Instant Pot Duo reduced to $99 at Amazon AustraliaDOF sees record-breaking non-tax revenues in 2024; surpassing targets by over 200%A seasonal crew could soon be hired to ramp up the removal of needles and weapons from parks, though some fear the effort will fall short of what’s needed. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * A seasonal crew could soon be hired to ramp up the removal of needles and weapons from parks, though some fear the effort will fall short of what’s needed. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? A seasonal crew could soon be hired to ramp up the removal of needles and weapons from parks, though some fear the effort will fall short of what’s needed. The City of Winnipeg’s 2025 preliminary budget proposes a $60,000 program that would hire two seasonal staff to proactively clean up 16 “high risk” parks every two to four days between April and October. That’s just a fraction of the funding and staff a previous report proposed to tackle the issue two months ago. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES Earlier this year, a daycare reported its staff found used needles, opioid overdose medication, human waste, garbage, knives, ammunition, broken glass, a variety of weapons and bear-spray canisters at downtown green spaces. Coun. Cindy Gilroy, who pushed for funding to address the concern, said she fears the scope of the current plan is too narrow. “It’s not really covering what I asked for. It’s only meaningful if it’s going to be actually doing what we’re wanting it to do. Otherwise, it’s kind of just throwing money out there to make it look like we’re doing something. It has to be (done) with the intent of really improving the conditions of some of these parks,” said Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre). The October public service report offered two options for cleanups at 36 “priority parks,” after residents complained the dangerous debris makes it tough for kids to play outside some daycares. The first option would have seen the city hire and deploy two crews of four people to monitor parks daily from April to October at a cost of $193,704 per year. The second would have deployed two crews of four to monitor the parks from April to October, as well as one crew of two from November to March, at a price of $262,884. Since the budget proposal involves fewer staff doing less-frequent cleanups at fewer parks, the estimated price is much lower. Gilroy said she believes the city must at least conduct the effort year-round and ensure daily cleanups take place in the summer months to make parks safer for kids. She plans to push for those changes in budget meetings next month. “I really feel that our kids really need to be able to go out and play freely, without worrying about weapons, drug paraphernalia lying around... I’m finding glass at the bottom of slides, broken bottles,” she said. It’s especially important in the inner city, where many residents rely on park space because they live in apartments without private yards. Earlier this year, a daycare reported its staff found used needles, opioid overdose medication, human waste, garbage, knives, ammunition, broken glass, a variety of weapons and bear-spray canisters at downtown green spaces. “The problem doesn’t go away in the winter time,” Gilroy said. “We’re still going to see these things happen in the parks.” Mayor Scott Gillingham said the seasonal program was recommended because of greater park use during warmer months. Coun. Vivian Santos, chairwoman of council’s community services committee, said the lower-cost program proposed in the budget reflects what the city can afford. “When we drew up the (earlier staff) report it was about what would the service and policy look like if we were to do it on a daily basis.... It was kind of a ‘gold standard,’ and we’re wanting to come up with a balanced approach,” said Santos (Point Douglas). The budget calls for council’s executive policy committee to receive a report in November that details how effective the proposed program was and how much debris staff collected. Santos said those results would help determine if it should be expanded in future budgets. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “We’re testing this theory out, seeing how this is going to work,” she said. Residents who spot hazards in city parks should still call 311 to seek dangerous-debris cleanups, responses that will continue whether or not the proposed cleanups are approved in the budget, Santos said. City council will cast a final vote on the budget Jan. 29. joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca X: @joyanne_pursaga Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the before joining the in early 2020. . Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the before joining the in early 2020. . Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement
President Javier Milei has said that the Senate session in which Edgardo Kueider was expelled over corruption allegations was void because his vice, Victoria Villarruel, led the session while acting as president of the nation. Milei traveled to Italy on Thursday, leaving Villarruel as acting president, but she has responded publicly that she was not formally transferred the presidential power until after the session had ended. The episode underscores the increasingly public rift between the president and his second-in-command. “The session is invalid,” Milei said on Friday during an interview with Luis Majul on radio station El Observador. On Thursday, the Upper House voted to expel Senator Edgardo Kueider from Congress after he was arrested in Paraguay with over US$200,000 of undeclared cash while crossing the border from Brazil. Kueider was a Peronist lawmaker, but voted for Milei’s flagship bill, the Ley Bases. Like Milei, his lawyer said the session was null and filed a writ for Kueider to be reinstated. In Argentina, the Vice President is also head of the senate. However, Milei argued that Villarruel should not have presided over the session because he was in Rome and she should have been the acting president, not the head of the Senate. Milei said that, according to current legislation, the vice president “automatically” acts as president if the president travels overseas. That role is then occupied by the provisional spokesperson of the Senate, who is currently Bartolomé Abdala. “If she presides over the session of the Congress, she is working in the Legislative Branch, but at the same time, she is the acting president of the nation [...,] she is occupying two positions, and that violates the separation of powers,” he said. Villarruel responded that the temporary transfer of power did not take effect until it had been formally signed off. “Until the power of attorney [to be President] is transferred to me, I am vice president. And that is done through the presidency’s notary. I signed the minutes giving my consent at 7:00 p.m.,” Villarruel wrote, answering a comment on her Instagram account. Screenshots of what appears to be a chat with Villarruel’s secretary were published by various news websites. They show a conversation timestamped 8:36 a.m. on Tuesday, stating the president’s time of departure and arrival. The secretary responds “OK” to the messages. The chats also show a letter notifying Villarruel of Milei’s trip through the Electronic Document Management System (GDE, by its Spanish acronym), which stores all proceedings and files within the public administration. Milei mentioned the letter in his interview. A spokesperson for Villarruel told the Herald that Villarruel was not aware of the trip, that the Legislative Branch does not use the GDE, and that the vice president does not have a username for the system in the Senate building. Milei’s trip to Italy, although not his departure time, had been reported by media including the Herald over a week before he departed. The relationship between Milei and Villarruel has been strained for months, with the president calling her part of the “caste” and leaving her off the guestlist for government events. She was not present for Milei’s first anniversary speech celebrating one year in power. “I would have loved to be there,” Villarruel wrote in a comment on her Instagram account. Villarruel lamented that Kueider was expelled from the Congress, implying that she does not consider him a member of the Peronist bloc. Since Kueider entered Congress on a Peronist ticket, his seat will now be granted to Stefania Cora, who is associated with Maximo Kirchner’s organization La Cámpora. “We are going to work until our last breath so that the [Kirchners] no longer manage the designs of our country,” Villarruel wrote on X. Meanwhile, Kueider is currently being investigated in Paraguay for attempted smuggling. Peronist senator Oscar Parrilli, social democrat deputy Margarita Stolbizer, and left-wing former deputy Myriam Bregman have suggested that Kueider was smuggling money from a government bribe to vote for the Ley Bases. Investigators have not reached any formal conclusions about the origin of the funds. Bregman’s party, the Party of the Socialist Workers (PTS) demanded that the Ley Bases be declared void. The vote on the controversial bill was tied in Argentina’s senate, with Villarruel casting the deciding vote in favor of the government.Oliver Glasner hopeful that Adam Wharton will be ready to face Brighton
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn played bogey-free for an 8-under 64 for his first lead after any round. Joel Dahmen was 10 shots behind and had a bigger cause for celebration Friday in the RSM Classic. Dahmen made a 5-foot par putt on his final hole for a 2-under 68 in tough conditions brought on by the wind and cold, allowing him to make the cut on the number and get two more days to secure his PGA Tour card for next year. He is No. 124 in the FedEx Cup. “I still got more to write this weekend for sure,” said Dahmen, who recently had said his story is not yet over. “But without having the opportunity to play this weekend, my story would be a lot shorter this year.” Fishburn took advantage of being on the easier Plantation course, with trees blocking the brunt of the wind and two additional par 5s. He also was helped by Maverick McNealy, who opened with a 62 on the tougher Seaside course, making two bogeys late in his round and having to settle for a 70. Fishburn, who already has locked up his card for next year, was at 11-under 131 and led McNealy and Lee Hodges (63) going into the weekend. Michael Thorbjornsen had a 69 and was the only player who had to face Seaside on Friday who was among the top five. What mattered on this day, however, was far down the leaderboard. The RSM Classic is the final tournament of the PGA Tour season, and only the top 125 in the FedEx Cup have full status in 2025. That's more critical than ever with the tour only taking the top 100 for full cards after next season. Players like Dahmen will need full status to get as many playing opportunities as they can. That explains why he felt so much pressure on a Friday. He didn't make a bogey after his opening hole and was battling temperatures in the low 50s that felt even colder with the wind ripping off the Atlantic waters of St. Simons Sound. He made a key birdie on the 14th, hitting a 4-iron for his second shot on the 424-yard hole. Dahmen also hit wedge to 2 feet on the 16th that put him on the cut line, and from the 18th fairway, he was safely on the green some 40 feet away. But he lagged woefully short, leaving himself a testy 5-footer with his job on the line. “It was a great putt. I was very nervous,” Dahmen said. “But there's still work to do. It wasn't the game-winner, it was like the half-court shot to get us to halftime. But without that, and the way I played today, I wouldn't have anything this weekend.” His playing partners weren't so fortunate. The tour put three in danger of losing their cards in the same group — Zac Blair (No. 123), Dahmen and Wesley Bryan (No. 125). The cut was at 1-under 141. Blair and Bryan came to the 18th hole needing birdie to be assured of making the cut and both narrowly missed. Now they have to wait to see if anyone passes them, which is typically the case. Thorbjornsen in a tie for fourth and Daniel Berger (66 at Plantation) in a tie for 17th both were projected to move into the top 125. Dahmen, indeed, still has work to do. Fishburn gets a weekend to see if he can end his rookie year with a win. “I've had a lot of experience playing in cold growing up in Utah, playing this time of year, kind of get used to playing when the body’s not moving very well and you’ve got to move your hands,” said Fishburn, who played college golf at BYU. “Just pretty happy with how I played.” Ludvig Aberg, the defending champion and No. 5 player in the world competing for the first time in more than two months because of knee surgery, bounced back with a 64 on Plantation and was back in the mix. Aberg played with Luke Clanton, the Florida State sophomore who looks like he belongs each week. Clanton, the No. 1 player in the world amateur ranking who received a sponsor exemption, had a 65 at Plantation and was two shots off the lead. Clanton already has a runner-up and two other top 10s since June. “Playing with him, it's pretty awesome to watch,” Clanton said. “We were kind of fanboying a little it. I know he's a really good dude but to be playing with him and to see what he's done over the last couple years, it's pretty inspirational.” AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf(BPT) - Every year, roughly 20-30% of older Americans head to warmer climates for the colder winter months. Snowbirds are often retirees on fixed incomes, though flexible work environments now provide more opportunities for anyone to spend several months escaping the chill. Whether on a fixed income or an empty nester with disposable income, consumers are interested in saving money where they can. With this in mind, snowbirds can look to their AARP membership to take advantage of relevant discounts and offerings as they fluff their feathers and get ready for takeoff. From savory breakfast options while driving to your seasonal destination, to home and auto protection, and even resources to support mental and physical health, AARP member benefits offer deals and savings that will help snowbirds take flight this winter. "Spending winters in warmer places has so many benefits that come with being able to be outside more often. Warmth and sunlight not only increase serotonin levels , which can result in more positive moods and a calm, focused mental outlook, but they also stimulate vitamin D production and may even boost immunity ," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. "An AARP membership makes it even better by offering savings as you plan your trip, as well as at many dining, entertainment and retail locations you will come across in your winter getaway destination, helping you to enjoy it to the fullest." 1. Order Up Road trips are often the preferred way to travel to a winter home for the flexibility of having a car once there. Whether your drive will have you behind the wheel for hours or days, you'll want to make sure you have your meals planned out. Fill up with a tasty breakfast or lunch with a stop at Denny's, which is easy to spot from most major highways. AARP members can save when heading to Denny's . With over 1,500 locations nationwide, members save 15% on everything from diner classics to breakfast items every day; maximum discount not to exceed $10. Restrictions apply. 2. Primary Care from Almost Anywhere Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your winter travels, so it's a good idea to make sure you can access quality healthcare even when you're at your winter destination. If you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health primary care clinic near you. Oak Street Health , the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health clinic. 3. Wellness Checklist Once you check off primary care needs for your winter destination, don't overlook other priorities like maintaining your prescriptions and protecting your vision. Start by making sure your prescriptions are up to date before you head out of town. If you do need a refill while you're away, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP ® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx ® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. You do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of these benefits, though AARP members receive additional perks, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more. If you're having trouble with your vision, want to update your sunglass prescription, or simply want to maintain your annual visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist while away, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 4. Home (Safety) Away from Home One thing that should always be a priority is keeping your home safe while you're away for the winter. While Neighborhood Watch is always helpful, long periods away from a home require additional security systems. With an AARP membership, homeowners can secure their homes for less. Members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT Home Security , which covers smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation for video doorbells, security cameras and smart locks. 5. Pack Auto Coverage in Your Luggage Driving south for the winter? Utilize AARP member benefits to save on auto care so you can road trip worry free. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside Assistance plans, which provides access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Allstate Roadside plan benefits can be used 24/7 in any car you drive, including rented and borrowed ones. And, if you want to bring any personal items with you but don't have room to squeeze them in your car, Budget Truck Rental has a variety of trucks for you to choose from. AARP members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver. Regardless of how you're traveling or spending your winter months, AARP member benefits can help you maximize your budget while you prioritize the things that matter. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save . AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.
NoneMOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Amarion Dickerson had 27 points and 15 rebounds to help Robert Morris hold off Northern Kentucky 97-93 in triple overtime on Sunday. Dickerson blocked five shots and had three steals for the Colonials (9-5, 1-2 Horizon League). Sophomore Alvaro Folgueiras scored 21 points and added a career-high 19 rebounds and six assists. DJ Smith had 13 points. The Norse (7-7, 2-1) were led by LJ Wells, who finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Northern Kentucky also got 17 points and six rebounds from Trey Robinson. Randall Pettus II had 17 points. The Norse saw a five-game win streak come to an end. Dickerson's dunk gave Robert Morris a 94-92 lead with 26 seconds left in the third OT. Dilen Miller made two free throws with 3 seconds left to wrap up the victory. Josh Dilling made the second of two free throws with 8 seconds left for the Norse, forcing a second OT tied at 80. Wells hit a 3-pointer with 2:05 left and neither team scored after that, forcing the third OT tied at 86. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump suggests the United States should control Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal, sparking strong reactions from the involved countries. "Because we're being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we're being ripped off everywhere else," Trump said. Trump argues that Panama charges "ridiculous" fees for using the canal and criticizes President Jimmy Carter for ceding control of the canal in a historic peace treaty. "I leave them there as totally irrelevant issues and quite bordering on historical incoherence with what the Panama Canal has been, is and will be," said José Raúl Mulino, the president of Panama, through a translator. Trump has also targeted Canada on social media, suggesting it should become the 51st state and referring to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a governor. "Canada allows people and drugs to flow in through our Northern Border," Trump said. Trump's comments have caused turmoil in Ottawa, leading to the resignation of the finance minister over disagreements on handling the new hostility. "What we need to do is make sure that we strengthen our relationships with our allies and treaty partners like Panama, not make ridiculous carnival barker threats," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, D-Florida. Trump also claims that U.S. control of Greenland is vital for "national security and freedom throughout the world." However, the Danish Prime Minister has stated that the territory is not for sale but is open for cooperation. During his first administration, Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his initial offer to buy Greenland was rejected. This is not the first time a U.S. president has shown interest in Greenland; President Harry Truman offered to purchase it from Denmark in 1946 for $100 million in gold. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Cabrera as the ambassador to Panama.Aberdeen midfielder Leighton Clarkson issues ‘no fear’ of Celtic message – who he says could find rocking Pittodrie ‘really tough’
By the time the first Apple Watch was released in 2015, other tech giants like Sony, Microsoft, and Samsung were established players in the smartwatch market. But Apple, as it tends to do, quickly made its mark. The Apple Watch combines fitness tracking, health monitoring, and communication tools in a sleek device that is only compatible with the iPhone. Nearly a decade later, Apple has consistently refined its features, and each new release addresses any shortcomings. Today's models can even save your life in an emergency with features like fall detection or blood oxygen measurement, so it's as practical as it is stylish. Therefore, it's no surprise Apple has displaced top watch brands to become the most successful globally, making up 21.6% of the smartwatch market as of 2024. Here's a look at the history of the Apple Watch and how it has evolved to become the best-selling smartwatch in the world. Like many first-gen products, Apple's first watch , popularly known as the Series 0, definitely had some room for improvement. Still, it was enough to place the Apple Watch ahead of competitors. In the second quarter of 2015, the year it was released, the company shipped out 4.2 million units of the Apple Watch, beating brands like Xiaomi to become the world's leading vendor of smartwatches. On first impression, the Series 0 was stylish, with an excellent design and great finish. Two size options were available: a 38mm and a 42mm. But the watch's battery could only last for a day, not much more. There were also some issues with the integration of third-party apps, most of which didn't sync so well with the watch or took a while to load. Apple offered three models with this generation of the Apple Watch. The first was the Sports model, which was the base version. Made with aluminum, it was priced starting at $349. Next was the steel version, which cost $549. The Edition model stood out at a significantly higher price point, costing a whopping $10,000 for the 38mm and $12,000 for the 42mm watch. September of 2016 saw the release of two Apple Watches: The Series 1 and Series 2. Both gadgets were released along with the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, and the first generation of the AirPods. The Series 1 looked almost identical to the first Apple Watch, but it addressed some of its issues, most notably the price point. The 38mm had a starting price of $269, while the 42mm started at $299, significantly lower than their predecessor. The main update, tech-wise, was an S1P dual-core processor, which improved the watch's performance. However, the watch was only offered in the Sports model, limiting the design options available to buyers. With water resistance not much changed, the Series 1 also has an IPX7 rating, meaning it can last 30 minutes at one meter deep in water. But while it's okay to shower with it on, taking it for a swim is not advisable. The Series 2 didn't change much in terms of design, adopting the features of the Series 1. However, it did offer more options. It was available in stainless steel, aluminum, and a newly added ceramic edition. But looks weren't its biggest selling point. The Series 2 had a GPS function for fitness tracking, which you couldn't find on the Series 1. However, while this feature meant you could track your run, it put more strain on the battery. The battery itself remained largely unchanged from the Series 1. Waterproofing was another selling point for this watch. The Series 2 came with 50-meter water resistance so that you could wear it for a swim. Display brightness also went up, with a 1000-nits display, but it still lacked what many users clamored for — an always-on display. The difference in features placed the Series 2 at a significantly higher price than the Series 1, starting at $369. At this point, Apple discontinued the ridiculously priced Edition Watch that came with the first generation. The Apple Watch Series 3 retained the GPS chip, display resolution, and water resistance of the Series 2. However, the most notable introduction was its Series 3 LTE version, which provided built-in cellular data support. While not new to smartwatches, this was a novel addition to the Apple Watch. With LTE connectivity, you could stay connected to their smartwatches without having your smartphones around — or at least, that was the goal. In practice, this feature could have worked better. Some users reported that the smartwatch was slow to switch to LTE when out of range of their phones. Apple later acknowledged this bug and released a software update to address it. This generation also kept the same design as the previous watches but had all-around upgrades, like improved battery life and 16 GB storage space, double that of earlier models. In addition, there was a significant 70% boost in speed and performance thanks to its faster processor. The LTE version of the Series 3 was priced starting at $399, while the non-LTE version cost $329. The next Apple smartwatch was the Series 4 , released in September 2018. For the first time, Apple made significant design changes to the watch. Specifically, this watch had a 30% larger screen, with increased pixel density and a 1,000-nits display. For the first time, it was offered in two new case sizes: 40mm and 44mm. The watch became thinner, so this increase in size didn't make it feel bulkier. Also, the bands on older models remained compatible with the Series 4 despite the difference in size. Less noticeable was the rear of the device, which was now built with ceramic instead of the metal hardware on previous models. As for the performance and software, the Series 4 came with a faster processor and was ultimately easier and smoother to use than the Series 3. The software also appeared to perform better at heart rate monitoring and was generally more tuned to health detection and not just fitness tracking. The Series 4 also had an optional LTE version, which this time did not suffer the problems of the Series 3. The standard model had a starting price of $399, and the LTE model started at $499. The Apple Watch Series 5 shared a lot of features with the Series 4, coming with the same bigger display and being available in 40mm and 44mm. Ceramic and titanium case options were added. Beyond that, Apple improved the options to customize the look of the watch. Before the Series 5, the Apple Watch came with a default strap, and a different one had to be purchased separately. But now, buyers could choose a strap they liked when purchasing. Apart from this, there were only a few updates to the watch. The storage went from 16 GB to 32 GB, but what really stood out was the newly introduced always-on display. This feature was a welcome development that users had clamored about for years. When enabled, if you're not actively using the watch, it would stay on, but in a low-display mode, intended to conserve battery life. However, there was no actual improvement to the battery life as Apple promised the same 18 hours as it did on previous models. Nonetheless, the Series 5 had the same $399 starting price point as the Series 4. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Apple introduced three new smartwatches, including its well-anticipated flagship watch, the Series 6 . The gadget came with new health and wellness features, including the optical blood oxygen sensor. For the first time, Apple introduced sleep tracking and hand-wash tracking, which was subsequently made available for older models. Design-wise, the Series 6 remained roughly the same. New blue and red aluminum case color options were added. Users could still customize their watch strap, but Apple added the Solo Loop, a buckless band made with stretchy silicone. This was made available in seven different colors, and there was also a braided Solo loop for a more sophisticated look. Apple also introduced a number of new watch faces , including the Chronograph PRO, GMT, Memoji, typography, and Stripes Faces. Each face had different unique styles and functions. For instance, the GMT showed two different time zones, while the Memoji Face displayed Memoji characters created by the user. As part of the 2020 launch, Apple released the SE smartwatch for the first time. The Apple Watch SE , just like the iPhone SE, was an affordable version of the company's flagship watch, starting at $279 upon its release. For comparison, the standard version of the Series 6, which launched at the same time, was set at $399. Essentially, the SE wasn't far off from the Apple Watch Series 4. It did not come with the always-on display introduced on the Series 5. Also missing were the blood oxygen monitoring and electrocardiogram sensors that the Series 6 was equipped with. While it missed some wellness features, it retained a heart rate sensor, meaning you could still get heart rate measurements and notifications. There were several notable design differences compared to the Series 6. The SE only came in an aluminum build and three color options: silver, gold, and space gray. This was unlike the Series 6, which was made available in a wide range of case materials and colors. However, the SE had the new and braided Solo Loop. Overall, while the Apple Watch SE fell behind the Series 6 in terms of features, it was still a great option, and users still got a faster processor than older models. The Series 7 didn't have major upgrades. Apple added a bigger screen display by reducing the size of the bezels. As such, the watch was now offered in 41mm and 45mm sizes. But, the design was still basically the same as that of Series 6. This was contrary to the rumors at the time that the watch was getting a major redesign. New color options were, however, included, featuring starlight (a blend of gold and silver), dark green, and midnight colors. The blue and red colors that were previously available were given a refresh for the new generation. In addition, Apple improved the watch's durability, making the front crystal cover much thicker and more resistant to the elements. The newly introduced bigger screen display now allowed users access to a miniature but full QWERTY keyboard. This enabled tap typing or swipe typing through QuickPath. There were also two added watch faces: the Modular Duo and Contour. Stuff like the health sensors and battery life remained the same. However, charging became faster, as the watch now had a redesigned charging puck. It used a USB-C, which, according to Apple, makes it charge 33% faster than the Series 6. The Series 8 was one of the three watches Apple released in 2022 and the most anticipated. Rumors had suggested that users would get a number of new features, like a temperature sensor, blood sugar level detector, satellite connectivity, and crash detection. Apple did deliver on a few of these, but some, like satellite connectivity and blood sugar level detection, were left out. Still, the new add-ons were a significant improvement for the Apple Watch. The introduced low-power mode meant the watch could now last up to 36 hours without charge, much higher than the default 18-hour battery life. There was also the crash detection feature, also made available on the newly released iPhone 14. This technology uses advanced sensor-fusion algorithms and an enhanced gyroscope. Paying attention to motion, pressure, and sound, the device detects when a crash has occurred and will alert an emergency service. The final highlight was the skin temperature sensor, which boosted the watch's already impressive fitness tracking abilities. It not only improved sleep tracking and cycle tracking but also helped track ovulation, illnesses, and other health information. The second generation of the SE smartwatch was introduced in 2022. Like its predecessor, it offered most of the core features available on the Apple Watch but at a cheaper price, proving once again that you don't need to spend so much for a quality smartwatch experience. Design-wise and even in terms of features, the SE shared more similarities with the first gen than the Series 8. It came in 40mm and 44mm size cases, as opposed to the Series 8, which was available in 41mm and 45mm. For the fitness sensors, the SE also didn't get some newer updates like skin temperature and blood oxygen. However, a major noticeable difference from the original SE was the increase in processor speed. The second-gen adopted the more modern S8 SiP processor, like the Series 8, giving it a faster and smoother experience. There were also two new colors and some changes to the hardware. So, overall, there wasn't much difference compared to the original SE; it was essentially a more modern version. However, it was priced at $249 upon launch, significantly lower than the first-gen SE, which cost $279 on release. The Apple Watch Ultra was an entirely new addition to Apple's smartwatches, debuting also in September 2022. This piece of tech, built with a titanium-made 49mm case, was noticeably larger than the other Apple Watches, equipped with a bigger strap, more buttons, and a 2,000-nits ultra-bright screen. Thankfully, it's lightweight feel did not sacrifice size for comfort. The new bands, the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Loop, also provided a secure fit. Although the typical Apple Watch was already designed to enhance fitness, this model was specifically put out for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It introduced features and enhancements not available on the standard version, including significantly improved battery life. Apple claimed up to 36 hours of continuous use, which could be extended to 60 hours in low-power mode. There was also a dual speaker system, more microphones, and a better GPS based on dual frequencies to improve accuracy and reduce the chances of getting lost. And if that happened, the Backtrack feature would allow users to retrace their steps and find their way back. All these features, however, came at a cost of $799. The Apple Watch Series 9 was introduced in September 2023. It retained the design of the previous Series watches, but the screen became brighter and more powerful, with a 2,000-nits display. There were still two size options: the 41mm and the 45mm, offered in aluminum and stainless steel. Also, like the past few Apple Watches, it had a starting price of $399. Aside from the updates brought by a new OS, there were not many developments on the watch itself. Beyond this, one of the stand-out features was the Double Tap. When a user made a pinch gesture with their fingers, the watch recognized it and performed a primary action, depending on what was displayed on the screen at the moment. Also, there was now an on-device Siri, thanks to its S9 SiP processor, which meant there was no need for it to be connected to the cloud to process questions. In addition, Apple emphasized a more eco-friendly approach with this watch, announcing that the gadget was now "carbon-neutral." As a result, the bands were reportedly made from recycled material. This, according to the company, was also the reason for not including a charger. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retailed at $799, much higher than the Series 9, but at the same cost as the original Ultra watch. It adopted a similar exterior design as its predecessor, coming in one size, 49mm, and a similar pixel resolution. The battery life was also similar, except that the Ultra 2 extended the low-power mode battery life from 60 to 72 hours. Regardless, the Ultra 2 was a significant upgrade in several ways. One was its newly improved 3,000 nits display, which increased the brightness by 50%. Then there was the introduction of more modern features that were available on the Series 9, such as on-device Siri, and the Double Tap feature. Also, it shipped with the new Apple S9 processor, a step further from the S8 SiP with the 64-bit dual-core processor of the first Ultra. Storage size also doubled on the Ultra 2, going from 32 GB to 64 GB. Another Ultra 2 feature was sleep apnea detection, which users of the first version didn't get. However, owners of the Ultra 2 also missed out on the blood oxygen sensor of the old Ultra. This was after medical technology brand Masimo accused Apple of stealing its pulse oximetry technology. Apart from these, there was also a notable design change. While the first generation came in 1 color, Ultra 2 had a new jet black titanium option, coupled with a new band, the Titanium Milanese loop. Nearly a decade after its first smartwatch release, Apple announced the Series 10 on September 9, 2024. It is currently the latest Apple Watch and arguably the best smartwatch on the market. Starting at $399, the Series 10 has a sleek build, is much thinner than its predecessors, and comes in a range of colors and finishes. But, unlike the Series 9, it doesn't come in stainless steel. Instead, owners get the option of an aluminum or titanium case, and there's a new jet-black finish. Despite a slimmer design, the Series 10 features a bigger screen and more advanced display offered in 42mm and 46mm. There's also a new processor, the S10 SiP, which is faster than previous models. Nothing much has changed for fitness, except that it has better features for swimming. The device can now measure your depth in water with its new gauge. You can also track water temperature and underwater visibility while submerged, and the Tides app and Oceanic + app are great for surfing and snorkeling.By DAVID BAUDER Time magazine gave Donald Trump something it has never done for a Person of the Year designee: a lengthy fact-check of claims he made in an accompanying interview. Related Articles National Politics | Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’ National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg The fact-check accompanies a transcript of what the president-elect told the newsmagazine’s journalists. Described as a “12 minute read,” it calls into question 15 separate statements that Trump made. It was the second time Trump earned the Time accolade; he also won in 2016, the first year he was elected president. Time editors said it wasn’t a particularly hard choice over other finalists Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate Middleton. Time said Friday that no other Person of the Year has been fact-checked in the near-century that the magazine has annually written about the figure that has had the greatest impact on the news. But it has done the same for past interviews with the likes of Joe Biden, Netanyahu and Trump. Such corrections have been a sticking point for Trump and his team in the past, most notably when ABC News did it during his only debate with Democrat Kamala Harris this fall. There was no immediate response to a request for comment on Friday. In the piece, Time called into question statements Trump made about border security, autism and the size of a crowd at one of his rallies. When the president-elect talked about the “massive” mandate he had received from voters, Time pointed out that former President Barack Obama won more electoral votes the two times he had run for president. The magazine also questioned Trump’s claim that he would do interviews with anyone who asked during the campaign, if he had the time. The candidate rejected a request to speak to CBS’ “60 Minutes,” the magazine said. “In the final months of his campaign, Trump prioritized interviews with podcasts over mainstream media,” reporters Simmone Shah and Leslie Dickstein wrote. David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.For the first seven months of 2024, in that long period before Joe Biden was finally forced to reckon with both the realities of his diminished capacities and popularity, an essential question to ask the aging President was how he understood the singular priority of his job: insuring that Donald Trump did not regain control of the executive branch. He began the year by campaigning for reëlection, but during the debate with Trump in late June, he wheezed through confusing answers and sent the Democratic Party into a full-blown panic. Over the next month, Biden stubbornly and selfishly insisted on running a doomed campaign. Even after he eventually relinquished the nomination, he often appeared bitter and grumpy about having been forced to step aside. This drama was often cast as a tragedy—a good man forced, at last, to face mortality and relinquish power. A more worrying analysis, however, arose from the strong impression that throughout this drama, the national interest was not at the forefront of Biden’s mind. On Sunday night, Biden pardoned his son Hunter with the stroke of the Presidential pen. Earlier this year, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges, and was scheduled to be sentenced later this month. He had also been convicted in June of three federal gun charges. He will now face no punishment in either case, and the pardon extends to any “offenses” he “has committed or may have committed” starting in 2014. Some rushed to cast the drama in terms of decency—a father, understandably, rescuing his child from a prison term. But Biden has once again forced Americans to ask whether he is acting in the national interest, or in response to private whims and grievances. Many will make the argument, as the Bidens do , that Hunter was definitely a mess, deeply flawed, but the only reason he was facing a long prison term was because he was the President’s son in an age of political war. But, in fact, Biden is not an ordinary man and, by pardoning his son he is once more losing sight of his overriding objective: to diminish Donald Trump’s capacity to do violence to the liberal-democratic institutions which Biden claims his Presidency centered on upholding. Indeed, regardless of whether Biden’s age (now eighty-two) or his character is to blame, the statement he released about the pardon makes clear that he does not grasp the differences between his responsibilities to his job and his responsibilities to his family. “I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,” Biden wrote. This is a strange utterance for the President of the United States to make about official business. Americans should not be expected to understand why “a father” is making this decision; it is simply the wrong standard by which the most powerful man on Earth should ask to be judged. Worse, it is a more maudlin parallel of the manner in which Biden’s predecessor and successor operates—not as the head of a democratic government but, far too often, as the leader of a gangster family. (Trump has already announced that he is appointing two of his children’s in-laws for government roles; this type of insider dealing will seem quaint within weeks of his Inauguration.) Biden, in his statement, claimed that his son had been charged “selectively” and “unfairly.” Legal experts disagree about exactly how unfair the prosecution was: the tax case is widely seen to have merit whereas the gun charges seem to be rare and targeted. At any rate, the charges were brought by Biden’s own Department of Justice. Then, Biden continued, “a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room—with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process.” But the likelihood of political pressure influencing a plea deal is not sufficient cause to short-circuit the judicial process. The rest of Biden’s statement is a combination of his more blustery side (“enough is enough”) and soggy paeans to the wisdom of the American people (“For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. They’ll be fair-minded.”). By any measure, it falls short of explaining why Biden made this decision—especially after promising repeatedly that he would not, and having his staff do the same. The Trump team must surely be pleased today, because every conceivable argument it could make for allowing a man like Kash Patel to lead the F.B.I. may now sound just a bit more convincing to any wavering Republican. (This should not, of course, be an excuse for any senator who votes for Patel, or any other unqualified and dangerous Trump nominee.) More broadly, Biden’s decision allows Republicans to engage in the same cynicism about the system being rigged and corrupt, and Trump being no different than any other politician, that they have engaged in for nearly a decade. This couldn’t be further from the truth—especially the part about Trump’s corruption and self-dealing being no different from the norm—but Biden is doing the work of people who want to wreck the best aspects of America’s democratic ethos. The pardon now gives Trump and his allies the opportunity to call Biden a hypocrite and proceed having their own way with the law. “Most Americans can sympathize with a father’s decision to pardon his son, even if they disagree,” Senator Tom Cotton said on Monday. “What they can’t forgive is Biden lying about it repeatedly before the election. . . . Democrats can spare us the lectures about the rule of law when, say, President Trump nominates Pam Bondi and Kash Patel to clean up this corruption.” Cotton is being predictably disingenuous, but Democrats now can only hope that slightly more reasonable Republican senators than Cotton will not fall for this logic. Biden’s defenders will surely use Patel and his ilk to justify the President’s move, because Trump and his team have promised to go after his political enemies—including, in Biden’s case, his children. Based on this understanding, the pardon preëmpted what is coming from the next Administration. But, if that were the reason for the pardon, why did Biden pardon only his son? And if he was willing to offer Hunter a pardon for any crimes, even ones that he has not been charged with, why not extend the same to Anthony Fauci, Andrew McCabe, Barack Obama, or anyone else on the (long) list of people Trump wants to prosecute and persecute? And, if Biden plans to pardon some of these people, why would he begin this perhaps understandable campaign with his son? Needless to say, this particular motive is not mentioned in Biden’s solipsistic and self-pitying statement. It would be comforting to think that this nearly final act from Biden is a break from his legacy, and his Presidency—the regrettable lapse in judgment of an aging lion who has given his country a life of service and made it a better and fairer place. Biden, as a senator and President, has many accomplishments to his name, and one hopes that the most substantive of them, such as the Inflation Reduction Act , survive the next four years. But the unfortunate possibility is that his behavior this past year will overshadow his achievements in the history books, and even in the memories of the minority of Americans who approve of his Presidency. By putting his selfish aspirations above his responsibilities, Biden paved Trump’s path back to Washington. On Sunday night, he let personal desires take over again. The consequences of the latter action won’t be nearly as dire, but that decision was made for the same reasons. It’s a fitting coda to a tragic Presidency. ♦ New Yorker Favorites Little treats galore: a holiday gift guide . What happened when the Hallmark Channel “ leaned into Christmas .” An objectively objectionable grammatical pet peeve . Two teens went to prison for murder. Decades later, a juror learned she got it wrong . How Maria Callas lost her voice . Personal History: Thanksgiving in Mongolia . Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the best stories from The New Yorker .
Vestis ( NYSE:VSTS – Get Free Report ) had its price target lifted by stock analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $13.60 to $15.00 in a report issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a “neutral” rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group’s target price points to a potential downside of 6.37% from the stock’s previous close. Several other research firms have also issued reports on VSTS. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Vestis from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday. Baird R W cut shares of Vestis from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Barclays raised their price target on Vestis from $10.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Robert W. Baird lowered Vestis from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $13.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $17.43. View Our Latest Analysis on Vestis Vestis Trading Up 2.6 % Institutional Trading of Vestis Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. LMR Partners LLP raised its stake in Vestis by 726.8% in the third quarter. LMR Partners LLP now owns 160,528 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,392,000 after purchasing an additional 141,113 shares in the last quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Vestis during the 1st quarter worth $1,069,000. Private Management Group Inc. grew its position in Vestis by 9.2% in the second quarter. Private Management Group Inc. now owns 692,394 shares of the company’s stock worth $8,468,000 after acquiring an additional 58,538 shares in the last quarter. Royce & Associates LP increased its stake in Vestis by 10.7% in the third quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 689,389 shares of the company’s stock valued at $10,272,000 after acquiring an additional 66,621 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank raised its position in Vestis by 39.8% during the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 168,552 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,248,000 after purchasing an additional 47,996 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.40% of the company’s stock. Vestis Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Vestis Corporation provides uniform rentals and workplace supplies in the United States and Canada. Its products include uniform options, such as shirts, pants, outerwear, gowns, scrubs, high visibility garments, particulate-free garments, and flame-resistant garments, as well as shoes and accessories; and workplace supplies, including managed restroom supply services, first-aid supplies and safety products, floor mats, towels, and linens. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Vestis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vestis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .