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India's former President Pratibha Patil has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, in Delhi on Thursday night. Patil described Singh as a learned colleague whose vast knowledge and wisdom were invaluable during her presidency. She cherished their close working relationship. Singh, appreciated across political lines for his contributions to India's economic reforms, was remembered by Patil as a dedicated leader whose legacy will endure. (With inputs from agencies.)
The Dallas Cowboys have become used to dealing with a fairly long list of injuries throughout the 2024 NFL season but now they've got to deal with it in a short week, as they've got to turn around quickly from a win against the Washington Commanders to deal with the New York Giants. One name stands out from the team's injury report, and it's one that naturally raised some concerns among fans: Quarterback Cooper Rush. Rush, who just delivered his best game of the season filling in for Dak Prescott, is listed on the initial report with a knee injury. He was listed as a limited participant. The good news is Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy doesn't appear to be worried about Rush's availability leading up to Thanksgiving. "He's got some work to do but I think we're going to be fine," McCarthy told reporters on Monday. McCarthy's comment was enough to dissipate any concerns about Rush potentially missing the divisional game after his best outing of the year. You never know in the NFL but it's clear the quarterback is expected to be ready to go. Rush put together a great game against the Commanders defense, completing 75% of his passes and throwing for two touchdowns. He didn't do it alone as an offensive line featuring two backups at guard and a rotation at left tackle barely allowed any pressures against the Dan Quinn-led defense. It's safe to say he did enough to buy himself some extra time as the Cowboys starting quarterback in Dak's absence as Trey Lance's chances of getting on the field seem to be at an all-time low. Cowboys' initial injury report vs. Giants Tyler Smith and Trevon Diggs both returned to practice on Monday, which the Cowboys treat as a Wednesday per McCarthy, yet both were limited. Notably, Zack Martin and Jake Ferguson both remained non-participants. Below is the full report. Cowboys injury report. Plenty of names lots of questions: pic.twitter.com/W74B1g1imu This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.
NEW YORK (AP) — Minnesota pitchers Justin Topa and Brock Stewart agreed to one-year contracts ahead of Friday's tender deadline along with fellow right-hander Triston McKenzie of Cleveland and Cole Sulser of Tampa Bay. Agreements and non-tenders reduced players eligible for arbitration to 169 from 238 at the start of last week. Teams and players are to exchange proposed arbitration salaries on Jan. 9, 2025, and those who don’t reach agreements will be scheduled for hearings from Jan. 27 through Feb. 14, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Topa was guaranteed $1,225,000 as part of a deal that included a $1 million salary for 2025 and a $2 million team option for 2026 with a $225,000 buyout. Stewart agreed to an $870,000 salary and can earn $30,000 in bonuses for days on the active roster: $10,000 for 112 and $20,000 for 142. McKenzie agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract and Sulser to a one-year deal that pays $900,000 in the major leagues and $450,000 while in the minors. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
Bezos’ Blue Origin gets FAA licence for its first New Glenn rocket launchThe day some colleagues and I launched Canada's National Observer in 2015 , we thought climate change was still years away. None of us imagined how quickly it would arrive. A decade later, we’re racing against time. But solutions are emerging, and they’re coming rapidly. Through Canada’s National Observer’s solutions-focused reporting, we’ve highlighted so many innovative policies, breakthrough technologies, and community-driven initiatives this year, solutions that are making a real difference. These stories show that progress is not only possible, it’s happening – even in the face of significant challenges, and these stories inspire action across Canada and beyond. Building on Our Impact Your support has also enabled us to expose corporate influence networks and the money behind climate denial. When our reporting triggered parliamentary inquiries and drove policy changes, that was your impact in action. Your support has also helped us report on dozens of solutions this year — stories that spark hope and show a path forward. Over the past few weeks, you’ve heard directly from our editors and journalists about the most impactful stories they did in 2024. Those letters show how your support powered investigations that made a difference — holding decision-makers accountable, exposing corruption, and showcasing the wonderful solutions that drive change. As our winter campaign aims to raise $150,000, we want to expand our capacity to do even more next year, because the news is not always negative. This funding will allow us to: Your donation today will ensure we have the resources to amplify stories of hope and action while getting the public the necessary information. We reached 2.5 million Canadians last year and we hope to expand our audience in 2025 through paid campaigns that introduce new readers to CNO. But we can’t do much without your help. Tax receipts are available for donations of $100+, see specific instructions at the end. The Stakes for Canada In 2025, the risks to climate policy are closer to home than ever. The forces of climate denial are becoming more sophisticated, trading outright rejection for greenwashing tactics that delay meaningful action. At the same time, cross-border misinformation campaigns are influencing Canadian public opinion and policy decisions. Despite these challenges, I remain cautiously optimistic. Solutions exist, and they are within reach. With accurate reporting, governments and businesses can be held accountable to act on them. Your Role in the Solution If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the CNO community. Your support powers everything we do. You make it possible for us to produce journalism that informs policymakers, sparks change, and inspires action. Thank you for your support to date. Next year will bring new challenges — but also new opportunities to create change. With your help, we can hold powerful interests accountable, shine a light on the path forward, and ensure that stories of progress and possibility are told. Your support has never been more important. Let’s continue this work together
By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com (TNS) As the end of the year approaches, now’s the time to start preparing for filing your 2024 tax return in 2025. When it comes to tax strategies, generally Dec. 31 is the deadline to make changes that might lower your tax bill. One major exception is the deadline for contributing to a Roth or traditional IRA : You have until April 15, 2025, to make a contribution to a Roth or traditional IRA for tax year 2024. If you qualify for deductible IRA contributions , then a contribution to your traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income for 2024. Here are tips and strategies to prepare now for the 2025 tax-filing deadline. 1. Decide who will prepare your taxes If you had significant changes in your life in 2024 — maybe you got married or divorced, started your own business, or had to claim unemployment benefits — your taxes may be more complicated. As a result, you might need to hire a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA) or other tax professional to prepare and file your taxes. If you decide to hire someone, it’s best to start planning for that sooner rather than later. Waiting until the calendar flips to April could cost you. The average fee for a professional to prepare and file a simple Form 1040 tax return, with no itemized deductions, is about $220, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants in 2020-2021, the most recent data available. But that amount rises quickly for more complex returns, and varies depending on where you live. For example, a Form 1040 with itemized deductions costs an average of $432 in states on the Pacific Coast, compared with $285 in New England. No matter where you live, prices usually rise as the tax deadline approaches, so it’s smart to start searching for a tax pro soon. 2. Find ways to file for free If you’re uncomfortable doing your taxes on your own and can’t afford a CPA, enrolled agent or other tax pro, or to pay for tax software , there are free options to consider. The IRS currently offers three ways to prepare your taxes for free: •With the IRS Free File program, the IRS partners with for-profit tax-software companies that offer free tax-prep software to eligible taxpayers so they can file their federal tax returns for free. Some taxpayers may also qualify for a free state tax filing, depending on the software provider. In January, the IRS will announce the income limit to qualify for the program for the 2025 tax season (for filing 2024 tax returns). For the 2024 tax season (2023 tax returns), taxpayers’ adjusted gross income (AGI) couldn’t exceed $79,000. •The IRS also offers its Direct File program, a free tool that allows you to file your federal income tax return directly with the IRS at no cost. The program supports simple tax returns and is available only in certain states. Check to see if you qualify here. •Another free-filing option is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers offer free basic tax preparation in person to people who earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled or whose English is limited. The IRS has an online location tool for hundreds of free tax preparation sites in the U.S. (the locator tool is updated from February through April). Some VITA sites also offer online tax-prep assistance. 3. Create an online IRS account Now is a good time to create an IRS online account. If you want to see your Form 1040 from last year, or you’re missing a prior year Form W-2 or mortgage interest statement, you can find your documents using this free tax tool. Another benefit of creating an IRS online account is that it allows you to quickly obtain your prior year’s tax information without sitting on the phone for hours with an IRS representative, says Carl Johnson, a certified public accountant in New Orleans. An IRS online account also lets you view your account balance and payment history for each year. You can also create a payment plan to settle your federal income tax debt within minutes. 4. Take your required minimum distributions (RMDs) If you’re 73 years old and have enjoyed watching your 401(k) or IRA grow tax-free without touching it, remember that the IRS is going to want its share each year. That means you’ll have to make withdrawals — and pay income tax. If you turned 73 in 2024, plan to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) at the latest by April 1, 2025. Read this IRS bulletin for more information. The amount of your RMDs is based on your age and the year-end values of your retirement accounts. 5. Think long-term: Consider converting an IRA to a Roth A Roth IRA has two big tax advantages over a traditional IRA : Qualified withdrawals are not considered income for federal (and usually state) tax purposes, and you don’t have to take distributions from a Roth every year once you reach age 73. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may save you money in the long run. Just know that when you convert an IRA to a Roth, it’s considered taxable income, which will raise your tax bill for that year. Generally, it’s best to convert to a Roth IRA when you’re in a low-income year. 6. Protect yourself from tax scams and fraud As tax season approaches, many people start receiving phone calls, emails and texts from entities claiming to be the IRS. Be wary, and understand that these are scams. Typically, the IRS will mail you a notice before using any other method of communication to notify you concerning issues with your tax return. The IRS won’t reach out via social media or text messaging. Relatedly, the IRS warns taxpayers to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. Taking time to vet your tax preparer is crucial to protect yourself from tax scams and fraud. Before hiring a tax professional, search that person’s name in the IRS database of federal tax return preparers to avoid dishonest “professionals.” “Taxpayers should check the tax professional’s credentials,” Johnson says. Tax pros without credentials “may take questionable positions without any degree of scrutiny or fear of losing their access to the profession,” Johnson says. 7. Don’t ignore the IRS Taxpayers who don’t file a tax return and owe a tax bill, or who file but don’t pay their tax bill on time, risk severe penalties. The IRS can even seize assets if necessary. Respond quickly if the IRS has been sending you letters because it found an error on your return or claims you owe back taxes. Typically, the IRS will send you a notice if you have a balance due, changes were made to your tax return, or the agency needs additional information. “If you ignore a collection letter from the IRS, you may face wage garnishments, liens, bank levies, and other adverse action. And in some cases, the amount due may increase for failure to respond,” Johnson says. Keep in mind the IRS does offer installment plans and other payment plans. Make copies of your correspondence and use only the U.S. Postal Service, the postmark from which is your proof of timeliness when responding. But whatever you do, don’t ignore the IRS because this may cause more issues in the future. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Amber Heard criticises social media in response to Blake Lively complaint
What’s Happening: Week of Nov. 25, 2024From strength to strength: Simpfendorfer's lifelong commitment to serving others
Sherritt International Co. (OTCMKTS:SHERF) Sees Large Decline in Short InterestGDIN CEO Jongkap Kim: "By matching technology needs with local markets, we create long-lasting joint ventures with multiple exit opportunities." SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Digital Innovation Network (GDIN), led by CEO Jongkap Kim, proudly announced the major achievements of its 2024 Joint Venture Program. This program, which supports the establishment of joint ventures between South Korean companies and international partners, is designed to lower market entry barriers and create sustainable growth opportunities through local collaborations. Since the launch of the program in 2021, GDIN has supported the establishment of 44 joint ventures across various regions. This year alone, 10 joint ventures were successfully launched in 8 countries including the United States , Canada , Japan , India , Singapore , Vietnam , UAE, and Uganda . The Joint Venture Program was created to address a common challenge faced by early-stage tech companies: while they may have products and services that meet market demand, they often lack the resources and workforce to enter international markets. Through this program, GDIN helps companies increase their chances of success by facilitating strategic market entry via local partnerships. In addition to the 44 joint ventures established so far, 47 partnership agreements are in the pipeline for future joint ventures. The program's success is largely attributed to GDIN's extensive global network of partners, which includes government organizations, multinational corporations, and international agencies such as the World Bank, Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Investment Turkey etc. GDIN has organized multiple technology matching and investor relations events to introduce Korean companies and their innovative technologies to potential international partners. At the year-end performance report event, held on December 19 , GDIN recognized companies that successfully established joint ventures. Changsoft I&I, a digital construction management system company, was highlighted for its success in establishing joint ventures in Japan and Vietnam . CFO Jongeun Park of Changsoft I&I shared, "We were facing stagnating revenue growth, and expanding into new markets was critical. With GDIN's support, we were able to establish joint ventures in Japan and Vietnam , allowing us to tailor our products to local market needs." Other companies that successfully established joint ventures in 2024 include Medicos Biotech, Bloomsbury Lab, Arbaim, Eucast, Pixelro, Hansol root one, Eco-Peace, and IESG. GDIN CEO Jongkap Kim commented, "Unlike simple joint investments or distribution networks, these technology-driven joint ventures are based on market demand, ensuring their long-term sustainability. If these joint ventures achieve success in the local markets and even go public, they could offer multiple exit opportunities, creating a strong growth model for all involved." About GDIN Global Digital Innovation Network (formerly known as Born2Global Centre), registered under the Ministry of Science & ICT, is an independent foundation that promotes and fosters collaboration between next-level innovative companies from South Korea and the world. Since 2013, we have established over 160 international partnerships, supported over 3,000 tech companies, conducted over 20,000 consulting services, and helped companies raise $3.6 billion USD in investments. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gdin-successfully-supports-establishment-of-10-new-joint-ventures-in-2024-alone-302337060.html SOURCE GDIN