Despite mounting pressure amid ongoing protests over allegations of question paper leak, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on Friday asserted that the 70th Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 held on December 13 across the state will not be cancelled. Making the announcement, BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh said: "There is no question of cancelling the entire BPSC exam held on December 13. The BPSC decided to cancel the preliminary examination held at Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre only due to disruption created by a group of unruly aspirants as part of the conspiracy to disrupt the exam. The re-examination will be held on January 4 at some other centre in the city." "We have information that a group of private coaching institutes are instigating aspirants... and they are mobilising students to raise the demand for the cancellation of the entire exam. Their demand is baseless," Singh said. The decision comes as several political figures showcased support for the protesters who have been demonstrating for over a week and had even tried to storm the BPSC premises once, which led to a police crackdown. Tejashwi Yadav Writes To CM Nitish Kumar For Exam Cancellation Last week, former deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had expressed his solidarity with the protesting aspirants and even met them at the protest site in Patna's Gardani Bagh. He also wrote a letter to CM Nitish Kumar, demanding cancellation of the exam. Bihar Congress chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, who belongs to the INDIA bloc, also made similar gestures. The Jan Suraaj Party also sent a letter to the chief secretary regarding the exam's cancellation. Its founder Prashant Kishor visited the protest site on Thursday where he asked the state government to resolve the crisis within three days, failing which he warned to lead the protest himself. However, the protesters showed no interest in political leaders trying to use their cause for their own agenda. Educator 'Khan Sir' Visits Protest Site, Forced To Leave YouTube influencer Motiur Rahman Khan, known as Guru Rahman, declared that Prashant Kishor will not be allowed to participate in the protests. However, he himself was chased away by the aspirants on Friday when he visited the protest site, the report said. Educator Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, was given a similar treatment, despite him trying to convince the protesters of his deep sympathy for them."I am willing to sell one of my kidneys for the sake of your cause," he said. Khan Sir, who came to meet the protesting BPSC candidates, said: "We are only demanding a re-examination from the commission. The commission can conduct as difficult an examination as it wants. We are not running away from this. We are saying that take a difficult examination and do not give children's questions... the questions in our class tests are more difficult than this... Why did the commission hide the evidence and CCTV footage? Many things have come out which are a matter of investigation." He further lashed out at the Bihar government and said he would move the apex court over the BPSC row. "We will go to the Supreme Court, we will even tell the President what is happening in Bihar... First, the country's GDP fell, then the bridge in Bihar collapsed and now BPSC has collapsed," he said. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar | Educator and YouTuber Khan Sir, who came to meet the protesting BPSC candidates, says, "We are only demanding a re-examination from the commission. The commission can conduct as difficult an examination as it wants. We are not running away from this. We... pic.twitter.com/8BFccuPir1 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2024 However, visuals surfaced showing the two being sent away by angry aspirants from the protest site. "We will not allow anybody, including Khan Sir or Guru Rahman, to use our stir for their own gains," one of the protesters told reporters. A group of aspirants is demanding that the entire exam of the BPSC held on December 13 in Bihar be cancelled. Seeking a response in this regard from the government, they have been staging a dharna at Gardani Bagh for the last several days. They are reasoning that cancellation shouldn't be ordered for just one centre but across the board since to esnure "level playing field". Education Loan Information: Calculate Education Loan EMIBEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns have again restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's massive contract to create salary-cap space and give them future flexibility, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Friday. Watson has been limited to just 19 games in three seasons because of an NFL suspension and injuries with the Browns, who signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022. The restructuring allows the team to spread out the salary-cap hit after the 2026 season, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team does not disclose contract specifics. The 29-year-old Watson has two years remaining on his contract with an average of $46 million a year. The move to restructure his deal will not preclude the Browns from adding talent at the quarterback position in 2025, the person said. Watson played in only seven games this season before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. He's 9-10 as a starter with Cleveland. The Browns (3-12) have been a major disappointment this season after making it to the playoffs a year ago behind Joe Flacco, who was signed as a free agent after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Watson had surgery in October and is expected to make a full recovery. While the team hasn't disclosed its plans at quarterback, it's assumed Watson will be in the mix to be the starter next season. It's also possible the Browns will draft a quarterback in the first round. The team hasn't had a first-round pick the past three years after trading three to the Houston Texans to acquire Watson, who was once considered one of the league's elite QBs. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16 . Australia's new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life — formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they're not ready for, the nation's move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep. The ban won't go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That's not clear, nor will it be easy. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people's lives that going cold turkey will be difficult. Other questions loom. Does the ban limit kids' free expression and — especially for those in vulnerable groups — isolate them and curtail their opportunity to connect with members of their community? And how will social sites verify people's ages, anyway? Can't kids just get around such technicalities, as they so often do? This is, after all, the 21st century — an era when social media is the primary communications tool for most of those born in the past 25 years who, in a fragmented world, seek the common cultures of trends, music and memes. What happens when big swaths of that fall away? Is Australia's initiative a good, long-time-coming development that will protect the vulnerable, or could it become a well-meaning experiment with unintended consequences? The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. “It’s clear that social media companies have to be held accountable, which is what Australia is trying to do,” said Jim Steyer, president and CEO of the nonprofit Common Sense Media. Leaders and parents in countries around the world are watching Australia’s policy closely as many seek to protect young kids from the internet's dangerous corners — and, not incidentally, from each other. Most nations have taken different routes, from parental consent requirements to minimum age limits. Many child safety experts, parents and even teens who have waited to get on social media consider Australia's move a positive step. They say there’s ample reason to ensure that children wait. “What’s most important for kids, just like adults, is real human connection. Less time alone on the screen means more time to connect, not less," said Julie Scelfo, the founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, or MAMA, a grassroots group of parents aimed at combatting the harms of social media to children. “I’m confident we can support our kids in interacting in any number of ways aside from sharing the latest meme.” The harms to children from social media have been well documented in the two decades since Facebook’s launch ushered in a new era in how the world communicates. Kids who spend more time on social media, especially as tweens or young teenagers, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, according to multiple studies — though it is not yet clear if there is a causal relationship. What's more, many are exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age, including pornography and violence, as well as social pressures about body image and makeup . They also face bullying, sexual harassment and unwanted advances from their peers as well as adult strangers. Because their brains are not fully developed, teenagers, especially younger ones the law is focused on, are also more affected by social comparisons than adults, so even happy posts from friends can send them into a negative spiral. Many major initiatives, particularly those aimed at social engineering, can produce side effects — often unintended. Could that happen here? What, if anything, do kids stand to lose by separating kids and the networks in which they participate? Paul Taske, associate director of litigation at the tech lobbying group NetChoice, says he considers the ban “one of the most extreme violations of free speech on the world stage today" even as he expressed relief that the First Amendment prevents such law in the United States "These restrictions would create a massive cultural shift,” Taske said. “Not only is the Australian government preventing young people from engaging with issues they’re passionate about, but they’re also doing so even if their parents are ok with them using digital services," he said. "Parents know their children and their needs the best, and they should be making these decisions for their families — not big government. That kind of forcible control over families inevitably will have downstream cultural impacts.” David Inserra, a fellow for Free Expression and Technology, Cato Institute, called the bill “about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike” in a recent blog post . While Australia's law doesn't require “hard verification” such as an uploaded ID, he said, it calls for effective “age assurance.” He said no verification system can ensure accuracy while also protecting privacy and not impacting adults in the process. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about the law's effect on online anonymity, a cornerstone of online communications — and something that can protect teens on social platforms. “Whether it be religious minorities and dissidents, LGBTQ youth, those in abusive situations, whistleblowers, or countless other speakers in tricky situations, anonymous speech is a critical tool to safely challenge authority and express controversial opinions,” Inserra said. A spot check of kids at one mall in the Australian city of Brisbane on Wednesday didn't turn up a great deal of worry, though. “Social media is still important because you get to talk to people, but I think it’s still good that they’re like limiting it,” said Swan Son, a 13-year-old student at Brisbane State High School. She said she has had limited exposure to social media and wouldn’t really miss it for a couple of years. Her parents already enforce a daily one-hour limit. And as for her friends? “I see them at school every day, so I think I’ll be fine.” Conor Negric, 16, said he felt he’d dodged a bullet because of his age. Still, he considers the law reasonable. “I think 16 is fine. Some kids, I know some kids like 10 who’re on Instagram, Snapchat. I only got Instagram when I was 14." His mom, Sive Negric, who has two teenage sons, said she was happy for her boys to avoid exposure to social media too early: “That aspect of the internet, it’s a bit `meanland.'" Parents in Britain and across Europe earlier this year organized on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to promise not to buy smartphones for children younger than 12 or 13. This approach costs almost no money and requires no government enforcement. In the United States, some parents are keeping kids off social media either informally or as part of an organized campaign such as Wait Until 8th, a group that helps parents delay kids' access to social media and phones. This fall, Norway announced plans to ban kids under 15 from using social media, while France is testing a smartphone ban for kids under 15 in a limited number of schools — a policy that could be rolled out nationwide if successful. U.S. lawmakers have held multiple congressional hearings — most recently in January — on child online safety. Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding. In July, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content , pushing forward with what would be the first major effort by Congress in decades to hold tech companies more accountable. But the Kids Online Safety Act has since stalled in the House. While several states have passed laws requiring age verification, those are stuck in court. Utah became the first state to pass laws regulating children’s social media use in 2023. In September, a judge issued the preliminary injunction against the law, which would have required social media companies to verify the ages of users, apply privacy settings and limit some features. NetChoice has also obtained injunctions temporarily halting similar laws in several other states. And last May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said there is insufficient evidence to show social media is safe for kids. He urged policymakers to treat social media like car seats, baby formula, medication and other products children use. “Why should social media products be any different? Scelfo said. “Parents cannot possibly bear the entire responsibility of keeping children safe online, because the problems are baked into the design of the products.” Associated Press Writers John Pye in Brisbane, Australia and Laurie Kellman in London contributed to this story.Mumbai: Indian equities are poised to build on Friday's surge-the third-strongest in a day in 2024 so far -as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition's convincing victory in the Maharashtra elections over the weekend could fuel the renewed bullish momentum. The BJP's better-than-expected performance in a key state after a disappointing show in the April-June general elections bodes well for investor sentiment , which has been dented due to slowing corporate earnings growth, signs of China's resurgence and the outcome of the US presidential elections, investors and analysts said. "The Maharashtra election was a litmus test for the BJP, especially after the disappointment in the general election," said Niket Shah, CIO, Motilal Oswal Asset Management. "Maharashtra is an important state, considering it is the largest contributor (13% of India's GDP) and the hub of equity markets, and the BJP's landslide victory is expected to boost investor sentiment." Agencies Eye on Overseas Investors "The markets were raring for an opportunity to move higher, and the Maharashtra election outcome is likely to be that trigger, but it is largely a sentimental flip," said Rohit Srivastava, founder, indiacharts.com. "An oversold market feeds on itself and the short covering Friday was just the beginning." Srivastava said the markets were waiting to move up but news of the Adani corruption indictment had dampened investor sentiment last week. Seven out of 11 Adani Group stocks rose on Friday, recouping some of the previous day's losses, when they had plummeted 6-24% in response to the US indictment against Gautam Adani and others over bribery charges. Stock Trading Macroeconomics Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading Mastering Options Selling: Advanced Strategies for Success By - CA Manish Singh, Chartered Accountant, Professional Equity and Derivative Trader View Program Stock Trading Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By - Dinesh Nagpal, Full Time Trader, Ichimoku & Trading Psychology Expert View Program Stock Trading Stock Markets Made Easy By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Cryptocurrency Made Easy: Cryptocurrency Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Market 103: Mastering Trends with RMI and Techno-Funda Insights By - Rohit Srivastava, Founder- Indiacharts.com View Program Stock Trading Technical Analysis for Everyone - Technical Analysis Course By - Abhijit Paul, Technical Research Head, Fund Manager- ICICI Securities View Program Stock Trading A2Z of Stock Trading - Online Stock Trading Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Ichimoku Trading Unlocked: Expert Analysis and Strategy By - Dinesh Nagpal, Full Time Trader, Ichimoku & Trading Psychology Expert View Program Stock Trading RSI Made Easy: RSI Trading Course By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Options Trading Course For Beginners By - Chetan Panchamia, Options Trader View Program Stock Trading Technical Trading Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Point & Figure Chart Mastery: A Comprehensive Trading Guide By - Mukta Dhamankar, Full Time Trader, 15 Years Experience, Instructor View Program Stock Trading Market 101: An Insight into Trendlines and Momentum By - Rohit Srivastava, Founder- Indiacharts.com View Program Stock Trading A2Z of Stock Market for Beginners: Stock Market Course For Beginners By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Algo Trading Made Easy By - Vivek Gadodia, Partner at Dravyaniti Consulting and RBT Algo Systems View Program "The Adani indictment news is not behind us yet as investigations are going on, but the market is expected to react as and when further news flows come in, rather than be haunted by it on a day-to-day basis," said Srivastava. Whether the market can extend the newfound strength also depends on overseas investors, who have been on a selling spree in Indian equities in the last two months. Some expect a slowdown in activity in December and early January-when several overseas fund managers are absent over the holiday period-to fuel an upmove as domestic institutions remain buyers. Srivastava is betting on the Nifty to regain 24,500, following which it could touch 25,150 by the end of December. "Foreign investors are also likely to perceive the outcome (of the Maharashtra elections) favourably and that could lead to a slowdown in the selloff," said Shah. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )
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LOS ANGELES , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Appotronics, the inventor of the ALPD® laser display technology, recently participated in the Laser Illuminated Projector Association (LIPA) Annual General Meeting held in Los Angeles , United States . During the event, the company showcased its optics solutions designed for both the interior and exterior of vehicles, emphasizing their versatility in functions such as illumination, entertainment, and V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication. Meng Han , senior director of Appotronics, addressed the attendees, which included laser illumination and display technology experts, market analysts, and trend observers. He emphasized that the automotive industry is undergoing a transformation from internal combustion engines to autonomous electric vehicles, creating ample opportunities for laser projectors. This shift typically results in more internal space for entertainment features, such as in-car theaters and laser display-enabled human-vehicle communication both inside and outside the vehicle. "We have done the study, finding many people like it, " said Han, citing the example of Appotronics' rollable giant laser display screen, which is equipped on the Seres AITO M9, a top-selling SUV priced above RMB 500,000 in China . The SUV has received over 170,000 orders since its debut late last year, indicating a strong market demand for such innovative features. Han further pointed out that more laser display technology will be applied within the cabin as a supplement to the current LCD panels, transforming the cabin into an immersive and comfortable third living space. "As for the long future, the future isn't more screens—or even screens at all." Han cited Alfonso Albaisa , Design Chief of Nissan, emphasizing that laser display offers numerous advantages, such as easy modeling, free-form surfaces, design flexibility, safety, and sustainability and can be utilized for projections inside the cabin, on the sunroof, side windows, or even on the windshield. Afterwards, Xin Yu , vice president of Appotronics, introduced the company's intelligent digital colorful laser headlight as an example of immersive exterior display . This innovative light is equipped on the newly-released Smart #5 vehicle, enabling car users to enjoy movies while camping. Yu announced that the product is currently available in China and will soon be launched in Europe and Australia . Yu also demonstrated the company's All-in-One laser headlamp, which fulfills multiple functions, including intelligent signaling displays (ISD), adaptive driving beam (ADB) systems, V2X communications, and entertainment. He revealed that the multi-functional headlamp will soon enter mass production and will be showcased at CES 2025, which is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas between January 7 and January 10 . Other automotive optics solutions from Appotronics will also be displayed at the event. "So hopefully in the future, we have more friends together in this industry to make more interesting applications and build up more markets for laser innovation." Yu concluded, adding that he expects more "concepts" of laser technology to turn into "reality" in the automotive sector, just as laser technology has revolutionized the cinema industry. In addition to Appotronics' updates, representatives from Texas Instruments, Epson, Panasonic, Seibersdorf Labs, OMDIA, PMA Research, Nordisk Cinema, Nichia America Corporation, Barco, Oxford University , LUMAfestival.com , and RSL Fiber Systems also shared insights on current laser-related regulations, technological advancements, and future trends at the annual meeting. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/appotronics-highlights-role-of-laser-technology-in-automotive-industry-at-prestigious-us-trade-conference-302315609.html SOURCE Appotronics Corporation Ltd.HARARE – Zanu PF Harare Province has been rocked by internal infighting, leading to the suspension of 10 key members for allegedly fanning divisions within the party. The suspensions highlight the ongoing power struggles within the ruling party, as factionalism continues to surface ahead of the 2028 general elections. Among those suspended are prominent figures including the provincial political commissar Kudakwashe Damson, District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairman Godwin Gomwe, and senior Youth League officials. The suspensions also target figures with close ties to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, whose supporters have been accused of causing unrest in the party ranks. The full list of those suspended includes deputy secretary for Lands and Agriculture Edson Ringwa, deputy secretary for Science and Technology Charles Matsika, Youth League secretary for Administration Victor Manungo, Youth League deputy secretary for Information and Publicity Denzel Romol, Youth League secretary for Economic Development and Empowerment Lameck Chimanyiwa, and Youth League deputy secretary for Science and Technology Blessing Kambumu. Additionally, DCC 2 Secretary for Gender and Culture Karen Maingahama and DCC 2 Secretary for Economic Affairs Spencer Mutero were also handed suspension orders. The suspensions come at a time when tensions within the party are reportedly escalating, with factions loyal to Vice President Chiwenga clashing with those aligned to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. These divisions appear to be driven by jockeying for power within Zanu PF as Mnangagwa’s current term nears its end. In a statement following the suspensions, Zanu PF Harare provincial vice chairman Ephraim Fundukwa issued a stern warning against indiscipline within the party. Fundukwa reiterated that all party members must adhere to party rules and work towards unity, urging those suspended to refrain from actions that undermine the party’s cohesion. The internal strife within Zanu PF is a growing concern as the party prepares for the next general elections. The suspensions reflect the deepening rifts between factions within the party and the growing influence of rival groups vying for political supremacy.
Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Microchip Technology . Looking at options history for Microchip Technology MCHP we detected 10 trades. If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 70% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 20% with bearish. From the overall spotted trades, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $647,449 and 3, calls, for a total amount of $215,668. What's The Price Target? Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $47.5 to $87.5 for Microchip Technology during the past quarter. Volume & Open Interest Development In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Microchip Technology stands at 373.38, with a total volume reaching 5,381.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Microchip Technology, situated within the strike price corridor from $47.5 to $87.5, throughout the last 30 days. Microchip Technology Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days Biggest Options Spotted: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume MCHP PUT SWEEP BEARISH 12/20/24 $3.1 $2.95 $3.0 $70.00 $430.3K 489 1.4K MCHP CALL SWEEP BULLISH 02/21/25 $4.9 $4.7 $4.9 $70.00 $98.0K 584 212 MCHP CALL SWEEP BEARISH 02/21/25 $2.3 $2.2 $2.18 $77.50 $76.7K 140 751 MCHP PUT SWEEP BULLISH 12/20/24 $2.05 $2.0 $2.05 $67.50 $49.6K 1.1K 435 MCHP PUT SWEEP BULLISH 05/16/25 $7.8 $7.6 $7.6 $70.00 $41.0K 298 314 About Microchip Technology Microchip Technology became an independent company in 1989 when it was spun off from General Instrument. More than half of revenue comes from MCUs, which are used in a wide array of electronic devices from remote controls to garage door openers to power windows in autos. The company's strength lies in lower-end 8-bit MCUs that are suitable for a wider range of less technologically advanced devices, but the firm has expanded its presence in higher-end MCUs and analog chips as well. In light of the recent options history for Microchip Technology, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance. Current Position of Microchip Technology Trading volume stands at 3,162,874, with MCHP's price down by -1.88%, positioned at $68.54. RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold. Earnings announcement expected in 65 days. Professional Analyst Ratings for Microchip Technology 5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $88.4. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access .* An analyst from Susquehanna persists with their Positive rating on Microchip Technology, maintaining a target price of $90. * Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Citigroup continues to hold a Buy rating for Microchip Technology, targeting a price of $82. * Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Rosenblatt keeps a Buy rating on Microchip Technology with a target price of $90. * Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Piper Sandler keeps a Overweight rating on Microchip Technology with a target price of $85. * An analyst from Evercore ISI Group downgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $95. Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely. If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Microchip Technology, Benzinga Pro gives you real-time options trades alerts. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Having received a bye in the first round of the National League U19 Alliance Academy Cup, Blues now approach an elongated festive break in the best possible form as Jack Stone and Julius Nwike put the visitors two goals clear at the break. And further strikes from Freddie Miller and George Pulham eased the teenage Shrimpers away from their opponents late on. “There is resilience in abundance, but the boys are getting confidence from winning games of football,” declared youth team coach Heath. “As coaches in youth development, we get confidence from seeing the boys perform well, but everyone likes winning games of football at any level. “Performances are the bigger picture, but winning with the performance is the ideal outcome, and we’ve now won four out of four, and in each of those games we’ve been the better team and had the better players on the pitch. “The performances are there, and the boys are getting the wins with them. "Their team target in the first ten games was to be in the top three as a minimum, and they were in there after this game, so we’re happy that they achieved that before the afternoon fixtures." Blues were forced into two changes as defender Rio Thomas failed a fitness test and forward Obi Okafor broke down en route to the venue for the National League U19 Alliance Academy South Division clash. That presented Olu Shobowale and Joshua Jackson with an opportunity to impress. However, the disruption didn’t affect Southend’s start to the match, and Pulham had already swung a 25-yard free-kick narrowly over by the time the visitors took the lead in the ninth minute. Nathan Woodley found Mitchell Ward on the edge of the penalty area, and he worked the ball onto his left foot before angling a shot across goal that Stone diverted into the net. Two minutes later, Blues could have doubled their advantage as Pulham was located on the right-hand edge of the penalty area and his rasping shot was turned against the underside of the crossbar by Darts goalkeeper Josh Atkinson. Sixty seconds later, skipper Joe Poxon saw a curling finish from Zevieyan Makangu’s pass ruled out for offside. There was a nervy moment for Southend after a quarter-of-an-hour when Ashdon Day directed an unmarked header over, but Blues made it 2-0 after 27 minutes after Stone had seen a fierce attempt charged down. Pulham’s corner was flicked on by the forward, and Thato Molefi stabbed the ball goalwards before Nwike managed to turn home from close range. A two-goal cushion was no more than the Shrimpers deserved, and a dominant first-half performance concluded with Makangu sending a left-footed shot inches over and Ward curling a free-kick marginally the wrong side of the right-hand post. Dartford came out after the interval seeking to disrupt Southend’s play, and they were partially successful. Blues struggled to create clear-cut chances, despite being awarded a number of free-kicks, with Stone seeing an indirect set-piece after a back-pass charged down before the hosts were awarded a free-kick for an identical infringement, with Blues making the block. Dartford pulled a goal back midway through the second period when Thommo Mitcham managed to power home a header at the far post from a Luke Mandry cross. Goalkeeper Luca Sorrentino landed awkwardly as he attempted to push the cross away, and he had to be replaced by the returning Charlie Brown as a consequence. Although Dartford had halved the deficit, Southend immediately organised themselves and ensured there were very few anxious moments during the final 25 minutes. The only concerning passage of play saw Blu Husthwaite send a deflected half-volley narrowly wide in the 77th minute. Instead, Blues were the more likely team to score again, with Stone inches away from connecting with an Obi Okafor delivery in the 81st minute and Ward firing wide after Makangu had retrieved the ball on the far side. The destination of the three points was confirmed in the 87th minute following another marauding Makangu run. He was fouled 25 yards out and Pulham’s free-kick was parried out by Atkinson to substitute Miller, who side-footed the rebound through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 3-1. The scoring was completed in the sixth minute of stoppage time, with Miller involved again. This time he tracked across the midfield before picking out a pass to Poxon, who located Pulham to slide the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Southend United: Luca Sorrentino (Charlie Brown 69), Julius Nwike, Mitchell Ward, Zevieyan Makangu, Thato Molefi (Alfie Humphrey 65), Olu Shobowale, George Pulham, Nathan Woodley (Obi Okafor 76), Jack Stone (Jared Nana Asare 90), Joe Poxon, Joshua Jackson (Freddie Miller 83).MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was caught off guard by reports early Tuesday that linebacker Shaq Barrett wants to unretire. The two-time Super Bowl winner signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March, then abruptly announced his retirement on social media in July, just days before the start of Miami's training camp. “Just to be candid, obviously there's a reason why you target and sign somebody," McDaniel said Tuesday afternoon. “I was fully caught off guard, or caught by surprise this morning as I found out.” McDaniel indicated the Dolphins have not had any conversations with Barrett recently. Miami holds the 32-year-old’s contractual rights. ESPN first reported the news. “It was kind of news as you guys got it,” McDaniel said. He also said he hasn't had a chance to think about Barrett potentially rejoining the team, and that his immediate focus is on Miami's Thursday night game at Green Bay. “The team is counting on me to think about the Packers,” he said. "I'll get with (GM) Chris (Grier), and we'll work through that. There's a ton of implications that go along with it in terms of team and roster stuff, so we'll work through that as we just got the news today.” Barrett has 400 tackles, 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions in nine seasons — four with Denver and five with Tampa Bay. He was a second-team All-Pro with the Buccaneers in 2019, with a league-high 19 1/2 sacks. The Dolphins waived veteran safety Marcus Maye on Tuesday and activated rookie safety Patrick McMorris from injured reserve. Maye, who signed with the Dolphins in June, played in 11 games with three starts for Miami this season. He had 30 tackles and a tackle for loss. He could re-sign to the team's practice squad if he clears waivers. Maye previously played for New Orleans, but was cut in a money-saving move in March after two seasons with the Saints. Maye's release made room on the roster for McMorris, who was drafted in the sixth round by Miami in April. He began the season on injured reserve because of a calf injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflThis is CNBC's live blog covering European markets. European stocks are expected to open higher Monday as global market sentiment rises. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 22 points higher at 8,290, Germany's DAX up 127 points at 19,435, France's CAC up 55 points at 7,305 and Italy's FTSE MIB up 275 points at 33,912, according to data from IG. Data releases include the Ifo business climate index in Germany. There are no major earnings releases. Global market sentiment has been boosted by President-Elect Donald Trump signaling his intention to nominate Key Square Group founder Scott Bessent as U.S. Treasury secretary. Investors have generally viewed the pick favorably and see the hedge fund manager as someone who will be supportive of the equity market. However, Trump stated that Bessent would help him implement protectionist trade policies, which could affect the market. U.S. stock futures climbed Sunday night as Wall Street kicked off a shortened Thanksgiving trading week. Markets are closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving Day and end early on Friday. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose Monday, with investors awaiting a slew of economic data this week, including China industrial data and India's third-quarter gross domestic product numbers. CNBC Pro: How to invest $500,000 for the year ahead, according to 2 wealth managers As investors position their portfolios for 2025, wealth managers are advocating for a diversified approach with selective bets on undervalued sectors. CNBC Pro spoke to Ollie Clark, deputy head of research at WH Ireland, and Mark Preskett, senior portfolio manager at Morningstar Wealth, about how investors with roughly $500,000 could look to allocate their portfolio. One of them also suggested how investors could capitalize on President-elect Donald Trump's policies. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Ganesh Rao CNBC Pro: Want to buy the dip in renewables? Morgan Stanley names 2 top picks with 60% upside The sustainability theme faces an uncertain future under President-elect Donald Trump, but Morgan Stanley has named a number stocks with major upside. The Wall Street bank identified its top overweight-rated stocks with over $2 billion in market cap and a revenue or capital expenditure exposure to sustainability themes. Among its list of top stocks to buy are two renewable energy companies with over 60% upside potential. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Amala Balakrishner European markets: Here are the opening calls European markets are expected to open higher Monday. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 22 points higher at 8,290, Germany's DAX up 127 points at 19,435, France's CAC up 55 points at 7,305 and Italy's FTSE MIB up 275 points at 33,912, according to data from IG. Data releases include the Ifo business climate index in Germany. There are no major earnings releases. — Holly Ellyatt
A group of Eastern Iowa residents met Tuesday in Cedar Rapids with a staff member from U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s office to urge the Iowa Republican to vote against the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary for his role in spreading misinformation about vaccine safety. The group, organized by the advocacy organization Progress Iowa, said Kennedy is unfit to lead to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the federal agencies that play a central role in directing U.S. public health policy, including vaccine development and immunization activities. The renowned vaccine skeptic told NBC News last month that he would not “take away anybody's vaccines,” and has insisted he's not "anti-vaccine" despite his involvement with Children's Health Defense, a leading anti-vaccine group, and repeating debunked claims that vaccines cause autism. Kennedy also undermined confidence in the measles vaccine ahead of a deadly outbreak in Samoa in 2019 and promoted AIDS falsehoods, according to reporting by the New York Times. Diana Siguenza, a retired nurse who lives in Cedar Rapids, and Sue Cahalan, a retired physician assistant from Norway, Iowa, expressed strong opposition to RFK Jr.’s nomination, citing his lack of experience in health care and his anti-vaccination stance. They highlighted his history with the Children's Health Defense, his involvement in lawsuits against vaccines and his travels to promote anti-vaccination views. The pair said Kennedy’s confirmation could undermine public health by eroding trust in vaccines and evidence-based medicine. Siguenza said she fears dire consequences of his potential policies, particularly for cancer research and global health. She noted that many cancer treatments are based on vaccines that help the body recognize and fight cancer cells. Iowa has the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the nation, behind Kentucky. It also has the distinction of being the only state to report a notable increase in cancer rates in recent years. Siguenza and Cahalan said they hope their concerns will influence Ernst’s decision. “President Trump trusts RFK Jr. to bring more transparency to our federal public health agencies, and Senator Ernst looks forward to meeting with and vetting him,” Ernst’s office said in a statement to The Gazette. Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined a letter signed by 29 other state attorneys general to U.S. Senate leadership urging swift confirmation of Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s new pick for U.S. Attorney General. Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, the incoming chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met Monday with Bondi. The 59-year-old Trump ally was part of a team of lawyers that defended the then-president during his first Senate impeachment trial, where he was accused — but not convicted — of attempting to coerce Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate then-former Vice President Joe Biden. Bondi, who served as Florida Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, also was involved in efforts to delegitimize the results of the 2020 presidential election that Trump lost to Biden, falsely claiming that Trump had “won Pennsylvania” at a news conference in Philadelphia and claiming voter fraud, according to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times. She also served on a federal commission during Trump’s first term focused on combating drug addiction and the opioid crisis. “President Trump made an exceptional choice with Pam Bondi for U.S. Attorney General,” Bird said in a statement. “Attorney General Bondi is tough, smart, and fierce. She has been a historic leader in the fight against drug abuse and human trafficking, and she will restore integrity to our federal justice system. I’ve known Attorney General Bondi both as a friend and fellow prosecutor, and I have full confidence that she will serve our country well as U.S. Attorney General.” Iowa joined the South Carolina and Florida-led letter signed by attorneys general and attorneys general-elect from 27 other states. A baby girl born Nov. 11 was surrendered through Iowa’s Safe Haven Law and now is in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the state announced Tuesday. It is the sixth Save Haven Baby in Iowa this year. Under the program, the infant will be placed with foster families until a permanent home is determined. Iowa’s Safe Haven Law allows parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old to relinquish the newborn to the state. Designated safe havens include hospitals and police and fire stations. Health and Human Services then works to place relinquished infants in approved foster homes while the child awaits adoption. Ten infants were relinquished to the state under the law in 2023; there have been a total of 72 infants relinquished since the law took effect more than two decades ago, according to the department. More information on Iowa’s Safe Haven Law is available at hhs.iowa.gov . Iowans interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child can visit iowafosterandadoption.org . Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks talk about Amazon and its impact on the region after touring the Davenport robotics fulfillment center, which fulfilled its first customer order Feb. 4. Since then, according to Amazon, more than 4 million items have been sorted in the facility and then shipped to Amazon customers. President Joe Biden walks over to greet people attending the pardoning of the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. John Zimmerman, right, chair of the National Turkey Federation, stands with Peach at right. President Joe Biden, from left, departs as John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, and Zimmerman's son Grant, stand with Peach, the national Thanksgiving turkey, after a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden, left, walks over to greet people attending the pardoning of the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, and his son Grant Zimmerman stand with Peach at right. President Joe Biden, from right, arrives with John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, and Zimmerman's son Grant, to pardon the national Thanksgiving turkey during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden, from right, arrives with John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, and Zimmerman's son Grant, to pardon the national Thanksgiving turkey during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden, from second right, arrives with John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, and Zimmerman's son Grant, to pardon the national Thanksgiving turkey during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. John Zimmerman, right, chair of the National Turkey Federation, reaches out to Beau Biden, to take a closer look at Peach, the national Thanksgiving turkey who was pardoned by President Joe Biden, left, during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Beau Biden, left, looks at Peach, the national Thanksgiving turkey who was pardoned by President Joe Biden, during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Grant Zimmerman, son of John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, watches at right. President Joe Biden greets people attending the pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Beau Biden, center, looks at Peach, the national Thanksgiving turkey who was pardoned by President Joe Biden, left, during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Grant Zimmerman, right, son of John Zimmerman, second from left, chair of the National Turkey Federation, watch. President Joe Biden greets people attending the pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden speaks as John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, from left, and his son Grant, look on before pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden speaks as John Zimmerman, chair of the National Turkey Federation, from left, and his son Grant, look on before pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden speaks after pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden, right, stands with John Zimmerman, left, chair of the National Turkey Federation, his son Grant Zimmerman, center, and the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden stands with one of the national Thanksgiving turkeys, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. National Thanksgiving turkeys, Peach, left, and Blossom, right, walk on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, as they wait for President Joe Biden to pardon them. President Joe Biden, right, stands with John Zimmerman, left, chair of the National Turkey Federation, his son Grant Zimmerman, center, and the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden greets people attending the pardoning the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden and his grandson Beau Biden, hold hands as they head back inside the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, after a ceremony to pardon the national Thanksgiving turkey. President Joe Biden looks at his watch as he walks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, heading to the Oval Office. President Joe Biden, right, stands with John Zimmerman, left, chair of the National Turkey Federation, his son Grant Zimmerman, center, and the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. President Joe Biden, right, stands with John Zimmerman, left, chair of the National Turkey Federation, his son Grant Zimmerman, center, and the national Thanksgiving turkey, Peach, during a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The official 2024 White House Christmas Tree arrives at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. The official 2024 White House Christmas Tree arrives at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. The official 2024 White House Christmas Tree, pulled on a carriage by Clydesdale horses Dillion and Ben, arrive at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. The official 2024 White House Christmas Tree, pulled on a carriage by Clydesdale horses Dillion and Ben, arrive at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. The official 2024 White House Christmas Tree, pulled on a carriage by Clydesdale horses Dillion and Ben, arrive at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. The official 2024 White House Christmas Tree, pulled on a carriage by Clydesdale horses Dillion and Ben, arrive at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden walks out with her grandson, Beau Biden, Jr., as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden walks out with her grandson, Beau Biden, Jr., as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden walks out with her grandson, Beau Biden, Jr., as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, as her grandson, Beau Biden, Jr., stands by. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden, right, looks at her grandson Beau Biden as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden speaks alongside her grandson Beau Biden as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden waves alongside her grandson Beau Biden as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden speaks alongside her grandson Beau Biden as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, as her grandson, Beau Biden, Jr., stands by. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden speaks alongside her grandson Beau Biden as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden speaks alongside her grandson Beau Biden as she receives the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Looking on at left are members of the North Carolina National Guard and their families. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden waves as she walks with her grandson Beau Biden to receive the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden, second right, walks with her grandson Beau Biden, right, to receive the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. She is joined by members of the North Carolina National Guard and their families. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden, second right, walks with her grandson Beau Biden, right, to receive the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. She is joined by family members of the North Carolina National Guard. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden, third right, walks with her grandson Beau Biden, second right, to receive the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. She is joined by members of the North Carolina National Guard and their families. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden, left, walks with her grandson Beau Biden to receive the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. The official 2024 White House Christmas Tree arrives on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden, right, walks with her grandson Beau Biden after receiving the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden waves as she walks with her grandson Beau Biden after receiving the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. First lady Jill Biden, second right, walks with her grandson Beau Biden, right, to receive the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. Beau Biden, holding the hand of first lady Jill Biden, arrives to see the official 2024 White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm from Newland, N.C., provided the Fraser fir that will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House. President Joe Biden smiles Monday after pardoning Peach, one of the national Thanksgiving turkeys, during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation launched a new online licensing system this fall, the first phase in a plan to modernize the management and licensing process for service providers across the state. The system improvements are part of efforts to make doing business easier and more efficient for Illinois service providers, the department said. The Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment, or CORE, opened on Oct. 30, nearly a year after the Illinois General Assembly passed House Bill 2394, a measure authorizing the IDFPR to upgrade its antiquated system that had led to long waiting periods for licensing and renewals. The new system will “eliminate the need for paper applications, give applicants more control over their application materials, and help prevent deficient applications from being submitted,” according to a statement from IDFPR. The agency calls CORE the first part of a multiphase approach by IDFPR to, over the next two years, ensure applications for more than 300 license types and records for more than 1.2 million professionals are properly transitioned. The first professions to be licensed under the new system are clinical psychologists, music therapists and nail technicians. “Everyone wanting to earn a living in Illinois in the 21st century should have tools of the times available so they can be licensed and get to work as soon as possible,” IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto Jr., said in the statement. Music therapists On May 27, 2022, Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2243, which created a music therapy license for Illinois practitioners within the IDFPR. Music therapy is a form of treatment that incorporates “clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship” according to the American Music Therapy Association website. “We have been waiting for 2 1/2 years since our bill was passed for this new system to come,” said Mia Iliopoulos Krings, president of the Illinois Association for Music Therapy, in an interview. Instead of immediately allowing music therapists to apply for a license two years ago, Krings said that the department “didn't want to put us in the old system for us to just have to go into the new system.” Since the system’s launch, Krings praised how easy and efficient it was to complete the application process. “They have been working incredibly fast and efficiently in getting everything back to us. For example, I applied on Friday night on Nov. 1. I heard back by 8:30 a.m. Monday morning,” Krings said. She said her fellow music therapists posted their issued licenses on Facebook and shared similar experiences of a rapid response. Krings’ experience now is vastly different from what many Illinois professionals experienced in the past. Panache Perkins, director and an instructor of Your School of Beauty in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, said that before the digitization, the IDFPR was “still in 1997,” with “old school” public servants stacking “pieces of paper applications into a 75-year-old filing system.” “They (IDFPR) lose paperwork all the time, because they don’t have the right system,” she said. With new integrated software and technology services provided by Tyler Technologies, however, the department’s CORE system will “notify prospective licensees directly within the system when applications are received, reviewed, and licenses are issued by the department—eliminating the need for paper mail and email responses,” according to IDFPR’s statement. Financial barriers for business The IDFPR’s mission is “to protect the residents of Illinois” through licensing and regulating industries and professions that offer services to the public. But some say these licenses can serve as a financial barrier to doing business. The initial music therapy license is $400 and renewal costs $300. In preparation for hardships, the Illinois Association for Music Therapists held a benefit concert to raise funds to help pay for the licenses for members in need. Two years ago, state lawmakers created the Comprehensive Licensing Information to Minimize Barriers Task Force, or CLIMB, to “investigate how occupational licensing of low-to-moderate-income occupations relates to economic inequities in Illinois and to recommend reforms,” according to a statement from the task force. Last month, CLIMB released a study of their two-year findings, and recommended easing licensing burdens for specific professions. The study recommended that hair braiders, for example, should be exempt from having a license. CLIMB’s research found that “requiring a license to braid hair does not enhance public safety but does disproportionately impact individuals from minority communities,” according to the statement. Perkins said she disagrees with that recommendation. “People’s addiction to social media has changed the (standard) that licensing set. Now everyone thinks they can do it,” she said. She also said braiders may not know proper hair care, how to properly clean their tools or prevent traction alopecia – a type of hair loss caused by tension from tight hair styles. There are 33 states that do not require a license for hair braiders; an increase of 21 from 2016. This includes Indiana, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, according to the CLIMB. Perkins said she has been working in the beauty industry since she was 16 years old, noting, “my grandmother inspired me to go into cosmetology.” Perkins’s grandmother, Mildred Dixon, opened Your School of Beauty 66 years ago to train men and women to begin their careers in the beauty industry. Perkins said the beauty industry is among the most essential occupations and that it should be regulated accordingly. “Cosmetologists work closely with products that dermatologists prescribe and recommend. We were also essential during the pandemic,” Perkins said. However, she also acknowledged the state’s antiquated licensing system impacts how cosmetologists are regarded and can run their businesses. She said she doesn’t think licensing is a barrier. “If you can do enough ‘heads’ to pay taxes on your work, then you can pay the money to get your license,” she said, adding that this evokes a larger issue about how people see their futures. “If you’re not trying to get your license,” she said, “you’re also not thinking about your (long-term) future.” Gov. J.B. Pritzker on July 31 signs legislation that will make it illegal for companies hold mandatory meetings in which workers would be subjected to the employer’s views on religious or political matters, including unionization. Treto Nicole Jeanine Johnson is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a Fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. 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