WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can’t guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists’ predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won’t be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That’s a different approach from Trump’s typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are “going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that.” At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump’s inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell’s term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump’s pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We’re not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we’re not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better health care for less money.”
WHIPPANY, N.J. , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. SPH , today announced that it has filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 28, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). A link to the fiscal 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC, is available on the Partnership's website at www.suburbanpropane.com . Upon written request, the Partnership will provide to any unitholder or noteholder, without charge, a hard copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2024 . Requests should be directed to: Suburban Propane Partners, L.P., Investor Relations, P.O. Box 206, Whippany, New Jersey 07981-0206. About Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. ("Suburban Propane") is a publicly traded master limited partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey , Suburban Propane has been in the customer service business since 1928 and is a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas ("RNG"), fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and producer of and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, servicing the energy needs of approximately 1 million residential, commercial, governmental, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 700 locations across 42 states. Suburban Propane is supported by three core pillars: (1) Suburban Commitment – showcasing Suburban Propane's over 95-year legacy, and ongoing commitment to the highest standards for dependability, flexibility, and reliability that underscores Suburban Propane's commitment to excellence in customer service; (2) SuburbanCares – highlighting continued dedication to giving back to local communities across Suburban Propane's national footprint; and (3) Go Green with Suburban Propane – promoting the clean burning and versatile nature of propane and renewable propane as a bridge to a green energy future and investing in the next generation of innovative, renewable energy alternatives. For additional information on Suburban Propane, please visit www.suburbanpropane.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/suburban-propane-partners-lp-annual-report-available-online-302317708.html SOURCE Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Today inour Daily Dose of Social Media , we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. The ATP released a video where Daniil Medvedev builds his perfect player, including celebrations, cool-headedness, and mental games, mentioning his colleagues Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz among his picks. Afterwrapping up the season, one of the major tennis events ahead is the UltimateTennis Showdown, an exhibition that has gained significant prominence, withsome of its stars already sharing their thoughts ahead of the tournament. In aconversation between Dominic Thiem, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Denis Shapovalov,they chose which member of the Big-3 has the most aura, offering intriguingresponses. Humorousand honest: Medvedev picks his perfect player at ATP Finals DaniilMedvedev created his version of the perfect tennis player a few weeks agoduring the ATP Finals. The 2021 US Open champion gave a humorous interviewwhere he highlighted qualities from Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and evenhimself, including his quirky celebrations. The Russianplayer ended the season ranked World No. 5 after being eliminated in the RoundRobin stage of the Finals, suffering defeats against Taylor Fritz and Sinner,with his only victory coming against Alex de Minaur. Medvedev finished the yearwithout a title for the first time since 2017, with losses in the finals of theAustralian Open and Indian Wells. In thevideo, Medvedev chose himself as the player with the best celebrations andmental games. “Me, yeah for sure, out of the guys here, me for sure,” heresponded. The former World No. 1 also named Carlos Alcaraz as the player withthe best connection to the crowd. Watch the rest of his answers in the videobelow. Una publicación compartida de Tennis (@tennischannel) “Who hasthe most ‘Aura’ in the Big-3?” Shapovalov, Kokkinakis, and Thiem weigh in Aspreparations wrap up for the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Finals, set to take placefrom December 6 to 8 this year, tournament stars Denis Shapovalov, ThanasiKokkinakis, and Dominic Thiem shared their experiences facing the Big-3. Theydiscussed and debated which of Roger Federer , Rafael Nadal , or Novak Djokovic possesses the most "aura." Shapovalovimmediately picked Djokovic. “I remember Paris, the year I made the final. Iplayed him in the final, and I was thinking, ‘Oh man...’ because I heard rumourshe’d been sick all week, you know? And he was drinking his juices, drinkingstuff all the time,” the Canadian recalled.“I’m like, dude, ‘I’ve got him. I’m playing the best tennis of my life. The guyis not feeling good; he’s not 100%. Like you said, this is my chance...’”Shapovalov said, looking at Kokkinakis. “No chance. The guy was toying withme.” “And theworst is if the crowd pisses him off,” added the Australian. “If he gets pissedand starts yelling at the crowd—dude, pack your bags.” Meanwhile,Dominic Thiem joined the conversation and claimed that there’s no greaterchallenge in tennis than facing Nadal at Roland Garros. “But I think the worstthing in tennis is if you play against Rafa on Philippe-Chatrier, and the guystarts to talk: 2005, 2006, 2007...” Thiem said, referencing the playerintroductions where each of Nadal’s French Open titles is listed. Who has the most ‘aura’? Nadal, Federer, or Djokovic? Shapovalov, Kokkinakis, and Thiem weigh in #uts #utstour #tennis pic.twitter.com/wtkUH1CWRX TaylorFritz wraps up stellar 2024 season TaylorFritz reflected on videos of his incredible 2024 season, during which hereached his career-high ranking as World No. 4 and made significant finalsappearances at the US Open and ATP Finals. The American No. 1 confirmed theimpressive form he had carried over from previous seasons, maintainingconsistency throughout the year and adding two new titles to his record. The27-year-old became the first American to reach both the US Open and ATP Finalsfinals in the same season since Andre Agassi in 1999. “That’s awrap on the 2024 season 2 Titles, US Open finals, ATP Finalsrunner-up, an Olympic , and ending at a career high of #4 Thank you to my team for putting upwith me all year, and thank you to everyone for the love and support all yearlong, it was an amazing year. Feeling ready and more motivated than ever tokeep working and come back next season even stronger ,” Fritz posted. Una publicación compartida de Taylor Fritz (@taylor_fritz) Rafa Nadal meetsManchester City stars and watches Real Madrid’s defeat RafaelNadal visited Manchester City's training ground in England, where he posed forphotos with several players from the club and Spanish coach Pep Guardiola. The22-time Grand Slam champion spent the morning at City’s sports complex withplayers such as Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, and Manuel Akanji, as well asGuardiola. In the afternoon, he traveled to nearby Liverpool to watch the Redsface Real Madrid. TheMallorcan attended the stands at Anfield for a crucial match for Real Madrid intheir quest to reach the round of 16. Nadal was accompanied by his sisterMaribel during the Spaniards' 0-2 defeat to Liverpool FC. Una publicación compartida de Manchester City (@mancity) Enjoying his retirement! Rafael Nadal is at Anfield to cheer on Real Madrid. #BBCFootball #UCL pic.twitter.com/AsgS7YDftS This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.
Several members of Donald Trump's incoming administration have received threats including bomb alerts, the FBI said Wednesday, with one nominee reporting a pipe-bomb scare sent with a pro-Palestinian message. "The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners," the agency said in a statement. Swatting refers to the practice in which police are summoned urgently to someone's house under false pretenses. Such hoax calls are common in the United States and have seen numerous senior political figures targeted in recent years. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump's transition team, earlier said that several appointees and nominees "were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them." Elise Stefanik, a Trump loyalist congresswoman tapped to be UN ambassador, said her residence in New York was targeted in a bomb threat. She said in a statement that she, her husband, and small son were driving home from Washington for the Thanksgiving holiday when they learned of the threat. Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat sent with a "pro-Palestinian themed message." The former congressman from New York said he and his family were not home at the time. Fox News Digital quoted unidentified sources saying that John Ratcliffe, Trump's nominee to head the CIA, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary pick, were also targeted. Ahead of his return to the House in January, Trump has already swiftly assembled a cabinet of loyalists, including several criticized for a severe lack of experience. The Republican, who appears set to avoid trial on criminal prosecutions related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss, was wounded in the ear in July in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally. The shooter was killed in counter-fire. In September, authorities arrested another man accused of planning to shoot at Trump while he played golf at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. bur/sms/bjt
Centre seeks public comments on clinical electrical thermometer for error-free diagnosis
Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutionsJERUSALEM — Israel approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah militants on Tuesday that would end nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, starting at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Hours before the ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. The warnings sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few miles from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 20 miles north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Is It Safe to Invest in the Stock Market Right Now? Here's What Warren Buffett Is Doing.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Brayden Point scored twice and added two assists, and the Tampa Bay Lightning edged the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 on Sunday. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two helpers for the Lightning, while Jake Guentzel scored on a power play late in the third period. Captain Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood found the back of the net for the Canucks. Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced and Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves for Vancouver. Lightning: Kucherov, who returned to the lineup Sunday after missing two games with a lower-body injury, added another potent piece to Tampa’s red-hot power play. The Lightning were 2 for 4 with the man advantage and scored a power-play goal for the sixth straight game. Canucks: Hughes took a stick to the face 55 seconds into the game, missed more than 11 minutes, then returned to open the scoring 16:08 into the first period. It was the 50th goal of the defenseman’s career and extended his points streak to seven games with three goals and 10 assists across the stretch. Tampa took the lead 6:29 into the second when Kucherov sliced a pass to Point at the bottom of the faceoff circle and the Lightning winger blasted it in past Lankinen for his 17th of the season. Kucherov put the visitors on the board just a minute and 49 seconds earlier. Point scored his league-leading 10th power-play goal of the season. He’s one away from becoming the third player to score 100 power-play goals for the Lightning. The Canucks continue a six-game homestand Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. The Lightning visit the Oilers on Tuesday. AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Shah Khursheed* Located 85 kilometers from Srinagar, the remote village of Jundinambal in Baramulla district, North Kashmir, is home to about 800 residents, who face daily struggles with poverty. The local economy relies on dairy farming, horticulture, and agriculture. While men are the main earners, women manage the household. Men work to provide for their families for seven months, but the seasonal slowdown during winter disrupts their income. During this time, freezing temperatures and impassable roads halt most agricultural activities, leaving many villagers without work. Additionally, limited healthcare facilities and poor connectivity make accessing even basic medical care difficult and costly. Amid these challenges, 29-year-old Rafiqa Begum, an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) from Limber Tehsil, Boniyar, Baramulla, has become a vital figure in her community. After moving to Jundinambal following her marriage, Rafiqa, a postgraduate degree in Political Science, began working as the village’s only ASHA worker in 2019. She provides essential services to the community, especially to women, including healthcare, maternal and infant care, nutrition, hygiene education, and vaccinations. Rafiqa’s work has been particularly impactful in educating women about menstrual hygiene, a topic that remains stigmatized in many parts of Kashmir. Masrat Bano, a local woman, recalls how Rafiqa introduced sanitary pads in 2019, explaining their use and benefits. Previously, Masrat, like many others, used cloth for menstrual hygiene, which was challenging and uncomfortable to maintain. “Sanitary pads seemed like a luxury,” she admits, adding that using cloth made it difficult to manage hygiene, especially during school hours, leading some girls to miss school altogether. Rafiqa explains that financial constraints and social stigma often prevent girls from accessing menstrual products. “Many women can’t afford sanitary pads, and even if they can, they are often too shy to buy them from male-run stores,” she shares. To address this, Rafiqa distributes subsidized pads and holds educational sessions for young girls and the broader community. Her efforts have helped normalize menstruation and reduce the shame around it, allowing women to manage their periods with dignity. The challenge of accessing menstrual hygiene products is not unique to Jundinambal. In Kupwara, ASHA workers like Asiya Reyaz in Langate are also working to improve women’s health. “We’ve helped reduce urinary infections to zero,” she says. Yet, even in Kupwara, challenges remain. Jabeena Begum, President of the ASHA Union in Kupwara, highlights an urgent issue: “Since July 23, there has been a shortage of supplies, which affects the health and dignity of girls in our community.” Reyaz adds that a lack of supplies forces women to buy pads from male-run stores, which is uncomfortable and often humiliating. “These are personal needs, and no woman should feel ashamed just to take care of herself,” she explains. This struggle resonates with women like Zahida Ahanger, who recalls her first experience with menstruation in eighth grade. “I didn’t know what was happening to me,” she remembers. When she asked a friend for help, she received an old cloth, which led to rashes and pain. For years, Zahida continued using rags, enduring discomfort and shame. Determined to change this, Zahida and 37 other women started a women’s wing in their community to break the silence around menstruation and fight the stigma. In areas like Haril in Langate, ASHA workers such as Asha Begum create safe spaces for girls at Anganwadi centers. “These centers aren’t just for food and supplies—they’re places of hope,” says Asha. Here, girls receive not only food but also support, guidance, and education about menstrual health. Despite challenges in accessing resources, ASHA workers in remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir are making a difference. In Kupwara, girls often pay 6-7 rupees for a single sanitary pad packet, while in Baramulla, it’s slightly cheaper at 5 Rupees. Yet, these costs remain unaffordable for many families, especially those struggling financially. Jabeena Begum highlights the financial struggles of ASHA workers. “We earn only 600 rupees per delivery at a government hospital and 300 rupees for private deliveries,” she says. “It’s degrading, but the work remains the same.” Recently, ASHA workers gathered in Srinagar to demand fair pay and better working conditions. “We are the frontline of healthcare in rural areas, but the government needs to acknowledge our work and provide respect and fair compensation,” Jabeena asserts. Local stores sometimes step in to help fill gaps. Abdul Ahad, who runs a small grocery store in Jundinambal, stocks sanitary pads for emergencies. “While most women get pads from ASHA workers, I keep them for those who need them urgently,” he says. Zainab Wani from Delina, Baramulla, points out issues with the sanitary pads distributed by ASHA workers. “The government must improve their quality,” she says, explaining that low-quality pads can cause rashes and anxiety, especially among teenagers. Through grassroots efforts, ASHA workers like Rafiqa Begum are helping the next generation of girls in Kashmir overcome menstrual stigma. “More young girls, especially from marginalized backgrounds, are now enrolling in schools,” Rafiqa says proudly. “We’re working to ensure menstrual hygiene doesn’t hinder their progress.” Mohammad Ramiz, a health supervisor at the Sub-District Hospital in Baramulla, emphasizes the role of ASHA workers in improving rural health outcomes. “ASHA workers are vital for promoting menstrual hygiene, immunization, maternal care, and nutrition,” he says. In remote Kashmir, ASHA workers are not only providing essential supplies but also empowering women to take control of their health and dignity. Their work is a crucial step toward a future where no woman or girl has to face these challenges in silence and where menstruation is recognized as a natural part of life. (The author is a freelance writer from Kashmir) —–WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate cease-fire . Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy , including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we're not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are -- things do -- things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better healthcare for less money.” Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report.
Greene to lead subcommittee taking on government spending
Next man up is usually reserved for injury situations in the NFL. But for the Pittsburgh Steelers , that adage is reserved for budding defensive star Keeanu Benton. Because while his mentor Cam Heyward isn't showing any signs of slowing down, after a huge play in the team's win over the Cleveland Browns , it's Benton that will be terrorizing offensives for years to come: Keeanu Benton makes a miraculous interception against Browns "But, you know, heck of a play," said Cam Heyward when asked about Benton's interception. "Great awareness, you know, just to track it down the line. It wasn't like it was, you know, popped in there or anything. But can't say enough about the kid. He works his tail off. I know he wants big plays all the time, but you know, it was a big play for us in this game, and luckily, had that kid on our sideline." BIG MAN SNAG @keeanu_benton Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/OU0Kt7f6zl Interceptions are usually reserved for the defensive backfield but when you are as spry and agile as Keeanu Benton, interceptions are just another part of your skillset, even if his own teammates didn't know it yet: "I was in the post [safety position] on that play, so seeing the screen happen, and seeing him put his hands up and catch it, I was like 'Oh, shoot,'" said safety DeShon Elliott after the game. "I don't know he was at athletic like, he's had a lot of pass breakups this year, because he's a great player. But I just didn't know he had those ball skills too. He was trying to get out of there so, and I think that running back was trying to make him fumble. So great ball security. I'm really proud of Keeanu." Benton is just 23 years old and in the second year of his NFL career. A former Wisconsin Badger, his playstyle fits in perfectly with the Steelers as a sound run defender, yet interior presence in terms of pass rush. But perhaps more importantly, Benton fits into the Steelers culture, as he already has a voice in the locker room as seen in episode one of Hard Knocks AFC North: One of my favorite moment from Hard Knocks was hearing #Steelers NT Keeanu Benton's speech on Saturday night to the defense. Love that the team has these young players speak to try and find their voice from a leadership standpoint. Awesome seeing Cam Heyward's reaction, too. pic.twitter.com/SKoRdap4KK Expect even more from Benton down the stretch. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.
'We take the point and move on': Reading boss reacts to end-to-end Barnsley draw
Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingThe Indian Institute of Technology Madras will collaborate with Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India to develop talent and innovation. The partnership will provide internships and placement opportunities for BS degree students and envisages enriching the academic experience of students through mentorship programmes. Around 35,000 candidates are actively pursuing the degree. Renault Nissan Tech experts will conduct mentorship programmes, viva sessions and leadership talks. The institute signed a memorandum of understanding on November 15. Prathap Haridoss, dean (Academic courses) at the institute said, “together, the institute and Renault Nissan are setting a benchmark for collaboration in terms of the variety of engagements enabled.” The employees of the company will be equipped with advanced knowledge through the institute’s Centre for Outreach and Digital Education programmes such as web-enabled M Tech degree, executive education certificate programmes and NPTEL courses. The company’s managing director Debashis Neogi said the MoU aims to create an ecosystem that empowers students, upskills professionals and addresses the dynamic challenges of the automotive and technology landscape. Currently, senior professionals of the company have volunteered over 140 hours as viva examiners for machine learning practice project (at diploma level) and leadership talk on ‘Explainable AI’. Three students were offered internship which was converted to full-time positions at Renault Nissan Tech. The company hosted a panel discussion on Living with AI in which institute faculty participated; over 300 Renault Nissan Tech professionals have taken the IIT M CODE programmes in eMobility, 3D printing, supply chain, machine learning, AI, HR Analytics and others. The company sponsors merit-cum-means scholarship for 300 students with annual family income of less than ₹5 lakh. Published - December 27, 2024 11:50 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit higher educationNone