NEW YORK (AP) — There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. That's one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make — things to do and things to avoid — that could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place. For those who feel strongly about the election's outcome, and know that the people they would be spending the holiday feel just as strongly in the other direction, take the time to honestly assess if you're ready to spend time together in THIS moment, barely a few weeks after Election Day — and a time when feelings are still running high. The answer might be that you're not, and it might be better to take a temporary break, says Justin Jones-Fosu, author of “I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” “You have to assess your own readiness,” he says, “Each person is going be very different in this.” He emphasizes that it's not about taking a permanent step back. “Right now is that moment that we’re talking about because it’s still so fresh. Christmas may be different.” Keep focused on why why you decided to go in the first place, Jones-Fosu says. Maybe it’s because there’s a relative there you don’t get to see often, or a loved one is getting up in age, or your kids want to see their cousins. Keeping that reason in mind could help you get through the time. If you decide getting together is the way to go, but you know politics is still a dicey subject, set a goal of making the holiday a politics-free zone and stick with it, says Karl Pillemer, a professor at Cornell University whose work includes research on family estrangement. “Will a political conversation change anyone’s mind?" he says. “If there is no possibility of changing anyone’s mind, then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.” Let’s be honest. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions to keep the holiday gathering politics- and drama-free, there’s someone who’s got something to say and is going to say it. In that case, avoid getting drawn into it, says Tracy Hutchinson, a professor in the graduate clinical mental health counseling program at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. “Not to take the hook is one of the most important things, and it is challenging,” she says. After all, you don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to. If you risk getting caught up in the moment, consider engaging in what Pillemer calls “forward mapping.” This involves thinking medium and long term rather than just about right now — strategy rather than tactics. Maybe imagine yourself six months from now looking back on the dinner and thinking about the memories you'd want to have. “Think about how you would like to remember this holiday,” he says. “Do you want to remember it with your brother and sister-in-law storming out and going home because you’ve had a two-hour argument?” Things getting intense? Defuse the situation. Walk away. And it doesn't have to be in a huff. Sometimes a calm and collected time out is just what you — and the family — might need. Says Hutchinson: “If they do start to do something like that, you could say, `I’ve got to make this phone call. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’m going to take a walk around the block.'"
By Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times A recent study that recommended toxic chemicals in black plastic products be immediately thrown away included a math error that significantly overstated the risks of contamination, but its authors are standing by their conclusions and warn against using such products. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere , experts from the nonprofit Toxic-Free Future said they detected flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in 85% of 203 items made of black plastic including kitchen utensils , take-out containers, children’s toys and hair accessories. The study initially said the potential exposure to chemicals found in one of the kitchen utensils approached the minimum levels the Environmental Protection Agency deemed a health risk. But in an update to the study, the authors say they made an error in their calculations and the real levels were “an order of magnitude lower” than the EPA’s thresholds. The error was discovered by Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society in Canada. In a blog post, Schwarcz explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it’s actually about one-tenth of that. Though Schwarcz said the risks outlined in the study aren’t enough for him to discard his black plastic kitchen items if he had them, he agreed with the authors that flame retardants shouldn’t be in these products in the first place. “The math error does not impact the study’s findings, conclusions or recommendations,” said Megan Liu, a co-author of the study who is the science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future . She added that any traces of flame retardants or toxic chemicals in cooking utensils should be concerning for the public. Flame retardants are getting into commonly used items because black-colored products are being made from recycled electronic waste, such as discarded television sets and computers, that frequently contain the additives. When they’re heated, the flame retardants and other toxic chemicals can migrate out. If you’re wondering whether your old black plastic spoon or other utensils are a part of this group, Liu shared some more guidance. It’s nearly impossible to know whether a black plastic product is contaminated. That’s because these products that include recycled e-waste don’t disclose a detailed list of all ingredients and contaminants in the product. Liu said it’s also unclear how many types of flame retardants are in these black plastic products. Some of the products that researchers tested in this recent study “had up to nine different harmful chemicals and harmful flame retardants in them,” she said. Anytime you’re looking for the type of recycled plastic a product is made of you’re going to look for a number within the chasing arrows (that form a triangle) logo. Recycling symbols are numbered 1 to 7 and we commonly associate the numbers with what we can toss in our blue recycling bins. The 1 through 7 numbers stand for, respectively, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or Styrofoam, and miscellaneous plastics (including polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass and nylon). The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu. There isn’t a definitively timeline of when recycled electronic-waste started to be incorporated into black plastic products specifically, but e-waste started to get recycled in the early 2000s, Liu said. The way computers, cellphones, stereos, printers and copiers were being disposed of previously was to simply add them to a landfill without reusing salvageable parts. But as the National Conference of State Legislatures notes, electronics production required a significant amount of resources that could be recovered through recycling. Recovering resources such as metals, plastics and glass through recycling used a fraction of the energy needed to mine new materials. However, the study pointed out that flame retardants and other chemical contaminates have been detected in and near e-waste recycling facilities, in indoor air and dust at formal e-waste recycling facilities in Canada, China, Spain and the U.S. It also noted contamination in soil samples surrounding e-waste recycling sites in China and Vietnam. The safest nontoxic material options for kitchen utensil are wood and stainless steel. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.In Pictures: Politics frames the debate as Ireland holds five ballots in 2024Major hockey tournaments, holiday shoppers bring big business to Ottawa
The 38-year-old recalled meeting the US president-elect with her former England captain husband Wayne when their family was living in the US during Sunday’s episode. Discussing her encounter, she told her fellow campmates: “When we lived in America, we got invited to the White House for Christmas and we went in to meet Donald Trump. There’s nowhere for Dean and Coleen to run as they face Absolute Carnage... 🐀 Find out how they get on when #ImACeleb continues, tonight at 9pm! pic.twitter.com/yNevokq030 — I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 24, 2024 “And so we walked in and we had to get the official photograph taken in front of the Christmas tree. “So Donald Trump said to his son ‘See? Told you, all the soccer players get the good-looking girls’. “And I told my mum, I was like ‘dirty bastard’.” She also revealed that Mr Trump wanted Wayne to “go over to teach his son to play football”. Afterwards, McFly star Danny Jones asked her: “Is he that orange?”, to which she confirmed: “He was very orange.” Sunday’s episode also saw Rooney compete in a Bushtucker Trial a day after her her husband Wayne encouraged viewers to vote for her to do a challenge in a social media post. The former England footballer said he was “proud” of how she was doing in the Australian jungle but said he and their boys would “love” to see her do a trial. The couple, who first met at school and began dating aged 16, share four sons, Kai Wayne, Klay Anthony, Kit Joseph and Cass Mac. Ahead of competing in the Absolute Carnage trial, she said: “I’m a bit scared of the unknown but I’m excited for my boys back home just to see me do something. “Hopefully I’m going to do well, I’m going to try my best.” The trial saw her trapped in a box in the back of a car which was filled with cockroaches, crickets, giant mealworms and rats. Her fellow campmate, BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough, had to rummage through a garage area which was filled with creepy crawlies to find tools which he would pass to Rooney so she could unlock the stars in the box. The pair worked together to win nine stars for camp, with hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly branding Rooney as “very calm, very quiet, you just got on with it”. Liverpool-born Rooney replied: “That is my way of coping, silence, the silent treatment.” Maura reveals why she went on Love Island... Let’s hope all toothbrushes are safe in the Jungle 🪥 #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/oH8qizoKTK — I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 24, 2024 Elsewhere, Love Island star Maura Higgins recalled to Jones and Loose Women panellist Jane Moore that she went into the ITV dating show “like a bull in a china shop” after being so angry with her ex-boyfriend before entering the villa. She explained that she had been in a relationship when she got the offer for the show and decided to check her partner’s phone and was unimpressed with what she found. “When he went to the gym the next day I got his toothbrush and I filmed myself scrubbing in the verges, he had a dentist appointment that day,” she said. Jones said you “don’t want to mess with Maura” while Moore described her as “fierce”. It was revealed at the end of the episode that McCullough will take on another challenge during Monday’s episode. I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! continues at 9pm on ITV1, STV and ITVX.Bishop T.D. Jakes experiences 'health incident' during Sunday service
The League of Women Voters December Lunch & Learn will take up the question of convening a Convention of States. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is required to hold a constitutional convention if two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) call for one. But here’s the catch: there are absolutely no rules for an Article V Convention. Gavin Geis, executive director of Common Cause Nebraska, will present information on the Nebraska Unicameral’s increased interest for a Convention of the States and what it means for our state. Lunch and Learn convenes Dec. 5, from noon-1 p.m. CT. It is free and available via Zoom to the public throughout Nebraska. Membership is not required. Those wishing to attend online can use this Zoom link: us06web.zoom.us/j/85978603156 . For over 100 years, the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, has encouraged informed and active participation in government, worked to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influenced public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to all. Videos of previous Lunch and Learns are now available on the League’s website: lincolnleague.org/lunch-and-learn-schedule . For further information regarding the League, go to lincolnleague.org . Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Brighton draws 0-0 with Brentford in lackluster Premier League encounter
‘They’ve done everything right’: Matt Rhule takes stock of Nebraska football’s week in NYCS&P/TSX composite down more than 100 points, U.S. stock markets mixedThe Block 70/72 is the latest iteration of the venerable F-16 Fighting Falcon model series. The new F-16V, or Viper, incorporates a host of avionics enhancements and new and improved capabilities in the primary systems, all of which promise better performance and operational versatility for the 5th Generation battlefield. The F-16V is popular among many Western allied nations that seek cost-effective air power and want the most cutting-edge fighter jet that their money can buy. While the US Air Force is maintaining their fleet of Block 50/52 Falcons while the F-35 slowly replaces them on the flightline, the Block 70/72 series has a bright future with many air forces around the world. Features of the F-16 Block 70 The F-16 Block 70 will bring with it both advanced electronic systems as well as airframe and propulsion upgrades. Lockheed Martin hopes to offer both superior combat capability and an extended service life. F-16V Block 70/72 specifications include: Length: 49.3 feet (15.03 meters) Wingspan: 31.0 feet (9.49 meters) Max speed: 1,500 mph (2,414 km/h), Mach 2+ Range: 2,622 miles (4,220 kilometers) Max takeoff weight: 48,000 pounds (21,772 kilograms) The optional system upgrades available include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enhanced digital mission systems with data networking capability, and an updated cockpit suite with modernized, high-definition heads-up displays (HUDs). Lockheed Martin states that the aircraft provides "unparalleled situational awareness and adaptability for diverse mission requirements." The upgrades on the latest Viper series ensure not only superior operational capacity but also improved pilot survivability. Bahrain: Defense Partnership Bahrain is among the first countries to acquire F-16 Block 70s, and the first in the Middle East, in a move to strengthen the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) capabilities in a contested region. The newly acquired jets will bolster their defense posture and show a strong partnership between allies employing the same platforms throughout the region. The advanced capabilities that come with the numerous upgrades to the F-16 platform include updates to systems such as precision-guided weapons compatibility and superior electronic warfare (EW) systems and countermeasures. In the 21st Century, with the rapidly growing fleets of unmanned and 5th-generation air combat systems, these are key features that must be addressed. Air Force Technology online agrees that "the F-16 Block 70’s integration of state-of-the-art systems ensures Bahrain maintains a competitive edge in regional airspace operations.” Greece: Team NATO Greece is highly anticipating the addition of the F-16 Block 70 to its fleet. The enhanced air superiority capabilities that are promised to come with the new Viper will enable them to provide expanded contributions to NATO missions and collaborate with their allies like never before. The advanced communication, data-net, EW, and other core systems enable Greek pilots to execute complex multi-role missions jointly with the other air forces of the NATO alliance. Important missions for Greece and Europe include air interdiction and maritime strike operations, but readiness is paramount with the war in Ukraine raging on. The Block 70 allows Greece to maintain a robust defense posture while supporting alliance-wide objectives. Taiwan: Keeping the Dragon at Bay The Air Force of Taiwan has selected to upgrade their existing fleet to the new Block 70/72 spec. This decision is a clear strategic investment in air defense amid rising regional tensions. The need for strong deterrent and defensive response abilities is clear as the dragon lurks at their door. With steadily growing activity by a large and powerful aggressor, the new Viper enhances Taiwan's ability to counter any threat. The tension in the Asia-Pacific region has continued to mount in recent years. The new variant of a familiar platform provides force augmentation through advanced radar, improved performance, and future-looking compatibility for rapid assimilation of next-generation weaponry. As F-16.net explains , "Taiwan’s decision to upgrade its fleet reflects the importance of modernized air power in ensuring national security and stability in the region.” Slovakia: Strategic Air Power Slovakia is another nation that has already received its first Block 70 F-16. The new fighters will replace the aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s. The New Vipers are expected to dramatically enhance Slovakia's air defense capabilities. The transition will bring Slovakia's air force fleet into the modern era of air warfare and create interoperability with NATO forces that was sorely lacking before. Breaking Defense reports that "Slovakia’s F-16 Block 70s will significantly enhance the country's ability to defend its airspace and contribute to NATO missions.” Bulgaria: Modernizing the Fleet Bulgaria has committed to modernizing its air force by acquiring the F-16 Block 70. The first Bulgarian F-16V completed its maiden flight in October 2024. The induction of Bulgaria's new Viper marks a milestone in the new defense strategy prioritizing advanced and flexible air power. This model includes an extended structural life of 12,000 flight hours, ensuring long-term operational viability. Air Data News declared that "this platform will bring Bulgaria's air force into alignment with NATO standards, enabling more effective joint operations.” The Block 70/72's improved avionics and weapons systems will be invaluable to Bulgaria's air defense. The Aviationist reports that "the incorporation of advanced cockpit interfaces and mission systems in the Block 70 variant ensures greater mission effectiveness and pilot survivability". Global Impact The Block 70's latest upgrades, modular design, and widely established support network allow for simple integration into diverse air forces urgently requiring modernization. Lockheed Martin highlights the platform's "unmatched capability and affordability, ensuring it remains the cornerstone of many allied air forces worldwide.” The State Department has approved follow-up support for Greece's F-16 fighter jet engines. The new Block 70/72 variant of the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon promises to be a transformative asset for many nations around the globe. As their air forces seek advanced capabilities without the deep purse of the US, they must mind the cost and risk of investing in defense technology. The latest F-16V Viper addresses the defense needs of these nations and ensures tactical superiority in modern air combat against a wide range of threats in many mission sets. The mighty F-16 will continue to serve in many fleets worldwide, further cementing its place in history as a cornerstone of contemporary air warfare. The Bahrain Air Force's new F-16 Block 70s were conspicuous in their absence in the static display at the Bahrain Air Show. Aerospace Global News first reported the curious absence of the latest Fighting Falcon variant among other aircraft at the "sprawling aircraft static park at Sakhir." As they noted, Royal Bahraini Air Force Commander General Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has previously described the F-16 Block 70 as one of the Kingdom of Bahrain's "top three priority projects."Lockheed Martin marked the departure of the first ferry cell of three F-16 Block 70 jets from Greenville, South Carolina, to Bahrain in March of this year. Bahrain was the first member of the Gulf Cooperation Council member to operate F-16s and the first to integrate the F-16 Block 70 variant into its fleet. The F-16 Block 70 jets include 4.5-generation technology and are equipped with the APG-83 AESA Radar, advanced avionics, an updated cockpit featuring new safety systems, Automatic Ground Coll
Lautaro Martinez ends goal drought as Inter keep pressure on Serie A leadersLONDON — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor "brutally raped and battered" her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men found him liable for assault after deliberating about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the "modest award." Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. "She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice," she said. "I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served." The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. "He's not a man, he's a coward," attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. "A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is." Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him "no" as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, "now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times," referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. "I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn't tell anyone so he wouldn't hurt me again," she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman's complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said "she never said 'no' or stopped" and testified that everything she said was a lie. "It is a full blown lie among many lies," he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. "How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings." McGregor's lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. "You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise," attorney Remy Farrell said. "I'm not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch." The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor's arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked "happy, happy, happy." McGregor said he was "beyond petrified" when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor's friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent. 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Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter plans to turn pro and prefers to continue a dual role, playing wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. Hunter could be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is the favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Speculation about his future quieted as he gained notoriety by the week this season. Field Level Media projects Hunter as a top-three pick in the draft, and he confirmed Thursday this will be his last season at the college level. "That's definitely for sure," Hunter said on a conference call with reporters. Hunter is consistently playing between 100 and 125 snaps per game for Colorado. He has three interceptions on defense with 74 receptions, 911 yards and nine touchdowns playing wideout for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Also a projected early first-round pick, Sanders committed to play in the East-West Shrine Game in Dallas. The son of Colorado head coach and Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders said Thursday he would cast a Heisman vote for Hunter. "If it's between me and him, I would want him to get it," Sanders said. "He does a lot of amazing things and things that haven't been done before. I'm not a selfish guy. I know what he's capable of, so I would rather him win." Hunter said he would invite his QB to New York if he's not named a Heisman finalist before they go about the business of finishing the season, possibly in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Shedeur Sanders said he's the best quarterback in the draft, and doesn't believe that's anything new. "I feel like I was the best quarterback in the last draft, too," said Shedeur Sanders. "Ever since I was draft eligible, I knew I'm the best quarterback. It's not up for me to prove myself to talking about why." Former teammates at Jackson State where Deion Sanders also coached, Hunter said he felt his draft stock began to rise only after critics moved past "the hate" for his coach. A flashy, charismatic cornerback in the NFL after starring at Florida State, Deion Sanders was the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Hall of Famers Troy Aikman (first, Cowboys), Barry Sanders (third, Lions) and Derrick Thomas (fourth, Chiefs) were chosen ahead of "Prime Time" along with offensive tackle Tony Mandarich (second, Packers). Hunter has picked the brain of Deion Sanders about a dual role in pro sports. Sanders was used selectively as a wide receiver and returned punts but was primarily a cornerback in addition to playing Major League Baseball. There's no base-stealing in Hunter's future, but he does believe he can push the envelope as a full-time two-way NFL player. "It's never been done," Hunter said. "I understand that it will be a high risk, (teams) don't want their top pick to go down too early, and I know they're going to want me to be in a couple packages. But I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it thus far. I like when people tell me I can't do it." --Field Level Media
Every year Social Security beneficiaries receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that impacts their benefits, generally to increase them in order to keep up with inflation. But f you are not an avid news consumer, you may not be aware of the 2.5% increase that this year has brought, and that would not be a good thing. This is why the Social Security Administration sends a notice every year communicating to beneficiaries any changes to their benefits. This year, this notice will also be available online for beneficiaries who have My Social Security accounts. You can expect to receive this notice in the mail in December unless your preferences in you My Social Security Account have paper notifications deactivated. What are some of the changes that this notice will include this year? A new 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment Given the increase, the average check for retirees, which sits around the $1,907 mark, will receive a $50 per month. This number will be different depending on the amount of your check, but this should give you an idea of how it will shake out. Compared to precious increases, 2.5% seems low, especially if we look at the 8.7% that occurred in 2023, but this might be a glimmer of a good sing regarding cooling inflation. Joe Elsasser, a certified financial planner and president of Covisum, a Social Security claiming software company warns about being too optimistic saying “Although price increases have moderated, it’s not as though inflation is over.” Inflation, and prices, could rise again without much warning. Some discouraging news for enrollees in Medicare Part B , which covers physician services, outpatient hospital services and certain home health services and durable medical equipment, is that premiums are rising again this year. Although not by a lot, just a $10.30 increase from $174.70 this year, the new $185 per month payment might sting for many. Their annual deductibles will go up to $257 in 2025, which is a $17 increase from the $240 annual deductible for 2024. It is important to remember that Medicare Part B premiums are deducted directly from Social Security checks and that some people can request their Medicare Advantage or Part D premiums deducted as well. Part B premiums are determined by a beneficiary’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years earlier. In 2025, individuals with a MAGI of $106,000 or less in 2023 and married couples with $212,000 or less will pay the standard monthly premium. Those with higher incomes will face Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) , which raise their premiums. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, approximately 8% of Medicare Part B beneficiaries are subject to these income-based adjustments. Something that retirees should always be vigilant about is the changes in income that may lead them to a higher tax bracket . As CFP Brian Vosberg, president of Vosberg Wealth Management in Glendora, California explains, “What we’ve seen with clients is kind of a surge in other income that has caused more of their Social Security to be taxed.” It is important to remember that Social Security income is not taxed alone, what is taxed is combined income, the sum of adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest and half of Social Security benefits . If this number surpasses a certain threshold, then it will be taxed. To avoid unwanted surprises, beneficiaries can request to have withholding for federal taxes deducted from their benefit payments. Being proactive about tax planning is the best way to avoid paying unnecessarily. Some options that Vosberg recommends are buying an annuity that lets that interest grow tax-deferred or reducing income from other areas, such as IRA withdrawals to help soften the blow.Baidu (BIDU) Q3 2024 Earnings Call TranscriptSo you're gathering with relatives whose politics are different. Here are some tips for the holidays
McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rulesMaryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals'Daily Trading Desk: 2 trades for short-term gains; an IT major for over 4% upmove, large-cap NBFC stock for 6% gain
‘They’ve done everything right’: Matt Rhule takes stock of Nebraska football’s week in NYCNew York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo (12-3) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL odds: Bills by 9 1/2. Series record: Bills lead 70-58. Against the spread: Jets 5-10, Bills 9-6. Last meeting: Bills beat Jets 23-20 on Oct. 14, at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Last week: Jets lost to Rams 19-9; Bills beat Patriots 24-21. Jets offense: overall (23), rush (31), pass (17), scoring (24). Jets defense: overall (4), rush (16), pass (5), scoring (16). Bills offense: overall (7), rush (9), pass (9), scoring (2). Bills defense: overall (23), rush (14), pass (25), scoring (11). Turnover differential: Jets minus-2; Bills plus-20. Jets player to watch QB Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old four-time NFL MVP is one touchdown pass from joining Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508) as the only players to throw 500 in the regular season. He’s dealing with a knee injury that he described as “a little MCL,” but insisted early in the week he’d play and was off the injury report on Friday. Rodgers could be playing in the last two games of his storied career as he’s undecided if he wants to return for a 21st year, and his future with the Jets uncertain as the team searches for a new general manager and head coach. Bills player to watch RB James Cook. The third-year player has topped 100 yards rushing in three of his past four, and scored five TDs, including one receiving, over that span. His 14 TDs rushing are tied for first in the NFL entering Thursday, and rank third on the Bills single-season list, behind Josh Allen, who scored 15 last year, and O.J. Simpson (16, 1975). Key matchup Bills pass rush vs. Jets O-line. The Bills, who rely mostly on a four-man pass rush, rank 25th in the NFL in by averaging 6.59% sacks per pass attempt. They face a veteran quarterback in Rodgers and a line that will be without starting left tackle after rookie Olu Fashanu (left foot) landed on IR this week. Max Mitchell and Carter Warren were competing this week to replace him. Key injuries Jets K Greg Zuerlein was being activated from injured reserve after missing seven games with a knee injury. ... WR Davante Adams (hip) was questionable, but optimistic about playing. ... DT Quinnen Williams sat out last week with a hamstring injury, but could return to play at Buffalo. ... CB Sauce Gardner (hamstring) was questionable, as were RT Morgan Moses (knee), S Tony Adams (ankle), CB Michael Carter II (back) and DE Haason Reddick (neck). ... The Bills are getting healthier with starting CB Rasul Douglas practicing fully after missing two games. ... Buffalo’s starting safety tandem of Damar Hamlin (rib) and Taylor Rapp (neck) were questionable after practicing on a limited basis all week after also missing the past two outings. ... Starting LB Matt Milano was off the injury report after missing last weekend with groin injury. ... Allen was listed as a full participant all week after hurting his throwing elbow and shoulder against New England. Series notes The teams have split the past two season series, with the Jets being the Bills only division rival to have beaten them once in each of the past two seasons. ... The Bills have won four straight at home since a 13-6 loss in a mean-nothing 2019 season finale in which Buffalo rested a majority of its starters after the first quarter. ... Buffalo is 16-8 in the past 24 meetings since snapping a six-game skid spanning the 2009-12 seasons. Stats and stuff The Jets are 2-8 since defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich replaced the fired Robert Saleh on Oct. 8 on an interim basis. ... Rodgers is interception-free in seven of his past eight games, including none in each of the Jets’ past four on the road. ... Rodgers needs one TD pass to give him 25 for the season. It would be the 14th time in his 20-year career he reached the mark, tying him with Brees (14) for the third-most seasons with at least that many. Only Brady (17) and Manning (16) have more. ... Rodgers and WR Davante Adams have connected for 82 touchdowns, including the postseason, to tie Miami’s Dan Marino and Mark Clayton for the third most in NFL history by a quarterback-wide receiver duo. ... Adams needs 72 yards receiving for his sixth 1,000-yard season. ... In nine games since being acquired from Las Vegas, Adams has 56 catches for 719 yards and six TDs. ... WR Garrett Wilson needs 13 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the third straight season to start his career. He’s six catches away from surpassing his career high of 95 set last season. ... The Jets went 99 yards on their opening possession to score a touchdown for the second straight game on their first drive after not doing so previously all season. ... New York scored nine points and had no punts in the loss to Los Angeles. The Jets joined the 1991 Colts — a 16-7 loss to the Patriots in the season opener — as the only teams in the Super Bowl era to score fewer than 10 points and not punt. ... The Jets allowed 110 net passing yards against the Rams, the third fewest they’ve given up this season and fifth time they held an opponent under 150 this season. ... The Bills are a win from clinching the AFC’s No. 2 seed entering the playoffs. ... Buffalo has 12 wins for just the seventh time in team history, and third since 2020, and in position to match the team record previously done four times (1990, 1991, 2020 and 2022). ... The Bills are 10-0 at home since a 24-22 loss to Denver on Nov. 13, 2023, and have an opportunity to finish a season without a home loss for just the second time in team history (8-0 in 1990). ... Allen’s 75 wins through his first seven NFL seasons are tied for the most with Russell Wilson. ... Allen, who threw just his sixth interception of the season last week and also has two lost fumbles, is 6-1 this season and 44-27 overall when committing turnover. ... Buffalo’s 29 TDs rushing match a single-season team record set in 2016. ... Buffalo is 4-3 this season when trailing at the half after overcoming a 14-7 deficit against New England. ... Buffalo improved to 28-22 when allowing 20 or more points since 2019. The team went a combined 12-67 when allowing that many from 2011-18. ... Buffalo forced three turnovers last week, and has a takeaway in all but one outing this season. Fantasy tip Allen might have gotten you to your championship weekend, but he could be hard-pressed to put up big numbers against the Jets. Allen is 3-2 in his past five meetings and averaging just 215 yards passing, with seven touchdowns and six interceptions while being sacked 16 times. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL The Associated Press
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