A group of New York state lawmakers, who are mothers and call themselves the "the Mom Squad," are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign several pieces of legislation aimed to improve access to health care, according to a letter they sent to the governor this week. The lawmakers say they are addressing legislation that would: “Child care is more than a workforce issue — it is a lifeline for families, an investment in the future of our children, and a key to unlocking the full potential of our economy,” the letter reads. “We are at a critical juncture, and now, more than ever, we must take bold action to make child care accessible and equitable for all. That is why we are urging you to sign three bills that passed with bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate. These bills are essential to removing the barriers that prevent families from accessing the child care they need and would help thousands of New York families become newly eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program.” The lawmakers made a plea to Hochul on a personal level, who is the first New York governor to be a mother. The requests come as the child care industry faces challenges from multiple fronts, with staff shortages and the end of federal dollars distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic. document.write(__reporter_name); - document.write(__reporter_title); document.write(__reporter_bio);Faruqi & Faruqi Reminds Applied Therapeutics Investors Of The Pending Class Action Lawsuit With A Lead Plaintiff Deadline Of February 18, 2025 – APLT
New Delhi, Dec 26 (PTI) Top leaders of the ruling BJP on Thursday paid rich tributes to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, with its president J P Nadda describing his death as immense loss for the nation. Home Minister Amit Shah said Singh played an important role in governing the country in different capacities, including as RBI governor, finance minister and then prime minister. Also Read | Dr Manmohan Singh Passes Away: Remembering India's Visionary Leader Who Transformed Nation's Economy, Check Key Highlights From His Career. Nadda said on X, "A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden. His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines." The BJP chief said Singh's legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. Also Read | Dr Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92: PM Narendra Modi Condoles Demise of Legendary Economist and Former Prime Minister, Says 'India Mourns the Loss of One of Its Most Distinguished Leaders'. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Singh played a key role in rebuilding India's economy during difficult times. He said, "He was widely respected for his service and intellect. His contribution to India's progress will always be remembered." Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died here on Thursday night. He was 92. He was India's prime minister as the head of the Congress-led UPA government for two terms from 2004 to 2014. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
COLUMBUS, Ga. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the first quarter dividend of $0.58 per share, payable on March 3, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2025 . This represents a 16.0% increase over the previously declared fourth quarter dividend. Commenting on the announcements, Aflac Incorporated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos said: "I am pleased with the Board's action to increase the first quarter 2025 dividend. We treasure our record of 42 consecutive years of dividend increases, and our dividend track record is supported by the strength of our capital and cash flows. As an insurance company, our primary responsibility is to fulfill the promises we make to our policyholders. At the same time, we are listening to our shareholders and understand the importance of prudent liquidity and capital management. We remain committed to maintaining strong capital ratios on behalf of our policyholders and balance this financial strength with tactical capital deployment." Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan . In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. 1 In Japan , Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol . Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The company desires to take advantage of these provisions. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target," "outlook" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. The company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy, including inflation defaults and credit downgrades of investments global fluctuations in interest rates and exposure to significant interest rate risk concentration of business in Japan limited availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate differing interpretations applied to investment valuations significant valuation judgments in determination of expected credit losses recorded on the Company's investments decreases in the Company's financial strength or debt ratings decline in creditworthiness of other financial institutions the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates, brokers, employees, and distribution partners deviations in actual experience from pricing and reserving assumptions ability to continue to develop and implement improvements in information technology systems and on successful execution of revenue growth and expense management initiatives interruption in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to the Parent Company inherent limitations to risk management policies and procedures operational risks of third-party vendors tax rates applicable to the Company may change failure to comply with restrictions on policyholder privacy and information security extensive regulation and changes in law or regulation by governmental authorities competitive environment and ability to anticipate and respond to market trends catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, as a result of climate change, epidemics, pandemics (such as COVID-19), tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, war or other military action, terrorism or other acts of violence, and damage incidental to such events ability to protect the Aflac brand and the Company's reputation ability to effectively manage key executive succession changes in accounting standards level and outcome of litigation or regulatory inquiries allegations or determinations of worker misclassification in the United States Analyst and investor contact - David A. Young , 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667 or dyoung@aflac.com Media contact – Ines Gutzmer , 762.207.7601 or igutzmer@aflac.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aflac-incorporated-announces-16-0-increase-in-the-first-quarter-2025-dividend-302320084.html SOURCE Aflac Incorporated
ARNE SLOT’S vision is crystal clear now – even if it did get a bit murky for a while tonight and not just because of the fog that blanketed Anfield. For a first Premier League title in his first season as Liverpool manager is now on the horizon. 10 Curtis Jones proved the matchwinner for Liverpool after rolling in just after half-time Credit: AFP 10 The midfielder made no mistake and survived a long VAR check Credit: Reuters With a lead at the top extended to seven points, with a game in hand over second–placed Chelsea, it is for more than just a shimmering image in the distance. Behind to Jordan Ayew’s shock early effort, they simply eased past the valiant but ultimately vain challenge offered by Ruud van Nistlerooy’s side. Slot’s debut campaign in English football is only gaining speed, powered by an unbeaten run that now stretches to a stunning 22 games since his only defeat to Nottingham Forest on September 14. Triumph, not even half a season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp in a job many feared might be impossible because of the huge space the German had vacated, is in his hands. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL XMAS TRAGEDY Real Madrid star's 'brother-in-law' is shot dead in Christmas Day horror All he and his players, also, of course, top of the Champions League table have to do is stay steady, keep believing, and it will surely be theirs. Although not for the first time this season their start to a game was anything but steady as Ayew produced a stunning opener. Slot will fret in his quieter moments that for all his determination to make his defence a more dependable unit he still has work to do. Yet going forward, Liverpool are becoming a juggernaut and have scored two or more goals in 13 of their last 14 games. Most read in Football ST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 Boyd-Munce stuns Gers with winner deep into added time in Paisley XMAS TRAGEDY Real Madrid star's 'brother-in-law' is shot dead in Christmas Day horror REFFIN' HELL Motherwell boss Kettlewell fumes at referee's DEMEANOUR in Celtic defeat STAR SWEAT Rodgers delivers major injury update on Johnston ahead of Rangers clash Indeed they have also overtaken Tottenham as the Prem’s top scorers. The fog created concerns that this clash might have to be called off and even ten minutes before kick-off Anfield was clothed in murk. Yet within three minutes, Leicester were being dazzled by their opponent’s full–beam attack. Polish goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, making his Prem debut in place of Danny Ward, will have been wondering what hit him. Ward, targeted by the club’s boo-boys in Sunday’s 3-0 humiliation against Wolves, didn’t even make the bench having also come on at half-time in the 4-0 defeat by Newcastle. Yet dreams for the 24-year-old who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hartlepool cannot have been made of that panic stations start. For he was a Fox stuck in the headlights as Slot’s men tried to walk the ball into the net before Salah’s stab hit a post. But rather than lie down, Van Nistelrooy’s side, without injured icon Jamie Vardy, were ahead - maybe to their own amazement – three minutes later. Left winger Stephy Mavididi went for it down the flank against Trent Alexander-Arnold and not for the first time this season the star under Real Madrid’s spotlight found himself beaten. Mavididi steadied himself before squaring and Ayew then performed brilliantly. As Andy Robertson moved tight to close down, the former Crystal Palace veteran produced a magical pirouette to then fire a perfect low shot passed the bog–smacked Alisson and inside his right–hand post. Slot’s side may well have gone into the game believing their own publicity given how so many around them have been declaring that the title is theirs to lose. But if they took it too easy in that first attack it did actually seem too easy for them as they continued to power forward. Cody Gakpo got unfortunate with one shot, Salah saw his effort deflected only inches over the bar. And in the 25 th minute, Robertson stole into the box to connect with Alexis Mac Allister’s chip, his header hitting almost exactly the same spot that had denied his Egyptian team-mate. Van Nistelrooy’s strugglers couldn’t keep riding their luck, however, although there was nothing fortunate at all about Gakpo’s equaliser. It was simply down to sheer class. Slot’s fellow countryman gathered the ball on the left flank, checked inside and then let fly with a tremendous, curling right–footer that Stolarczyk could only watch as it glided past him and into his top left-hand corner. That goal came a few seconds before first-half injury time. Four minutes after the break Slot’s men were celebrating again. And once again there was something special about the way they cut their way through Leicester’s massed ranks before Salah slid the ball across the box and Jones was there to calmly flick over the line. A VAR check for offside was needed to confirm the strike on what as the midfielder’s 100 th Prem appearance but there was no question of how high–end that goal was from start to finish. Leicester weren’t quite finished yet and Alisson dodged a bullet after an hour. For had Patson Daka stayed calm he would surely have tucked away another clever pass from Mavididi but instead he mis–kicked a dozen yards out. Having taken the hint Liverpool went back into high–energy attacking mode and Darwin Nunez – given a start to give No1 striker Diogo Jota a break – finally emerged from his own brain fog. His strike from Salah’s cross looked perfect to be fair to the mercurial Uruguayan but Stolarczyk excelled himself with a heroic block. Gakpo thought he had claimed a second after smashing a shot into the net only for a VAR check that seemed to take forever to cancel with Nunez minutely offside. Yet the third was always going to come and almost always when a killer blow is required, it once more came from Salah. He gathered the ball, moved forward in that usual quick fashion of his, then when Van Nistelrooy’s defence thought they were sorted to blight the danger, he simply used Victor Kristiansen as a wall to block his dart inside before curling another exquisite shot beyond a goalkeeper. Read more on the Scottish Sun CHRISTMAS MIRACLES Christmas baby joy for Scots parents as little ones begin arriving EDGE OF THE WORLD Inside the remote Scots golf club dubbed 'the world's loneliest course' THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball . 10 10 Jordan Ayew gave Leicester the perfect start inside six minutes Credit: Reuters 10 Cody Gakpo curled home a superb equaliser just before the break Credit: Reuters 10 The Dutchman saluted his fans after his important goal Credit: Rex 10 Mo Salah bent the ball into the bottom corner Credit: Getty 10 That was Salah's 100th home Premier League goal - 98 for Liverpool after two for Chelsea Credit: PA 10 The fog caused chaos and even threatened to postpone the match beforehand Credit: PA 10 Jakub Stolarczyk came in for Danny Ward to make his Premier League debut Credit: PA
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael eye independent TDs as option to secure Dail majorityConsidering hair transplantation? Turkey stands out as a global destination for advanced and accessible hair restoration treatments. Within its many clinics, Vera Clinic has become one of the best hair transplants in Turkey for its avant-garde techniques, innovative patient care, and award-winning expertise. What is a Hair Transplant? Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that relocates hair follicles from one area of the scalp, known as the "donor area," to another area where thinning or baldness occurs. Common techniques include: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual follicles are extracted and implanted. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Individual hair follicles are surgically removed from the donor area and then transplanted into areas with thin or no hair. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI): The grafts will be implanted directly with a tool and device. The method best for you would depend upon your particular case, and it is determined during your consultation with the experienced surgeon. Why Choose Turkey for Hair Transplantation? Some of the reasons why many people chose Turkey for hair transplantation were its affordability, skilled pros, and advanced technology. Affordable prices: Save 50-70% compared to western countries without sacrificing quality. Expert Surgeons: Home to board-certified specialists with years of experience. Advanced Techniques: Procedures such as Sapphire FUE and DHI yield very precise and natural results. All-Inclusive Packages: Most clinics offer packages that cover accommodation, transfers, and post-operative care. The Hair Transplant Process in Turkey Here's a step-by-step overview of what to expect: Initial Consultation: This is done either online or in person and assesses your hair loss pattern, scalp condition, and treatment goals. Preparation: Upon arrival, you’ll receive pre-operative care instructions and a detailed briefing. Surgery Day: Performed under local anaesthesia, the procedure can take several hours depending on the number of grafts. Techniques like FUE or DHI are tailored to your needs. Post-Operative Care: After surgery, you’ll receive detailed recovery guidelines to maximize your results. Follow-Up: Clinics typically provide ongoing support through scheduled check-ins to monitor progress. Why Vera Clinic? Vera Clinic is a name synonymous with hair transplantation, offering a perfect blend of expertise, innovation, and patient care. Here's what sets it apart: Expert Team: Vera Clinic surgeons are board-certified with extensive experience in advanced techniques. Cutting-Edge Methods : Techniques like Sapphire FUE and the exclusive OxyCure Therapy ensure optimal outcomes. Comprehensive Care: From personalized consultations to detailed aftercare, Vera Clinic provides end-to-end support. Global Reputation: Recognized by European Awards in Medicine, Vera Clinic is the most preferred choice for international patients seeking premium care. Results: What to Expect Hair transplants require patience to achieve full development. Here's a timeline: First Few Days: Minor swelling and redness are normal. 3-4 Months: Initial hair growth begins. 9-12 Months: Full results appear, showcasing a natural, fuller head of hair. Is Hair Transplantation Right for You? Hair transplantation in Turkey might be ideal if you: Conclusion Hair transplantation is a life-changing decision that restores confidence and improves quality of life. With its combination of skilled professionals, advanced technology, and affordability, Turkey—and Vera Clinic in particular—is an excellent choice for anyone seeking exceptional hair restoration results. For further consultation and more information, visit Vera Clinic, where your hair restoration journey begins. **This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
NoneLions head into NFC title game rematch vs. 49ers seeking top seed more than revengeApple has just released iOS 18.2.1 for iPhones, a minor update that focuses on squashing bugs and improving overall performance. This comes while the tech giant is simultaneously pushing forward with the development of iOS 18.3, which is currently undergoing beta testing and promises a slew of new features and enhancements. This rapid release cycle highlights Apple’s commitment to refining the user experience and addressing issues promptly. For users, this means a more stable and reliable operating system, even as exciting new developments are on the horizon. But what exactly does iOS 18.2.1 bring to the table, and what can we expect from iOS 18.3? Let’s dive in. iOS 18.2.1: Squishing Bugs and Boosting Performance While iOS 18.2 brought significant additions like Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, and the Freeform app, iOS 18.2.1 takes a step back from flashy new features to concentrate on the core functionality of the operating system. This update primarily addresses bugs reported by users and improves the overall performance and stability of iPhones. Though Apple hasn’t released detailed patch notes, users across online forums and social media platforms like Reddit and Quora have reported improvements in: Personally, I noticed that my iPhone 13 Pro feels snappier after the update. I had been experiencing occasional lag when switching between apps, which seems to have disappeared with iOS 18.2.1. While it’s not a groundbreaking update, it definitely contributes to a smoother user experience. iOS 18.3 Beta: A Glimpse into the Future While iOS 18.2.1 focuses on refinement, iOS 18.3 is where the real excitement lies. Currently in beta testing, iOS 18.3 is expected to bring a range of new features and improvements, including: It’s important to remember that these features are based on information gathered from beta versions and may change before the final release. However, they provide a tantalizing glimpse into the future of iOS. Should You Update to iOS 18.2.1? The short answer is yes. Minor point updates like iOS 18.2.1 are generally focused on bug fixes and performance improvements , making them safe and recommended updates for most users. Unless you’re actively participating in the iOS 18.3 beta program and rely on specific features being tested, there’s little reason to hold back from updating to 18.2.1. Before updating, it’s always a good idea to: To update your iPhone to iOS 18.2.1, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions. The iOS Update Cycle: A Balancing Act Apple’s approach to iOS updates involves a delicate balancing act between stability and innovation. Minor point updates like 18.2.1 focus on addressing immediate concerns and ensuring a smooth user experience. Meanwhile, major updates and beta releases push the boundaries of what’s possible with new features and enhancements. This dual-pronged approach allows Apple to cater to a wide range of users, from those who prioritize stability and reliability to those who are eager to try out the latest and greatest features. By staying informed about the different types of updates and their implications, users can make informed decisions about when and how to update their devices. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for iOS? While iOS 18.3 is still under development, rumors are already swirling about what Apple has in store for iOS 19. Expected to be announced at WWDC 2025, iOS 19 is rumored to bring major changes to the operating system, including: These are just a few of the potential features that could be coming to iOS 19. As always, Apple is keeping its cards close to its chest, so we’ll have to wait for the official announcement to get the full picture. The release of iOS 18.2.1 and the ongoing beta testing of iOS 18.3 demonstrate Apple’s commitment to providing a constantly evolving and improving operating system for its users. By addressing bugs, enhancing performance, and introducing new features, Apple ensures that iPhones remain at the forefront of mobile technology. As we look ahead to the future of iOS, it’s clear that Apple is not resting on its laurels. With rumors of major changes coming in iOS 19 and beyond, the future of the iPhone looks bright. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, there’s no denying that the iOS ecosystem continues to be a driving force in the world of mobile innovation.
Parsons, who died at his Manhattan home, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. The financial services company Lazard, where Parsons was a longtime board member, confirmed his death. The NBA, where Parsons was interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014, was among organizations offering condolences. “Dick Parsons was a brilliant and transformational leader and a giant of the media industry who led with integrity and never shied away from a challenge,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. Parsons’ friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder's company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Parsons, a Brooklyn native who started college at 16, was named chairman of Citigroup in 2009, one month after leaving Time Warner Inc., where he helped restore the company’s stature following its much-maligned acquisition by internet provider America Online Inc. He steered Citigroup back to profit after financial turmoil from the subprime mortgage crisis, which upended the economy in 2007 and 2008. Parsons was named to the board of CBS in September 2018 but resigned a month later because of illness. Parsons said in a statement at the time that he was already dealing with multiple myeloma when he joined the board, but “unanticipated complications have created additional new challenges.” He said his doctors advised him to cut back on his commitments to ensure recovery. “Dick’s storied career embodied the finest traditions of American business leadership,” Lazard said in a statement. The company, where Parsons was a board member from 2012 until this month, praised his “unmistakable intelligence and his irresistible warmth.” “Dick was more than an iconic leader in Lazard’s history — he was a testament to how wisdom, warmth, and unwavering judgment could shape not just companies, but people’s lives,” the company said. “His legacy lives on in the countless leaders he counseled, the institutions he renewed, and the doors he opened for others.” Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager. Although he was with Time Warner through its difficulties with AOL, he earned respect for the company and rebuilt its relations with Wall Street. He streamlined Time Warner’s structure, pared debt and sold Warner Music Group and a book publishing division. He also fended off a challenge from activist investor Carl Icahn in 2006 to break up the company and helped Time Warner reach settlements with investors and regulators over questionable accounting practices at AOL. Parsons joined Time Warner as president in 1995 after serving as chairman and chief executive of Dime Bancorp Inc., one of the largest U.S. thrift institutions. In 2001, after AOL used its fortunes as the leading provider of Internet access in the U.S. to buy Time Warner for $106 billion in stock, Parsons became co-chief operating officer with AOL executive Robert Pittman. In that role, he was in charge of the company’s content businesses, including movie studios and recorded music. He became CEO in 2002 with the retirement of Gerald Levin, one of the key architects of that merger. Parsons was named Time Warner chairman the following year, replacing AOL founder Steve Case, who had also championed the combination. The newly formed company’s Internet division quickly became a drag on Time Warner. The promised synergies between traditional and new media never materialized. AOL began seeing a reduction in subscribers in 2002 as Americans replaced dial-up connections with broadband from cable TV and phone companies. Parsons stepped down as CEO in 2007 and as chairman in 2008. A year later AOL split from Time Warner and began trading as a separate company, following years of struggles to reinvent itself as a business focused on advertising and content. Time Warner is now owned by AT&T Inc. A board member of Citigroup and its predecessor, Citibank, since 1996, Parsons was named chairman in 2009 at a time of turmoil for the financial institution. Citigroup had suffered five straight quarters of losses and received $45 billion in government aid. Its board had been criticized for allowing the bank to invest so heavily in the risky housing market. Citigroup returned to profit under Parsons, starting in 2010, and would not have a quarterly loss again until the fourth quarter of 2017. Parsons retired from that job in 2012. In 2014 he stepped in as interim CEO of the Clippers until Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer took over later that year. Parsons, a Republican, previously worked as a lawyer for Nelson Rockefeller, a former Republican governor of New York, and in Gerald Ford’s White House. Those early stints gave him grounding in politics and negotiations. He also was an economic adviser on President Barack Obama’s transition team. Parsons, who loved jazz and co-owned a Harlem jazz club, also served as Chairman of the Apollo Theater and the Jazz Foundation of America. And he held positions on the boards of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Parsons played basketball at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and received his law degree from Albany Law School in 1971. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and their family. This obituary was primarily written by the late Associated Press reporter Anick Jesdanun, who died in 2020 .Cummins Inc. stock rises Monday, outperforms market
New Jersey gambling regulators have handed out $40,000 in fines to two sportsbooks and a tech company for violations that included taking bets on unauthorized events and on games that had already ended. In information made public Monday, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement fined DraftKings $20,000. It also levied $10,000 fines on Rush Street Interactive NJ and the sports betting technology company Kambi. According to documents released by the state, Rush Street accepted 16 bets worth $1,523 in Nov. 2021 on a college basketball game between the University of North Carolina-Asheville and Tennessee Tech University after the game had already concluded with a UNC victory. Kambi told the enforcement division that a trader had failed to manually remove that game from its betting markets, saying it had stopped receiving messages from its own sports data provider due to a network connectivity error. Kambi said it has updated its guidelines and retrained its traders to prevent a recurrence. Kambi, which is based in Malta, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday. Rush Street declined comment, and DraftKings had no immediate comment Monday. DraftKings stopped using Kambi in 2021. In March 2022 Rush Street took seven bets totaling just under $2,900 on three Magic City Jai Alai games after the results were already known. Kambi told the division it experienced a connectivity issue that allowed the bets to be accepted after the games were over. An explanation of what Kambi did to address the situation was blacked out in documents released by the division. A month earlier Rush Street took 13 wagers worth $8,150 with pre-match odds on a Professional Golf Association match after the event had already begun. In this case, Kambi told the division a newly hired trader failed to enter the correct closing time time for bets on the event. The trader and a supervisor underwent retraining. DraftKings was fined for taking bets on unapproved events including Russian basketball for nine months in 2020 and 2021. It eventually voided over $61,000 in bets and returned the money to customers after being directed to do so by the state. In this case, Kambi told the division it misidentified this particular Russian basketball league as one that was approved for wagering in New Jersey. DraftKings told the state it did not catch the error, either. In 2020, DraftKings accepted 484 wagers on unapproved table tennis matches. Kambi incorrectly enabled the events for wagering without conditions required by the state, the division said. In Feb. 2022, the division said DraftKings took pre-season NFL bets involving specific players but did not give the state specific information on what information was to be included in the bets, drawing 182 wagers worth nearly $7,000 that were later voided and refunded to customers. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .OTTAWA—Brampton Mayor and former Conservative leadership aspirant Patrick Brown said Monday he has no reason to believe foreign interference altered the outcome of the federal party’s 2022 leadership race. Brown issued a statement Monday , quoting multiple sources, that said Indian government agents attempted to hurt his campaign. According to the report, campaign volunteers were pressured not to help the campaign and Brown had invites to community events rescinded. In a statement, Brown said he takes the issue of foreign meddling seriously, but the outcome of the Conservative race was not affected by foreign interference. “Like all Canadians, I take the issue of foreign interference in our democracy very seriously. It is a critical matter that warrants thorough investigation,” he said. “I have no reason to believe that such interference altered the final outcome of the 2022 Conservative Party of Canada leadership race.” Brown was disqualified from the leadership race over allegations he broke the party’s financing rules during the campaign. The Radio-Canada story also said Calgary MP Michelle Rempel Garner was pressured to drop her support for Brown. Sean Schnell, Rempel Garner’s chief of staff, said that was not true. “MP Rempel Garner was not, and never has been, coerced by any official of any foreign government in any matter,” he said in an email. “Any claims suggesting that any of her actions during her time with Mr. Brown’s campaign, or her departure from it, are attributable in any way to coercion from foreign officials are false and defamatory.” Brown has been summoned to testify at the parliamentary committee on public safety, which is studying the activities of Indian government agents in Canada, including acts of political interference and violence that the federal government has alleged. Brown was called to testify as part of that inquiry and initially declined the invitation, before Liberal MPs on the committee pushed for him to be formally summoned. Brown said in his statement that he will attend the committee as asked, but has little to say. “I have no new evidence to contribute to the committee’s proceedings and am concerned that my appearance has been sought for political reasons rather than matters of substantive policy,” he said. “I have no desire to be drawn into partisan disputes unfolding in Ottawa. While I maintain my objection to the committee’s summons, I understand and will comply with my legal obligation to appear.” The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), in a report earlier this year, alleged that both India and China interfered in the Conservative leadership race. Brown said he believes the ongoing foreign interference inquiry, led by Marie-Josée Hogue, is the appropriate venue to discuss these issues, but he has not been invited to testify there.
Norfolk Southern Corp. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the day
TikTok Gamers Anticipate Exciting $SONIC Token Airdrop in 2025TOSIN ADARABIOYO: Leadership qualities one of my strengthsTikTok ban won’t solve the problem: Social media needs regulation, not one company banPresident-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. Kushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared "worked closely with me in the White House." The choice is in keeping with Trump's pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump's first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time -- a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man's wife, Kushner's sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Christie, who worked on Trump's first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year's Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. md/bbk/md
Highlights from Trump's interview with Time magazineOnce a countercultural symbol of rebellion, tattoos are now so mainstream that a neck or hand tattoo is no longer an impediment to becoming a cop in Victoria. The recent change in heart is mostly about boosting recruitment to that State's police force. But it also reflects changing societal norms, with about one-in-three Australians under the age of 30 now inked up. WA's police force still bans face, neck and hand tattoos, as well as any body art considered offensive or culturally insensitive, but tattoos elsewhere are not an issue. Camera Icon A queue outside an East Perth tattoo parlour offering free tattoos. Credit: Iain Gillespie / The West Australian Perth people love their tattoos so much that hundreds queued for up to six hours earlier this year when East Perth tattoo parlour Arcane Tattoo Studio offered free 50¢-sized tattoos for a day. Tattoos were already big business 15 years ago when Emma Commander of Fine Line Studios in Nedlands started in the industry. Since then she's seen their popularity grow and sees everyone from 18-year-olds to those in their 70s embracing the needle for the first time. "The industry has changed a lot," she says. "Advancements in technology, the introduction of social media have had big effects. "The accessibility of tattoos to the masses has grown and the options for styles have broadened . . . tattoos have always been popular since I started out but they are becoming so with a broader range of people. "I think it has been a gradual growth towards becoming mainstream within a larger culture in Australia. It's continuing to grow." But, while it's estimated that as many as one in four Australians now have ink on their body — up from 10 per cent in 2000 — there are still pitfalls to consider before taking the plunge. Choose your symbol carefully You have probably heard the stories about tourists who thought they were getting the Chinese symbols for "hope" or "integrity" tattooed on their body and wound up with insults... Kate Emery