Political chaos in South Korea: what is martial law and what comes next after Yoon Suk Yeol’s U-turn?Andrew met the individual through “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, a statement from his office said. The businessman – known only as H6 – lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. He brought a case to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) after then-home secretary Suella Braverman said he should be excluded from the UK in March 2023. H6 was described as a “close confidante” of The Duke. Judges were told that in a briefing for the home secretary in July 2023, officials claimed H6 had been in a position to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials “that could be leveraged for political interference purposes”. They also said that H6 had downplayed his relationship with the Chinese state, which combined with his relationship with Andrew, 64, represented a threat to national security. A statement from Andrew’s office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty’s Government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. “The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. “He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.” At a hearing in July, the specialist tribunal heard that the businessman was told by an adviser to Andrew that he could act on the duke’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China, and that H6 had been invited to Andrew’s birthday party in 2020. A letter referencing the birthday party from the adviser, Dominic Hampshire, was discovered on H6’s devices when he was stopped at a port in November 2021. In a ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith and Sir Stewart Eldon, dismissed the challenge.
Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a "state of credit card report" for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it's not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don't use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders' status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted "token" that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn't require you to have your physical cards present, there's less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com . The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet.NoneCOSTA MESA, Calif. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Automatic, a leading fintech firm specializing in facilitating seamless connections between used independent car dealerships and lenders, today announced a strategic partnership with MeridianLink, Inc. (NYSE: MLNK), a leading provider of modern software platforms for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies. This collaboration leverages Automatic's robust dealership network technology and MeridianLink's advanced decisioning capabilities to empower financial institutions within the automotive lending sector. Automatic's platform serves as a pivotal link for lenders across its expansive independent dealer network, offering tailored solutions that optimize loan aggregation and enhance operational efficiencies. MeridianLink's innovative Advanced Decisioning capabilities, integrated within Automatic's framework, augments decision-making for lenders across a vast network of dealerships. This integration enables real-time loan analysis, improves risk management capabilities, and facilitates faster, more precise lending decisions tailored to specific borrower profiles. "Partnering with MeridianLink ® marks a significant milestone for Automatic as we continue to innovate within the automotive financing landscape," said Eric Burney , CEO of Automatic. "Our mission to foster an 'Open Marketplace' is further realized through this collaboration, empowering lenders with tools to access new clients in a safe way." Financial institutions already integrated with MeridianLink will gain seamless access to Automatic's platform, empowering them to further streamline their lending processes, in the used independent space, enhancing member satisfaction, and capitalizing on market opportunities. For more information about Automatic and its comprehensive auto financing solutions, visit https://www.automaticusa.com . About Automatic Automatic is a pioneering fintech company dedicated to facilitating efficient connections between automotive lenders and independent pre-owned vehicle dealerships. Automatic's platform serves as a cost-effective solution for the automotive financing sector, fostering an open marketplace for stakeholders. About MeridianLink MeridianLink ® (NYSE: MLNK) empowers financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies to drive efficient growth. MeridianLink's cloud-based digital lending, account opening, background screening, and data verification solutions leverage shared intelligence from a unified data platform, MeridianLink ® One, to enable customers of all sizes to identify growth opportunities, effectively scale up, and support compliance efforts, all while powering an enhanced experience for staff and consumers alike. For more than 25 years, MeridianLink has prioritized the democratization of lending for consumers, businesses, and communities. Learn more at www.meridianlink.com . For media inquiries, please contact: nikki@automaticusa.co View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/automatic-partners-with-meridianlink-to-revolutionize-lender-dealership-connectivity-302331536.html SOURCE AutomaticRobbins LLP Urges XRX Stockholders with Large Losses to Contact the Firm for information About the Xerox Holdings Corporation Class Action Lawsuit
TCS HR head Milind Lakkad on hiring plans for 2025: More jobs will be needed to be done which will ...FACT FOCUS: Vermont ruling does not say schools can vaccinate children without parental consentNYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch made a round of administrative appointments Thursday, naming new heads to the department’s public information and technology bureaus. Tisch named Delaney Kempner as the new Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, replacing controversial top spokesman Tarik Sheppard . Kempner has spent the last four years as director of communications for New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Kempner will not start until Jan. 13. In the interim, Assistant Commissioner Carlos Nieves will serve as acting DCPI, officials said. Sheppard will be put back in uniform and assigned a leadership role in the department, law enforcement sources said. Other appointments include Kristine Ryan as Deputy Commissioner of Management and Budget — marking the second time she has been in this role — and Yisroel Hecht as the department’s new Deputy Commissioner of Information Technology. Hecht is currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Infrastructure Management for the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation. Tisch named Alex Crohn as Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives and Steven Harte as Deputy Commissioner of Support Services. “This group of skilled and experienced leaders will answer the public call to transform NYPD technology, modernize our fleet, and elevate the department’s voice to make Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect central to our communication and interaction with the people we serve,” Commissioner Tisch said Thursday. “New Yorkers should have every confidence that these appointments make their police department stronger, our service better, and our city safer.” In one of his last acts as DCPI, Sheppard attended a luncheon at police headquarters for local media Thursday, where he thanked the press and his staff for getting out important information and sharing the NYPD’s story with the public. He pointed to the arrest of accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione as an example of how DCPI and the press worked together to distribute images of the gunman, which ultimately led to his arrest. Sheppard was considered one of the most visual, outspoken, and sometimes volatile public information commissioners in the department’s recent history He was often front and center at press conferences and was seen wearing a bullet-resistant vest at high-profile operations such as when the NYPD cleared the Columbia University campus of protesters. He also defended NYPD executives’ controversial use of social media to blast reporters and legislators they disagree with. During the New York Marathon last month, while he was temporarily reassigned as former Interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlan’s Chief of Staff, Sheppard got into a public shouting match with the NYPD’s top cop . Nearby NYPD officers had to separate the two men, witnesses said. Tisch was sworn in as NYPD commissioner on Nov. 25. One of her first acts in office was to name longtime aide Ryan Merola, who had worked with her at the Department of Sanitation and other agencies, as her chief of staff .BY MELISSA GOLDIN Social media users are misrepresenting a Vermont Supreme Court ruling , claiming that it gives schools permission to vaccinate children even if their parents do not consent. The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by Dario and Shujen Politella against Windham Southeast School District and state officials over the mistaken vaccination of their child against COVID-19 in 2021, when he was 6 years old. A lower court had dismissed the original complaint, as well as an amended version. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Nov. 19. But the ruling by Vermont’s high court is not as far-reaching as some online have claimed. In reality, it concluded that anyone protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or PREP, Act is immune to state lawsuits. Here’s a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that schools can vaccinate children against their parents’ wishes. THE FACTS: The claim stems from a July 26 ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that anyone protected by the PREP Act is immune to state lawsuits, including the officials named in the Politella’s suit. The ruling does not authorize schools to vaccinate children at their discretion. According to the lawsuit, the Politella’s son — referred to as L.P. — was given one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic held at Academy School in Brattleboro even though his father, Dario, told the school’s assistant principal a few days before that his son was not to receive a vaccination. In what officials described as a mistake, L.P. was removed from class and had a “handwritten label” put on his shirt with the name and date of birth of another student, L.K., who had already been vaccinated that day. L.P. was then vaccinated. Ultimately, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that officials involved in the case could not be sued. “We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case,” the Vermont Supreme Court’s ruling reads. “We conclude that when the federal PREP Act immunizes a defendant, the PREP Act bars all state-law claims against that defendant as a matter of law.” The PREP Act , enacted by Congress in 2005, authorizes the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration in the event of a public health emergency providing immunity from liability for activities related to medical countermeasures, such as the administration of a vaccine, except in cases of “willful misconduct” that result in “death or serious physical injury.” A declaration against COVID-19 was issued on March 17, 2020. It is set to expire on Dec. 31. Federals suits claiming willful misconduct are filed in Washington. Social media users described the Vermont Supreme Court’s ruling as having consequences beyond what it actually says. “The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can force-vaccinate children for Covid against the wishes of their parents,” reads one X post that had been liked and shared approximately 16,600 times as of Tuesday. “The high court ruled on a case involving a 6-year-old boy who was forced to take a Covid mRNA injection by his school. However, his family had explicitly stated that they didn’t want their child to receive the ‘vaccines.’” Other users alleged that the ruling gives schools permission to give students any vaccine without parental consent, not just ones for COVID-19. Rod Smolla, president of the Vermont Law and Graduate School and an expert on constitutional law, told The Associated Press that the ruling “merely holds that the federal statute at issue, the PREP Act, preempts state lawsuits in cases in which officials mistakenly administer a vaccination without consent.” “Nothing in the Vermont Supreme Court opinion states that school officials can vaccinate a child against the instructions of the parent,” he wrote in an email. Related Articles National News | Eminem’s mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper’s lyrics, dies at age 69 National News | Judge weighs whether to order Fani Willis to comply with lawmakers’ subpoenas over Trump case National News | Are you a former SmileDirectClub customer? You might be eligible for a refund National News | Justice Department announces sweeping reforms to curb suicides in federal prisons and jails National News | Defense makes closing argument in murder trial of Cash App founder Bob Lee Asked whether the claims spreading online have any merit, Ronald Ferrara, an attorney representing the Politellas, told the AP that although the ruling doesn’t say schools can vaccinate students regardless of parental consent, officials could interpret it to mean that they could get away with doing so under the PREP Act, at least when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court appeal seeks to clarify whether the Vermont Supreme Court interpreted the PREP Act beyond what Congress intended. “The Politella’s fundamental liberty interest to decide whether their son should receive elective medical treatment was denied by agents of the State and School,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “The Vermont Court misconstrues the scope of PREP Act immunity (which is conditioned upon informed consent for medical treatments unapproved by FDA), to cover this denial of rights and its underlying battery.” Ferrara added that he was not aware of the claims spreading online, but that he “can understand how lay people may conflate the court’s mistaken grant of immunity for misconduct as tantamount to blessing such misconduct.”
Manulife announces Subordinated Debenture issue
CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Bernard Pelote had 24 points in Western Carolina's 78-69 victory over Milligan on Thursday. Pelote added nine rebounds for the Catamounts (4-7). Cord Stansberry scored 14 points and added seven rebounds. Brandon Morgan shot 2 for 6 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points. The Buffs were led in scoring by Elijah Bredwood, who finished with 23 points. McCaskill Rivers added 13 points for Milligan. Handje Tamba had 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
AI girlfriends are becoming a lot more popular these days. There were 1.6 million searches for AI girlfriends this year, which is a 2,200% increase from two years ago. Around one in four men under 35 have used an AI Girlfriend service. Axios reports many women have started using AI boyfriends as well. AI girlfriends are becoming especially popular in rural areas like South Carolina. One of the reasons that people in the Palmetto State are turning to AI girlfriends is that they don't conform to traditional gender norms. This could help make the state's dating culture more egalitarian. Dating can be a daunting and miserable experience these days, especially for people living in South Carolina. South Carolina is rated as the third worst state to date, according to one recent study. Kentucky and Nevada were the only states that ranked worse. There are a lot of reasons that South Carolinians aren't thrilled about the dating scene. One of the major frustrations is dealing with traditional gender norms. A study by a global NGO dedicated to fighting inequality found that South Carolina is the sixth worst state for gender equality. Only Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina were rated worse. Gender norms that both men and women struggle with include figuring out who should pay on a date and dealing with social stigmas around sexual intimacy. The good news is that AI girlfriends can help challenge these archaic ideas. Here are some possible benefits of using a service like AI. AI Girlfriends Don't Feel the Pressure to Conform to Rigid Social Constructs from Previous Partners Both men and women reinforce each other's views on gender norms. Some people have received feedback from past partners that they are not masculine or feminine enough. They often overcorrect by embracing traditional traits when dating other people. Both genders can be frustrated, feeling obligated to adhere to this pressure. Fortunately, this is not going to be as much of a concern when dealing with an AI girlfriend. They are not programmed to be influenced by gender norms that were forced on them by past partners. AI Girlfriends Don’t Have Subconscious Gender Biases Another major challenge with dating human partners is that they can have subconscious biases that make it harder to satisfy their needs. They don’t necessarily outright call for gender norms but may behave in ways that clearly indicate that they have such a preference. For example, some people may claim that they want a relationship built on gender equality where each partner puts in equal effort into every stage. However, those gender constructs may creep into the relationship in subtle ways that neither partner is aware of. This is another factor that won’t be a problem with AI girlfriends. They don’t have subconscious biases. They say what they think and are consistent with their statements. AI Girlfriends Don’t Pick and Choose Which Gender Norms They Prefer Both men and women have a hard time being consistent about supporting gender norms. Men may claim that they support gender equality but prefer that the woman does the cooking and cleaning. Women may identify as feminists but believe that the man should pay for dates, and women should be judged for promiscuity. It can be difficult having a partner who wants to pick and choose the aspects of gender equality that benefit them. This can often lead to resentment and confusion. AI girlfriends may be a solution to this problem as well. They can be consistently feminist for people who want to break free of traditional gender roles. This can help people know how to engage with their partner without having to deal with the double binders that human partners create. AI Girlfriends Aren’t Guided by Local Political and Religious Influences Most gender constructs aren’t biologically inherited. They are built from years of social conditioning. This is obvious by comparing attitudes of gender norms across cultures where people have been raised with different influences. People in Scandinavian countries like Norway, Denmark and Sweden don’t follow the same gender roles that are common in South Carolina. AI girlfriends don’t feel pressure to adapt to the local culture. This is great for people who are tired of the traditional gender roles that are common throughout the state. Feminists Can Customize their AI Girlfriends to Align with their Values One of the biggest challenges that both male and female feminists in South Carolina face is that most people don’t share their views. The state is very conservative, so most people hold traditional views on gender equality. People who care about gender equality can customize their AI girlfriends to hold more egalitarian views. These South Carolinians won’t need to compromise their ideals for a partner with more traditional values. AI Girlfriends Can Help Fight Incel and Femcel Culture Men who have joined the manosphere are often influenced by a lot of misogynistic ideas. Likewise, some women have turned to toxic communities that promote misandrist dating tactics. They may be more likely to internalize these ideas if they have been unsuccessful with women for many years. AI girlfriends can give these people another outlet. They may not feel as tempted to join incel and femcel platforms where they will be tempted to develop sexist ideas. Household Gender Norms Won’t Come into Play with AI Girlfriends People often develop strong views on gender norms when their partners expect them to do certain household chores. Women are usually expected to do cooking and cleaning, while men are more likely to be expected to mow the lawn and handle major home improvements. These influences won’t come into play with AI girlfriends. AI girlfriends will neither do chores nor expect men to do them. Some AI Girlfriend Sites Are Teaching People to Embrace More Wholesome Attitudes A lot of AI girlfriend sites have started adapting algorithms that reward users who practice equality. The AI girlfriends are pleasant towards people who treat them equally, which helps condition these users to be better real-life partners. AI girlfriends are not driven by gender norms as much as human partners. But can they help change the culture in South Carolina to be more feminist? There are some reasons that they could, which include the following. They May Break Toxic Stereotypes of Sexual Intimacy The sexual liberation movement began in the 1960s. However, women still face stigmatization for engaging in casual sex six decades later. Even men can get chastized for embracing their sexuality, especially in conservative states like South Carolina. AI girlfriends can help break this stigma. People who roleplay sexual fantasies with their AI partners may develop more liberal views on sexuality. They may be less judgmental towards people who want to have sex on the first date or partake in casual sex. As a result, both genders may feel more comfortable doing these things since they won’t feel as stigmatized. People May Feel More Comfortable Opening Up About Their Emotions Both genders have been socially conditioned to express emotions in different ways. They feel pressure to stuff their emotions inside, which can lead to depression and a number of other health problems. This also isn’t good for long-term relationships. AI girlfriends may help break this trend. People will open up freely with their AI girlfriends and may feel more confident doing the same with future human partners. This can be a net positive for both men and women. Shyer People Who Have Had AI Girlfriends Can Be Kinder to the Opposite Gender Some people develop toxic views of the opposite gender after years of being ignored. This is particularly true for shy people who have a hard time making new connections with people. AI girlfriends may help in this regard. They may help minimize male frustration, which will help deter them from developing hateful views. When they are finally ready to find a real partner, they may not have the same vile views that they would have developed if they were frustrated for years or turned to misogynistic or misandrist communities for guidance. People May Become More Feminist to Compete for the Attention of People Using AI Companions Feminists in South Carolina may not feel as interested in conforming to traditional gender norms if they can satisfy their needs with AI girlfriends. As a result, more traditional men and women may need to adopt more feminist views if they want to find a partner. Men May Learn to Be Less Sexist Towards Women When Using AI Girlfriends Real women may feel too intimidated to call men out for their sexist behavior, so men may not face any consequences. Fortunately, AI girlfriends can help deal with this problem. Since many AI girlfriend sites provide higher quality experiences to men who treat their AI companions equally, men may start becoming more respectful to their human girlfriends. This could be a net positive for women who are used to dealing with misogynist partners. It will also be better long-term for men because they will learn to have more lasting relationships. AI girlfriends can help promote gender equality in South Carolina. There are a lot of other reasons that more people are using AI girlfriend services. This is especially true in South Carolina, where dating has become such a nightmare. Some of the other benefits of AI girlfriends are listed below. They Are More Affordable than Traditional Dates AI girlfriends are not usually free unless you want to use the most limited services. However, they are still more affordable than traditional dating. The average cost of a date in South Carolina is $84.92 . They can be a great option for men who can’t afford to date but still want companionship. They Are More Accepting of People with Neurodivergence AI girlfriends are usually a lot more respectful. They can be kinder to people with ASD or other neurodivergences. South Carolinians with these conditions usually have a much harder time finding dates. In fact, only 5% of people with ASD are married. Fortunately, AI girlfriends can be very helpful for many of them. This can be even more beneficial in South Carolina than most other states since it has a higher rate of autism. The South Carolina Autism Society reports that over 72,000 people in South Carolina have been formally diagnosed with this condition. Many of them may want to try using AI girlfriends. AI Girlfriends Don't Pose Physical Safety Risks Physical safety is a big concern for both men and women. Around one in three women are victims of physical violence, stalking or sexual violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. The rate is slightly lower for men, but male victims of domestic violence don’t have the same social support services. Fortunately, this is not a problem with AI girlfriends. They are trained to care about consent and treat their partners respectfully. South Carolina has become a frustrating place to date over the past decade. Issues with gender equality are a huge reason for that. Fortunately, AI girlfriend services are likely to make things better. They are encouraging people to be more egalitarian, which is going to be a net positive for both men and women. Of course, there are a lot of other great reasons to use AI girlfriends in the future. Overall, they are likely to be very popular. The number of men using them has already exploded over the last couple of years. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Entrée Resources Wins Arbitration Decision
A legal action has been brought against the city of Tahlequah on the claim that employees had altered financial transactions for leasing the Armory Building to River Valley Church and other groups. The city has filed a motion to dismiss the case, based on the grounds that the plaintiff doesn't have standing to sue, and hasn't proved a claim that could translate into damages. The city's motion to dismiss is scheduled to be ruled on by Friday, Dec. 6. During the Dec. 2 meeting of the Tahlequah City Council, an agenda item listed under the executive session was discussed, and after reconvening, City Attorney John Hammons stated, "No action was necessary." The item was "Pursuant to... Case No. CV-2024-00370, Watts vs. City of Tahlequah." The case was brought by David Watts involving the leasing of space at the Armory Building to Andreas Basson of River Valley Church, and other entities, according to filings provided to TDP. The Petition for Injunctive Relief, dated Oct. 24, states the "Plaintiff has become aware of improper practices occurring within the City's department that conducts rental and leasing operations." The suit was filed with the District Court of Cherokee County, State of Oklahoma. "[No. 1] this court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this matter because the plaintiff lacks standing to bring the same, and [No. 2] the plaintiff has failed to assert a claim for which relief can be granted," states the city's motion to dismiss. In more detail, the motion explains the plaintiff lacks standing because Watts does not have a legally protected interest that has been injured, and as such, no redress is available by the court. "The substance of the Plaintiff's first complaint is that the City government might alter records in the City's possession concerning its internal operations," states the motion to dismiss. "As proof, the Plaintiff alleges the City 'possibly manipulates its record and that the alternation of its records is technologically possible.'" An attachment to Watts' petition is an account statement from the city of Tahlequah for Basson's rental fees, with $3,075 listed under balance due, then $0 under "Account Credit" column. Refunds/Credits are listed after transactions, along with one payment of $1,970. The last entry is for a refund of $3,075, making a balance of $0. City Administrator Taylor Tannehill said on Dec. 3 that the city does not extend credit to lessees in the sense that services are not given without payment, whether it be money or other arrangement. Tannehill said a zero balance could indicate an event had been scheduled and then canceled, and an entry of refund/credit would be on the ledger. He stressed this was an example, not a specific incident that has occurred. Watts' assertions are aimed at the use of the facility by churches. "The church was created by a church split with Cornerstone [Fellowship] ... so I asked the city for records related to their reserving the Armory," said Watts in a text message to TDP. "When I got the records, I discovered the city was changing records and extending credit to several people/entities." The city's motion to dismiss states the plaintiff discovered "what appeared to be altered records, specifically changes in transaction dates and other possible manipulations." It further alleges "that alteration of records, including changing of transaction dates, is permitted and currently allowed within the City's reservation management software." In the "Request for Relief," Watts requested that a permanent injunction "restraining Defendant from allowing its employees to alter dates or other material information in the City's records, unless such changes are properly documented and audited to ensure accuracy." The plaintiff is asking that the court issue a permanent injunction to make the city cease any practices that extend credit to private entities, "including but not limited to deferred payment arrangements in leasing city-owned properties." The plaintiff is asking for "fees, costs and further relief as the court deemed proper." The exhibit in Watts' petition for injunctive relief documents that CivicPlus, the software provider for the city – used to manage rental and leasing operations of the various properties of the city – confirmed the city has the ability to alter transaction dates within the software. "Based on this information, I believe the City's ability to alter transaction dates without any tracking or reporting mechanism poses a significant risk to the integrity and accuracy of the City's public records, particularly with respect to leasing and rental transactions," states Watts' petition. In response to an inquiry when the case first came to the attention of TDP, Hammons said the city does not comment on ongoing litigation. The city's motion to dismiss states this is not a judicial question but instead a political one – "that is, one 'reviewable solely by political means.'" The city claims in the motion that the plaintiff has no legal interest nor has he suffered injury; that the plaintiff lacks standing to bring the present claim; and that "the matter should be dismissed with prejudice." Another item discussed in executive session Monday night was the approval of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4099 contract for 2024-2025. No action was required on two other items discussed in the session, which was an undisclosed pending investigation, claim or action, and economic development concerning Project Leaf. City Administrator Taylor Tannehill said TDP would have to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to learn the terms of the contract with the firefighters union. Those steps have been taken. A discussion was held among councilors on the appointment and/or organization of the implementation body for the Homelessness Strategic Plan. Ward 4 City Councilor Josh Allen explained the history behind the plan and said that at the last meeting of Tahlequah Resource Outreach Team, a discussion ensued about creating an entity that will outlive the current administration. "[The council would] put this plan in place and be the governing body moving forward, and we want the city to take the lead in developing that plan with recommendations [from] TROT groups that are already forming to get that process moving quickly," Allen said. Tannehill said the plan outlined an implementation body. He asked if the council wanted to be that body, and if not, what the group would look like. Allen said the study stated it is always good to have an entity outside of the council so it would outlive the "politics of the council and mayor." "We would love for this plan to change this community for the long term, and I think this would be a good step forward," Allen said. Hammons said if the council and city staff take the project on as a priority, then a motion is needed, but if the council wants the city administrator to find a group to represent the entity and bring back a recommendation, no motion is needed. The councilors agreed they wanted the second option. What's next The next Tahlequah City Council meeting is Jan. 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the City Administration Building.How he keeps the planes running on timeRoivios Initiates Landmark Study to Demonstrate Safety and Efficacy of an Innovative Renal Assist Device for Cardiac Surgery Patients With Kidney Disease NASSAU, Bahamas , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roivios , a pioneering clinical-stage medical device company dedicated to revolutionizing kidney health, proudly announces that its research and development arm, 3ive Labs, has secured approval for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA. This approval paves the way for a pivotal trial of the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), marking a transformative step forward in enhancing outcomes for cardiac surgery patients with renal insufficiency. The GRADIENT ( G roundbreaking R enal A ssist D evice I ntervening to EN hance cardio T horacic surgery outcomes) trial is designed to address the critical need for renal support among cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients often face increased risks of postoperative complications, such as worsening renal dysfunction, which can lead to extended ICU stays and increased mortality. "The GRADIENT Trial offers an invaluable opportunity to further explore renal support during cardiac surgery," said Dr. Evelio Rodriguez , a renowned heart surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN , and the National Principal Investigator of the GRADIENT trial. "The JuxtaFlow device offers new hope for some of our most vulnerable patients." JuxtaFlow RAD is an innovative device designed to potentially improve kidney function during times of acute stress. By applying a gentle suction to the kidney's outlet, it aims to enhance blood filtration more efficiently. This groundbreaking approach was recognized with an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in April. The GRADIENT study will be a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial that plans to enroll patients with renal insufficiency (eGFR 15-60 ml/min) undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery requiring CPB. The study seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the JuxtaFlow RAD to sustain or enhance renal function during and following CPB surgery. "Achieving Breakthrough Device Designation was instrumental in securing IDE approval," noted John Erbey , Chief Executive Officer at Roivios. "This initiative is the culmination of a decade of technological and clinical advancements in addressing kidney disease management challenges. Our ongoing dialogue with the FDA is paving the way for more effective management, empowering patients to thrive. We are eager to commence IDE enrollment and explore the JuxtaFlow RAD's potential to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient quality of life." For more information about Roivios and the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device, please visit Roivios.com . About JuxtaFlow RAD The JuxtaFlow RAD is a pioneering investigational device set to transform kidney support therapy. Acknowledging the harmful effects of fluid accumulation and pressure on the kidneys, Roivios has advanced beyond traditional blood filtration methods that can further stress the kidneys. By applying mild, controlled negative pressure within the kidney's collecting system, the device has the potential to maintain and improve filtration and support recovery. This novel approach holds promise for a compelling value proposition by preserving kidney function and expediting patient recovery, ultimately reducing hospital stays and associated costs. Equipped with a proprietary specialized catheters and pump, the device optimizes kidney function during critical recovery periods, such as post-surgery. Currently, the JuxtaFlow RAD is under investigation and is not available for sale in any geography. About Roivios Roivios is a clinical-stage medical device company committed to pioneering solutions for kidney health. Our lead product, the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), is designed to preserve kidney function and offer a proactive approach to managing kidney disease. We aim to demonstrate improved renal outcomes, potentially reducing the need for dialysis, and lowering healthcare costs. Holding proprietary patents in key kidney technologies, we aim to revolutionize kidney disease management. With plans to extend its application beyond kidney disease to various medical settings, Roivios is preparing for a transformative U.S. launch, aiming to redefine kidney disease management and improve patient quality of life. Discover more at roivios.com . This release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly. Media Contact : Kelly Krueger , Krueger PR, kelly@kruegerpr.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-grants-ide-approval-for-the-pivotal-trial-of-the-juxtaflow-renal-assist-device-rad-302336698.html SOURCE Roivios, ltd
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5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement — and 5 things to do if you need to catch up, according to expertsNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted amid mixed trading Monday, ahead of this week’s upcoming meeting by the Federal Reserve that could set Wall Street’s direction into next year. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, coming off its first losing week in the last four . The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2% to a record, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was a laggard and fell 110 points, or 0.3%. Broadcom leaped 11.2% to help lead the S&P 500 for a second straight day after delivering a profit report last week that beat analysts’ expectations. The technology company is riding a wave of enthusiasm about its artificial-intelligence offerings in particular. The market’s main event, though, will arrive on Wednesday when the Federal Reserve will announce its last move on interest rates for the year. The widespread expectation is that it will cut its main rate for a third straight time, as it tries to boost the slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its target of 2%. The question is how much more it will cut rates next year, and Fed officials will release projections for where they see the federal funds rate ending 2025, along with other economic indicators, once their meeting concludes. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will also answer questions in a press conference following the meeting. For now, the general expectation among traders is that the Fed may cut a couple more times in 2025, according to data from CME Group. But such expectations have been shrinking following reports suggesting inflation may be tougher to get all the way down to 2% from here. Besides last month’s slight acceleration in inflation, another worry is that President-elect Donald Trump’s preferences for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation down the line. Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle has dropped his earlier forecast of a cut by the Fed in January, for example. Beyond the possibility of tariffs, he said Fed officials may also want to slow their cuts because of uncertainty about exactly how low rates need to go so that they no longer press the brakes on the economy. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times so far this year and is heading for one of its best years of the millennium . The economy has held up better than many feared, continuing to grow even after the Fed hiked the federal funds rate to a two-decade high in hopes of grinding down on inflation, which topped 9% two summers ago. On Wall Street, MicroStrategy jumped as much as 7% during the day as it continues to benefit from the surging price for bitcoin , which set another all-time high. But its stock ended the day down by les than 0.1% after bitcoin’s price pulled back below $106,000 after setting a record above $107,700, according to CoinDesk. The software company has been building its hoard of the cryptocurrency, and its stock price has more than sextupled this year. It will also soon join the Nasdaq 100 index. Bitcoin’s price has catapulted from roughly $44,000 at the start of the year, riding a recent wave of enthusiasm that Trump will create a system that’s more favorable to digital currencies . Honeywell rose 3.7% after saying it’s still considering a spin-off or sale of its aerospace business, as part of a review of its overall business. It said it plans to give an update with the release of its fourth-quarter results. They helped offset a drop for Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of the world’s move into AI. Its stock fell 1.7%. Because it’s grown so massive, with a total value topping $3 trillion, it was the single heaviest weight on the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 22.99 points to 6,074.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 110.58 to 43,717.48, and the Nasdaq composite rose 247.17 to 20,173.89. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.39% from 4.40% late Friday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, eased to 4.24% from 4.25%. In stock markets abroad, indexes fell modestly across much of Europe and Asia. They sank 0.9% in Hong Kong and 0.2% in Shanghai after China reported lackluster economic indicators for November despite attempts to strengthen the world’s second-largest economy. South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% as law enforcement authorities pushed to summon impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree, and the Constitutional Court met to discuss whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.