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SAN DIEGO, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a wholly owned subsidiary of LPL Financial Holdings Inc. ( Nasdaq: LPLA ) (the “Company”), today released its monthly activity report for October 2024. Total advisory and brokerage assets at the end of October were $1.67 trillion, an increase of $81.2 billion, or 5.1%, compared to the end of September 2024. Total net new assets for October were $96.6 billion, which included $88.0 billion of acquired net new assets resulting from the acquisition of Atria Wealth Solutions, Inc. (“Atria”) and $0.3 billion of acquired net new assets resulting from Liquidity & Succession activity. Total organic net new assets for October were $8.3 billion, translating to a 6.2% annualized growth rate. This included $1.0 billion of assets that off-boarded as part of the previously disclosed planned separation from misaligned large OSJs. Excluding these assets, organic net new assets were $9.3 billion, translating to a 7.0% annualized growth rate. Total organic net new advisory assets were $8.8 billion, translating to a 11.9% annualized growth rate. Excluding the off-boarded assets from misaligned large OSJs, total organic net new advisory assets were $9.1 billion, translating to a 12.2% annualized growth rate. Total client cash balances at the end of October were $48.3 billion, an increase of $2.5 billion compared to the end of September 2024. This included $2.3 billion resulting from the acquisition of Atria. Net buying in October was $12.5 billion. Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding. (1) During the first quarter of 2024, the Company updated its definition of client cash account balances to exclude other client payables. Prior period disclosures have been updated to reflect this change as applicable. For additional information regarding these and other LPL Financial business metrics, please refer to the Company’s most recent earnings announcement , which is available in the quarterly results section of investor.lpl.com . Contacts Investor Relations investor.relations@lplfinancial.com Media Relations media.relations@lplfinancial.com About LPL Financial LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 28,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com . Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “ Investor Relations ” or “ Press Releases ” section of our website.Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called on the Prime Minister to shift its focus from road inspections to the urgent needs of flood victims in the Western Division. In a social media post, Mr Chaudhry urged the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to concentrate on areas where the need was more urgent. “It is strange that Prime Minister Rabuka should be touring the North to inspect road maintenance works in his area when he should be focusing on providing urgently needed assistance to the flood victims in the West,” he said. Former prime minister said they had received reports from Sigatoka, Nadi, Ra, Ba and Tavua indicating that relevant government agencies had made no efforts to reach out. “We urge the Prime Minister to please concentrate on where the need is more urgent. “The cyclone season has only just begun. “Any slackness on the part of the relief agencies in responding to the needs of the disaster victims, must be addressed and rectified right now.”

Video claiming to show Rachel Maddow getting emotional while reporting on Elon Musk meme is fake

The Union government told the Supreme Court that gig workers and app-based service providers have not had their fundamental rights violated, citing the e-Shram portal that enables unorganised sector workers to access various welfare schemes under statutory provisions. The Centre’s response came three years after the court issued notice on a public interest litigation filed by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) seeking social security measures. The government emphasised that the 2020 Code on Social Security, which includes specific provisions for unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers, will be implemented through an official notification, though no timeline was specified. While the Code received Presidential assent in September 2020, it has remained inoperative due to lack of notification. Last month, the Supreme Court told the Centre that labour and social security rights for gig workers and app-based service providers cannot be denied if a statutory regime provides for such protections. The Centre was directed to file a response by Dec. 17 ahead of the January hearing. The Labour Ministry filed an affidavit on Dec. 20 stating, “e-Shram provides for registration of unorganised workers, including platform workers.” The ministry launched the e-Shram One-Stop-Solution on Oct. 21, integrating all social security and welfare schemes for unorganised workers onto a single portal. “This will enable unorganised workers including platform workers registered on e-Shram to access social security schemes and see benefits availed by them so far on a single portal,” the ministry added. To boost registration, the government issued an advisory on Sept. 16 urging platform aggregators to encourage their workers to register on the e-Shram portal. However, the affidavit did not disclose current registration numbers for gig workers. The government sought dismissal of the petition, asserting, “The benefits to workers including unorganised workers are available as per the eligibility criteria of respective schemes. Hence the fundamental rights of the petitioners under Article 14 (right to equality), Article 21 (right to life and liberty) and Article 23 (prohibition of trafficking in human beings and forced labour) have not been violated.” The IFAT petition, filed by advocate Nupur Kumar, named major platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Uber and Ola. It accused these companies of denying workers their entitlements by misclassifying them as independent contractors rather than employees, thereby depriving them of essential social security benefits and violating their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. Filed in September 2021, the petition sought court recognition of drivers and delivery providers as “workmen” under various social security laws. “It is the case of the petitioners who are commonly known as ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ that they are in an employment relationship with the aggregators and hence covered by the definition of ‘workman’ within the meaning of all the applicable social security legislations,” the petition stated. The legislation encompasses The Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923; The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947; The Employee’s State Insurance Act, 1948; Employee’s Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952; The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; and the Unorganized Workers’ Social Welfare Security Act, 2008. Critics have argued that the 2020 Code on Social Security inadequately addresses gig workers’ concerns. While it recognises them as a distinct category and defines platform workers who can avail benefits, the code does not provide statutory social security benefits comparable to organised sector employees, instead relegating them primarily to discretionary schemes to be introduced by the Centre or state governments. The e-Shram One-Stop-Solution has integrated 12 social security schemes thus far, including Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (accident insurance), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (life insurance), Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (health scheme), PM Awas Yojana-Gramin (housing scheme), and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (pension scheme). Any unorganised worker who is not an active member of ESIC or EPFO and does not pay income tax can self-register on the portal. The government’s affidavit emphasised its commitment “to provide social security by formulation of suitable welfare schemes for unorganised workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection.” It noted that the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act 2008 addresses these concerns, and Section 3(4) of the Act empowers state governments to formulate welfare schemes covering provident fund, employment injury benefit, housing, education schemes for children, skill upgradation, funeral assistance and old age assistance. During a Nov. 19 hearing, the government informed the court that the matter involves “policy decision” to explain the delay in filing a response. However, senior advocate Indira Jaising, arguing for IFAT, emphasised that the case concerned “human and economic rights of gig workers” and demanded the extension of statutory benefits comparable to organised sector employees. The petition highlighted that major platforms’ contracts with workers are “take it or leave it” agreements, leaving workers no choice but to sign to earn their livelihood. In response, companies including Uber, Ola, Zomato and Swiggy maintained in their Supreme Court affidavits that “there exists no contract of employment between them and the petitioners and that their relationship are in the nature of partnership.” The platforms stated that drivers are “self-employed workers” who freely choose to use their platforms, able to “board in and board out” at will. The case is scheduled for hearing on January 20.DALLAS — Scott Turner, President-elect Donald Trump choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development , is a former NFL player who ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term. Turner, 52, is the first Black person selected to be a member of the Republican's Cabinet. Here are some things to know about Turner: Turner grew up in a Dallas suburb, Richardson, and graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He was a defensive back and spent nine seasons in the NFL beginning in 1995, playing for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. During offseasons, he worked as an intern then-Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif. After Turner retired in 2004, he worked full time for the congressman. In 2006, Turner ran unsuccessfully as a Republican in California’s 50th Congressional District. Turner joined the Texas House in 2013 as part of a large crop of tea party-supported lawmakers. He tried unsuccessfully to become speaker before he finished his second term in 2016. He did not seek a third term. Turner also worked for a software company in a position called “chief inspiration officer” and said he acted as a professional mentor, pastor, and councilor for the employees and executive team. He has also been a motivational speaker. He and his wife, Robin Turner, founded a nonprofit promoting initiatives to improve childhood literacy. His church, Prestonwood Baptist Church, lists him as an associate pastor. He is also chair of the center for education opportunity at America First Policy Institute, a think tank set up by former Trump administration staffers to lay the groundwork if he won a second term. Trump introduced Turner in April 2019 as the head of the new White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. Trump credited Turner with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” The mission of the council was to coordinate with various federal agencies to attract investment to so-called “Opportunity Zones," which were economically depressed areas eligible to be used for the federal tax incentives. HUD is responsible for addressing the nation’s housing needs. It also is charged with fair housing laws and oversees housing for the poorest Americans, sheltering more than 4.3 million low-income families through public housing, rental subsidy and voucher programs. The agency, with a budget of tens of billions of dollars, runs a multitude of programs that do everything from reducing homelessness to promoting homeownership. It also funds the construction of affordable housing and provides vouchers that allow low income families pay for housing in the private market. During the campaign, Trump focused mostly on the prices of housing, not public housing. He railed against the high cost of housing and said he could make it more affordable by cracking down on illegal immigration and reducing inflation. He also said he would work to reduce regulations on home construction and make some federal land available for residential construction.

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NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVA LEAP HEALTH CORP. (TSXV: NLH) (“Nova Leap” or “the Company”), a growing home health care organization, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to amend its existing credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with BMO Bank of Montreal for new credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”). The amended Credit Agreement will provide up to an additional $7 million of available credit to support the Company’s long-term growth strategy. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise specified. The Credit Facilities consist of non-readvanceable demand acquisition lines to assist with business acquisitions, including the Nova Scotia acquisition announced on October 29, 2024, the Florida acquisition announced on October 15, 2024, and future business acquisitions approved by the lender, in addition to the Company’s existing facilities for working capital and day-to-day operating needs. The acquisition lines are available as CAD prime (prime rate plus 1.50%) and USD base rate (base rate plus 1.50%) loans, as well as fixed rate loans with rates determined at the time of booking. The Credit Facilities contain financial and other covenants and security in favour of the lender which are customary for facilities of this nature, including security over the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, and are conditional upon obtaining coverage under Export Development Canada’s Export Guarantee Program. Management Comments “We are pleased to secure the new Credit Facilities. Our ability to complete this transaction reflects the consistent cash flow and financial results that we have produced. With our strong Adjusted EBITDA over the past six quarters, our capital structure can comfortably support increased debt, while still maintaining financial flexibility,” said Chris LeBlanc, Chief Financial Officer of Nova Leap. “The successful negotiation of the Credit Facilities provides us with greater financial flexibility to execute on our growth strategy that consists of investing in our business to drive organic growth and in pursuing strategic acquisitions,” said Chris Dobbin, President & CEO of Nova Leap. About Nova Leap Nova Leap is an acquisitive home health care services company operating in one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. & Canada. The Company performs a vital role within the continuum of care with an individual and family centered focus, particularly those requiring dementia care. Nova Leap achieved the #42 ranking on the 2021 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies, the #2 ranking on the 2020 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies and the #10 Ranking in the 2019 TSX Venture 50TM in the Clean Technology & Life Sciences sector. The Company is geographically diversified with operations in 10 different U.S. states within the New England, Southeastern, South Central and Midwest regions as well as in Nova Scotia, Canada. NON-IFRS MEASURES: This release contains references to certain measures that do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS as prescribed by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing a further understanding of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of financial information reported under IFRS. The Company presents non-IFRS financial measures, specifically Adjusted EBITDA (as such term is hereinafter defined), as well as supplementary financial measures such as annualized revenue and annualized adjusted EBITDA. The Company believes these non-IFRS financial measures are frequently used by lenders, securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a measure of financial performance, and it is therefore helpful to provide supplemental measures of operating performance and thus highlight trends that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. Adjusted Earnings before interest, taxes, amortization and depreciation (“Adjusted EBITDA”), is calculated as income from operating activities plus amortization and depreciation and stock-based compensation expense. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is income from operating activities. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION: Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding availability of the Credit Facilities, the closing of the acquisitions (including timing) and its expected impact on the Company, financing of the acquisitions, and plans regarding future acquisitions and business growth. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions, including assumptions described elsewhere in this release and those concerning general economic and market conditions, the satisfaction of conditions to closing the Credit Facilities and the acquisitions, availability of working capital necessary for conducting Nova Leap’s operations, availability of desirable acquisition targets and financing to fund such acquisitions, and Nova Leap’s ability to integrate its acquired businesses and maintain previously achieved service hour and revenue levels, that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause results to differ from those stated in the forward-looking statements in this release include staff and supply shortages, regulatory changes affecting the home care industry or government programs utilized by the Company, other unexpected increases in operating costs and competition from other service providers. All forward-looking statements, including any financial outlook or future-oriented financial information, contained in this press release are made as of the date of this release and included for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future, and these statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.com . CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Secrets behind £1.6bn Harry Potter TV series – & why Hollywood is backing JK Rowling after trans rowNew Delhi: ISRO is set to launch two satellites on Monday night from the Sriharikota spaceport to demonstrate docking and undocking of spacecraft in orbit, which will make India the fourth country in the world to achieve the feat. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) warhorse rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will place the two satellites — SDX01 and SDX02 — in a 476-km circular orbit and attempt the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx) in the first week of January, the space agency officials said. “This mission will mark India’s entry into the exclusive league of nations capable of mastering space docking,” Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said. The SpaDEx mission is expected to be a stepping stone for India’s future endeavours in space exploration which include getting rocks and soil from the moon on Earth, the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station and landing an astronaut on the lunar surface. Only the US, Russia and China have mastered space docking technologies. “The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target) in a low-Earth circular orbit,” an ISRO official said. The secondary objective of the mission includes demonstration of the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics; composite spacecraft control and payload operations after undocking. “This capability is vital for India’s lunar and interplanetary missions. Docking technology enables multi-launch missions and supports future human spaceflight,” Singh said. After the demonstration of docking and undocking experiments, the two satellites will continue to orbit the Earth for standalone missions for two years. The SDX01 satellite is equipped with a High Resolution Camera (HRC) and SDX02 has two payloads — Miniature Multispectral (MMX) payload and Radiation Monitor (RadMon). These payloads will provide high-resolution images, natural resource monitoring, vegetation studies and on-orbit radiation environment measurements which have numerous applications, ISRO said. The PSLV-C60 mission also carries 24 payloads from various ISRO labs, private start-ups and educational institutions for carrying out experiments in space. These 24 payloads are mounted on the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket which remains in orbit for a few weeks before falling back on the Earth. PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) provides an opportunity for the scientific community to carry out certain in-orbit microgravity experiments for an extended duration of up to three months using the platform, which otherwise would end up as space debris immediately after the mission objective of injecting the primary payloads of the mission.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 12:12 a.m. EST

Tweet Facebook Mail A 19-year-old Perth man has been charged with a range of offences and his car impounded after he allegedly performed burnouts near members of the public. On November 18, Western Australia Police became acquainted with vision online that appeared to show a white Ford Falcon ute doing burnouts in the middle of Abernethy Road, Byford, and in a nearby shopping centre carpark. The alleged reckless driving took place on November 16 at about 9.50pm, police say. READ MORE: Woman dies after being found with burns in unit block stairwell  Police in Perth impounded a ute they allege was used to do burnouts in a shopping centre carpark. (WA Police) Several wheels and a trolley jack appeared unrestrained in the tray of the ute, and spilled onto the road. Several spectators and members of the public were in the vicinity at the time. On Saturday, November 23, police executed a search warrant at a home in Seville Grove and allegedly found ammunition and the Ford ute. READ MORE: Blackout fears in two states with generators offline for scorching heat  The driver had allegedly tried to disguise the car. (WA Police) Police allege the accused tried to conceal the car by removing the tray and spray-painting it a different colour. The ute was impounded. A 19-year-old man has been charged with multiple driving offences and ammo possession. He is due to appear in court on December 4. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .The united colours of Shane WarneThe lost Kent clubs and pubs where we’d love to have one last night outMass production of microLED displays begins next year – Foxconn

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Following the results of the 2024 presidential election, searches related to emigrating from the U.S., including if it’s possible to buy Canadian citizenship , began surging. Similar searches have spiked following past presidential elections as well. Over the past week, however, people have also searched about the possibility of buying cheap homes in Italy. One VERIFY reader texted us to ask if it’s true an Italian village is selling Americans $1 homes following the election, and people on social media are also asking if it’s a real offer. THE QUESTION Is an Italian village offering $1 homes to Americans following the election? THE SOURCES Live in Ollolai website Archive of Live in Ollolai dating back to Nov. 13, 2024 November 2024 CNN interview with Francesco Columbu, Ollolai’s mayor 2018 CNN story on Ollolai May 2024 CNBC report on renovation costs of 1-Euro Italian homes THE ANSWER Yes, an Italian village is offering $1 homes to Americans following the election. WHAT WE FOUND Ollolai, a village on the island of Sardinia in Italy, is courting American homebuyers following the presidential election by offering them homes for as little as $1. Ollolai and other Italian villages have made similar offers to people around the globe for several years. However, the cheapest homes available require renovations that will push the cost of the home much higher than just a dollar. A website run by the village titled “ Live in Ollolai ” offers homes from 1 Euro to 100,000+ Euros ($1.05 to $105,000) for people “worned [sic] out by global politics.” The earliest appearance the website makes on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine is Nov. 13, 2024, just over a week after the U.S. presidential election. The website itself makes no direct mention of Americans or U.S. politics. However, the village’s mayor, Francesco Columbu, told CNN that “the website was specifically created to attract American voters,” who would receive “preferential treatment” when applying. “We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” Columbu told CNN. “We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.” The website promises any prospective buyers that the village will guide them through the process of buying and renovating the home, as well as navigating whatever paperwork Italy might require the homebuyer to go through. Ollolai’s website says 1-Euro homes will need renovations, but there are “move-in-ready” homes at affordable prices that “require minimal renovation.” Italian villages such as Ollolai have offered homes for as little as 1 Euro for years, but the cheapest homes have always come with the caveat that the buyer will need to pay for renovations. CNN first wrote about Ollolai in 2018 , when it reported the village was selling hundreds of abandoned homes for 1 Euro each. “The real estate bonanza comes with a catch, though,” CNN wrote at the time. “The 200 stone-built dwellings up for grabs are in poor condition and buyers must commit to a refurbishment within three years, which will likely cost about $25,000.” Other villages in Italy, such as Mussomeli on the island of Sicily, similarly require buyers of 1-Euro homes to renovate the homes within three years of purchase. In May 2024, CNBC reported on the true price of Italian 1-Euro homes purchased by two Americans. Both Americans first purchased their homes in villages in Sicily in 2019. One of them won their home in an auction after bidding 5,555 Euros, which was about 5,900 Euros (about $6,200) after taxes and fees. That homeowner then bought the neighboring home in a private sale for 22,000 Euros and spent about 425,000 Euros renovating the combined space. In total, the homes and renovations cost about $475,000. The other homeowner bought three homes in another village for 1 Euro each. Each building came with a 500-Euro realtors fee and a 2,800-Euro deed — that’s about $10,500 between the three buildings. At the time, that homeowner had spent about $35,000 in renovations. Ollolai’s website says prospective buyers will be able to explore properties online soon. Ollolai also maintains a separate website for foreign remote workers to apply to rent a home for a month in Ollolai for 1 Euro. Ollolai is just one of several villages listed by websites promoting 1-Euro home deals in Italy . The trend began when some Italian villages began making the offers to attract foreigners to boost their local economies and offset aging, declining populations. The offer does not come with Italian residency or citizenship. Any American seeking to live in Italy will have to apply for residency separately. The U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Italy describe the process for obtaining legal Italian residency. While Ollolai’s offer was announced following the election of Republican Donald Trump, people looking for a more liberal government may not find that in Italy. The country is currently led by a right-wing political party with roots to post-WWII fascist groups . Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion and anti-migrant positions . Related Articles No, you cannot buy Canadian citizenship No, the Department of Government Efficiency is not a new government agency What we can VERIFY about Trump’s plan to use the military to support mass deportations The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us YouTube Snapchat Instagram Facebook TikTok Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808Jayden Daniels dazzles again as Commanders clinch a playoff spot by beating Falcons 30-24 in OT LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — The Washington Commanders clinched a playoff spot by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in overtime. Jayden Daniels ran for a season-high 127 yards and threw for 227 and three touchdowns to make the postseason in his rookie year in the NFL. He outdueled fellow top-10 draft pick Michael Penix Jr. in a game each had an interception. The Commanders can move up to the sixth seed in the NFC if they win at Dallas next weekend. The Falcons lost control of their playoff chances and now can only get in if they beat Carolina and Tampa Bay loses to New Orleans in Week 18. NFC's No. 1 seed comes down to Vikings-Lions showdown at Detroit in Week 18 The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final game of the regular season when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday night. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser becomes the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Lions hold the tiebreaker if the teams enter with identical records and play to a tie. The Vikings held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 for their ninth consecutive victory. The Vikings are 14-2. They set up a final-week showdown in Detroit next Sunday night for both the division title and the No. 1 seed for the playoffs in the NFC. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left to pull the Packers within two points. Darnold responded with two completions for first downs to seal the game. Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score and the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the New York Jets. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills improved to 13-3 to match a franchise single-season record. Thompson-Herro fight leads to ejections of multiple players and coaches in Heat's victory in Houston HOUSTON (AP) — Rockets forward Amen Thompson threw Heat guard Tyler Herro to the floor to trigger an altercation that resulted in six ejections in the closing minute of Miami’s 104-100 victory over Houston on Sunday. Thompson and Herro became entangled with Miami about to inbound the ball leading 99-94 with 35 seconds left. Thompson grabbed Herro by the jersey and tossed him, with referee Marc Davis describing it as Thompson “body slams Herro.” Herro, Thompson, and Udoka were ejected, as were Heat guard Terry Rozier, Rockets guard Jalen Green, and Rockets assistant coach Ben Sullivan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Rising Sun Devils: Arizona State looks to pull off another big surprise at the Peach Bowl ATLANTA (AP) — As they prepare for Arizona State’s biggest game in nearly three decades, the guys who made it happen aren’t the least bit surprised to be rated a nearly two-touchdown underdog in the College Football Playoff. That’s a familiar position for the Sun Devils. They've been an underdog most of the season. Of the eight teams still vying for a national championship, there’s no bigger surprise than 11-2 Arizona State. The Sun Devils went 3-9 a year ago and were picked to finish dead last in their first season in the Big 12 Conference. Now, they're getting ready to face Texas in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day. Penn State coach James Franklin says Nick Saban should be college football's commissioner SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Penn State coach James Franklin believes college football needs a commissioner and he even has a candidate in mind: former Alabama coach Nick Saban. Franklin made the suggestion Sunday at Penn State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions are preparing for their game against No. 3 seed Boise State on Tuesday. The veteran coach was responding to a question about Penn State’s backup quarterback situation after Beau Pribula transferred to Missouri before the playoff. Pribula’s decision highlighted some of the frustrating aspects of a new college football world in the Name, Image and Likeness era and the transfer portal, forcing players to make tough decisions at inopportune times. Penn State's polarizing QB Drew Allar puts critics on mute and keeps winning games SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it’s usually a backhanded compliment. They say he’s a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn’t try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here’s the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that’s hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. The polarizing Allar has another chance to quiet his critics on Tuesday, when Penn State plays Boise State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl. Crosby breaks Lemieux's Penguins career assists record in 3-2 victory over the Islanders PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby broke Mario Lemieux’s Pittsburgh franchise career record for assists on Michael Bunting’s power-play goal and the Penguins beat the New York Islanders 3-2 on Sunday night. Crosby has 1,034 assists, good for 12th in NHL history. Only three players — Ray Bourque, Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman — have more assists with a single team. The 37-year-old Crosby has played 1,310-regular-season games. Lemieux played 915. Evgeni Malkin added the deciding power-play goal in the third for Pittsburgh, which has 14 goals with the man advantage in its last 13 games. Anthony Beauvillier also scored to help the Penguins win for the seventh time in their last eight home games. Alex Nedeljkovic made 29 saves in his first start since Dec. 17.

The gaming world is on the cusp of a revolution, as Virtual Reality (VR) evolves beyond current expectations, promising experiences that blur the line between reality and imagination. Immersive Worlds Redefined The future of VR gaming is not just about donning a headset; it’s stepping into universes with unparalleled detail and interactivity. Upcoming advancements in haptic feedback technology aim to engage multiple senses, making virtual environments feel more tangible than ever. Gamers will soon grasp virtual objects and experience textures, weights, and even temperatures, creating an unprecedented level of immersion and redefining how games are played and experienced. Beyond Gaming: Educational and Therapeutic Journeys VR’s potential extends beyond entertainment, ushering in new ways to learn and heal. Future VR games may incorporate educational narratives, allowing users to explore history, science, and art interactively. In healthcare, therapeutic games are on the horizon, presenting innovative treatment avenues for mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD. This dual-purpose approach positions VR as a transformative tool, impacting broader aspects of life. Social Integration and Community Building The next-generation VR platforms will focus on enhancing social interactivity. Players can not only face off in competitive arenas but also collaborate across continents. The integration of seamless voice and gesture recognition technology will allow for more natural communication, fostering friendships and communities that transcend geographical barriers. In conclusion, as VR technology progresses, gaming will no longer be a solitary or flat-screen experience. It will become a gateway to endless possibilities, where reality and digital innovation entwine, setting the stage for the next era of human interaction and exploration. The Next Frontier: How Virtual Reality is Transforming More Than Just Gaming Virtual Reality (VR) is poised for transformative growth, promising a future rich with innovations that extend well beyond the realm of gaming. This article delves into the emerging aspects of VR that will redefine our digital experience. Pros and Cons of Emerging VR Technologies The advantages of VR are immense, especially as advancements are made in haptic feedback technology, which will offer users a more immersive experience with tactile interactions. Users will be able to feel every nuance of the virtual world, from the weight of a sword to the texture of a tree bark. However, challenges remain, such as the high cost of equipment, potential motion sickness for some users, and the technological demands that limit accessibility. Innovations in Educational and Therapeutic VR One of the most promising trends in VR is its application in education and therapy. Educational programs can leverage VR for virtual field trips and science simulations, providing students with experiences that textbooks simply cannot match. In therapy, VR is being explored as a tool to treat phobias, PTSD, and anxiety by creating safe, controlled environments for exposure therapy. For more information on integrating VR in education, you might visit Google VR . Emerging Trends in Social VR Experiences Social interaction in VR is set to be revolutionized with new technologies that enable more natural communication. This includes enhanced voice recognition and realistic gesture tracking, which support deeper engagement and interaction in virtual spaces. These innovations will foster global communities, enabling users to collaborate or compete in expansive virtual landscapes. Security and Privacy in VR Spaces As VR becomes more prevalent, the need for robust security and privacy measures is critical. Securing personal data and ensuring safe online environments are paramount. Developers are working to implement encryption and authentication measures to protect users in virtual spaces. The Future of VR: Sustainability and Predictions Looking ahead, developers are focusing on making VR more sustainable. This includes creating energy-efficient hardware and using eco-friendly materials. As technology advances, VR is predicted to become a staple in various sectors, beyond gaming, shaping the way we work, learn, and socialize. For the latest updates on VR technology advancements, explore Oculus . In summary, VR is evolving rapidly, opening doors to new applications and experiences that were previously unimaginable. Its impact will be felt across education, healthcare, social interaction, and more, marking the dawn of a new era where the virtual and real worlds seamlessly intertwine.Video claiming to show Rachel Maddow getting emotional while reporting on Elon Musk meme is fake

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By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com (TNS) As the end of the year approaches, now’s the time to start preparing for filing your 2024 tax return in 2025. When it comes to tax strategies, generally Dec. 31 is the deadline to make changes that might lower your tax bill. One major exception is the deadline for contributing to a Roth or traditional IRA : You have until April 15, 2025, to make a contribution to a Roth or traditional IRA for tax year 2024. If you qualify for deductible IRA contributions , then a contribution to your traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income for 2024. Here are tips and strategies to prepare now for the 2025 tax-filing deadline. If you had significant changes in your life in 2024 — maybe you got married or divorced, started your own business, or had to claim unemployment benefits — your taxes may be more complicated. As a result, you might need to hire a certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA) or other tax professional to prepare and file your taxes. If you decide to hire someone, it’s best to start planning for that sooner rather than later. Waiting until the calendar flips to April could cost you. The average fee for a professional to prepare and file a simple Form 1040 tax return, with no itemized deductions, is about $220, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants in 2020-2021, the most recent data available. But that amount rises quickly for more complex returns, and varies depending on where you live. For example, a Form 1040 with itemized deductions costs an average of $432 in states on the Pacific Coast, compared with $285 in New England. No matter where you live, prices usually rise as the tax deadline approaches, so it’s smart to start searching for a tax pro soon. If you’re uncomfortable doing your taxes on your own and can’t afford a CPA, enrolled agent or other tax pro, or to pay for tax software , there are free options to consider. The IRS currently offers three ways to prepare your taxes for free: •With the IRS Free File program, the IRS partners with for-profit tax-software companies that offer free tax-prep software to eligible taxpayers so they can file their federal tax returns for free. Some taxpayers may also qualify for a free state tax filing, depending on the software provider. In January, the IRS will announce the income limit to qualify for the program for the 2025 tax season (for filing 2024 tax returns). For the 2024 tax season (2023 tax returns), taxpayers’ adjusted gross income (AGI) couldn’t exceed $79,000. •The IRS also offers its Direct File program, a free tool that allows you to file your federal income tax return directly with the IRS at no cost. The program supports simple tax returns and is available only in certain states. Check to see if you qualify here. •Another free-filing option is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers offer free basic tax preparation in person to people who earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled or whose English is limited. The IRS has an online location tool for hundreds of free tax preparation sites in the U.S. (the locator tool is updated from February through April). Some VITA sites also offer online tax-prep assistance. Now is a good time to create an IRS online account. If you want to see your Form 1040 from last year, or you’re missing a prior year Form W-2 or mortgage interest statement, you can find your documents using this free tax tool. Another benefit of creating an IRS online account is that it allows you to quickly obtain your prior year’s tax information without sitting on the phone for hours with an IRS representative, says Carl Johnson, a certified public accountant in New Orleans. An IRS online account also lets you view your account balance and payment history for each year. You can also create a payment plan to settle your federal income tax debt within minutes. If you’re 73 years old and have enjoyed watching your 401(k) or IRA grow tax-free without touching it, remember that the IRS is going to want its share each year. That means you’ll have to make withdrawals — and pay income tax. If you turned 73 in 2024, plan to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) at the latest by April 1, 2025. Read this IRS bulletin for more information. The amount of your RMDs is based on your age and the year-end values of your retirement accounts. A Roth IRA has two big tax advantages over a traditional IRA : Qualified withdrawals are not considered income for federal (and usually state) tax purposes, and you don’t have to take distributions from a Roth every year once you reach age 73. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA may save you money in the long run. Just know that when you convert an IRA to a Roth, it’s considered taxable income, which will raise your tax bill for that year. Generally, it’s best to convert to a Roth IRA when you’re in a low-income year. As tax season approaches, many people start receiving phone calls, emails and texts from entities claiming to be the IRS. Be wary, and understand that these are scams. Typically, the IRS will mail you a notice before using any other method of communication to notify you concerning issues with your tax return. The IRS won’t reach out via social media or text messaging. Relatedly, the IRS warns taxpayers to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. Taking time to vet your tax preparer is crucial to protect yourself from tax scams and fraud. Before hiring a tax professional, search that person’s name in the IRS database of federal tax return preparers to avoid dishonest “professionals.” “Taxpayers should check the tax professional’s credentials,” Johnson says. Tax pros without credentials “may take questionable positions without any degree of scrutiny or fear of losing their access to the profession,” Johnson says. Taxpayers who don’t file a tax return and owe a tax bill, or who file but don’t pay their tax bill on time, risk severe penalties. The IRS can even seize assets if necessary. Respond quickly if the IRS has been sending you letters because it found an error on your return or claims you owe back taxes. Typically, the IRS will send you a notice if you have a balance due, changes were made to your tax return, or the agency needs additional information. “If you ignore a collection letter from the IRS, you may face wage garnishments, liens, bank levies, and other adverse action. And in some cases, the amount due may increase for failure to respond,” Johnson says. Keep in mind the IRS does offer installment plans and other payment plans. Make copies of your correspondence and use only the U.S. Postal Service, the postmark from which is your proof of timeliness when responding. But whatever you do, don’t ignore the IRS because this may cause more issues in the future. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Tevogen Bio to Host Panel Discussions “AI In Biopharma: Next Frontier of Medical Innovation” and “Pioneering the Economics of Health: Balancing Access and Outcomes” During J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference