AMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Malek Abdelgowad scored 26 points as UMass beat UMass-Boston 86-52 on Saturday. Abdelgowad also contributed 14 rebounds for the Minutemen (4-7). Daniel Rivera added 11 points while going 4 of 6 and 3 of 7 from the free-throw line while they also had 10 rebounds. Jaylen Curry had 10 points and finished 4 of 7 from the field. The Beacons were led in scoring by Cameron Perkins, who finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two steals. Xavier McKenzie added 13 points, two steals and two blocks for UMass-Boston. Raphel Laurent also recorded eight points. UMass took the lead with 15:49 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 47-24 at halftime, with Abdelgowad racking up 18 points. UMass extended its lead to 66-36 during the second half, fueled by a 14-2 scoring run. Abdelgowad scored a team-high eight points in the second half as their team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. A man walks past a homeless encampment Oct. 25, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents assist state police as they order people living in a homeless encampment to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. People living in a homeless encampment pick up belongings Oct. 23 after Louisiana State Police ordered them to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. A rat sniffs the hand of a sleeping man experiencing homelessness Dec. 18 in downtown Los Angeles. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium. Homelessness is intertwined with the cost of living, and the high cost of living is hitting older adults fairly hard. A for the Department of Health and Human Services found that older adults are the fastest-growing cohort of the homeless population. Emergency housing for seniors can keep that number from climbing higher. details how to access it. The number of homeless seniors isn't based solely on people remaining homeless as they age; it also includes those whose first experience with homelessness came after they turned 50. In 2023, The (HUD) reported that 1 in 5 homeless people were over the age of 55. For seniors and other older adults, fixed incomes make it hard to battle the ever-increasing cost of expenses. cites that 2.35 million older adults are paying over half of their limited income to rent. Based on , that's exactly why 1 in 15 retired seniors worry about losing their homes. Shelter use in homeless people older than 51 has from 2007 to 2017, according to the HUD. But luckily, so has the number of shelters. Between 2022 and 2023, the HUD reports that emergency shelters added 28,760 more beds in emergency shelters, though this is a reduction in the amount of beds available during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency homeless assistance, or emergency housing, is a temporary solution. It's designed to provide shelter while those facing housing instability figure out their next step. Emergency housing for homeless seniors gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered. Local nonprofits are often involved in placing people experiencing homelessness or housing instability into emergency shelters. Low-income seniors, and might not make rent, or seniors who need to leave their homes for other reasons can use emergency housing. Many cities have their own emergency housing programs. There are also nationwide programs that provide emergency housing for seniors. The internet is the fastest tool for locating local emergency housing. Libraries have free internet access, for those who might not have a computer or Wi-Fi to begin their search. The list below leads to websites that include phone numbers for emergency homeless assistance. Seniors in need of immediate assistance and resources should call 2-1-1 or . The 2-1-1 crisis hotline partners with United Way, which is committed to helping homeless seniors find local shelters or access transitional housing. The service can also connect seniors with other resources, including food, mental health support, or funding for health care expenses. Calling 2-1-1 is often required as a prerequisite before trying to get into a shelter or obtaining other assistance. Because 2-1-1 is for people in crisis, there are no eligibility requirements. However, some programs seniors may access through 2-1-1 do have eligibility requirements. Seniors can simply dial 2-1-1 from nearly anywhere in the U.S. to be put in touch with the programs and resources they need. Designed specifically for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, the is a federal program offering low-income housing options and rent assistance. These vouchers are available through your local public housing agency (PHA). This program enables and encourages participants to choose their own housing. Housing options don't need to be a part of subsidized housing projects, but there are limits on unit size. Typically, participants must pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards their rent, and the voucher program pays the remainder. Applicant income and family size help the PHA determine eligibility. Citizenship and eligible immigration status also play a factor. The family's income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they're applying to live. Of the vouchers, 75% must go to people whose income is at or less than 30% of their area's median income. Contact your . helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors. This program gives low-income seniors options that allow them to live independently, with support for cooking, cleaning, transportation, etc. This program is open to any very low-income household that has at least one person 62 years old or older. Applicants must submit an application in response to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) posted on . was created as emergency homeless assistance for veterans. Its goal is to give homeless veterans access to permanent housing through public housing authorities. Veterans receive rental assistance through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program and additional case management services through the VA. By December 2023, the HUD had allocated nearly 112,000 vouchers to help house veterans nationwide. To help veterans achieve stability and remain housed, VA case managers may connect veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. If you or your loved one is a low-income senior with eligible military service, you may apply. Your local VA can tell you if your service qualifies you for HUD-VASH. Senior veterans may apply online or call (877) 424-3838. to learn more about the emergency housing options for seniors available in your state. Low-income seniors who aren't in or might find themselves facing housing instability. Emergency housing for seniors can help you or your loved one seek shelter. Crisis hotlines and public housing agencies can offer support. Finding emergency housing for seniors depends heavily on your area. The first step is to call the Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1. Finding a shelter takes less time than applying and getting approved for low-income housing voucher programs. The 2-1-1 hotline can direct you to local resources and locators. Yes and no. The duration depends on the type of housing. Shelters have limits that vary. Some shelters allow people to stay for up to six months, though that can vary based on demand. Seniors can remain in Section 202 supportive housing as long as they meet age and income requirements. Yes. Many counties have financial emergency programs that help seniors handle home repairs or short-term financial crises like utility shutoff. These programs allow the senior to focus their funds on their rent or mortgage. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Trump’s Defense secretary nominee has close ties to Idaho Christian nationalists
Antitrust law in the United States is guided by two foundational principles: protecting consumer welfare and promoting competition. China has a much different approach. While American antitrust doctrine is rooted in a strong rule-of-law tradition, China's approach is driven by geopolitics. Under the pretense of fostering market competition, Beijing has increasingly weaponized antitrust policy to retaliate against U.S. trade actions . This trend has become particularly evident in response to U.S. semiconductor restrictions. Although China's ability to counter these measures is constrained by its dependence on U.S. chip-making technology, Beijing has turned to its antitrust regulators as a means of striking back. Less than a week after Washington ratcheted up its chip export controls, Beijing responded with a pointed escalation on Dec. 9: an antitrust probe into Nvidia, the United States' leading chipmaker and a linchpin in artificial intelligence hardware. The investigation threatens to impose steep fines and disrupt Nvidia's operations in China. By the end of the day that China announced the probe, Nvidia's shares had fallen 4 percent. Far from a routine regulatory action, this move underscores China's growing reliance on its competition authorities in the intensifying U.S.-China tech war. As the incoming Trump administration confronts this escalating rivalry, countering Beijing's weaponization of antitrust should be a priority. Less than a week after Washington ratcheted up its chip export controls, Beijing responded with a pointed escalation on Dec. 9: an antitrust probe into Nvidia, the United States' leading chipmaker and a linchpin in artificial intelligence hardware. The investigation threatens to impose steep fines and disrupt Nvidia's operations in China. By the end of the day that China announced the probe, Nvidia's shares had fallen 4 percent. Far from a routine regulatory action, this move underscores China's growing reliance on its competition... Ruby ScanlonLAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Andrew Holifield scored 17 points as Lamar beat Louisiana 74-45 on Saturday. Holifield also contributed 11 rebounds for the Cardinals (5-5). Janko Buljic scored 12 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the field. Alexis Marmolejos had 11 points and shot 4 for 5, including 3 for 3 from beyond the arc. Kyndall Davis finished with 11 points for the Ragin' Cajuns (2-9). Brandon Hardy added 10 points for Louisiana. Kentrell Garnett also recorded nine points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .A year ago, a gripping ITV drama triggered outrage over the Post Office scandal. Lead campaigner Sir Alan Bates hoped a new Government would at last deliver compensation. Sadly, he was wrong...
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NoneYOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — EJ Farmer scored 20 points as Youngstown State beat Toledo 93-87 on Saturday. Farmer went 8 of 15 from the field (3 for 8 from 3-point range) for the Penguins (6-5). Nico Galette scored 17 points while shooting 5 for 13 (3 for 8 from 3-point range) and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line and added 11 rebounds and seven assists. Juwan Maxey shot 4 for 9 (3 for 7 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 16 points. Sam Lewis led the Rockets (6-4) in scoring, finishing with 21 points and eight rebounds. Sonny Wilson added 17 points, six rebounds and four assists for Toledo. Seth Hubbard had 14 points. Farmer put up 13 points in the first half for Youngstown State, who led 44-39 at halftime. Youngstown State used a 7-0 second-half run to break a 76-76 tie and take the lead at 83-76 with 3:14 remaining in the half before finishing off the victory. Galette scored 12 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
It's been nearly a month since the start of the MLB offseason, and the Boston Red Sox have done nothing to address their starting rotation for 2025 and beyond. Luckily, few teams have made significant moves to this point. With the Winter Meetings right around the corner, the stove should start heating up in the coming weeks. That may be the case as far as trades go, as the Red Sox discussions with the Chicago White Sox regarding a Garrett Crochet deal haven't been as intense, according to MassLive's Sean McAdam. "Meanwhile, the Sox have been quiet of late in the trade talks surrounding the Chicago White Sox’ Garrett Crochet, according to an industry source," McAdam wrote. "Another unidentified team has emerged as 'very aggressive' with the White Sox in recent days, though it’s believed the Red Sox still view the lefthander as an attractive option." Crochet made the transition to full-time starter this past year and posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1.069 WHIP while striking out 12.9 batters per nine innings. Those numbers were good enough to earn All-Star honors, but his club went on to set the MLB record for most losses in a season. Boston doesn't need to acquire Crochet this offseason, but they do need to do something. If the asking price is too high, they need to quickly pivot and shift all attention to one or two top-end starters whether that be Max Fried, Corbin Burnes or Blake Snell. MORE RED SOX NEWS Juan Soto trolls fans across baseball with signing announcement Red Sox have made an offer to superstar free agent Juan Soto Red Sox have discussed trading stud infielder this offseason Red Sox projected trade offer for All-Star starter is expensiveVanquishing Bears, Thanksgiving losing streak tops Lions' holiday list
Dividend Stocks: NALCO, Gillette India, Godfrey Phillips India among others to trade ex-dividend next week; Full list | Stock Market News - Mint
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Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski spoke about AI and the workforce. Siemiatkowski said AI "can already do all of the jobs" humans do. He said Klarna stopped hiring a year ago despite the company advertising jobs online. Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski is all-in on artificial intelligence at the fintech company. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Siemiatkowski said he's "of the opinion that AI can already do all of the jobs that we as humans do." "It's just a question of how we apply it and use it," he said. Klarna is a payment service that offers consumers "buy now, pay later" options. According to its website, the company is connected with more than 575,000 retailers. The increased attention around AI has raised concerns about how it will affect careers and the workplace. A 2023 report by McKinsey & Company estimated that 12 million American workers will have to change occupations by 2030 as AI technology develops. During the interview, Siemiatkowski said Klarna stopped hiring last year. "I think what we've done internally hasn't been reported as widely. We stopped hiring about a year ago, so we were 4,500 and now we're 3,500," Siemiatkowski said. "We have a natural attrition like every tech company. People stay about five years, so 20% leave every year. By not hiring, we're simply shrinking, right?" Siemiatkowski said his company has told employees that "what's going to happen is the total salary cost of Klarna is going to shrink, but part of the gain of that is going to be seen in your paycheck." Although Klarna's website is advertising open positions at the time of writing, a spokesperson told Business Insider the company is not "actively recruiting" to expand its workforce. Rather, Klarna is backfilling "some essential roles," primarily in engineering.
A special NFL Saturday double-header takes place on Dec. 21, starting with a matchup of division winners at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. with the Houston Texans taking on the Kansas City Chiefs . The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NBC . Fans looking to watch this NFL game can do so for free by using FuboTV , which offers RedZone, a free trial and $30 off on your first month, or DirecTV Stream , which also offers a free trial and RedZone. SlingTV has promotional offers available, and NFL+ airs all local market games. Additionally, games on NBC can be watched on Peacock . The 13-1 Chiefs are 7-0 at home and riding a four-game winning streak following their lone loss of the season. The squad is in position to lock up the top seed in the conference and the bye week for the postseason. On Christmas Kansas City will face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Texans are 9-5 and looking to climb from the four seed, which likely means leaping the AFC North winner. Houston is a game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, the current division leaders, and tied with the Baltimore Ravens, who play the Steelers on Saturday and the Texans on Christmas. Additionally for this game, there will be a special broadcast exclusive to Peacock where the game will appear similar the Madden video game. Who: Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs When : Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. EST Where : GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Stream : fuboTV (free trial) ; or Sling ; DirecTV Stream (free trial) ; or NFL+ or Peacock What is FuboTV? FuboTV is an internet television service that offers more than 200 channels across sports and entertainment including Paramount+ with SHOWTIME . From the UEFA Champions League to the WNBA to international tournaments ranging across sports, there’s plenty of options available on FuboTV, which offers a free trial, and $30 off the first month for new customers. What is DirecTV Stream? DirecTV Stream offers practically everything DirecTV provides, except for a remote and a streaming device to connect to your television. Sign up now and get three free months of premium channels including MAX , Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz. What is SlingTV? SlingTV offers a variety of live programing ranging from news and sports and starting as low as $20 a month for your first month. Subscribers also get a month of DVR Plus free if they sign up now. Choose from a variety of sports packages without long-term contracts and with easy cancelation. What is NFL+? NFL+ and NFL+ Premium allow fans access to the most NFL content available online. From game replays, coaches film and all-22 field angles of the games to NFL Network original programing, NFL+ and NFL + Premium allow fans to stay fully locked in with every NFL team no matter where you are in the country. What is Peacock? Peacock is the home to the Premier League, Sunday Night Football, exclusive college football games, WWE premium live events and the Olympics, as well as programing across the NBCUniversal networks. More College Football RELATED CONTENT: NBC Sports enters Madden video game universe with alternate broadcast on Peacock By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer NBC Sports makes its first foray into doing an NFL alternate broadcast on Saturday when it puts the matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs into the realm of the Madden video game universe. The Madden altcast will be streamed on Peacock with the main broadcast airing on NBC, beginning at 1 p.m. EST. It is the first time NBC has done an alternate broadcast of an NFL game. CBS has done at least one game on Nickelodeon since the 2020 season, while ESPN/ABC have the “ManningCast” as well as animated presentations featuring " The Simpsons " and " Toy Story." Amazon Prime Video also has “Prime Vision with Next Gen Stats” during “Thursday Night Football.” “It’s ironic that you want to make the video game as much as actual live play as possible and now you are doing the opposite of trying to make the real game look like the video game,” said Josh Helmrich, the NFL’s senior director of media and Next Gen Stats. The altcast on Peacock will blend video game elements — such as Madden 25 graphics, route trees, player cards, button icons on eligible receivers and player ratings — with live action. GenuisIQ will provide real-time data via the league’s Next Gen Stats. There will also be times when animations from the video game — such as touchdown celebrations — will be used instead of live action. NBC has used the “Sunday Night Football” games the last two weeks as test broadcasts to make sure all the technology was working as well as build cohesion in the studio in Stamford, Connecticut, with the announcers doing the game. Paul Burmeister will handle the play-by-play with Madden NFL expert Kurt Benkert and six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Ochocinco providing commentary. Ochocinco will serve as a real-time player “ratings adjuster.” Henry Leverette, who won the Ultimate Madden Bowl championship ring in February, will also be part of the broadcast. Burmeister noted earlier this week that there will be more hard core football schematic chess match talk on the altcast compared to what might happen on a traditional football broadcast. “I’m really excited to toe that line and weave this in to show how much parallel the game has to the real game itself,” Benkert said. “I think will resonate really well with the younger audience and with people that are used to seeing it in the video game that way.” While the Madden video game is known for the high camera view above the quarterback, that will be used only for replays or to show formations before plays. The traditional sideline camera will be used the most since that better shows route trees and other features most associated with the game. In an added twist, Ochocinco will be able to adjust a player’s rating depending on what happens during the game. The Texans (9-5) have clinched the AFC South while the AFC West champion Chiefs (13-1) are looking to remain the conference’s top seed. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were two of only six players to begin the season with 99 overall ratings in the Madden game. Houston’s highest-rated players in Madden are offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (95) and running back Joe Mixon (93). Eleven players on the Texans and Chiefs rosters have a Madden rating above 90. The Madden altcast also takes on personal meaning for NBC Sports Executive Producer of NFL Fred Gaudelli, who was Madden’s producer during the final seven years of his broadcast career. Madden joined ABC’s “Monday Night Football” in 2002 before Madden and Gaudelli moved to NBC for the start of “Sunday Night Football” in 2006. “The one thing John held fast is you couldn’t put something in the video game that you couldn’t do in a real game,” Gaudelli said. “I had some memorable times picking his brain about the advent of the video game and what led him to it. He has been foremost in my mind as we’ve all tried to strategize what this should look like on Saturday.” The Associated Press contributed to this article