
CHICAGO — It looked like the Vikings had put the game away for good on Sunday afternoon at Solider Field when a chip-shot field goal attempt from kicker Parker Romo sailed through the uprights in the final minutes. ADVERTISEMENT That made it 27-16 in favor of the Vikings with the Chicago Bears needing a miracle. They got it. After a big kick return put the Bears in very good field position, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led an impressive drive, throwing a touchdown pass to receiver Keenan Allen to cut the deficit to 27-24. A blunder by the Vikings on the onside kick allowed the Bears to recover, then kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 48-yard field goal as time expired to tie the game at 27-27 and send it into overtime. In the extra session, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold took over for the Vikings. He went 6 for 6 passing on the final drive, setting up Romo for a game-winning field goal that helped the Vikings escape with a 30-27 win. The game looked like it was going to be a hot start for the Vikings after running back Aaron Jones got loose for a 41-yard gain. He was stripped of the ball at the goal line a couple of plays later, however, marking another missed opportunity for the Vikings in the red zone. ADVERTISEMENT That cracked the door open for the Bears, and the mobility of their rookie quarterback took centerstage. On a particular play, Williams avoided pressure from Andrew Van Ginkel off the edge, rolled to his right, then dropped a dime to D’Andre Swift along the sideline. That put the Bears in position to score, and running back Roschon Johnson found the into the end zone shortly thereafter to make it 7-0. In need of a response, the Vikings got it almost immediately when Darnold dropped back and unleashed a deep pass to receiver Jordan Addison. It was an incredible catch from Addison as he hauled it in while being dragged down from behind. On the very next play, Addison finished the drive, catching a touchdown pass in traffic to help the Vikings to tie the game at 7-7. The vibes shifted in favor of the Vikings on the following possession. ADVERTISEMENT It looked like the Bears had picked up a big gain when receiver Keenan Allen caught a ball along the sideline. After a challenge flag thrown by head coach Kevin O’Connell, however, the officials ruled that Allen did not get both feet in bounds. On the very next play defensive tackle Jerry Tillery blocked a field goal, and the Vikings kept the Bears off the board. That paved the way for the Vikings to take control as star receiver Justin Jefferson drew a 35-yard defensive pass interference penalty that put the ball in the red zone. A couple of plays later, Darnold found receiver Jalen Nailor for a touchdown to make it 14-7 in favor of the Vikings. After a punt by the Vikings, the Bears got a field goal Santos to cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime. ADVERTISEMENT With an opportunity to take control coming out of halftime, Darnold found Addison with a perfect ball near the sideline that went for 69-yard gain. Unfortunately for the Vikings, they stalled out in the red zone, setting for a field goal from kicker Parker Romo to stretch the lead to 17-10. The biggest swing of the game came when receiver DeAndre Carter muffed a punt for the Bears, and edge rusher Bo Richter recovered the fumble for the Vikings. Not long after that, Jones atoned for his fumble with a touchdown to make it 24-10. After the Bears got a touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-16, it seemed like the Vikings put the game away with a field goal to restore the lead to 27-16. Not so fast. ADVERTISEMENT After an impressive drive by Williams helped cut the deficit to 27-24, the Bears recovered the onside kick. That set the stage for Santos to nail a 48-yard field goal to tie the score at 27-27 and send the game into overtime. In the extra session, the Vikings stepped up on defense by forcing a punt, then stepped up on offense with Darnold leading an impressive drive of his own. That set the stage for Romo and he nailed a 29-yard field goal to give the Vikings the win. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
PUMA Ball Street Kings Tournament Returns to Spotlight LALIGA’s Global Fight Against RacismArtificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: Hollywood stars and child influencers California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. Social media limits New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads. School rules on gender In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification. The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Abortion coverage Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. Gun control A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Medical marijuana Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wages Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Safer traveling In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tax breaks Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. Voting rights An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said. ___ Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed. Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this The death of an Oregon house cat and a pet Richard Perry, a hitmaking record producer with a flair forJoel Dahmen wanted to ‘puke,’ but gutted out final round for 2025 PGA Tour card - NBC SportsS M Krishna, a towering figure in Indian politics and former External Affairs Minister, has passed away at the age of 92. His passing was confirmed early on Tuesday morning, bringing an end to a prolonged period of illness. In response to the news, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to social media to express his heartfelt condolences. Praising Krishna's legacy, Jaishankar highlighted Krishna's notable contributions to the development of Karnataka and his tenure as India's External Affairs Minister. 'Deeply saddened by the passing away of former EAM S M Krishna,' he wrote. Krishna's legacy as a politician, particularly during his time as Karnataka's Chief Minister, will be remembered fondly. His political career spanned decades, and his impact on the state and nation was profound. Condolences have been pouring in for the veteran leader, who leaves behind a substantial legacy. (With inputs from agencies.)
CHICAGO — It looked like the Vikings had put the game away for good on Sunday afternoon at Solider Field when a chip-shot field goal attempt from kicker Parker Romo sailed through the uprights in the final minutes. That made it 27-16 in favor of the Vikings with the Chicago Bears needing a miracle. They got it. After a big kick return put the Bears in very good field position, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led an impressive drive, throwing a touchdown pass to receiver Keenan Allen to cut the deficit to 27-24. A blunder by the Vikings on the onside kick allowed the Bears to recover, then kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 48-yard field goal as time expired to tie the game at 27-27 and send it into overtime. In the extra session, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold took over for the Vikings. He went 6 for 6 passing on the final drive, setting up Romo for a game-winning field goal that helped the Vikings escape with a 30-27 win. The game looked like it was going to be a hot start for the Vikings after running back Aaron Jones got loose for a 41-yard gain. He was stripped of the ball at the goal line a couple of plays later, however, marking another missed opportunity for the Vikings in the red zone. That cracked the door open for the Bears, and the mobility of their rookie quarterback took centerstage. On a particular play, Williams avoided pressure from Andrew Van Ginkel off the edge, rolled to his right, then dropped a dime to D’Andre Swift along the sideline. That put the Bears in position to score, and running back Roschon Johnson found the into the end zone shortly thereafter to make it 7-0. In need of a response, the Vikings got it almost immediately when Darnold dropped back and unleashed a deep pass to receiver Jordan Addison. It was an incredible catch from Addison as he hauled it in while being dragged down from behind. On the very next play, Addison finished the drive, catching a touchdown pass in traffic to help the Vikings to tie the game at 7-7. The vibes shifted in favor of the Vikings on the following possession. It looked like the Bears had picked up a big gain when receiver Keenan Allen caught a ball along the sideline. After a challenge flag thrown by head coach Kevin O’Connell, however, the officials ruled that Allen did not get both feet in bounds. On the very next play defensive tackle Jerry Tillery blocked a field goal, and the Vikings kept the Bears off the board. That paved the way for the Vikings to take control as star receiver Justin Jefferson drew a 35-yard defensive pass interference penalty that put the ball in the red zone. A couple of plays later, Darnold found receiver Jalen Nailor for a touchdown to make it 14-7 in favor of the Vikings. After a punt by the Vikings, the Bears got a field goal Santos to cut the deficit to 14-10 at halftime. With an opportunity to take control coming out of halftime, Darnold found Addison with a perfect ball near the sideline that went for 69-yard gain. Unfortunately for the Vikings, they stalled out in the red zone, setting for a field goal from kicker Parker Romo to stretch the lead to 17-10. The biggest swing of the game came when receiver DeAndre Carter muffed a punt for the Bears, and edge rusher Bo Richter recovered the fumble for the Vikings. Not long after that, Jones atoned for his fumble with a touchdown to make it 24-10. After the Bears got a touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-16, it seemed like the Vikings put the game away with a field goal to restore the lead to 27-16. Not so fast. After an impressive drive by Williams helped cut the deficit to 27-24, the Bears recovered the onside kick. That set the stage for Santos to nail a 48-yard field goal to tie the score at 27-27 and send the game into overtime. In the extra session, the Vikings stepped up on defense by forcing a punt, then stepped up on offense with Darnold leading an impressive drive of his own. That set the stage for Romo and he nailed a 29-yard field goal to give the Vikings the win.
“Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to make “Glicked” — or even “Babyratu” — happen. The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office. This combination of images shows promotional art for "Gladiator II," left, and "Wicked." And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, “Saw Patrol” ). This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked” opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic “Gladiator II.” Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: “Wickiator,” “Wadiator,” “Gladwick” and even the eyebrow raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested. “'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more,” actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of “Gladiator II” this week. “I think we should all band around ‘Glicked.’ It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it.” As with “Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, “Glicked” also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles. Both films topped Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said that they were interested in the “Glicked” double feature. Theaters big and small are also pulling out the stops with movie-themed tie-ins. B&B Theaters will have Roman guards tearing tickets at some locations and Maximus popcorn tubs. Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and friendship bracelet-making. Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the singalong aspect (beware, though, not all theaters are embracing this) and the punny drinks like “Defying Gravi-Tea.” This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." “Rather than it being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said. “This industry needs a shot in the arm. Those films gave it last year. We hope to do it this year.” And the hope is that audiences will flock to theaters to be part of this moment as well. It's a sorely needed influx of could-be blockbusters into a marketplace that's still at an 11% deficit from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to data from Comscore. “Competition is good for the marketplace. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O'Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is simply a multiplier effect.” “Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, with “Wicked” forecast to earn around $100 million (up from the $80 million estimates a few weeks ago) and “Gladiator II” pegged for the $65 million range. “Barbenheimer” shattered its projections last July. Going into that weekend, “Barbie” had been pegged for $90 million and “Oppenheimer” around $40 million. Ultimately, they brought in a combined $244 million in that first outing, and nearly $2.4 billion by the end of their runs. It’s possible “Glicked” will exceed expectations, too. And it has the advantage of another behemoth coming close behind: “Moana 2,” which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glickedana” triple feature anyone? This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." “These are 10 important days,” O'Leary said. “It’s going to show the moviegoing audience that there’s a lot of compelling stuff out there for them to see.” There are infinite caveats to the imperfect comparison to “Barbenheimer,” as well. “Wicked” is a “Part One.” Musicals carry their own baggage with moviegoers, even those based on wildly successful productions (ahem, “Cats”). “Gladiator II” got a head start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the U.K. it played alongside “Paddington in Peru,” where that double was pegged “Gladdington.” “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than the others. And neither directors Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu has the built-in box office cache that Christopher Nolan’s name alone carries at the moment. The new films also cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million). According to reports, “Gladiator II” had a $250 million price tag; “Wicked” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that does not include the cost of the second film, due next year). The narrative, though, has shifted away from “who will win the weekend.” Earlier this year, Chu told The Associated Press that he loves that this is a moment where “we can root for all movies all the time.” Close behind are a bevy of Christmas releases with double feature potential, but those feel a little more niche. There’s the remake of “Nosferatu,” the Nicole Kidman kink pic “Babygirl” and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” The internet can’t even seem to decide on its angle for that batch of contenders, and none exactly screams blockbuster. Sometimes the joy is just in the game, however. Some are sticking with the one-name mashup (“Babyratu”); others are suggesting that the fact that two of the movies feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is enough reason for a double feature. And getting people talking is half the battle. When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, there’s always the default: “This is my Barbenheimer.” Associated Press journalist John Carucci and Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed reporting. Last summer, Malibu's iconic blonde faced off against Cillian Murphy and the hydrogen bomb in the unforgettable "Barbenheimer" double feature. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!The Empty Stocking Fund: The Place fills need for youths without a homeUS President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his January 20 inauguration if it is not sold by its Chinese owner ByteDance. "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution." Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Trump asks US Supreme Court to pause law threatening TikTok ban
The trustees of Missouri’s largest state employee retirement system voted Thursday to prohibit the use of pension funds for political contributions. The Missouri State Employees Retirement System board, responding to donations made this year by two smaller systems, made it the responsibility of the executive director to make sure money doesn’t flow into campaigns for ballot measures or candidates. “Missouri pension systems funds should never be used to make contributions to political campaigns,” said Rep. Dirk Deaton, R-Noel, who is one of four legislators on the 11-member board. Deaton also said he intends to introduce legislation for the upcoming session to ban political contributions by all pension systems. The legislation, he said, will mirror the policy adopted Thursday by the trustees and be similar to the law barring political subdivisions from using public money for political purposes. In the policy change, the trustees made it the responsibility of the system executive director to ensure “no contribution or expenditure of system funds shall be made by MOSERS to advocate, support, or oppose the passage or defeat of any ballot measure or the nomination or election of any candidate for public office, or to direct any System funds to, or pay any debts or obligations of, any committee supporting or opposing such ballot measures or candidates.” The MOSERS fund pays pension benefits to 56,205 retirees and beneficiaries and covers state employees in most agencies and state universities. It receives approximately $700 million in contributions annually from the state and employees to support those benefits. At the end of fiscal 2023, the system had $8.7 billion in net assets. The fund has never made political contributions and the policy means it won’t in the future, Deaton said. “State employees covered by MOSERS can be confident their retirement funds will be used solely for their benefit and meeting their pension obligations,” he said. The vote is a reaction to contributions made this year by the Missouri Sheriffs’ Retirement System and Prosecuting Attorneys and Circuit Attorneys Retirement System. On Oct. 2, the sheriffs system gave $30,000 to support passage of Amendment 6, which would have imposed fees on criminal cases to fund pensions for sheriffs and prosecutors. The prosecutors system on Oct. 8 gave $50,000 to the campaign. Voters rejected Amendment 6 by a margin of 61% to 39%. If retirement funds became involved regularly in politics, the donations could be larger than any seen in state history. MOSERS covers most state employees, but it is not the only system for state workers nor is it the largest retirement fund operated by the state. The fund for Missouri Department of Transportation workers and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers has $3.7 billion in assets. Education employees are covered by a fund known as PSRS/PEERS, which held $55 billion in assets June 30, 2023. And many local government employees are enrolled in LAGERS, which has about $11 billion in assets. The Independent sought reaction to the MOSERS action and the plans for legislation from executive staff at all three funds but did not receive an immediate response. Amendment 6 would have allowed collection of a $3 fee per case where a guilty verdict or plea is reached in criminal cases to fund sheriff’s pensions and $4 per case to fund the pensions for prosecutors. The fees had been in place for years, but in 2021, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that they were an unconstitutional bar to the courts, which are to be open to all and where “justice shall be administered without sale, denial or delay.” During calendar year 2023, without the fees, the sheriffs fund received $89,502 in contributions, had $38.4 million in assets and had lost $15 million in value over the previous two years. To shore up its finances, lawmakers this year appropriated $5 million in general revenue to the sheriffs fund. The prosecutors fund does not have a website where its financial statements can be found. Melissa Lorts, the treasurer of the Amendment 6 campaign committee, is also executive director of the sheriffs’ retirement system. She did not respond to a request for comment. During the campaign, she said the donations were a responsible use of the pension funds. “I have a legal opinion, and these are not public dollars,” Lorts said. “I’m not a political subdivision, and they’re not public dollars.” Other lawmakers also raised questions about the donations.High school boys basketball: Falcons edge East in Moir consolation bracket
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Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre actually danced in the House of Commons today, as jabs were made at NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. Poilievre was again trying to get an election on the books, with another non-confidence vote in the House. This time, Poilievre’s motion focused on previous words from Singh, who said he had “ripped up” his supply and confidence agreement with the Liberal government. “The NDP leader continues to hold Canada hostage with his game of hokey pokey to secure his pension,” said Conservative Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard. “First, he put himself in a coalition with the Liberals, then he took himself out, ripping up the agreement while shaking his fist all about, now he’s put himself back in — taping the agreement together, turning himself around.” The House of Commons camera then panned wide to show Poilievre, who appeared to start singing and dancing to the “Hokey Pokey” tune. Following a few more comments, the official vote was taken, shortly before 3:30 p.m. Members of the Conservative Party and Bloc Québécois in attendance voted in favour of the non-confidence vote. Members of the Liberals and some NDP and Green Party also voted against the motion. The motion was defeated 180-152. Following the vote, Poilievre stood up to admonish Singh for walking in during the vote. “Mr. Speaker, you went out of your way to point out before the vote that members are not allowed to come and go during the vote,” Poilievre said. “I note the NDP leader came in right in the middle of the vote, having missed the fact the vote was on his own words. Call him to order.” “Indeed, the fault is mine as speaker for not making it clear for the purposes of electronic voting, there is a possibility as all members know, they are able to come in for the purposes of electronic voting,” Speaker of the House Greg Fergus said. Following that vote, Singh tried to get a permanent goods and services tax (GST) rebate approved, applying to more household items, such as internet, and applying to all Canadians, including seniors. His motion read: “That, given that Canadians are facing an affordability crisis and need more than temporary relief, the government’s $250 Working Canadians Rebate would exclude many workers and other Canadians who need it the most, the 2021 Conservative Party platform included a one-time GST holiday, the House call on the government to: permanently remove the GST from essential goods, including home heating, grocery meals, internet and mobile phone bills, diapers and kids’ clothes; expand the rebate to include all adults whose income is under the threshold and did not earn employment income in 2023, so that people like recent graduates trying to enter the workforce, retired seniors, people with disabilities, injured workers, workers on parental leave and long-term sick leave, and others in need are included; and pay for that measure by putting in place an excess profit tax targeting the largest and most profitable corporations.” That motion was also defeated, 303 to 28. In late November, a GST/HST tax break was approved, with Canadians saving the tax on a handful of items starting Dec. 14. A proposal to provide a separate $250 rebate to who earned less than $150,000 in 2023 is still a proposal that has not made its way to vote yet. Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our .American Airlines has reinstated the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 on its routes between Los Angeles International Airport ( LAX ) and Miami International Airport (MIA). The 787 will be operating each day a week with 33 flights between the cities this month. The widebody aircraft will be operating a total of 61 flights in December. In September, American Airlines discontinued the operation of its widebody aircraft , on its high-traffic route between LAX and MIA. During that time, American Airlines utilized its fleet of narrowbody aircraft for this route. However, these planes do not feature the premium cabin options Flagship First and Flagship Business, which frequent fliers prefer for a luxurious travel experience. Aircraft Total Flights Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner 33 Boeing 777-300ER 26 Boeing 777-200 2 Data for December 2024, according to aviation data and analytics provider Cirium . The airline is the world’s largest by fleet size. American Airlines previously removed its widebody aircraft between LAX-MIA In September, the airline made a strategic decision to remove its widebody aircraft from service on the routes connecting two of its busiest hubs. This change followed the summer travel surge, during which passenger demand typically peaks. After this period, American Airlines transitioned to exclusively using its narrowbody aircraft for the route. There were discussions regarding the airline’s decision being due to its financial performance concerning the premium cabin, Flagship First and Flagship Business, on its domestic flights. Speculating that American Airlines was struggling to maintain profitability with these premium offerings. Rather than using its widebody aircraft on domestic routes where these premium services were underperforming, the airline opted to utilize these larger aircraft on its international markets. The carrier reportedly “almost always loses money” when operating the Boeing 777 or 787 Dreamliner on domestic routes. American Airlines’ Flagship First and Flagship Business The airline's premium cabins give passengers the most comfortable and exclusive travel experience. They provide travel essentials and skincare products from diverse beauty brands like Joanna Vargas and Relevant. Its lie-flat seats are made with premium bedding and a cool-touch dual-sided pillow. Passengers can choose when they would like to enjoy their multi-course meal, complete with the airline’s exclusive wines. American Airlines partnered with award-winning chef Sam Choy to inspire its meals. Meal service on flights over 900 miles during meal times Meals by Sam Choy, James Beard Award winner and creator of Pacific Rim Cuisine Flagship First American Airlines offers an exceptional travel experience with its Flagship First cabin, the airline's most exclusive service. Exclusively on the Boeing 777-300ER, this luxurious cabin features only eight seats that prioritize privacy and comfort. In Flagship First, passengers can unwind where each seat is fully lie-flat, allowing travelers to relax completely during the flight. With direct aisle access, guests can move about freely without disturbing fellow passengers. The cabin includes premium amenities and personalized services designed to improve the overall experience. Whether for work or leisure, travelers can expect excellence when flying in this elite cabin. Flagship Business Flagship Business is a premium cabin available on all the airline's widebody aircraft. American Airlines 777-300ER stands out with the highest number of Flagship Business seats, accommodating a total of 52 passengers. This aircraft is well-regarded for its spacious layout and luxurious amenities, ensuring that travelers can work or relax in comfort during their journey. Next is the 777-200, which features 37 Flagship Business seats. While it offers fewer seats than the 777-300ER, the 777-200 still provides an excellent travel experience, with a focus on comfort and service excellence. Lastly, the Dreamliner, known for its modern design and advanced technology, offers 20 Flagship Business seats. This aircraft emphasizes enhanced passenger comfort, with lower cabin altitude and improved air quality, making it an appealing choice for long-haul travelers. AA's Flagship cabins are spaciousness, comfortable, and feature remarkable dishes for a matching culinary experience. Future plans for American Airlines' Dreamliners This year, the airline unveiled its highly anticipated Flagship Suite, which is available on its Airbus A321XLR and 787-9 aircraft. While the Flagship Suite is not yet available on the popular LAX-MIA route, passengers can experience the suite on select long-haul international flights. The introduction of these suites enhances passenger comfort and luxury, providing travelers with an elevated flying experience. Each suite is designed to offer privacy, featuring a sliding door that allows for an exclusive environment. Inside the suite, passengers will find a chaise lounge seating option. This relaxing seating arrangement allows passengers to recline for a nap or enjoy in-flight entertainment. Additionally, the suites come equipped with ample personal storage space, making it easier for passengers to keep their belongings organized and within reach. The granted exemption followed the FAA's approval of American Airlines' Flagship Suite seats on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. “We are enhancing the customer experience across their entire journey with American,” American’s Vice President of Customer Experience Julie Rath said. “The arrival of new long-haul aircraft and the customized seat design of the Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a truly private premium experience on our long-haul fleet.” With the introduction of the new aircraft, American Airlines is set to significantly increase its premium seating. By 2026, the number of premium seats is expected to grow by more than 45%. Notably, the 787-9 aircraft will include a total of 51 Flagship Suite seats. Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Check-In Both hubs, Los Angeles International Airport and Miami International Airport, offer travelers access to American Airlines' Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Check-In services. These products are only offered at four airports worldwide and are designed to enhance passengers' overall travel experience by offering a range of amenities and personalized services. Phoenix Aviation Capital's acquisition will not disrupt American Airlines' operations, ensuring the aircraft remains part of its active fleet. Flagship Lounge The Flagship Lounge provides a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. It features comfortable seating areas designed for relaxation and productivity. Guests can unwind or focus on work before their flights away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Before boarding, passengers can enjoy a selection of premium food options, including international cuisine and regional dishes reflecting local flavors and culinary traditions. For those who are pressed for time, the lounge offers a convenient grab-and-go snack service, ensuring no one has to skip a meal, even during a busy travel schedule. In addition to food offerings, the Admiral Lounge provides a selection of beverages. Guests can sip on refreshing sparkling wine, explore local craft beers, or choose from a range of spirits and complimentary cocktails, all served in a relaxing setting. The sit-down a la carte dining is among the best lounge experiences in the US. Flagship Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 4, near gate 40, open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Flagship Lounge, Miami International Airport Concourse D, near gate D30, open daily 05:00 to 23:00. Flagship First Check-In Flagship First Check-In provides a seamless and luxurious experience, including dedicated check-in counters, priority security screening, and additional concierge services. At LAX, Flagship First Check-In is located at Terminal 4. Passengers should use the exclusive curbside entrance, which is open from 04:30 to 00:45. At MIA, passengers can access Flagship First Check-In at the North Terminal in Concourse D, at curbside door #2. It is open from 04:30. to 22:30. Qualifying passengers who can use Flagship First Check-In Passengers flying on American in Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus on a qualifying international or transcontinental flight. Passengers flying on qualifying international flights operated by American, regardless of cabin, with AAdvantage Executive Platinum status or AAdvantage Platinum Pro status. The Dreamliner's introduction to the airline Nearly 10 years ago, in January 2015, American Airlines proudly took delivery of its first 787, the 787-8 variant. This event marked a significant milestone in the airline’s history, as the Dreamliner is renowned for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort. Following months of anticipation, the aircraft made its inaugural flight a few months later, in May. The flight route connected Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). This initial journey showcased the capabilities of the new aircraft and represented American Airlines' commitment to modernizing its fleet and providing passengers with a superior flying experience. The introduction of the 787 has since been a key factor in the airline's operations, allowing it to expand its domestic transcontinental flights, long-haul international routes, and improve overall service. Flight AA2320 was the US legacy carrier's first Dreamliner passenger flight.
Matthew McConaughey announced he will be connecting with fans on a personal level on his newly launched personal blog, starting Jan. 3. The famous actor revealed the news of his new career move Friday on Instagram, and said he plans to share his “thoughts, prescribes, tips, truths, and inspirations,” in a free missive called “Lyrics of Livin.'” The weekly newsletter will be accompanied by a recorded audio version. A post shared by Matthew McConaughey (@officiallymcconaughey) NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Matthew McConaughey visits the Empire State Building on September 12, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images) McConaughey will be sharing his thoughts, feelings and wisdom with his fanbase, and offered a bit of a preview in the clip shared to social media. He captioned the video with the words, “hey gravity, have a bit of a F off – lyricsoflivin.com #lyricsoflivin.” He narrated the video while musing about the lyrics to Kool and the Gang’s hit song, “Get Down On It.” “How you gonna do it if you really don’t wanna dance/By standing on the wall?/Get your backs up off the wall,” he said. A post shared by Matthew McConaughey (@officiallymcconaughey) “A few minutes after Kool and the Gang told us to do just that, we got reminded to get our hearts off the ground, our spirits in flight day and night, telling gravity to have a bit of a fuck off,” McConaughey said. “So, let’s get our hips a swiggin’ above the holes the moles be digging. Time to go to work, break a sweat. Time for me, you, and all the nations to get us some elevation. A roof is a man made thing, let’s fly.” McConaughey described the newsletter as “five minutes with McConaughey as you end your week and head into your weekend,” according to People. “I’ve journaled and scribbled down good times, bad times, turn-offs and turn-ons for more than four decades now, and as you may know, many of those journal entries were what inspired my book Greenlights,” he said via a statement. McConaughey went on to say, “Which got me thinking, what if I didn’t wait 40 more years to share my thoughts, prescribes, tips, truths and inspirations: Things I’ve seen, said, stole and heard along my way that can help us find more Greenlights in our life and put a little rhyme to our reason,” according to People. A post shared by Matthew McConaughey (@officiallymcconaughey) The famous actor confessed Friday was his favorite day of the week, and explained why his newsletter was scheduled to release each Friday. (RELATED: ‘Out Of My Lane’: Matthew McConaughey Reveals He Nearly Quit Acting) “A true parlay day, the first half of Friday’s about responsibility and WORK, and the second half is about freedom and PLAY — and Friday also comes with a 48-hour runway — before we get back to Monday,” McConaughey said.
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AP) — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's home was broken into during Monday Night Football in the latest home invasion of a pro athlete in the U.S., authorities said Tuesday. No one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies weren't immediately able to determine what items were stolen. A person who is employed by Burrow arrived at the Anderson Township home Monday night to find a shattered bedroom window and the home in disarray. The person called their mother, and then 911 was contacted, according to the report. Deputies reached out to neighbors in an attempt to piece together surveillance footage. “Our investigators are exploring every avenue,” public information officer Kyla Woods said. The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were broken into in October. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.'s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information. Both the NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players after those break-ins, urging them to take additional precautions to secure their homes. In league memos previously obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL said homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” And the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflCommerce Bank reduced its stake in Bio-Techne Co. ( NASDAQ:TECH – Free Report ) by 12.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 31,644 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock after selling 4,397 shares during the period. Commerce Bank’s holdings in Bio-Techne were worth $2,529,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Empirical Finance LLC grew its position in Bio-Techne by 4.1% in the third quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 4,080 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock valued at $326,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares during the period. First City Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Bio-Techne by 6.2% in the 1st quarter. First City Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,185 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock worth $224,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Bio-Techne by 3.9% during the 3rd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 5,333 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock worth $426,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its holdings in Bio-Techne by 12.0% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,917 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock valued at $137,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mather Group LLC. boosted its position in Bio-Techne by 51.5% in the third quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 612 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 208 shares in the last quarter. 98.95% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Bio-Techne Price Performance Bio-Techne stock opened at $71.28 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 75.83, a PEG ratio of 5.19 and a beta of 1.28. Bio-Techne Co. has a 1 year low of $61.16 and a 1 year high of $85.57. The business has a 50-day moving average of $73.77 and a 200-day moving average of $75.25. The company has a current ratio of 4.56, a quick ratio of 3.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Bio-Techne Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 22nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 11th were paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 8th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.45%. Bio-Techne’s payout ratio is 34.04%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have issued reports on TECH shares. StockNews.com upgraded Bio-Techne from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. Benchmark restated a “buy” rating and issued a $95.00 price objective on shares of Bio-Techne in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on Bio-Techne from $82.00 to $84.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Scotiabank boosted their target price on Bio-Techne from $83.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a “sector outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 31st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on Bio-Techne from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a “sector perform” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $81.78. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TECH Bio-Techne Profile ( Free Report ) Bio-Techne Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells life science reagents, instruments, and services for the research and clinical diagnostic markets in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Greater China, rest of Asia-Pacific, and internationally. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TECH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bio-Techne Co. ( NASDAQ:TECH – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Bio-Techne Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bio-Techne and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
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