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Michael Gray Jr., Byron Ireland rally Nicholls to 76-75 victory over Louisiana
As AI gets real, slow and steady wins the raceOne week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 30 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy advanced technology to identify and track drones back to their landing spots. That is according to briefings from his office. Federal authorities have said that the drones do not appear to be linked to foreign governments. West Africa regional bloc approves exit timeline for 3 coup-hit member states ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has approved an exit timeline for three coup-hit nations. It comes after a nearly yearlong process of mediation to avert the unprecedented disintegration of the grouping. The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said in a statement: “The authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period." In a first in the 15-nation bloc’s nearly 50 years of existence, the military juntas of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced in January that they decided to leave ECOWAS. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their babyOXFORD, Ohio (AP) — Kam Craft's 34 points led Miami (OH) over Bethany (WV) 112-70 on Sunday. Craft had a big night from beyond the arc for the RedHawks (6-3), as he made 10 of Miami's 22 3-pointers. Brant Byers scored 21 points while going 8 of 10 (5 for 7 from 3-point range). Eian Elmer had 20 points and shot 7 for 13, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc. Ben Guffey led the way for the Bison with 12 points. Troy Hixson added 11 points for Bethany. Cole Dailey finished with 10 points. Miami took the lead with 19:17 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 62-28 at halftime, with Byers racking up 17 points. Miami outscored Bethany by eight points in the second half, and Craft scored a team-high 20 points in the second half to help secure the victory. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) — John Buggs III’s 15 points helped East Tennessee State defeat Austin Peay 79-57 on Saturday night. Buggs shot 4 for 7 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Buccaneers (6-2). Jaden Seymour scored 13 points and added 11 rebounds. Quimari Peterson had 13 points and went 6 of 11 from the field. The Governors (4-4) were led in scoring by LJ Thomas, who finished with 15 points. Austin Peay also got 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals from Tate McCubbin. Tekao Carpenter also had eight points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The Washington Commanders put kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve Tuesday, just over 48 hours since he missed an extra point that would have tied the score with 21 seconds left against Dallas. Seibert also missed a field-goal attempt and another extra point in the loss to the Cowboys. He missed the previous two games with a right hip injury but said afterward he was fine and made the decision to play.
Video Chats: A Great Way for Dolphins Fans to Stay Connected WorldwidePHILADELPHIA (AP) — Corey McKeithan scored 28 points as La Salle beat Temple 83-75 on Saturday night. McKeithan shot 10 of 19 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 5 from the line for the Explorers (6-2). Demetrius Lilley added 13 points while shooting 5 for 12, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc while he also had six rebounds. Jahlil White shot 3 of 13 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 11 points, while adding 12 rebounds. Quante Berry led the Owls (4-3) in scoring, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. Temple also got 15 points from Jamal Mashburn Jr.. William Settle had 13 points and seven rebounds. La Salle took the lead with 14:45 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 42-33 at halftime, with McKeithan racking up 16 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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AP News Summary at 5:31 p.m. ESTFlorida State is set to host Florida on Saturday evening in the 68th meeting between the in-state rivals. The Gators and Seminoles have played every year since 1958, except for 2020 when leagues around the nation adjusted their schedules to include conference-only games in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida leads the series with a 37-28-2 record, but modern games have favored Florida State. The Seminoles are riding a two-game winning streak and have come out on top in nine of 13 games since 2010. Seven of those wins have come by at least two possessions. But this year's "Sunshine Showdown" tells the story of two programs headed in opposite directions, especially when considering preseason expectations. Florida coach Billy Napier entered the year on one of the hottest seats in college football , and a relatively lackluster start did not do much to help his case. Since the administration reaffirmed its faith in Napier, though, the Gators have ripped off two straight SEC wins against ranked opponents. In Week 13 they downed Ole Miss 24-17, snapping a six-game losing streak against top-10 teams. Florida State, on the other hand, entered the year as a top-10 team fresh off a 2023 campaign in which it finished the regular season 12-0 and won the ACC championship. The Seminoles dropped their season opener against Georgia Tech and have been in a spiral since, with a 2-9 record and just one win against an FBS opponent. How to watch Florida vs. Florida State live Date : Saturday, Nov. 30 | Time : 7 p.m. ET Location : Doak Campbell Stadium -- Tallahassee, Florida TV: ESPN 2 | Live stream: fubo (Try for free) Florida vs. Florida State: Need to know Freshmen in the spotlight: For the first time in series history, both Florida and Florida State will start freshmen quarterbacks in Saturday's game. DJ Lagway , the No. 1 signal caller in the class of 2024, has been a mainstay in the Gators' rotation all year, but he took the starting job when incumbent Graham Mertz suffered an ACL injury on Oct. 12 against Tennessee . Lagway has given Florida fans plenty to be excited about during his time on the field. He's thrown for 1,477 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 105 yards thus far. His arm talent is apparent any time he uncorks a deep ball, but his accuracy on long throws is impressive for a quarterback this early into his collegiate career. Florida State was put into its own tough quarterback situation in October when DJ Uiagelelei injured his throwing hand. The Seminoles have tried a couple different options in the wake of Uiagalelei's setback, which led to freshman Luke Kromenhoek earning his first career start in Week 13 against Charleston Southern . Kromenhoek completed 13 of his 20 passes for 2019 yards and three touchdowns in the win. A lot on the line for Florida State: Florida State is far from bowl contention at this point, but the Seminoles still have plenty to play for -- even beyond bragging rights against a top in-state rival. The Seminoles have a chance to avoid losing 10 games for the first time since 1974 and just the third time in program history. Florida State snapped a six-game losing streak in Week 13's win against Charleston Southern, so the Seminoles are on the right track. They have already become the third FBS team since 1998 to win their conference and then finish last in that same conference the following season. Florida State is also the first ACC program to take sole possession of 17th place in the expanded league. Florida can improve postseason stock: Florida already secured bowl eligibility by beating Ole Miss, but Saturday is a prime opportunity to notch another win and improve its standing in the bowl bidding process. The Gators have not won seven games since 2020, when they went 8-4 and made it to the Cotton Bowl under former coach Dan Mullen. They also haven't had a winning record under Napier, so improving to 7-5 in the regular season will ensure that Florida finishes above .500 for the first time in four years. Florida vs. Florida State prediction, picks Florida has been on a tear recently, but really the Gators have been better than their record indicates all year. Key to the late-season turnaround is a defense that, despite some mounting injuries -- especially in the secondary -- has vastly improved in short order. The Gators held two really good offenses under 20 points in their last two wins against LSU and Ole Miss. Now they face a Florida State offense that has averaged a woeful 11 points per game against FBS opponents. The Seminoles have eclipsed the 20-point mark just twice this season, and one of those was in a recent win against Charleston Southern. Florida should be able to pick its score and cover the line on sports betting apps . Pick: Florida -16.5 (-110) All sports betting odds via BetMGM Sportsbook . Check out the latest BetMGM promo to get in the game. SportsLine's proven computer model is calling for multiple outright upsets in Week 14 of college football . Visit SportsLine now to see them all , plus get spread picks for every game from the model that simulates each game 10,000 times.
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Opinion Op-Ed By Amine Ayoub Saudi Arabia has long positioned itself as a central player in the Middle East, aiming to influence regional stability and global geopolitics. The Riyadh summit earlier this month, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addressed key issues facing the Muslim world, brought this role into sharper focus. However, as the kingdom seeks to navigate complex geopolitical tensions — such as its evolving relationship with Iran, its criticisms of Israel and its involvement in ongoing conflicts like Yemen — the question arises: Can Saudi Arabia be trusted to broker lasting peace, especially when its own internal and external challenges, including its human-rights record, remain prominent? At the heart of the Riyadh summit was a discussion on Palestinian statehood and the ongoing conflict with Israel. In a notable departure from its previous diplomatic trajectory, bin Salman took a more assertive stance, openly condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and accusing it of genocide against Palestinians. He emphasized the need for the international community to ensure Israel respects Iranian sovereignty, signaling a potential shift in Saudi Arabia’s stance towards Israel and a move toward closer ties with Tehran. This stance appeared to mark a clear pivot away from previous talks aimed at normalizing relations with Israel, which had been a priority under former President Donald Trump’s first administration. While Saudi Arabia had expressed interest in recognizing Israel in exchange for security guarantees and regional stability, particularly in light of shared concerns about Iran, the kingdom’s rhetoric at the Riyadh summit highlighted growing divisions in its foreign policy. This shift is significant, especially given that Saudi Arabia’s rapprochement with Iran in 2023, brokered by China, has already reshaped the regional diplomatic landscape. Saudi Arabia’s growing ties with Iran, along with its criticisms of Israel, suggest a more independent foreign policy that is less reliant on the United States than it has been in recent decades. This makes Saudi Arabia’s role as a potential peace broker more complex. While Riyadh’s attempts at fostering diplomacy — such as encouraging dialogue between Iran and its regional allies — have been welcomed by some, its ability to mediate without bias, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, remains an open question. The trustworthiness of Saudi Arabia as a mediator in regional conflicts must be assessed in terms of its internal and external challenges. On the one hand, Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical clout, bolstered by its vast oil wealth and strategic position in the Gulf, makes it an important player in shaping regional outcomes. On the other hand, its internal governance and human-rights issues raise concerns about its ability to advocate for genuine peace that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary people, especially those living in conflict zones. Internally, Saudi Arabia has faced ongoing criticism for its human-rights record. The government’s suppression of political dissent, its treatment of women and minority groups, and the use of harsh measures against activists and journalists, including the high-profile killing of Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, remain major points of contention. These issues have led many to question Saudi Arabia’s commitment to universal human rights, especially when its foreign policy often appears driven by pragmatic, authoritarian priorities. For instance, the war in Yemen, which Saudi Arabia has led since 2015, has been a focal point of international criticism due to the humanitarian crisis it has created. Tens of thousands of people have died, and millions more have been displaced, yet the conflict shows little sign of resolution. The Saudi-led coalition has faced accusations of war crimes, including indiscriminate airstrikes that have killed civilians and targeted vital infrastructure, further complicating its image as a promoter of peace. This contradiction — between Saudi Arabia’s role as a peacemaker on the world stage and its repressive tactics at home and in foreign interventions — casts doubt on whether the kingdom is a reliable or impartial actor in conflict resolution. Saudi Arabia’s recent rhetoric, particularly at the Riyadh summit, underscores its desire to reshape its role in the region. However, it is important to consider whether these efforts are driven by a genuine commitment to peace, or whether they are part of a broader geopolitical strategy. MBS’ condemnation of Israel and his call for international action to protect Iran’s sovereignty may reflect Riyadh’s evolving relationship with Tehran, but they could also be seen as an attempt to consolidate power and influence in a volatile region. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s increasing reliance on China as a diplomatic partner has allowed it to broker important agreements with Iran, signaling a shift away from the West. While this shift could help reduce tensions in the region, it also means that Saudi Arabia’s conflict-resolution efforts may be influenced by its strategic alliances, potentially limiting its ability to act as a neutral party. The kingdom’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is another example of this complexity. On the one hand, Saudi Arabia has historically been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights. Yet, its willingness to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for security arrangements and other benefits underscores the transactional nature of its diplomacy. The apparent contradiction between MBS’ condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and his interest in normalizing relations with Israel only months ago illustrates how Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is often driven by shifting geopolitical interests rather than a consistent ethical stance. For Saudi Arabia to be truly trusted as a facilitator of lasting peace, it would need to demonstrate a commitment to resolving conflicts impartially, without ulterior motives, and show a willingness to address its own internal human-rights issues. Until such changes occur, the country’s ability to lead a meaningful peace process, especially in its own neighborhood, will remain a topic of skepticism and debate. ■ Amine Ayoub is a policy analyst and writer based in Morocco.Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | TriCounty Active Adult Center offers monthly ‘Sex & Dating after 50’ series Health | Berks food safety inspections found apparent rodent droppings near cooler Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The advancement of Point of Sale (POS) systems is transforming small business operations and their future in the global marketplace. Clover, the developer of the largest open-architecture point-of-sale solutions, has been at the forefront of this movement. Merchant services pioneer Slice is evolving the company’s capacity to power small businesses by offering Clover POS systems alongside attractive benefits like unlimited 0% processing, and 24/7 customer service through the SliceCare application, all for a flat monthly fee. Modern small businesses are relying on technology now more than ever to reduce costs and optimize customer experiences. Implementing cutting-edge technology can offer a suite of benefits ranging from streamlined employee management to omnichannel integration and data-driven reporting. Today’s POS systems, which were once only capable of simple transaction processing offer a host of services to take a business to the next level. Clover’s POS systems have garnered praise from leading retailers for their inventory management, customer relationship management, and more. Slice has released exclusive apps that accommodate popular contactless payment solutions and enable convenient QR technology to drive self-service experiences among other improvements. This technology offers a wealth of opportunities for the average small business to tap into greater profitability, but innovation generally comes at a cost. Many small businesses are hesitant to adopt new technology because of high prices, training requirements, and an underlying fear of modernization. However, retail technology reports are urging small businesses to embrace change as consumers demand more convenient, tech-driven shopping experiences. The top five trends poised to take hold in the coming years include legacy system modernization, AI, omnichannel experiences, augmented shopping, and voice commerce. These shifts may seem like a burden to small businesses operating on a shoestring budget, but they offer companies an opportunity to drive value creation while lowering their overhead costs. Legacy retail technology systems are outdated, incompatible with new programs, and lack scalability. This prevents companies from gaining an edge over mounting competition. Technology heightens customer experiences, improving transaction times, personalization, inventory costs, and reputation. These added efficiencies can foster greater customer loyalty and sustainable growth. Slice, a merchant services provider leveraging Clover POS systems to empower small businesses, testifies to the impact of technology on their clients’ bottom line. “Harnessing the power of technology helps small businesses lower labor, inventory, and operating costs, while also building a modern company image that attracts young, tech-savvy consumers,” says Slice CEO Alex Groyzburg. As a leading provider of innovative services like zero-cost credit card processing, Slice has crafted novel solutions to the longstanding challenges small businesses face. The company, which values long-term partnership over profit, stimulates American entrepreneurship by providing best-in-class Clover POS systems and other comprehensive services at a fixed monthly price. The company takes Clover’s powerful architecture a step further with features competitors lack. Around-the-clock customer support, unlimited 0% processing, lifetime price guarantees, and next-day replacements are just a few of the perks of working with Slice. Slice helps clients go beyond the basics, addressing current challenges and offering impressive tools anticipating future needs. The company shatters obstacles to small business growth through app integrations like free QR menu creation and personalization, and self-service kiosks. For small enterprises looking to reduce their labor costs, Slice provides tailored options to instantly connect customer orders to outsourced delivery teams. These services are a powerful way for small businesses to boost their credibility, increase sales, and better compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Small businesses represent 99.9% of all American businesses. They employ millions of people, providing them with a source of income and fulfillment. Their existence fuels the creation of innovative products and services and allows individuals to build wealth and give back to local communities. Without robust technical integrations, small businesses bring a sliver of the positive impact they’re capable of to the world. Women, minorities, and immigrants are some of the most common small business owners. These groups play a vital role in strengthening local economies, creating more jobs, and lowering taxes. Outside of financial benefits, small businesses enhance community connections and shape the unique character of different cities. When small businesses succeed, these wins translate to entrepreneurship that improves local development and quality of life. Slice , who donates monthly to various charities and funds local development initiatives, is rewriting the future of American small businesses through leading digital transformations. “Small businesses are the backbone of the global economy. They’re your favorite coffee shop, stationery store, or local bar, that goes the extra mile to make you feel valued. Despite their generosity and vital function in our society, it’s hard for them to access technology that’s affordable and effective. Slice is working to change that,” says Alex.NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global identity verification market size is estimated to grow by USD 16.92 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.3% during the forecast period. Increase in digitalization with electronic id (eID) cards and smart infrastructure initiatives is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing adoption of bring your own device (byod) among enterprises. However, privacy and security concerns of data transferred through iot poses a challenge. Key market players include Applied Recognition Corp., Authenteq Tarbena GmbH, Equifax Inc., Experian Plc, GB Group plc, Gen Digital Inc., ID Merit, Intellicheck Inc., Jumio Corp., Khosla Labs Pvt. Ltd., Mastercard Inc., Mitek Systems Inc., Onfido, PXL Vision AG, RELX Plc, Shufti Pro Ltd., Thales Group, TransUnion, UAB iDenfy., WebID Solutions GmbH, Acuant, Inc.; Nuance Communications Inc AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Component (Solutions and Services), Type (Large enterprises and SMEs), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa), deployment, organization size, vertical, region Region Covered North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Applied Recognition Corp., Authenteq Tarbena GmbH, Equifax Inc., Experian Plc, GB Group plc, Gen Digital Inc., ID Merit, Intellicheck Inc., Jumio Corp., Khosla Labs Pvt. Ltd., Mastercard Inc., Mitek Systems Inc., Onfido, PXL Vision AG, RELX Plc, Shufti Pro Ltd., Thales Group, TransUnion, UAB iDenfy., WebID Solutions GmbH, Acuant, Inc.; Nuance Communications Inc Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Identity Verification Market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing security risks associated with online transactions and digital identities. Businesses in finance, healthcare, emerging markets, and various industries are adopting advanced verification techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI), biometric technologies, and multi-factor authentication to secure their digital services and protect against identity-related theft incidents. These technologies include facial recognition, video analytics, liveness detection, and smart cities' intelligent border control. The finance sector, in particular, is prioritizing security measures to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and prevent cyber threats. Healthcare and life sciences, retail and e-commerce, energy and utilities, IT and ITES, and government and defense sectors are also investing in identity verification systems to secure confidential data, client financial details, and personal identifiers. Emerging technologies like blockchain-based identity verification, biometric checks, and cloud-based deployment are gaining popularity for their efficiency and security. However, a lack of awareness and potential losses due to fraudulent activities continue to be concerns for businesses. System integrators and security professionals are providing consulting, biometric devices, and security training to help organizations navigate the complex IT infrastructure and technical expertise required for effective identity verification. The identity verification industry is also addressing regulatory compliance, data analysis, and fraud detection needs across various sectors, including e-commerce, gaming, travel, and cryptocurrency exchanges. The market is expected to continue growing as digitization initiatives increase and cybersecurity needs become more pressing. In today's business landscape, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend is gaining popularity among enterprises. This shift towards a mobile-first, web next scenario enables employees to access their privileged accounts via mobile devices, enhancing productivity and morale. Privileged users, also known as admin users, possess the authority to manage backend functions of a system. They can create, modify, and delete accounts, alter user roles, adjust settings, and view sensitive data. This streamlined approach allows enterprises to adapt to the evolving work environment while ensuring secure access to critical information. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This identity verification market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Solutions- Identity verification solutions are essential for businesses to authenticate the identity of users or customers. These solutions ensure that the person engaging in a process is the true owner of the provided information, preventing unauthorized use, false identities, and fraud . Offline methods include face-to-face verification, where individuals present themselves in person at a company location or institution. Online identity verification methods include knowledge-based authentication, biometric verification, and document verification. The global market for identity verification solutions is projected to expand due to the increasing need for secure and reliable identity verification processes. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Identity Verification Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing number of online transactions and the need to secure digital identities. With the rise of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric technologies, verification techniques are becoming more sophisticated and efficient. The finance and healthcare sectors are major contributors to this market, with AML requirements and data breach concerns driving demand. However, emerging markets and businesses in lower-income countries are also adopting identity verification solutions to meet cybersecurity needs and enable digital payment methods. Internet penetration is expanding, but data privacy concerns and cybersecurity risks, including data breaches and cyberattacks, remain significant challenges. Regulations are playing a crucial role in shaping the identity verification industry, with the financial sector and emerging technologies such as blockchain-based identity verification leading the way. On-premise solutions are still prevalent, but cloud-based and hybrid models are gaining popularity. Overall, the identity verification market is expected to continue growing as businesses and individuals seek to secure their digital identities and mitigate risks. Market Research Overview The Identity Verification Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing number of online transactions and the digitalization of various industries, including finance, healthcare, and emerging markets. Digital identities have become essential in today's world, and the need for secure verification techniques is more critical than ever. Artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric technologies are playing a crucial role in identity verification, offering enhanced security measures and efficiency. However, with the increasing use of digital services, there are also rising security risks, such as identity-related theft incidents and cyber threats. Businesses across sectors, from BFSI to retail and e-commerce, are implementing identity verification systems to ensure regulatory compliance, prevent fraudulent activities, and protect confidential data. Technologies like facial recognition, video analytics, liveness detection, and multi-factor authentication are being used to verify identities in real-time. Emerging technologies like machine learning (ML) and biometrics are transforming the identity verification industry, offering data-driven verification methods and intelligent border control solutions. However, there are challenges, such as a lack of awareness, potential losses, and data privacy concerns, that need to be addressed. Industry-specific requirements, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and cybersecurity needs, are driving the adoption of identity verification systems in various sectors. Cloud-based deployment and cloud services are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness and scalability. Despite the benefits, there are also concerns around the use of traditional non-biometric solutions and the potential for breaches and data breaches. Security personnel, system integrators, and consulting firms are playing a crucial role in implementing security measures, providing security training, and offering technical expertise to businesses. In conclusion, the identity verification market is a critical component of the digital economy, offering essential security measures and enabling businesses to operate efficiently while protecting confidential data and ensuring regulatory compliance. However, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed to ensure data security and privacy. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/identity-verification-market-to-grow-by-usd-16-92-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-eid-cards-smart-infrastructure-and-ai-redefining-market-landscape---technavio-302331124.html SOURCE Technavio
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