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jili golden bank Google announces quantum computing chip breakthroughThrivent Financial for Lutherans decreased its position in Eversource Energy ( NYSE:ES – Free Report ) by 24.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 70,477 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after selling 22,631 shares during the quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ holdings in Eversource Energy were worth $4,797,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Lynx Investment Advisory acquired a new position in Eversource Energy during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new position in shares of Eversource Energy in the third quarter worth about $32,000. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its position in shares of Eversource Energy by 62.9% during the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 513 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 198 shares during the last quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC bought a new stake in Eversource Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Finally, MFA Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Eversource Energy during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $48,000. Institutional investors own 79.99% of the company’s stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets ES has been the subject of several research reports. Bank of America increased their price objective on Eversource Energy from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Eversource Energy from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th. Scotiabank raised their price target on shares of Eversource Energy from $57.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a “sector perform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Eversource Energy from $69.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Eversource Energy from $72.00 to $79.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $70.46. Eversource Energy Stock Up 1.0 % Shares of ES opened at $63.38 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $23.22 billion, a P/E ratio of -40.37, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.61. Eversource Energy has a one year low of $52.09 and a one year high of $69.01. The business’s 50 day simple moving average is $64.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $62.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.76. Eversource Energy ( NYSE:ES – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 4th. The utilities provider reported $1.13 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $3.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.06 billion. Eversource Energy had a positive return on equity of 10.90% and a negative net margin of 4.73%. The business’s revenue was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.97 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Eversource Energy will post 4.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eversource Energy Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 23rd were issued a dividend of $0.715 per share. This represents a $2.86 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.51%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 23rd. Eversource Energy’s dividend payout ratio is currently -182.17%. Eversource Energy Company Profile ( Free Report ) Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments. It is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity; solar power facilities; and distribution of natural gas. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eversource Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eversource Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Roy Keane caught up in heated confrontation with Ipswich supporter moments after Man Utd clash

Peter Dutton will use a private Coalition meeting to calm MPs fearful that Labor’s teen social media ban is a Trojan Horse for government control of the internet, ahead of a sitting week in which the major parties plan to ram the legislation through parliament. On Friday Coalition MPs were called to a Monday morning gathering in Canberra, party sources said, where Dutton and communications spokesman David Coleman planned to field questions about Labor’s proposed law to ban children under 16 from platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and communications spokesman David Coleman will face concerned MPs. Credit: Louise Kennerley Right-wing Coalition senators Matt Canavan and Alex Antic have been sharply critical of the bill’s potential to require Australians to give tech giants their IDs and the power it would give the eSafety Commission, which is a federal agency that will be charged with overseeing the ban. But doubts about the bill, which was only released last week, have expanded from the pair to more mainstream Coalition MPs, setting up the meeting as a test of the opposition leader’s authority after he hauled his party room into line on abortion earlier this month. On Sunday night, the MPs were informed Monday’s meeting was cancelled, with the conversation to take place on Tuesday as part of the Coalition’s party room meeting. The Coalition leadership remains confident of overwhelming support for the bill inside the party, according to several opposition sources speaking anonymously about internal dynamics. Dutton, whose office declined to comment, plans to hear out his concerned colleagues but ultimately expects the party to back the bill, allowing it to pass parliament this week. The opposition rode a wave of conservative and libertarian campaigning against Labor’s misinformation bill in recent months before the government dropped its plan to crack down on falsehoods online on Sunday. Some of the groups and people behind that campaign, including One Nation, the Libertarian Party and former Coalition MPs George Christensen and Craig Kelly, have launched an email crusade about the social media age barrier that has resulted in complaints flooding into MPs inboxes. They endorse the view of X owner Elon Musk, who wrote on the platform last month that the ban “seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians” because it could require users to prove their identities before accessing major online services. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland was asked about the need to hand over ID in a Labor caucus meeting last week and said her laws would not force people to give ID documents to social media giants, dismissing the prospect as a right-wing scare campaign. However, the government has not announced the technology that would be used to prove a user’s age. ‘A red flag’ LNP MP Garth Hamilton said Labor had rushed the legislation and sent mixed signals about details such as which platforms would be included. The Wiggles successfully lobbied to allow YouTube to remain while Snapchat will be banned, though both apps now also have a TikTok-style feed of clips. “The tests for this bill are that it should not be a proxy for digital ID [to be required to access the internet] and that it actually responds to parents’ needs,” Hamilton said.“I fully agree with Peter Dutton’s concerns about the impacts of social media, and they are long-held. But Labor has had a long time to get details right [and] the utter confusion on the detail is a red flag.” Coleman, who first proposed a teen ban in an April interview with this masthead at a time when Labor opposed such a change , told opposition MPs last week that the government could use a “double-blind tokenised approach” suggested by the eSafety Commission last year. That would allow a third party to verify a user’s age on a social media platform without revealing the identity information used to do so, while another option could force companies that operate app stores, such as Google and Apple, to take on the role. Labor announced the ban early this month after years of claims that social media was harming children’s mental health, much of which is disputed by the technology giants, and argued that it would bolster parents’ ability to reject pestering from kids to go online. But detractors including Ben Thompson, the boss of major Australian tech firm Employment Hero, said on X that bill would make it harder for children with special needs to make friends online. “Not to mention that it’s a Trojan Horse for digital ID and further censorship,” he said. On Sunday, Greens communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young called advocates for the ban well-intentioned, but said the bill was rushed compared to the government’s halting approach to gambling reform. “The government and the opposition are ramming through a ban on social media that was introduced on Thursday,” she said on ABC’s Insiders . “We’ve got a joke of a Senate inquiry for three days tomorrow. But they can’t do gambling ... Talk about priorities.” Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter .

Can you shoot down a drone? Common misconceptions, regulations and rightsIs the NORAD Santa tracker safe from a government shutdown?Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, PDP chieftain, has expressed relief over Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, calling it a step towards restoring peace in the southeastern region of Nigeria According to Akinniyi, Ekpa's commands to his followers have intensified violence in the region, with reports of attacks on government officials and businesses; especially the Monday sit-at-home order, in particular, crippled the local economy and caused widespread hardship In an interview with Legit.ng, he urged the Nigerian government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate his extradition CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements. The spokesperson of the PDP National Youth Group, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, has commended the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa , a self-proclaimed Biafran separatist. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government to ensure Ekpa's extradition back to Nigeria and noted that his arrest would restore normalcy in the southeast region. Read also Simon Ekpa: 5 'sins' of arrested controversial Biafra separatist leader Why was Simon Ekpa was arrested? Legit.ng reported that Ekpa, a Finland-based secessionist, was arrested by law enforcement agents in the northern European nation. PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow He was sent to prison by the district court of Paijat-Hame for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”. Ekpa was said to have committed the crime in 2021 in Lahti municipality. Akinniyi: Tinubu should extradite Simon Ekpa In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, November 24, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi demanded that Ekpa be extradited to Nigeria to face terrorism charges related to his actions in the southeast region. However, he expressed hope that Ekpa's arrest would help restore peace in the southeast region. The PDP chieftain said: "This is good news for an average lover of the Igbo Nation and peace. The killings in the South East as reinforced by Simon Ekpa is unwarranted and no one sensible will complain about this new development. I am calling for his extradition, he should face the laws here in Nigeria. Read also Simon Ekpa: Panic in Igboland, Finland as search for sponsors of IPOB separatist begins "For a while now, the continued 'Sit-at-house' on Mondays have rendered businesses bankrupt and economic activities dead in the South East. Ekpa's online commands to unsuspecting lovers of the Biafran have done more damage than good to the struggle. "At least, there will be a decline in attacks on government formation and peace loving people of the South East, with this arrest. "I was surprised at his denials about being the 'Prime Minister of Biafra', and he was allegedly quoted to have called himself a 'content creator', that is cowardice and I am disappointed in him." Read more about Simon Ekpa's story here: Simon Ekpa: Expert says chances of extradition to Nigeria near impossible, gives reason Simon Ekpa: Yoruba council reacts to arrest of IPOB separatist DHQ hails arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland FG confirms arrest of Simon Ekpa Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the FG attributed the arrest of Ekpa to sustained diplomatic pressure on Finland by Nigeria. Read also Simon Ekpa: Expert says chances of extradition to Nigeria near impossible, gives reason The FG — through the ministry of foreign affairs — disclosed this in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson of the ministry. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng

The New Era Of Cybersecurity: Harnessing The Power Of Generative AIEvery year is a great year for books, but 2025 is looking particularly exciting. Fans of YA dystopia and fantasy will be excited to see new additions to beloved book series like "The Hunger Games" and "The Empyrean." Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, famous for their romance novels, will be dropping some of the most anticipated books of 2025 in the summer beach read category. And lastly, 2025 will bring long-awaited books from authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Taylor Jenkins Reid , who have been on hiatuses recently. Whether you're looking to fill a prompt for the PS Reading Challenge or add a new book to your TBR list, there's something for everyone in this roundup. From thrillers and dark academic to historical fiction and more, scroll down to see which books are making your TBR list. (No shade if it's all of them.) 48 of the Best Books by Women Authors to Read in Your Lifetime “Beautiful Ugly” by Alice Feeney "Beautiful Ugly" by Alice Feeney ($26, originally $29) Feeney is ready to deliver another bestselling thriller with "Beautiful Ugly." Grady Green's wife goes missing after her car is found by the edge of a cliff. He's the last person to speak with her, during a phone call in which the last thing he hears is her getting out of the car. One year later, still desperate with grief, he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track, only to encounter the impossible: a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife. Available Jan. 14, 2025 “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros " Onyx Storm " by Rebecca Yarros ($20, originally $33) The highly-anticipated third book in Yarros's "The Empyrean" series "Onyx Storm" will continue Violet Sorrengail's adventures at Basgiath War College. This book picks up with Violet's journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies who will stand with Navarre when the time comes –but she's keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. Available Jan. 21, 2025 “Good Dirt” by Charmaine Wilkerson " Good Dirt " by Charmaine Wilkerson ($21, originally $30) Wilkerson, the bestselling author of "Black Cake," is back with another multi-generational family novel. "Good Dirt" is the story of Ebby Freeman, a member of one of the only Black families in a particularly well-to-do enclave of New England. The high-profile, unsolved murder of Ebby's brother when she was just 10-years-old vaulted her family into the headlines. When adult Ebby suffers a high-profile breakup, she flees to France to avoid another media frenzy . . . only for her past to follow her there. Available Jan. 28, 2025 “Harlem Rhapsody” by Victoria Christopher Murray " Harlem Rhapsody " by Victoria Christopher Murray ($20, originally $30) "Harlem Rhapsody" is a work of historical fiction inspired by the true story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, a high school teacher who moves to Harlem to become the literary editor of a prominent African-American magazine. W. E. B. Du Bois, the magazine's founder, is not only her boss but her lover, and despite rumors of their tumultuous affair, Jessie is determined to prove herself. As she strives to preserve her legacy, she'll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success. Available Feb. 4, 2025 “We All Live Here” by Jojo Moyes " We All Live Here " by Jojo Moyes ($21, originally 30) Jojo Moyes, the bestselling author of "Me Before You," is back with another heartwarming story about the meaning of love and family. Lila Kennedy is facing a broken marriage, two troublesome daughters, a flailing career, and an elderly stepfather, all crammed into a house that is both literally and metaphorically falling apart. So when her real father reappears in her life after abandoning his family for Hollywood 35 years ago, it feels like her last straw, but it ultimately turns out to be a new beginning. Available Feb. 11, 2025 “Dream Count” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie " Dream Count " by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ($30, originally $32) "Dream Count" marks the end of a 12-year hiatus for Adichie, the bestselling author of "Americanah" and "We Should All Be Feminists." Her new novel tells the story of four Nigerian women, two living in America, and explores the nature and meaning of love and motherhood. Available March 4, 2025 “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins " Sunrise on the Reaping " by Suzanne Collins ($20, originally $28) After the success of "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," "Sunrise on the Reaping" is anticipated to be one of the biggest books of the year. The fifth book in "The Hunger Games" series tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy, the second District 12 competitor to win the eponymous Hunger Games after Lucy Gray. Since the story is a prequel, we know how Haymitch's story ends, but getting the details will be worth the read. Available March 18, 2025 48 of the Best Books by Women Authors to Read in Your Lifetime “Say You’ll Remember Me” by Abby Jimenez " Say You'll Remember Me " by Abby Jimenez ($25, originally $28) Jimenez is known for writing romance novels in which the characters heal themselves as much as they do each other, and "Say You'll Remember Me" looks like another hit. Although Samantha and Xavier have one perfect, seemingly endless first date, she is forced to admit that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. She begs Xavier to forget her, but naturally, that doesn't work out too well. Available April 1, 2025 “The Matchmaker” by Aisha Saeed " The Matchmaker " by Aisha Saeed ($14) "The Matchmaker" is the perfect blend of romance and thrill. Nura Khan, a third-generation matchmaker with an impeccable record, is blindsided when one of her couple's wedding implodes. It's the first in a cascading chain of suspicious and increasingly terrifying events that affect her work. With the help of her friend Azar, she tries to get to the bottom of who's out to get her. Available April 8, 2025 “Happy Land” by Dolen Perkins-Valdez " Happy Land " by Dolen Perkins-Valdez ($15, originally $29) "Happy Land" begins when Nikki's grandmother reaches out to her after years of silence imposed by Nikki's mother. Nikki eagerly answers her call to visit her in the hills of western North Carolina, hoping to learn more about her family. But instead of answers about the recent past, Nikki learns the incredible story of a past kingdom on that very mountain, and of her great-great-great grandmother, Luella, who would become its queen. While it sounds like a fairy tale, the more Nikki learns about the Kingdom of the Happy Land, the more she realizes how much of her identity and her family's secrets are wrapped up in the mysterious hills. Available April 8, 2025 “The Perfect Divorce” by Jeneva Rose " The Perfect Divorce " by Jeneva Rose ($27, originally $30) Yes. the sequel to "The Perfect Marriage" is here. "The Perfect Divorce" picks up 11 years after the first book ends. Former powerhouse attorney Sarah Morgan has moved on to a happy new marriage and a career change, until she discovers her new husband's infidelity and files for divorce. Not only are the divorce proceedings ugly, but they uncover new DNA evidence against Sarah's ex-husband Adam, which reopens the murder investigation that she previously defended him in. When Bob's new mistress goes missing, the stakes for Sarah only get higher. Available April 15, 2025 “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry " Great Big Beautiful Life " by Emily Henry ($20, originally $29) The queen of summer beach reads is back. "Great Big Beautiful Life" is the story of two writers who are stuck in the same vacation town for a month, competing to write the memoir of a famous heiress and former tabloid princess. Fans who love grumpy/sunshine romance tropes will love this one. Available April 22, 2025 “Atmosphere: A Love Story” by Taylor Jenkins Reid " Atmosphere: A Love Story " by Taylor Jenkins Reid ($27, originally $30) After a two-year hiatus, Reid is back with a stunning novel about space exploration that's written outside the universe shared by most of her former books. "Atmosphere: A Love Story" follows Joan Goodwin, a physics and astronomy professor who joins NASA's space shuttle program. As she prepares for their mission with her fellow selected astronauts, she falls in love, and begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe. Then, one mission makes everything change in an instant. Available June 3, 2025 "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by Victoria E. Schwab "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by Victoria E. Schwab ($27, originally $30) The author of "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" returns with "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil," a thrilling sapphic tale of vampires. It's described as a story about hunger, rage, and the ways in which women are told to be satiated even when they aren't. Available June 10, 2025 26 Fantasy Books Like "A Court of Thorns and Roses" “Katabasis” by R.F. Kuang " Katabasis " by R.F. Kuang ($30, originally $35) The title of Kuang's new book "Katabasis" is a bit of a spoiler alert: it translates in ancient Greek to the story of a hero's descent into the underworld. This dark academia novel follows two student magicians who have to journey into hell to rescue their advisor. Armed with nothing but stories and spells, rivals Alice and Peter have something in their past that could either save them or doom them. Available Aug. 26, 2025 24 Gifts For the Bookworm Who Doesn't Need Another Book Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for PS for over four years.

European countries put freeze on Syrian asylum claims after Assad's fall, unclear if US will follow

The leadership of the Georgian Dream party has tried to manage the fallout from their decision to the EU accession, as waves of angered citizens filled the streets of the capital and other Georgian cities. by the police and brutality from non-uniformed “black men” that accompany the riot police forces are fuelling public anger. Starting yesterday, civil servants from various key ministries, including , , and justice, have spoken out in favor of Georgia’s European future, distancing themselves from the GD decision. The crisis comes while the party that ruled Georgia for the past twelve years struggles to affirm its international legitimacy following the elections on October 26. The scale and breadth of violations led the observers and the to condemn them as not fair and not representative of the people’s will. President Salome Zurabishvili also said the elections “did not take place.” By ignoring the legislative procedures for recognizing the credentials of MPs which are being challenged in the Constitutional Court, the Georgian Dream put itself in constitutional and legal limbo. Thus, the government endorsed by this parliament is considered illegitimate by the opposition, large part of the civil society actors, and influential voices . Despite the pressure they feel from the streets, the Georgian Dream officials try to remain on the offensive, advancing the following narratives. To critics who say they halted Georgia’s EU accession, the Georgian Dream officials retort that it was Europe that stopped the process. This statement omits the fact that the conditionalities of accession to the European Union are not for Georgia to establish and that the government led by the Georgian Dream has refused to meet the twelve conditions for candidacy fully and then, after having received candidacy nonetheless, ignored the reformulated nine conditions for opening the accession negotiations. Irakli Kobakhidze, who made a statement about halting the accession, said that the EU used the candidacy and then the accession talks to “blackmail” Georgia. By ending this blackmail, he argued, Georgia is free to enter the EU on its terms – coded as its “values” and its “dignity.” On November 30, GD spokesman Mamuka Mdinaradze , trying to put the blame on the EU: “If they [the EU] were to put on the table the paper that says they are ready to start accession negotiations, we would sign it immediately.” Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi and GD Secretary-General, made an point. Kobakhidze also argued that the EU used the candidacy and then the accession talks to “blackmail” Georgia and elicit concessions that were counter to Georgian values. By flipping the narrative GD also built on its conspiracy theory, claiming that Western powers and their domestic lackeys have been plotting “Georgian Maidan,” or “Natsmaidan”, from the pejorative nickname “Natsi” referring to supporters of the opposition United National Movement. GD claims that the opposition and the Global Party of War conspire to instigate a regime change event similar to Ukraine’s Euromaidan in 2013, which is bound to bring similar results – war and destruction – while the ruling party has been foiling their plots at every step. , at the briefing on November 30, said: “Already for the third year, specific European politicians and bureaucrats, whose attempts at Ukrainization of Georgia have failed before, insist on using the [EU] candidacy and [accession] negotiations for weakening the country, promoting so-called polarization and dividing our society. ‘[...] A responsibility for yesterday’s violent manifestation rests with these European politicians and bureaucrats, and their local agents, the fifth column, represented by four [opposition] parties.” further : “We have correctly decided to get ahead of, so to say, the very bad developments [the inspirations of the Maidan] planned for December 16-20.” This cryptic statement is wrapped in a conspiracy theory, so it begs explanation: by this statement, a GD official implies that the opposition planned protests for December when GD is set to install their loyal president and the EU Foreign Affairs Council is set to deliberate. In Mdinaradze’s words, the GD made a statement to halt the accession process to provoke protests early and thus catch the conspirators before they were ready. This “tactic” echoes the statement by party patron , who claimed to have re-submitted the law on Foreign Agents in the spring of 2024 so that the protesters “get exhausted” before the October 26 elections. The State Security Service chimed in on November 30, saying the “destructive developments” have commenced “in accordance with the indications of the case about the violent overthrow of the government, which the SSSG has been informing the public about previously.” The Security Service has been repeatedly launching “coup investigations,” which led to some interrogations publicized by the GD-aligned media and then shelved. They are diligently “re-activated” during the crisis. GD MPs also started spinning rumors that “foreign citizens” were detained during protests. “This is an interesting question ... what are they doing on Rustaveli Avenue today?” Rati Ionatamishvili. Faced with the video proof of police violence, GD admits it, condemns it, but also demonstrators have instigated it. “It is, of course, horrible to see a lying man kicked in the face, and there can be no justification for this, but if we want to be even a bit more objective, we have to point out that the instigators of violence are not one, two, five or ten, but hundreds of demonstrators.” Both and thanked the police for keeping their cool when the protesters “simply came out for seeking violence.” The has been repeatedly about the injuries sustained by the police officers, statements that are given high prominence in GD-loyal media. As more civil servants and diplomats have distanced themselves from the ruling party, they felt the need to react. GD MP Nino Tsilosani’s first reaction to such statements from Foreign Ministry employees was to say, “You will sound even more convincing if you just resign and then think about your values.” The subsequent response from GD was to disparage and patronize the signatories. Mdinaradze gaslighted the signatories saying: “To those people who can’t resist the pseudo-liberal fascism and their bullying: don’t strain yourselves too much, no need to send up the apologies from the back door either, post freely [on social media] that Georgia’s place is in Europe. [...] We are there, holding that very position, but those who bully you – as yourselves, where do they stand really? [...] Ask yourselves how you allowed yourself to be bullied [by the opposition] this way.” The Georgian Dream’s attempt to remain on the offensive is hitting the wall of mounting widespread anger, which does not seem to be dampened – so far – by the police violence or public relations tactics. On the contrary. Now, by demanding access to the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GBP) the opposition is trying to break the ruling party’s monopoly on nationwide television broadcasters, which gives them preferential access to the suburban voters.

David Hilzenrath, Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group | (TNS) KFF Health News In March, newly installed Social Security chief Martin O’Malley criticized agency “injustices” that “shock our shared sense of equity and good conscience as Americans.” He promised to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s often heavy-handed efforts to claw back money that millions of recipients — including people who are living in poverty, are elderly, or have disabilities — were allegedly overpaid, as described by a KFF Health News and Cox Media Group investigation last year. “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” O’Malley said at the time. Nearly eight months since he appeared before Congress and announced a series of policy changes, and with two months left in his term, O’Malley’s effort to fix the system has made inroads but remains a work in progress. For instance, one change, moving away from withholding 100% of people’s monthly Social Security benefits to recover alleged overpayments, has been a major improvement, say advocates for beneficiaries. “It is a tremendous change,” said Kate Lang of Justice in Aging, who called it “life-changing for many people.” The number of people from whom the Social Security Administration was withholding full monthly benefits to recoup money declined sharply — from about 46,000 in January to about 7,000 in September, the agency said. Asked to clarify whether those numbers and others provided for this article covered all programs administered by the agency, the SSA press office did not respond. Another potentially significant change — relieving beneficiaries of having to prove that an overpayment was not their fault — has not been implemented. The agency said it is working on that. Meanwhile, the agency seems to be looking to Congress to take the lead on a change some observers see as crucial: limiting how far back the government can reach to recover an alleged overpayment. Barbara Hubbell of Watkins Glen, New York, called the absence of a statute of limitations “despicable.” Hubbell said her mother was held liable for $43,000 because of an SSA error going back 19 years. “In what universe is that even legal?” Hubbell said. Paying down the overpayment balance left her mother “essentially penniless,” she added. In response to questions for this article, Social Security spokesperson Mark Hinkle said legislation is “the best and fastest way” to set a time limit. Establishing a statute of limitations was not among the policy changes O’Malley announced in his March congressional testimony. In an interview at the time, he said he expected an announcement on it “within the next couple few months.” It could probably be done by regulation, without an act of Congress, he said. Speaking generally, Hinkle said the agency has “made substantial progress on overpayments,” reducing the hardship they cause, and “continues to work diligently” to update policies. The agency is underfunded, he added, is at a near 50-year low in staffing, and could do better with more employees. The SSA did not respond to requests for an interview with O’Malley. O’Malley announced the policy changes after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group jointly published and broadcast investigative reporting on the damage overpayments and clawbacks have done to millions of beneficiaries. When O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, presented his plans to three congressional committees in March, lawmakers greeted him with rare bipartisan praise. But the past several months have shown how hard it can be to turn around a federal bureaucracy that is massive, complex, deeply dysfunctional, and, as it says, understaffed. Now O’Malley’s time may be running out. Lang of Justice in Aging, among the advocacy groups that have been meeting with O’Malley and other Social Security officials, said she appreciates how much the commissioner has achieved in a short time. But she added that O’Malley has “not been interested in hearing about our feelings that things have fallen short.” One long-standing policy O’Malley set out to change involves the burden of proof. When the Social Security Administration alleges someone has been overpaid and demands the money back, the burden is on the beneficiary to prove they were not at fault. Cecilia Malone, 24, a beneficiary in Lithonia, Georgia, said she and her parents spent hundreds of hours trying to get errors corrected. “Why is the burden on us to ‘prove’ we weren’t overpaid?” Malone said. It can be exceedingly difficult for beneficiaries to appeal a decision. The alleged overpayments, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, often span years. And people struggling just to survive may have extra difficulty producing financial records from long ago. What’s more, in letters demanding repayment, the government does not typically spell out its case against the beneficiary — making it hard to mount a defense. Testifying before House and Senate committees in March, O’Malley promised to shift the burden of proof. “That should be on the agency,” he said. The agency expects to finalize “guidance” on the subject “in the coming months,” Hinkle said. The agency points to reduced wait times and other improvements in a phone system known to leave beneficiaries on hold. “In September, we answered calls to our national 800 number in an average of 11 minutes — a tremendous improvement from 42 minutes one year ago,” Hinkle said. Still, in response to a nonrepresentative survey by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group focused on overpayments, about half of respondents who said they contacted the agency by phone since April rated that experience as “poor,” and few rated it “good” or “excellent.” The survey was sent to about 600 people who had contacted KFF Health News to share their overpayment stories since September 2023. Almost 200 people answered the survey in September and October of this year. Most of those who said they contacted the agency by mail since April rated their experience as “poor.” Jennifer Campbell, 60, a beneficiary in Nelsonville, Ohio, said in late October that she was still waiting for someone at the agency to follow up as described during a phone call in May. “VERY POOR customer service!!!!!” Campbell wrote. “Nearly impossible to get a hold of someone,” wrote Kathryn Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been helping a disabled family member. Letters from SSA have left Duff mystified. One was postmarked July 9, 2024, but dated more than two years earlier. Another, dated Aug. 18, 2024, said her family member was overpaid $31,635.80 in benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides money to people with little or no income or other resources who are disabled, blind, or at least 65. But Duff said her relative never received SSI benefits. What’s more, for the dates in question, payments listed in the letter to back up the agency’s math didn’t come close to $31,635.80; they totaled about a quarter of that amount. Regarding the 100% clawbacks, O’Malley in March said it’s “unconscionable that someone would find themselves facing homelessness or unable to pay bills, because Social Security withheld their entire payment for recovery of an overpayment.” He said that, starting March 25, if a beneficiary doesn’t respond to a new overpayment notice, the agency would default to withholding 10%. The agency warned of “a short transition period.” That change wasn’t automated until June 25, Hinkle said. The number of people newly placed in full withholding plummeted from 6,771 in February to 51 in September, according to data the agency provided. SSA said it would notify recipients they could request reduced withholding if it was already clawing back more than 10% of their monthly checks. Nonetheless, dozens of beneficiaries or their family members told KFF Health News and Cox Media Group they hadn’t heard they could request reduced withholding. Among those who did ask, roughly half said their requests were approved. According to the SSA, there has been almost a 20% decline in the number of people facing clawbacks of more than 10% but less than 100% of their monthly checks — from 141,316 as of March 8 to 114,950 as of Oct. 25, agency spokesperson Nicole Tiggemann said. Meanwhile, the number of people from whom the agency was withholding exactly 10% soared more than fortyfold — from just over 5,000 to well over 200,000. And the number of beneficiaries having any partial benefits withheld to recover an overpayment increased from almost 600,000 to almost 785,000, according to data Tiggemann provided. Lorraine Anne Davis, 72, of Houston, said she hasn’t received her monthly Social Security payment since June due to an alleged overpayment. Her Medicare premium was being deducted from her monthly benefit, so she’s been left to pay that out-of-pocket. Davis said she’s going to need a kidney transplant and had been trying to save money for when she’d be unable to work. A letter from the SSA dated April 8, 2024, two weeks after the new 10% withholding policy was slated to take effect, said it had overpaid her $13,538 and demanded she pay it back within 30 days. Apparently, the SSA hadn’t accounted for a pension Davis receives from overseas; Davis said she disclosed it when she filed for benefits. In a letter to her dated June 29, the agency said that, under its new policy, it would change the withholding to only 10% if she asked. Davis said she asked by phone repeatedly, and to no avail. “Nobody seems to know what’s going on” and “no one seems to be able to help you,” Davis said. “You’re just held captive.” In October, the agency said she’d receive a payment — in March 2025. Marley Presiado, a research assistant on the Public Opinion and Survey Research team at KFF, contributed to this report. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Life Risk News Publishes December 2024 Issue

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Kinder Morgan Announces 2025 Financial ExpectationsAlmost one year into her reign, it looks like Australian-born Queen Mary of Denmark may be ascending to a prestigious new role: podcast host. The Danish queen announced this week that her charity, the Mary Foundation, is launching a podcast called Lonely Youth. The three-part series inspired by Denmark’s high rates of youth loneliness promises to “give an in-depth insight into the nuances of loneliness by mixing [expert analysis] and personal narratives from young people”. Though we don’t yet know if she will feature in each episode, Queen Mary announced the news via Instagram, pointing out that a recent study found 73 per cent of Danes, aged 16-19, experience loneliness and 17 per cent of those, between 16-24, feel “very lonely”. “These are heavy numbers that we need to do something about,” the post read. At first glance, it might seem strange that a 52-year-old monarch would be the go-to person to reach disconnected youth – and stranger still that they would do so via a medium often associated with influencers, true-crime detectives and young men in basements. But, this is actually the latest in a long line of royal podcasting projects (and no, it didn’t start with Meghan Markle). The rise of royal podcasting Dr Lisa Beckett, a lecturer at the University of New England researching royalty and popular culture, says it was only a matter of time before royal family members entered the podcast market. Loading “Royals tend to be later than everybody else entering these spaces,” she says, “but [engaging in new mediums] is one of the ways they stay relevant.” And, as a kind of celebrity (“they have been since the time of the Georgians”, she notes), this kind of direct contact with audiences is expected of them. “Queen Elizabeth could get away with quite a bit of distance because she started her reign so long ago, but the younger royals are expected to act more modern and to be in this space ... That distance between celebrities and fans has been shrinking, particularly with social media.” India Hicks, goddaughter of King Charles, was the first notable name to get in on the action. The India Hicks Podcast , which debuted in 2019, offered a “wonderfully intimate look” into her life and her “extraordinary family”. It consisted of conversations about “movie stars, matadors and maharajas” with her mother, Lady Pamela Hicks, the late Queen Elizabeth’s former lady-in-waiting. A couple of years later, Princess Eugenie co-hosted Floodlight : an interview podcast about modern slavery made with her charity, the Anti-Slavery Collective. Then came Meghan Markle’s Archetypes. In this much-hyped 2022 series, the Duchess of Sussex spoke to some of the biggest names in popular culture (including Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton and Serena Williams) about the “labels that try to hold women back”. The following year Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, the Duchess of York, debuted a chat podcast with her friend Sarah Thomson, and Queen Camilla launched The Queen’s Reading Room podcast. The latter, an extension of her literacy charity of the same name, features interviews with authors and prominent book-lovers such as Dame Joanna Lumley and Richard E. Grant. But Camilla is only featured for a couple of minutes per episode. Though podcasts are an intimate medium, as Dr Beckett points out, they also enable royals to maintain a great deal of control – certainly more so than in a traditional TV interview. “They have to be careful because they’ve tried different tactics like this,” Beckett says. “In 1969, Queen Elizabeth actually allowed for a documentary of her home life. It was broadcast on the BBC once, then she realised it was a mistake. It let people in too much into her personal life, and she actually banned it from being ever played again.” (Decades later, it leaked on YouTube .) Loading In 1987, younger members of the British royal family also competed in the TV game show It’s a Royal Knockout alongside celebrities, running around in costumes doing obstacle courses for charity. “People thought it was a disaster,” Beckett says. “Royals are not like other celebrities, they have to act a certain way and maintain certain standards ... but at the same time be ‘normal enough’ that we [relate to] them.” Moral influencers or ‘f---ing grifters’? So, do people actually care about this exclusive royal content or are they content just watching The Crown ? The most successful of the bunch is undoubtedly Meghan Markle’s Archetypes. The show debuted in the top spot on Spotify in Britain, the US, Canada, Ireland, India, Australia and New Zealand. But it also lost a lot of steam by the end of the season, and Meghan and Harry’s Archewell Audio “mutually agreed” to leave Spotify soon after. Meghan Markle made one season of Archetypes , in collaboration with Spotify. Credit: Their initial deal reportedly cost $US25 million ($38.5 million), and The Wall Street Journal reported the couple had failed to meet “productivity benchmarks” to justify the sum. Though their 2020 agreement promised “a multi-year partnership ... to produce podcasts and shows” (multiple), nothing else materialised. Bloomberg reported that Harry had pitched a number of ideas, including a show in which he interviewed “controversial guests such as Vladimir Putin, Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump about their early formative years”. Celebrating their exit from the company, Spotify executive Bill Simmons went so far to call the pair “f---ing grifters” on his own podcast. He had also previously criticised Prince Harry, saying: “Why are we listening to you? Nobody cares what you have to say about anything unless you talk about the royal family, and you just complain about them.” Dr Beckett believes it is a good thing, however, when royals publicly lend themselves to causes. Whether it’s Princess Eugenie with modern slavery or Queen Mary with youth loneliness – or, historically, Princess Diana with AIDS – “royalty adds cachet”. “When they get involved, it really gives the charity or the cause a lot of support and a lot of attention,” she says. At the very least, she adds, “It gets the attention of the media.” Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Podcasts Royal family Camilla Parker Bowles Queen Mary Spotify Meg Watson is a culture reporter at The Age and Sydney Morning Herald Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in Culture Loading

There should be unity of those from Nayadi to Nasrani: SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan

How climate change became a pretext for fascismThis image released by Paramount Pictures shows Matthew McConaughey in a scene from the film “Interstellar.” (Paramount Pictures via AP) This image released by Paramount Pictures shows promotional art for the film “Interstellar.” (Paramount Pictures via AP) This cover image released by St. Martin’s Press shows “Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius” by Carrie Courogen. (St. Martin’s Press via AP) This cover image released by A24 shows “How Directors Dress: On Set, In the Edit, and Down the Red Carpet,” a book about what directors wear, featuring over 200 archival photos of filmmakers in action. (A24 Films via AP) This cover image shows the first issue of “The Metrograph,” a biannual print publication for film fans by the movie theater. (The Metrograph via AP) This image released by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures shows the cover image of the catalogue for their “Color in Motion: Chromatic Exploration of Cinema” exhibit. (Academy Museum of Motion Pictures via AP) This image released by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures shows “Matrix” sweatshirt for sale in conjunction with its Cyberpunk exhibition, designed by Brain Dead Studios. (Academy Museum of Motion Pictures via AP) This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Matthew McConaughey in a scene from the film “Interstellar.” (Paramount Pictures via AP) By LINDSEY BAHR Do you have a someone in your life who plays Vulture’s Cinematrix game every morning? Or maybe they have the kitchen television turned to Turner Classic Movies all day and make a point of organizing Oscar polls at work? Hate to break it to you: They might be a hard-to-please cinephile. But while you might not want to get into a winless debate over the “Juror No. 2” release or the merits of “Megalopolis” with said person, they don’t have to be hard to buy gifts for. The Associated Press has gathered up some of the best items out there to keep any movie lover stylish and informed. While Christopher Nolan dreams up his next film, fans can tide themselves over by revisiting his modern classic “Interstellar,” which will be back in IMAX theaters on the weekend of Dec. 6, followed by the home release of a new collector’s edition on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray ($59.95). A third disc in the set, available Dec. 10, contains more than two hours of bonus content, like a never-before-seen storyboard sequence, and new interviews with Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and famous fans Peter Jackson and Denis Villeneuve . Elaine May does not give interviews anymore. But thankfully that didn’t deter writer Carrie Courogen, who did a remarkable job stitching together the life of one of our culture’s most fascinating, and prickly, talents. “Miss May Does Not Exist” is full of delightful anecdotes about the sharp and satirical comedian who gained fame as one half of Nichols and May and went on to direct films like “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Mikey and Nicky.” Courogen writes about May’s successes, flops and her legendary scuffles with the Hollywood establishment. It’s a vital companion to Mark Harris’ biography of Mike Nichols . Macmillan. $30. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has an exclusive new “Matrix” sweatshirt for sale in conjunction with its Cyberpunk exhibition. Brain Dead Studios designed and created several items, including the black hoodie ($140), a white rabbit tee ($54) and a pint glass ($18). If you can’t make it to Los Angeles to check out the “Color in Motion” exhibit for yourself, the Academy Museum also has a beautiful new companion book for sale ($55) charting the development of color technology in film and its impact. It includes photos from films like “The Red Shoes,” “Vertigo,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and images of rare prints from the silent era. The Academy Museum Store is having a sale (20% off everything) from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | These holiday gifts change the game when building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts Want to look like a real film festival warrior, the kind who sees five movies a day, files a review and still manages to make the late-night karaoke party? You’re going to need the ultimate status tote from the independent streaming service MUBI . Simple, to-the-point and only for people in the know. $25. Film magazines may be an endangered species, but print is not dead at The Metrograph . Manhattan’s coolest movie theater is starting a biannual print publication “for cinephiles and cultural connoisseurs alike.” The first issue’s cover art is by cinematographer Ed Lachman (“Carol”), and contributors include the likes of Daniel Clowes, Ari Aster, Steve Martin and Simon Rex. There’s also a conversation with Clint Eastwood. It’s currently available for pre-order and will be in bookstores Dec. 10 for $25 ($15 for Metrograph members). This is not a book about filmmaking styles, camera angles and leadership choices. It’s literally about what directors wear. “How Directors Dress: On Set, in the Edit, and Down the Red Carpet” ($40) has over 200 archival photos of filmmakers in action: Spike Lee in his basketball caps, Sofia Coppola in her Charvet button-ups, Steven Spielberg’s denim on denim and many more. With a forward by the always elegant Joanna Hogg and writing from some of the top fashion journalists, it’s a beautiful look at how filmmakers really dress for work — and might even be a source of inspiration., /PRNewswire/ -- AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, today announced that it will release financial results for its second quarter of fiscal year 2025, ended , after the close of the New York Stock Exchange trading session on . On , at , AAR will hold a conference call to discuss the results. A listen-only webcast and slides can be accessed at . Participants may join via phone by registering at . Once registered, participants will receive a dial-in number and a unique PIN that will allow them to access the call. A replay of the conference call will be available for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call at the webcast link and will remain available for approximately one year. AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. Additional information can be found at . Director of Investor Relations +1-630-227-5830 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AAR CORP.

Rangers have sourced an interim replacement for outgoing chief commercial officer Karim Varani. Varani, who joined the Ibrox board in summer 2023, is the latest high-profile departure at Rangers with the former West Ham United man expected to officially leave his role in January to "pursue new opportunities". Sean Jefferson will now take up the position on an interim basis. Jefferson has a strong track record working for Manchester United as well as international drinks giant Diageo and global media agency Mindshare. He will begin working for the Scottish Premiership giants in the New Year until a permanent acquisition can be named. Read more: Rangers’ Blue Sky Lounge ‘one of the best’ UK hospitality packages Bobby Madden 'amazed' by VAR failure to give Rangers penalty vs Celtic Since leaving Old Trafford last year, Jefferson has launched SportValue, a consultancy he describes as “helping organisations unlock value in sport”. SportValue provides expert guidance to rights-holders, media and entertainment firms, agencies, and sports technology companies, assisting them in navigating the commercial landscape of sports. The consultancy aims to foster partnerships that enhance value for businesses, their collaborators, and the fans they serve.Can you shoot down a drone? Common misconceptions, regulations and rights

( MENAFN - IANS) Chandigarh, Nov 30 (IANS) Terming the medium of literature as the most potent weapon to inspire youngsters towards defence services, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday said that valour exhibited by sons and daughters of Punjab in different wars was a perennial source of motivation for the entire nation. The Governor was speaking here after inaugurating the eighth edition of the Military Literature Festival (MLF) being organised at the Lake Sports Complex. The two-day event is being held here to offer youngsters a peep into military life and to nurture future defence leaders. "The festival not only celebrates India's glorious military heritage but also underscores the role of military literature in enhancing knowledge and fostering patriotism among citizens," the Governor said. Highlighting the increasing participation of women in the armed forces, the Governor said it marked a progressive step towards gender equality and inclusivity in the forces. The Governor commended the efforts of the literature festival organisers in encouraging and preparing young boys and girls to join the military, contributing significantly to national security and defence. India's strides toward self-reliance in defence under the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat were another focal point of the Governor's address. He noted that India "is not only manufacturing state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment but is also emerging as a key exporter of defence technology to other nations". This, he said, reflects India's growing stature as a global power in military innovation. The Governor recalled India's historic achievement under the leadership of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during the Pokhran nuclear tests. "Pokhran was a turning point that showcased to the world India's capability and resolve. It was a moment of national pride that established our nation as a formidable nuclear power," he remarked, urging the youth to draw inspiration from such milestones in India's military history. The festival's theme, "Wars Under the Nuclear Umbrella", aligns with discussions on contemporary global challenges and India's preparedness for future conflicts. Various panel discussions are scheduled on topics like the war in Ukraine, regional instability, and advancements in defence technology. The event also features a grand military equipment exhibition organised by the Army's Western Command, showcasing India's defence capabilities. The Governor lauded the efforts of Lt Gen (retd) T.S. Shergill and Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar for organising this world-class festival and urged all citizens to reflect on India's journey toward self-reliance in defence and military excellence. MENAFN30112024000231011071ID1108941528 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.NBC Sports’ EA Sports Madden NFL Cast Set to Merge Videogame and Live Broadcast Worlds For many years, , has been for NFL broadcasts look more like EA Sports’ videogames through tools like the Skycam and next-gen virtual graphics. On Saturday, Gaudelli and the NBC Sports team will go beyond the talk and start to walk with the first ever EA Sports exclusively on Peacock. “We’re going to produce this alt-cast for the avid game player,” says Gaudelli, who produced with John Madden in the booth for the final seven years of his storied career. “There are millions and millions of fans, and I think we have to really serve them in this game and try to find that perfect blend between the videogame and the real game, and merge them together. So, the short answer is, enthusiasts are our target audience.” The first-of-its-kind live football experience blending videogame elements and live action will stream live exclusively on Peacock for the Houston Texans-Kansas City Chiefs game (1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21). NBC Sports Group has collaborated with EA Sports and Genius Sports to create an immersive, data-powered live football experience that “injects ’s unique brand elements as animated overlays,” according to NBC. The live stream will also feature a dedicated commentary team of experts calling the game from a custom-designed studio at NBC Sports’ Stamford, CT, headquarters, and will be produced independently from the main broadcast with and calling the shots from Stamford. Featuring live EA SPORTS graphics, route trees, play cards and player ratings, the will transform football strategy, information, and IQ for viewers. It’s all being driven by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats platform and GeniusIQ Genius Sports’ next generation data and AI platform that combines real-time data insights with fully branded animations to deliver an immersive viewing experience. In preparation for Saturday’s production, Greenberg, Butler, and the rest of the talent and production team performed rehearsals on the past two NBC broadcasts (Chargers-Chiefs on Dec. 8, and Seahawks-Packers on Dec. 15). Gaudelli says that the Genius Sports team elevated its contribution to the broadcast each week by adding additional elements. “We started out with the route trails,” he says. “Then we had the icons for the X factors and the superstar players. Then we added the buttons that you would see if you were playing the game on an Xbox. We’ve got the personnel packages for offense and defense on both sides of the screen as it is in the game. So the authenticity of the game has developed to a really good place right now, and I think all the fans are going to sink their teeth into that and enjoy that on Saturday.” In the Control Room: Taking a Cue From Esports Greenberg and Butler will be calling at the front bench in Stamford spearheading the Madden NFL Cast with a dedicated production team. “It doesn’t differ at all that much in terms of positions because even in a traditional football production, you’re going to have people accounted for in the truck or control room for things like the 1st and Ten Line,” says Greenberg. “We’ll have our own graphics operators and score bar operator, plus our own AD, director, producer, and tape people building packages that will have features. We will also have some representatives from both EA and Genius there to support us. So it is a little bit of a fuller control room with some extra bodies, but it’s been awesome working with EA and Genius on this.” Butler is a veteran of EA’s competitive gaming division, providing him with a unique perspective as the broadcast looks to meld the worlds of esports and real sports. “One big thing is the picture-in-picture with the players on the screen,” he says. “I did a lot of FIFA and Madden [esports broadcasts] and you always see the two competitors on the screen [with POV cameras]. Since we’re targeting that Madden audience, we’re embracing that. So you’ll see Chad and Kurt on the screen almost all the time talking on the screen, which obviously isn’t part of a normal football broadcast. “The other big thing will be having the playbook up on the screen over the Skycam shot of the huddle – just like in the [videogame],” he continues. “It may seem like a small thing, but it’s so authentic to the Madden experience.” NBC Sports has erected a custom-designed studio for play-by-play caller , YouTuber and expert , former Pro Bowl wide receiver and “ratings adjuster” , and Ultimate Bowl Championship-winning player The set, which is located inside Studio 1 in Stamford, has been outfitted with a massive Sony LED display showing various angles of the game, the playbook from the videogame, and other live video feeds. The goal is to create a casual atmosphere similar to friends hanging out playing , so announcers will be sitting in lounge chairs watching the screen. The studio is outfitted with a Jib, a SteadiCam, two hard cameras, and two PTZs. “It’s cozier and more of a relaxed set than being in a booth,” says Benkert. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how visually it shows up on screen for people at home.” Benkert will utilize graphic overlays to discuss and predict play options, while Ochocinco — who frequently discussed his own rating in production meetings with John Madden — serves as a real-time player “ratings adjuster.” Meanwhile, Leverette will dive deeper into the action as only a pro can, primarily thoroughly replay analysis. Burmeister, who typically calls Big Ten football for NBC Sports, admits the experience will be dramatically different from a traditional booth. While he will have some of the standard tools — a program monitor, stats monitor, stats person, a spotter by his side — Benkert, Ochocino, and Leverette won’t be right next to him. “It’s quite a bit different,” he says. “I’m off to the corner by myself and... Chad and Kurt and Henry will be in front of me, to the right. We’ll have the giant projector screen in front of me to the left. So, I’ll be keeping an eye on my analysts and the screen in a different way than I would during ‘a normal broadcast’.” Gaudelli adds that the cadence of the announcers has been drastically different in rehearsals compared to a traditional broadcast where the play-by-play announcer is the dominant voice. Instead of Burmeister setting the scene before each play, Benkert and Ochocinco more often are offering up predictions and observations on the formations and personnel prior to the snap. “The cadence... has evolved where Kurt and Chad are really taking the lead,” he says. “Paul is making sure that all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed, and really quizzing them about the game but [also] how it would manifest itself in the video game.” Benkert also believes the visual aids provided by the videogame overlays create a wholly different dynamic for analyzing plays. “Now that we’ve added in the X factors and the trails and the superstars and the buttons over people’s heads, it’s really easy to speak over the top of it in reference to what we’re seeing with our eyes,” he says. “[As opposed to] a normal broadcast where a nickel defender is blitzing and a lot of people at home don’t know what a nickel defender is if they’re not avid football fans. On this [broadcast though] I can say see the X factor right there, he’s coming off the edge. In my opinion it brings it more to the level of people watching it from home versus sometimes people get spoken over the top of with terminology and all that.”