry said they were looking into a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024.

In the 1997 sci-fi horror film , about six people trapped in a giant mechanical cube, one character asks of the titular shape, “why put people in it?” The response from another, who unknowingly helped to build it, applies to technological adoption in general: “Because it’s here.” If a technology is available to use, people will find ways to use it to their advantage, particularly in formal structures of power. Between that and the volume of irregular migrants at the southern border, it should come as no surprise that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has found its way to expanding the use of . That could be good news for the agency’s long-time iris biometrics provider, Iris ID. A report in FedScoop calls CBP’s adoption of “a notable move given the somewhat limited use of the technology compared with more widespread applications like fingerprint and facial recognition.” Yet it follows by noting how the U.S. Border Patrol has “significantly ramped up use of iris scanning over the past decade.” Iris biometrics are in use at forty checkpoints across four regional sectors. The percent of CBP’s apprehensions that involved an iris scan currently stands at around 70 percent. Now, through an upcoming software update and other measures, it wants to get that to 100. Matthew Lightner of the U.S. Border Patrol highlighted the importance of iris biometrics to the , and its reliability advantages for border ID checks, during a panel discussion at Identity Week in September. As biometric identifiers, irises are more stable throughout a person’s life than fingerprints or faces. FedScoop quotes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Patrick Grother, who says “ is built on learning from massive amounts of data. Iris recognition, originally, wasn’t done that way.” Rather, the original algorithm was created by the late Cambridge Professor . “The original research looked at images of the iris and wrote down a set of algorithms – as a set of procedures in mathematics – that would promise good recognition. That turned out to be true and an industry was built upon that.” NIST is growing the size of its for IREX X 1:N evaluations and planning to launch a new IREX XI to evaluate 1:1 comparisons, which will provide a lower barrier to entry for academics looking to study challenges like noise or low-resolution images. It is also working on a metric to evaluate the speed and accuracy of together. Specific iris technology is proprietary to vendors. CBP uses tech from – per its website, “the world’s most deployed iris recognition platform.” CBP has used it for about ten years, and it has won its advocates elsewhere; Iris ID counts , India’s , Pakistan’s and Clear among its clients. Iris ID’s technology uses a frame grabber to capture still frames from the video file, which an algorithm analyzes for patterns visible between the pupil and the white of the eye, and converts them into a 512-byte digital template. Voila: a value corresponding to an individual, which can be replicated with further submissions of video (in other words, scans). The company has noted that its technology is , and delivering up to 99 percent accuracy on even across large databases. It is even used in Canadian airports. Because close-up images of irises are not found all over the internet, there is an argument that it poses fewer than facial recognition. But, as tends to happen in the cycle of technological innovation, some can already see how mass adoption might end up sending iris recognition off the rails, privacy-wise. FedScoop quotes Jake Wiener, an attorney with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, who says “what we don’t want to happen with iris is what happened with Social Security numbers. It got used for everything. Now everyone’s Social Security number is purchasable on the dark web. I think iris is the last that has not been broken in that way.” Yet, that is. | | | | | |

Vancouver's Bench Accounting abruptly shuts down, with hundreds of jobs lostWASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling , as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. "Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a visit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Vienna, Va., on Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them. Many consumers may remember receiving their first credit card, either years ago in a plain envelope, or months ago from a smartphone app. Still other consumers may remember their newest card, maybe because it's the credit card they're now using exclusively to maximize cash back rewards or airline miles. But for most consumers, there's also a murky in-between where they add, drop and generally accumulate credit cards over time. Over the years, consumers may close some credit card accounts or leave some of their credit cards dormant as a backup form of payment, or perhaps left forgotten in a desk drawer. In the data below, Experian reveals the changes in consumers wallets in recent years. U.S. consumers, on average, carry fewer cards today than they did in 2017, when the typical wallet held 4.2 active credit cards. As of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, consumers carried 3.9 cards on average. This average is up slightly since the early days of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their average credit card debt and number of accounts as the economy slowed. As Experian revealed earlier this year, credit card balances are still climbing, despite (and partially because of) higher interest rates. And while average balances are increasing, they are spread across fewer accounts than in recent years. Alternative financing—including buy now, pay later plans for purchases—may account for at least some of this discrepancy, as consumers gravitate toward these newer financing methods. In general, residents of higher-population states tend to carry more credit cards than those who live in states with fewer and smaller population centers. Nonetheless, the difference between the states is relatively small. Considering that the national average is around four credit cards per consumer, the four states with the fewest cards per consumer (Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming) aren't appreciably different, with "only" about 3.3 credit cards per consumer. Similarly, the four states on the higher end of the scale where consumers have 4.2 or more credit cards are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The disparity in average credit card counts is more apparent when the population is segmented by age, thanks in part to Generation Z, many of whom have yet to receive their first credit card. The average number of credit cards for these consumers was two, less than half of what older generations keep on hand. The average number of credit cards held by each generation follows the familiar pattern seen in credit card balances, which tend to increase in a consumer's middle age. It's not surprising that the number of credit card accounts follows a similar climb throughout young adulthood and middle age, then drops off in the retirement years. No matter how many credit cards you may have at the moment, keep in mind that the number of accounts has little if any bearing on one's FICO Score. Far more important is how consumers manage those accounts. This is easily demonstrable by quickly stepping through some of the factors that affect your credit scores . Longer credit histories do tend to have a positive effect on a consumer's credit score, but it's not something you can rush. Adhering to on-time payments and managing amounts owed will go far in improving credit scores, even absent a lengthy credit history. While accounts closed in good standing remain on your credit report for 10 years, canceling your oldest credit card account still has the potential to shorten your credit history when it is eventually removed. The impact of its removal depends on any other active credit cards in your credit file. Ultimately, the number of cards a particular individual carries is a personal decision. Justifications can be found for carrying a travel rewards card, a cash back card, a balance transfer card, a card for business transactions and other types of credit cards that other consumers may not have either the need or qualifications for. However, keeping track of numerous credit cards, whether or not a consumer is actively using all of them, can be a mentally taxing exercise. Not only that, credit card fees can add up and dull the benefit of carrying several credit cards. Organized consumers can benefit greatly from a wallet full of specialized cards, but for those seeking a more zen-like financial future, some judicial pruning may be in order. Methodology: The analysis results provided are based on an Experian-created statistically relevant aggregate sampling of our consumer credit database that may include use of the FICO Score 8 version. Different sampling parameters may generate different findings compared with other similar analysis. Analyzed credit data did not contain personal identification information. Metro areas group counties and cities into specific geographic areas for population censuses and compilations of related statistical data. This story was produced by Experian and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff

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When operating at peak efficiency, the design of the five-out attack allows for smooth ball distribution and a wealth of scoring opportunities for every player on the floor. With KJ Simpson running the show, the switch to that approach worked wonders for the Colorado men’s basketball team in 2023-24, with the Buffaloes finishing the season with a program-record 600 assists. Yet head coach Tad Boyle often spoke last season that the switch in offensive philosophy wasn’t made solely for the talented and versatile team last year that reached the NCAA Tournament. Boyle was equally keen on utilizing the five-out approach with the Buffs roster he expected to field this season. And so far, CU once again is sharing the wealth. As the Buffs continue preparations for a demanding Big 12 Conference opener on Monday against No. 3 Iowa State (7 p.m., CBS Sports Network), they are again piling up assists in a share-the-wealth run that began with a loss against the Cyclones last month at the Maui Invitational. “The assist totals have been a function of taking care of the ball — you’ve got to take care of it to get an assist, obviously — and sharing the ball, having good spacing,” Boyle said. “And guys finishing. You’ve got to make shots when you’re open. You’ve got to finish at the rim. So it’s a function of a lot of things that are going on well. That’s why teams with high assists are usually high-functioning, high-efficiency teams.” Simpson’s 181 assists last year was the third-highest mark in program history, leading to the CU program’s best assist total since the stat was first tracked in 1974-75. Through nonconference play this season, the loss of Simpson to the NBA hasn’t dimmed that pace. The Buffs (9-2) are averaging 17.0 assists per game, including 19.4 over the past five games, a run that began with 18 assists against Iowa State in Maui. CU has posted at least 18 assists in seven of 11 games, and matched a season-high with 22 last week against Bellarmine. CU probably won’t have a player finish third among the individual assist leaders in the Big 12 as Simpson did in the Pac-12 last year, with Julian Hammond III leading the team at 3.5 per game. But five Buffs players recorded at least 20 assists during nonconference play. “Our team, we’re very unselfish,” CU guard RJ Smith said. “We believe in each other. We all know we can score. We have a really deep team. If we see somebody open, we’re not going to look them off and not give them the ball. Everybody on our team can shoot. Everybody can score. We’re not selfish and that’s one thing that’s unique about this team.” Like all facets of the Buffs’ game, the challenge ahead will be to take positives, like the club’s assist rate, and keep them rolling into Big 12 play. Despite a 28-point loss against the Cyclones last month, the Buffs actually turned in a strong game offensively, compiling 18 assists, going 8-for-19 on 3-pointers and finishing 17-for-18 at the free throw line. It was the Buffs’ defense — Iowa State shot .603, the high mark for a CU foe this season — and 18 turnovers that turned the tide. “It’s harder to do that against better defenses,” Boyle said. “The defense that we’re going to face, especially the one we’ll face (Monday), will be high-level defenses. If we can end up against 18 or 20 assists against those guys, it’s a good sign.”Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson's contract to create cap space, flexibility, AP source says

A draw at Ipswich in Amorim’s first game was followed by home wins against Bodo/Glimt and Everton. Ruben Amorim warned “the storm will come” eventually as Manchester United’s head coach tried to temper expectations ahead of the trip to Arsenal. The 39-year-old has been a breath of fresh air since succeeding Erik ten Hag, with his personality and approach, coupled with promising early performances, bringing hope back to Old Trafford. Amorim has been touched by his warm welcome but repeatedly urged fans to avoid jumping the gun, having followed a draw at Ipswich with home wins against Bodo/Glimt and Everton. Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal is comfortably his biggest challenge yet and victory would see United move within three points of the Premier League title contenders. Put to Amorim it will be hard to manage expectations if they won in the capital, the head coach said: “I would like to say different things, but I have to say it again: the storm will come. “I don’t know if you use that expression, but we are going to have difficult moments and we will be found out in some games. “And I know that because I’m knowing my players and I know football and I follow football, so I understand the difference between the teams. “We are in the point in that we are putting simple things in the team, without training, and you feel it in this game against Everton, they change a little bit the way they were building up. “They are very good team, and we were with a lot of problems because we cannot change it by calling one thing to the captain. “So, we don’t have this training, so let’s focus on each game, on the performance, what we have to improve, trying to win games. And that is the focus. “I know it’s really hard to be a Manchester United coach and say these things in press conferences. We want to win all the time. No matter what. “We are going to try to win, but we know that we are in a different point if you compare to Arsenal. “So, it is what it is and we will try to win it and we go with confidence to win, but we know that we need to play very well to win the next football match.” The trip to Arsenal is the second of nine December matches for United, who are looking to avoid suffering four straight league defeats to the Gunners for the first time. The Red Devils have not won a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium since 2017, but Amorim knows a thing or two about frustrating Mikel Arteta’s men. Arsenal thrashed Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League last week, but in 2022-23 he led the Portuguese side to a Europa League last-16 penalty triumph after a 1-1 draw in London made it 3-3 on aggregate. “Arsenal this year, they play a little bit different,” Amorim said. “They are more fluid. “For example, two years ago when we faced them with Sporting, you knew how to press because you can understand better the structure. “Now it’s more fluid with (Riccardo) Calafiori and (Jurrien) Timber in different sides. One coming inside, the other going outside. Also (Martin) Odegaard changed the team, and you can feel it during this season. “So, you can take something from that game, especially because I know so well the opponent so you can understand the weakness of that team. “But every game is different, so you take something, but you already know that you are going to face a very good team.” This hectic winter schedule means Amorim sidestepped talk of January transfer business ahead of facing Arsenal, although he was more forthcoming on Amad Diallo’s future. The 22-year-old, who put in a man of the match display in Sunday’s 4-0 win against Everton, is out of contract at the end of the season, although the club holds an option to extend by a year. Diallo has repeatedly spoken of his desire to stay at United and it has been reported an agreement is close. Amorim said: “I think he wants to stay, and we want him to stay. So that is clear and we will find a solution.”In the first half of 2024, Southeast Asia (SEA) attracted over US$30 billion (1 trillion baht) in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investments, according to the 2024 e-Conomy SEA Report from Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. Our paper "One Asean Startup White Paper" also highlights over $50 billion invested in AI by tech giants, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, since January 2023. The influx of investments reflects the growing recognition of Southeast Asia as a burgeoning hub for AI innovation -- a shift that could drive the region's economy forward. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has projected that AI could boost the region's gross domestic product by 10% to 18%, potentially adding $1 trillion by 2030. While these developments and the region's growing interest in AI present promising opportunities, significant challenges remain. What steps must Southeast Asia take to fully harness AI's potential and position itself as the next frontier for AI? Having acknowledged AI's importance, some Southeast Asian governments have formulated national strategies, such as Indonesia's National Strategy for AI and Singapore's NAIS 2.0, to integrate the tech across various sectors. Singapore has also invested $70 million to develop models tailored to regional cultures, among other efforts. At the regional level, Asean has launched initiatives such as the Asean Guideline on AI Governance and Ethics and established the Asean Working Group on AI (WG-AI) to promote collaborative efforts and ethical AI use across its member states. Furthermore, the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (Defa) is also expected to help synergise cross-border data regulations in the region, potentially leading to more reliable and accurate AI systems. Beyond government initiatives, the private sector has been driving AI adoption. A report titled "2024 e-Conomy SEA" -- prepared by Google, notes that 54% of generative AI projects advance from idea to production within six months, and 71% yield Return on Investment (ROI) within 12 months. With an impressive short turnaround, regional tech majors such as Gojek, Grab, and Lazada leverage AI in their business operations. Despite the strong AI investment and adoption in SEA, significant challenges remain. Mentioned reports by our organisation and those of Google highlight digital talent scarcity as a key challenge, as 61% of Asean youth aged 10 to 24 were not taught formal digital education in school. This further exacerbates the digital divide and limits regional competitiveness in attracting AI investment. Furthermore, differing scores in AI preparedness amongst SEA countries -- with only Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand scoring above the Asia-Pacific average -- create barriers to cross-border growth and lead to regulatory inconsistencies, particularly in data governance and cybersecurity. While AI offers immense benefits, it also presents challenges that could threaten the region's energy transition and sustainability goals. For instance, the surge of data centre investments, fuelled by AI development, could strain the region's resources and undermine efforts to reduce energy intensity by 32% by 2025. To truly capitalise on AI's transformative power and establish Southeast Asia as the next frontier in the field of AI, a unified and strategic approach is essential. 1. Fostering talent growth in Southeast Asia requires a sustained, long-term commitment to educational investment and collaboration between Southeast Asian nations and the private sector. Increasing education funding is crucial, as Asean countries -- aside from Singapore -- lag in both the latest PISA rankings and the availability of leading global universities that cater towards AI training, research, and industry-academia collaboration, all of which are vital for developing a more inclusive and competitive AI ecosystem. Additionally, expanding vocational programmes in IT is necessary to bolster practical skills in the field and meet the demands of the digital economy. Regional cooperation should also prioritise talent mobility and retention strategies, including initiatives such as digital nomad visas, to attract global talent and promote knowledge exchange. Public-private partnerships for reskilling and upskilling must be expanded, drawing inspiration from successful examples such as SEA Bridge's and Amazon Web Services' initiatives mentioned at the ERIA Asean Startup Roundtable. Furthermore, upcoming programmes such as AI-Ready Asean, spearheaded by the Asean Foundation in partnership with Google, should receive strong support to enhance AI skills throughout the region. 2. Advancing the digital infrastructure through sustainable and safe data management. This requires investing strategically in cybersecurity infrastructure, raising data awareness, and promoting intra-regional data sharing. Furthermore, data centres should implement sustainable data centre practices, as outlined in the Asean-Huawei white paper, to reduce their environmental footprint and support energy-efficient operations, aligning with Asean's sustainable energy goals while still meeting the demand of the growing digital economy. 3. Strengthening Southeast Asia's AI ecosystem through Asean-led initiatives. As mentioned previously, the launch of the Asean Guide on AI Governance and Ethics and the establishment of the Asean WG-AI provide a foundational ethical framework to harmonise AI policies for its member states. Asean should also further advocate for more collaborative investments in infrastructure, data governance, and public engagement to equip the workforce with essential AI skills, as highlighted during the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation on June 7. Ongoing partnerships with allies, such as China, Japan, South Korea, the US, and the EU, can provide expertise, capacity-building and talent development opportunities, and avenues to tackle shared challenges. Southeast Asia can unlock AI's full potential with a unified strategic approach and a commitment to responsible innovation. By investing in proper digital infrastructure, nurturing local talent, and harmonising AI policy initiatives through Asean-led efforts, the region can create a resilient, inclusive, and ethically grounded AI ecosystem. With this approach, the region can solidify its position as the next frontier in AI, driving sustainable development and improving the lives of millions. Satria Mahesya Muhammad is Assistant, Research Activities, Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (Eria), a Jakarta-based think-tank supporting regional initiatives for sustainable growth and quality of life for the people in Asean and East Asia.

Winston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrum

Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson. RELATED STORY | Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.

Whitt scores 14, Belmont beats Middle Tennessee 82-79

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Yelp (YELP.N) , opens new tab on Wednesday urged a federal appeals court to block a lawsuit by Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accusing the company of posting misleading notices on its online review site about crisis pregnancy centers, which provide services to pregnant women with the goal of preventing abortions. James Sigel, a lawyer for Yelp, told the three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the case was an exception to the usual rule that federal courts should not intervene in state court disputes because Paxton had brought the case in bad faith. He called it "a particularly egregious example of an attorney general retaliating against a company." U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson in Oakland, California, rejected that argument in February, finding that Yelp had not provided enough "concrete evidence" of Paxton's bad faith. Sigel said that Thompson should have allowed discovery on that issue. Lanora Pettit, a lawyer for Paxton, told the panel it was Yelp's burden to prove bad faith and that it could not do so "by speculating as to the subjective motivations" behind the lawsuit. Yelp sued Paxton in Oakland federal court in September 2023 after hearing Paxton intended to sue the company, which he did the next day in Texas. Paxton said that notices Yelp posted on the review pages for crisis pregnancy centers violated a Texas law against unfair business practices and sought unspecified money damages. A Texas state court judge dismissed Paxton's lawsuit not long after Thompson's ruling, but Paxton is appealing. The 9th Circuit judges, all appointed by Republican President-elect Donald Trump during his first term, appeared skeptical of Yelp's argument on Wednesday. "If you win on this, we're going to have cases filed every week in federal court saying, I do not like what that state attorney general is doing to me," Circuit Judge Daniel Bress said. He added that Texas' justice system appeared to be working for Yelp, since it was "doing well there so far." Circuit Judge Mark Bennett asked Pettit whether a federal court could ever intervene to stop a politically motivated action by a state prosecutor. As an example, he asked whether such intervention would be called for if there was strong evidence that a state attorney general sued a company because its CEO opposed gun rights. Pettit said that it might, but that there was no strong evidence that Paxton was singling out Yelp for political reasons. Crisis pregnancy centers offer pregnant women counseling, but usually do not clearly advertise their anti-abortion stance. In August 2022, Yelp began posting a notice on crisis pregnancy centers' pages stating: "This is a Crisis Pregnancy Center. Crisis Pregnancy Centers typically provide limited medical services and may not have licensed medical professionals onsite." In February 2023, Paxton and other Republican state attorneys general told Yelp the notice was misleading because it was posted on pages of centers that did have licensed medical professionals. The company, without conceding that the language was misleading, changed the notices to state that crisis pregnancy centers "do not offer abortions or referrals to abortion providers." Paxton said at the time that the new language was accurate. The case is Yelp v. Paxton, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 24-581. For Yelp: James Sigel of Davis Wright Tremaine For Paxton: Lanora Pettit of the Office of the Texas Attorney General Read more: US judge won't shield Yelp from Texas lawsuit over crisis pregnancy center notices Sign up here. Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Brendan Pierson reports on product liability litigation and on all areas of health care law. He can be reached at brendan.pierson@thomsonreuters.com.