'There is no border': Mozambican mayor says millions will flock into South Africa if situation worsens in Mozambique
Apple revealed its finalists for the coveted “iPhone App of the Year” award on Monday, and once again, the list conspicuously overlooks the transformative impact of AI on the mobile app landscape. This isn’t the first time Apple has seemingly downplayed AI’s significance; last year’s finalists also favored more traditional iOS apps. This year’s selection continues that trend, sparking debate about Apple’s strategic approach to artificial intelligence. While other tech giants like Google and Microsoft aggressively integrate AI into their products and services, Apple appears to be taking a more cautious, even skeptical, stance. This deliberate omission of AI-centric apps from its prestigious awards raises questions about Apple’s vision for the future of mobile technology and its place in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Is Apple deliberately snubbing AI, or is there a more nuanced explanation behind this seemingly deliberate exclusion? Decoding Apple’s AI Strategy: A Look at the Finalists This year’s “iPhone App of the Year” finalists include a diverse range of apps, from productivity tools to creative platforms and gaming experiences. Notably absent are apps that heavily leverage AI technologies like machine learning or natural language processing. Some of the standout finalists include: These apps exemplify excellence in their respective categories, showcasing the innovative spirit and user-centric design that Apple champions. However, their lack of significant AI integration stands in stark contrast to the broader tech industry’s enthusiastic embrace of artificial intelligence. Apple’s History with AI: Siri and Beyond Apple isn’t a stranger to AI. In fact, it was one of the pioneers in bringing AI to the masses with Siri, its voice-activated virtual assistant. Siri, introduced in 2011, was a game-changer, demonstrating the potential of natural language processing to simplify everyday tasks. However, in recent years, Siri seems to have stagnated while competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa have surged ahead, becoming more sophisticated and capable. Despite Siri’s early promise, Apple’s subsequent forays into AI have been relatively muted. While the company has integrated AI features into various apps and services, such as photo recognition and predictive text, these implementations have been largely incremental rather than groundbreaking. This cautious approach has led some to believe that Apple is falling behind in the AI race. Possible Reasons for Apple’s AI App Snub There are several possible explanations for Apple’s apparent reluctance to fully embrace AI in its “App of the Year” selections: Whatever the reasons, Apple’s decision to exclude AI-centric apps from its “App of the Year” awards sends a clear message: the company is not ready to fully embrace the AI revolution, at least not in the way that its competitors have. The Implications for the Future of Mobile AI Apple’s cautious approach to AI could have significant implications for the future of mobile technology. As one of the most influential tech companies in the world, Apple’s decisions often shape industry trends. If Apple continues to downplay AI, it could slow down the adoption of AI technologies in mobile apps. On the other hand, Apple’s deliberate strategy could also push the AI industry to focus more on user experience and privacy, addressing some of the concerns that have been raised about the potential downsides of AI. Ultimately, only time will tell how Apple’s AI strategy will play out. But one thing is certain: the company’s decisions will have a profound impact on the future of mobile AI. My Personal Take on Apple and AI As a tech enthusiast and long-time Apple user, I’ve been following Apple’s AI journey with great interest. While I appreciate the company’s focus on user experience and privacy, I also believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices. I’m hoping that Apple will eventually embrace AI more fully, bringing its signature design and usability to the AI landscape. Imagine an AI-powered Siri that can truly understand our needs and anticipate our requests, or an AI-driven photo app that can automatically curate our memories and tell our stories. Until then, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Apple’s AI developments, eager to see what the future holds for this fascinating and rapidly evolving field.
Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher and Luke Lindenmeyer earn Dana Holgorsen's trust — and snapsAston Villa’s impressive Champions League debut continued as they strengthened their chances of automatic qualification to the last 16 after a 3-2 win at RB Leipzig. Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute winner gave them victory after they had twice squandered the lead in Germany. John McGinn and Jhon Duran goals at the start of each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. But Barkley had the final say less than two minutes after coming off the bench as his deflected effort earned the points which sent his side third in the new Champions League league phase. The top eight automatically qualify for the next stage and with games against Monaco and Celtic to come, Unai Emery’s men are a good bet to avoid the need for a play-off round in their first foray in this competition. Leipzig are out, having lost all six of their games. Villa enjoyed a dream start and were ahead with less than three minutes on the clock. Matty Cash, playing in a more advanced position on the right, crossed for Ollie Watkins, who nodded down into the path of McGinn and the skipper made no mistake from close range. That gave the visitors confidence and they had enough chances in the first 15 minutes to have the game wrapped up. Lucas Digne’s cross from the left was begging to be converted but Watkins could not make contact from close range and then Morgan Rogers shot straight at Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Then Youri Tielemans found himself with time and space on the edge of the area from Watkins’ tee-up but the Belgium international disappointingly dragged wide. All that good work was undone in the 27th minute, though, as Emiliano Martinez was left red-faced. The Argentinian was too casual waiting to collect Nicolas Seiwald’s long ball and Openda nipped in to get the ball first and tap into an empty net. pic.twitter.com/LGoAMrLkQy — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 Duran was introduced at the break and needed just a couple of minutes to fire a warning when he drilled wide after a loose ball fell to him 14 yards out. But the Colombian got his goal in the 52nd minute, though it was another moment for the goalkeeper to forget. Duran was invited to drive forward and unleashed a 25-yard shot, which was hardly an Exocet, but still was too much for Gulacsi, who barely even jumped. It was his 10th goal of the season and sixth from the bench as he continues his super-sub role. 😍 pic.twitter.com/ZHeVFiYUW9 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 The striker was not complaining and he thought he had doubled his tally shortly after when he converted Cash’s centre but the provider was ruled offside by VAR. Five minutes later, Villa found themselves pegged back again with a finish of real quality. Openda was sent clear by another long ball and his cross was perfect for Baumgartner to cushion a far-post volley back across goal and into the corner. Digne brought a save out of Gulacsi and then Openda shot straight at Martinez as both sides pushed for a winner. It was Villa who got it as Barkley saw his deflected effort wrong-foot Gulacsi and hit the back of the net.
An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition
COP29 in Baku: A Defining Moment for Global Climate Action 11-25-2024 08:06 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Press Release Agency The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded on November 22, with delegates from 198 countries reaching a critical juncture in global efforts to combat climate change. Central to the discussions was a groundbreaking proposal to mobilize $1 trillion annually for developing nations, a financial commitment deemed vital for addressing the escalating effects of climate change. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a sobering message, urging swift and equitable action to confront the climate crisis. He underscored the urgent need for new national climate action plans by 2025 and called for a 30% reduction in fossil fuel production and consumption by 2030 to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. He condemned the inequities of the crisis, pointing out that the wealthiest nations and individuals contribute most to global emissions, while the poorest communities suffer the harshest impacts. "They must chart a course to net zero by 2050, through milestones in 2025, 2030, 2035, and beyond," Guterres emphasized, underlining the urgency of coordinated and sustained global action. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-71.png Momentum for renewable energy took center stage at the summit, with projections showing global investments in clean energy expected to hit $2 trillion by 2024-almost double the funding allocated to fossil fuels. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, described the transition to clean energy as "irreversible" and underscored the importance of climate financing to help developing nations strengthen their resilience. "I've been very blunt: climate finance is not charity; it is 100% in every nation's interest, to protect their economies and people from rampant climate impacts," Stiell said, driving home the urgency of global collaboration. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-70.png As the host nation, Azerbaijan actively drove discussions at the summit. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev described the gathering as a pivotal moment for global climate ambitions, warning that the world is on a perilous path without bold and immediate action. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, highlighting a significant transformation in the country's economy. "Developed countries must race against the clock to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year by 2025," Babayev emphasized, underscoring the urgent need for global collaboration to tackle the climate crisis. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-69.png Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing global efforts on critical climate priorities, including climate financing, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and transparency in climate reporting. He expressed optimism that the agreements reached in Baku could mark a historic turning point for global climate action. "We laid the foundation for the first industrial-scale solar power plant of 240 megawatts," Shahbazov said, showcasing Azerbaijan's tangible progress in renewable energy as part of its broader climate commitments. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-68.png Several nations unveiled ambitious initiatives during the summit. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to dramatically expand the country's wind and solar energy capacity from 31,000 MW to 120,000 MW by 2035. Highlighting Turkey's leadership in climate action, Erdogan noted, "We have increased the share of renewable energy in our total installed capacity to 59%. With this rate, we are ranked 5th in Europe and 11th in the world. Our key priorities for achieving the 2053 net zero emissions target are renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy." Additionally, Turkey's Zero Waste Project, which has already cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.9 million tons, aims to recycle 60% of waste by 2035. Erdogan also officially declared Turkey's candidacy to host COP31 in 2026. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-67.png The U.S. delegation pledged to sustain momentum on climate action despite domestic political challenges. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse emphasized the critical need to address methane leaks and rising sea levels, reaffirming his commitment to countering fossil fuel interests. "We will not give up the fight for climate action and against the fossil fuel corruption that's soon to take power in Washington," Whitehouse declared, underscoring the stakes of the global climate crisis and the need for unwavering leadership. Senator Ed Markey also pledged sustained U.S. leadership on climate issues, vowing to hold Big Oil accountable and protect the planet, regardless of political challenges. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-66.png Ben Goloff, senior campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity's Climate Law Institute, called on the Biden administration to act swiftly on climate policy, warning of the far-reaching consequences if former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement once again, returns to power. "Climate diplomacy on a boiling planet doesn't stop for a climate denier," Goloff said. "Before Trump takes office, Biden officials need to use the next two months to establish robust protections and secure their climate legacy." Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-65.png Shaosi Li, Deputy Director-General of China's Macroeconomic Journal at the National Development and Reform Commission, outlined China's innovative strategies for combating desertification. These measures include deploying solar power systems and utilizing biological soil crusts to rehabilitate degraded landscapes. Li noted that "China is extending its desert transformation efforts beyond its borders," citing partnerships with African nations to restore ecosystems in the arid Sahel region. She further emphasized, "By integrating satellite data, precision irrigation, and advanced ecological restoration techniques, China is not only reclaiming barren lands but also setting a global benchmark for addressing climate change." Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-64.png Delegates from the Global South brought renewed urgency to the call for climate action at COP29, emphasizing the disproportionate burdens they face. Adrian Martinez Blanco, director of the NGO La Ruta del Clima , accused fossil fuel companies of deliberately obstructing progress. "They seek to delay solving problems for the sake of profiting from fossil fuels, despite their commitments and the need for urgent action. However, we are here to protect the interests of people and nature," Martinez Blanco said. He stressed that the focus must remain on safeguarding humanity and the environment, emphasizing that the moment for accountability and justice has arrived. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-63.png Grace Dorong, founder of the NGO Root of Generations , issued a powerful call for urgent support for communities displaced by climate change, emphasizing the human toll of the crisis. "Refugees have no escape. You flee in one direction; you are met with danger. You flee in another direction; you are met with another danger. The climate crisis is drastically impacting our lives," Dorong said. She highlighted the mounting challenges people face in rebuilding their lives and advocated for community-driven solutions to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-62.png As the summit concluded, the pressure on nations to follow through on their commitments was greater than ever. From ambitious renewable energy targets to innovative financing mechanisms, the decisions made at COP29 could reshape the future of climate policy. With the world watching, the stakes for decisive action have never been higher. Media Contact Company Name: Global News Online Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=cop29-in-baku-a-defining-moment-for-global-climate-action ] City: NY Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info This release was published on openPR.WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.
Canned tuna is an excellent source of protein, makes a convenient snack or meal ingredient, and is often affordable, too. As such, canned tuna is a great addition to your pantry. However, not all brands of tuna are the same. Whether you're shopping for yellowfin, skipjack, or albacore, and whether you prefer it packed in oil or water — when it comes to canned tuna, making the right purchasing decisions impacts not just your wallet and personal health, but also the planet. While some go above and beyond to provide quality products sourced with sustainable practices, other tuna producers pack their cans with questionable ingredients or unnecessary additives, and certain companies utilize suspect fishing techniques or packaging to cut costs and get that product to your cart faster. So which tuna brands should you opt for when you're at the grocery store? These are some of the lowest- and highest-quality tuna brands out there, with determinations based on factors like sourcing practices, online reviews, and whether or not a company uses potentially unwelcome additives — find more information about our methodology at the end of this article. Highest: Wild Planet Wild Planet is touted as a high-quality canned seafood brand for a variety of reasons. Looking specifically at its tuna offerings, goes far beyond the boasts made by some of the lower-quality tuna brands listed here. This tuna is caught with no nets, and it's not only dolphin safe, it's turtle safe, too. Adding to the brand's credibility, Wild Planet is named by the as a brand that reliably provides information about how its tuna was caught. Additionally, when you look at the ingredients list of Wild Planet tuna, all you see is one item: tuna. There's no water or oil added, or additives like preservatives. As such, when you open up one of Wild Planet's cans of tuna, you're not going to see a bunch of shredded fish or tiny chunks. These hand-cut and hand-packed pieces of tuna are large. Highest: Natural Catch Pick up a can of Natural Catch tuna, and you'll immediately see a big difference between this tuna brand and the other guys — and it all starts with the packaging. Natural Catch tuna doesn't come in a round cylindrical can that requires you to break out the can opener. Instead, similarly to sardines or anchovies, this tuna comes in a tin with a pop-top. This allows the tuna to retain a fillet shape, for customers to enjoy larger cuts of tuna instead of those chunky bits and bobs so common in round cans. Additionally, Natural Catch tuna is packed with a high-caliber type of extra-virgin olive oil sourced from Spain. Natural Catch tuna is caught via the pole-and-line fishing method, which is a technique preferred by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch as one of the most sustainable options. As such, the brand claims that its practices are not harmful to dolphins and turtles. Additionally, Natural Catch points out that its pole-and-line fishing methods result in catching younger tuna that have lower mercury levels than older and larger tuna. Lowest: Bumble Bee Bumble Bee is one of the more prominent shelf-stable seafood options at grocery stores, with an array of products available. The brand goes beyond providing canned tuna, offering and ready-to-eat . Management at Bumble Bee has also recently made efforts to improve the company's sustainability practices. In 2021, only 71% of its seafood was sourced sustainably, and that percentage rose to 91% by 2023. However, when you break down the numbers, some of Bumble Bee's individual products still have a lot of room for improvement. For example, Bumble Bee admits that the majority of its albacore tuna has not yet been assessed as meeting Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification standards, with only 5% currently earning that status. Additionally, when you look at a basic can of Bumble Bee's solid white albacore, you'll find not just water and tuna in the can. Due to the addition of unnecessary ingredients like vegetable broth and sea salt, each 5-ounce can of tuna packs in 320 milligrams of sodium, so a single serving accounts for 14% of your daily recommended intake. Highest: Tonnino Many of Tonnino's tuna products are distinctively packed in jars, allowing you to see the tuna, its size, and its visible quality before you even put it in your cart. However, if you really like the convenience of cans, the brand also sells canned versions of its products, including options flavored with tomatoes and olives, carrots and peas, and jalapeños. Tonnino also boasts an exclusive preparation method for its tuna. Immediately after it's wild caught with pole-and-line techniques, the tuna is frozen aboard the ship. The tuna is rigorously tested for mercury levels, and cooked on the bone in a manner intended to retain moisture and flavor. Then, the tuna is hand-cut and hand-packed. Additionally, if you're really interested in knowing where your food comes from, you can use Tonnino's tuna-tracing feature on the brand's website to find out exactly where your tuna was caught, and even which captain was responsible for the fishing vessel. Highest: American Tuna American Tuna is another brand that allows customers to trace the source of its tuna, allowing customers to learn about where their seafood came from and which ship caught it — but if you just want some basic details, you can find them right on the can. The company puts information about its fishing methods front and center, clearly spelling out that every can's contents were either pole-and-line caught or troll caught, with both fishing methods being preferred by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. Plus, when you look at the ingredients list on a plain can of albacore tuna, you'll find precisely one item: tuna, with no water, oil, salt, vegetable oil, or preservatives added. Additionally, American Tuna products are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, a fact the brand credits to its cooking process, as the hand-packed tuna is cooked only once while it's in the can. Admittedly, this brand is on the pricey side — it may cost over $50 for a — but you get what you pay for. Lowest: Chicken of the Sea Despite being a very popular tuna brand, Chicken of the Sea may be doing itself a disservice with its creative name and marketing — who wants a can of tuna that's indistinguishable from chicken? This company has been in operation since 1914, and according to the , the brand launched an initiative to become more sustainable by 2030. This endeavor includes releasing a yearly sustainability report to provide public accountability, but it's worth noting that as of this article's publication time in late 2024, the most recent "annual" report was issued in 2022 — which begs the question: What's been going on for the last two years? Beyond sustainability, Chicken of the Sea has received criticism online for its taste and texture — this may be partly due to the fact that the brand's oil-packed chunk light tuna is made with soybean oil rather than olive oil. Looking past the brand's tuna, Chicken of the Sea recently came under fire for plastic chemicals allegedly discovered in its salmon products. A study found that these products contain high levels of phthalates, which have been linked to negative health issues. Highest: Safe Catch While light canned tuna isn't listed among , it may still contain enough mercury that certain people — like children, or those who are pregnant — should watch how much canned tuna they consume. Knowing this, Safe Catch goes the extra mile to ensure that its tuna has the lowest mercury content possible. In fact, the company claims that its products have the lowest mercury levels among all tuna brands. It achieves this by testing every single fish that it processes, and ensuring that the levels of mercury in its tuna are much less than the Food and Drug Administration's recommended limit. As such, Safe Catch has gained status as the recommended tuna brand of the American Pregnancy Association. Additionally, Safe Catch tuna is sustainably caught, dolphin safe, and free of additives. The one downside? Some of its tuna is caught in the Indian Ocean, which environmental watchdog groups warn is overfished, as fishing practices in the region are alleged to be managed ineffectively. Highest: Fishwife If ever there was a canned tuna brand perfect for adding , it's the relatively recently established Fishwife, woman-founded in 2020. Fishwife's tuna comes packaged in a colorful, fun box (don't worry; there's a can inside the cardboard), and every aspect of this canned tuna screams "luxe." The albacore tuna is caught in Europe's Bay of Biscay, and only during June, July, and August, which the brand says is when the tuna is at its highest quality. Then, the tuna is hand-packed with Spanish olive oil and salt in an artisanal cannery. Online reviews insist that this brand's products are definitely worth the price, and while the strong flavors that Fishwife offers may not be for everyone, many seafood fans love them. The albacore tuna also comes in a spicy variant, with the olive oil blended with hot paprika, cayenne, white pepper, and garlic. However, due to the added salt, you will see a bit more sodium in this canned tuna than in other options; while it's not as much as what you might find in lower-quality brands like Great Value or Bumble Bee, a can of Fishwife's albacore tuna does still account for 12% of your daily recommended sodium intake. Lowest: Great Value With many canned products, you can opt for a cheaper store brand, save a few cents, and enjoy a product of equal quality. However, that's not the case with tuna — at least not if you're considering buying Walmart's Great Value tuna. One of the big red flags you'll find on a can of Great Value tuna is the warning that this product could contain traces of soy, and is made in a facility that handles milk, eggs, shrimp, coconut, wheat, and sesame. Not only does this cause concern for those with food allergies, but it also raises the risk of exposure to ingredients and packaging processes that may not align with your health priorities or values. Additionally, some of Walmart's canned tuna, like the solid white albacore tuna packed in water, contains sodium pyrophosphate. This additive has been linked to health issues such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and other ailments. Highest: Whole Foods Market 365 If you're looking for a high-quality canned tuna that is affordable, consider Whole Foods Market's 365 store brand. The supermarket chain offers MSC-certified sustainable albacore wild tuna that's pole-and-line caught, and traceable from ship to store shelf. Each can only contains tuna and water, and the product is dolphin safe. In fact, Whole Foods Market is so committed to its tuna's sustainability, that in 2017 the brand announced a new sourcing policy for vetting not just its own store-brand tuna, but all canned tuna sold at the chain. With this in mind, since a can of costs just about $3.50 — and its ingredients list only contains tuna chunks, water, and sea salt — you can't really beat the price combined with the quality. While this tuna may not offer the same fillet-like texture or the pronounced flavor you might find with one of the pricier brands, it makes a great choice for incorporating into dishes like , , or a . Highest: Good & Gather As another brand that blends affordability with quality, Target's own Good & Gather products include a mix of tuna options. While the solid white albacore tuna is MSC-certified as sustainable, do note that it's long-line caught, which isn't one of the preferred fishing methods of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. As such, you might opt for one of the brand's other tuna varieties, like the premium wild chunk white albacore, which is specifically marked as being pole-and-line caught and dolphin safe, with its ingredients list consisting solely of tuna, water, and sea salt. This tuna, however, is not branded with the MSC stamp of approval, so you'll have to decide which mark of sustainability is more important to you. Additionally, the premium variant is slightly more expensive than the aforementioned Good & Gather solid white albacore tuna, but the cheaper version fills out its ingredients with vegetable broth and sodium acid pyrophosphate, so the extra cost might be well worthwhile. Lowest: Kirkland Signature is based on some seriously great products, which provided the foundation for a cult following of shoppers. However, not every Kirkland product is worth the hype, as is the case with the brand's canned tuna. In 2022, Costco was slapped with a class-action lawsuit that claimed its Kirkland Signature albacore solid white tuna in water was not truly dolphin safe, as was stated on the label. Costco's apparent response? Just remove that wording from the label. Nowadays, you won't find any information about dolphin safety on the product's packaging. While this tuna is labeled as wild caught, not all wild-caught tuna is considered to be sustainable, because the tuna could still be sourced from overexploited stock or caught in a manner harmful to other marine life, including dolphins. Additionally, Kirkland Signature albacore solid white tuna contains sodium acid pyrophosphate, a preservative that has been linked to immune-system issues and low bone density. Highest: Pole & Line Pole & Line tuna doesn't make you go to the brand's website and type in a code to find out more about where your tuna was caught and who caught it. It lists that information right on the can, including the catch location and year, as well as the fishing vessel and its captain. As the brand name suggests, Pole & Line uses pole-and-line fishing techniques to catch tuna one-by-one. The brand boasts MSC sustainability certification, dolphin-safe status, and a quality certification from the American Albacore Fishing Association. The brand does source some of its fish from the Maldives, which means that the company's practices deviate from recommendations by environmental organizations against purchasing fish caught in the overfished Indian Ocean. However, if you want to avoid this region's fish, you can do so by simply purchasing Pole & Line's Pacific-caught albacore tuna, not skipjack tuna products sourced from the Indian Ocean. Highest: Ocean's Ocean's offers a good range of canned tuna, from pole-and-line-caught white albacore in flaked or solid form to chunk light skipjack. The brand also sells snack kits and flavored varieties. Which product you pick will depend on what you're prioritizing, but according to the company, every product that Ocean's offers is sourced with a goal of maximizing sustainability and quality. In all of its processing practices, Ocean's strives toward achieving plastic neutrality, which means that to compensate for all plastic used by the brand in its operations, the company invests in removing plastic pollution from the environment. The brand is also B Corp certified, a status that ensures the company isn't just taking care of the planet, but is also taking care of its employees by providing fair wages. There are only a few thousand companies with B Corp certification in the entire world. Lowest: StarKist Despite its ubiquity in supermarket tuna aisles, StarKist has been mired in controversy for years. In 2019, StarKist was included in a class-action lawsuit alleging that the brand's dolphin-safe claims were false. These days, the claims that the company condemns "indiscriminate fishing methods that trap dolphins, whales, and other marine life along with the intended catch of fish." However, you won't see certifications from MSC or other independent sustainability-focused organizations on StarKist packaging, which some shoppers may find a little fishy (pardon the pun). Additionally, some customers say they're not getting what they pay for when buying StarKist cans of tuna. Recently, StarKist paid $200 million in a lawsuit claiming the brand was overcharging consumers via a price-fixing conspiracy. In another instance, one claimed that each can of StarKist contains 30% less tuna by weight than what the label states, going so far as to measure out the tuna in their recently purchased cans to back up the allegation. Methodology These canned tuna brands were determined to provide the highest or lowest quality based on varied factors, with sustainability being a primary consideration, including the fishing and processing practices and areas of operation that different companies utilize. Ingredients were also a major consideration, such as if brands use unnecessary additives that could impact a product's nutritional content or pose a health risk for certain populations. Online reports and buyer reviews about each product's taste and texture were also factored in. Brands that pledge to follow sustainable and safe fishing practices, as well as those using fewer additives and garnering more positive reviews, were ranked as providing the highest quality. Tuna producers with somewhat suspect sustainability claims, as well as those using potentially undesirable additives and earning many negative reviews, were ranked among the lowest-quality brands. Recommended
PONTIAC—Simeon and Peoria Manual have a combined 12 state titles and 26 Pontiac Holiday Tournament champions. Both had legendary stretches of four consecutive state titles, the only teams to pull off that feat. The Rams and Wolverines are Illinois high school basketball royalty, so the matchup in the Pontiac quarterfinals on Friday brought out a big crowd and garnered some extra media attention. “Two of the most storied programs in the state,” Simeon coach Tim Flowers said. “We both have younger coaches and are trying to rebuild and restructure our programs.” The Wolverines were ready for the big stage and produced their best game of the season, beating Manual 68-52. Simeon (7-3) led 23-12 after one quarter and was never challenged. “It’s the same message that [former Simeon coaches Bob] Hambric and [Robert Smith] had,” Flowers said. “Defense will always give you a chance to win and defense travels.” I’m happy to see it is starting to come together.” Peoria Manual guard Dietrich Richardson, who scored 39 in the tournament opener against Plainfield North on Thursday, scored 18 points. He’s a Bradley recruit that is generally considered the top senior in the state. Simeon senior Julien Doyle is having a breakout season one year behind schedule. Flowers expected Doyle to be a major factor last season, but he was limited to just a handful of games the end of the season due to an injury. He’s been one of the Wolverines’ most consistent players this season and had 16 points and five rebounds against Manual (8-4). “I’m just doing what I can to help us win,” Doyle said. “I’m trying to be a leader and help the team believe we can win every game.” Simeon was 13-for-23 from three-point range. Isiah Coleman had 13 points and seven rebounds and Kamari Hamlin added 10 points for the Wolverines. Senior Lorenzo Shields was the catalyst for Simeon with nine points, nine rebounds and11 assists. “They got hot from outside,” Peoria Manual coach Marvin Jordan said. “I knew they were capable of that but we didn’t see that on film. They have fiery guys that go out and play with passion. You just hope that game doesn’t happen to you.” Simeon will face Benet, a winner against Bloom, in the semifinals on Saturday.Dr. Oz’s Healthcare Investments Could Blow Up His Nomination to Oversee MedicareIt will be the Apaches vs. Bulldogs on Saturday with a football title at stake. Tyler Junior College, ranked No. 7 in the nation, and No. 6 Navarro College meet for the Southwest Junior College Football Conference championship at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Earl Campbell Field. The winner of the SWJCFC earns a berth in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl, which is scheduled for Dec. 7 at Ernest Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium on the campus of East Texas A&M University in Commerce. The Apaches (7-3) have won 11 league championships, but none in almost a quarter of a century. TJC won the 2000 SWJCFC championship with a 23-21 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in the Red River Bowl held at Pennington Field in Bedford. The Apaches last played for the title in 2021, falling to New Mexico Military Institute, 45-10, in Roswell, New Mexico. The Bulldogs (7-2) have captured 12 conference titles, the last in 2019, a 36-35 win over NMMI in Corsicana. Current Navarro Coach Ryan Taylor, a former TJC All-America center, led Cisco College to the 2020 crown. (The season was played in the spring of 2021 due to COVID-19). Navarro played for the title last season, falling to Kilgore College, 48-39, in Kilgore. The last time the two met in the championship was in 2011, a 33-29 win by Navarro in Corsicana. The last time the championship game was held in Tyler was in 2003 (NEO won over TJC, 37-34). TJC advanced to the championship with a 28-17 win over Kilgore College last week in the semifinals. In six games, quarterback Tre Guerra, a sophomore from Keller, has connected on 54 of 85 passing attempts for 618 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Lonnie Johnson has been a favorite target of Guerra. The big tight end who graduated from Keller Timber Creek, a rival squad of Guerra’s Keller High team, has 18 receptions on the season for 213 yards and three touchdowns (2 against KC last week). Bernock Iya (6-2, sophomore, Azle) is not only a key defensive back, but the speedster is a threat on kickoff and punt returns. William Cornelson (6-2, 240, sophomore, linebacker, Austin/Cedar Park Vista Ridge High School) leads the Apaches with 114 tackles (7.5 sacks) followed by Darion White (6-2, 215, sophomore, linebacker, Waco/La Vega High School) with 113 tackles (5.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles). Both are among the nation’s leaders. Jayden Madkins (6-2, 290, sophomore, defensive lineman, Houston/Alvin Shadow Creek) leads the big guys up front. He has four sacks. Navarro advanced to the championship with a 28-21 win over Cisco last week in Corsicana. Bulldog quarterback Mason Shorb completed 19-of-31 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns against Wrangler and backup QB Ryan Shackleton was 3-of-4 for 41 yards and a TD. Cisco gave the Dawgs all they wanted and more, and Navarro’s defense had to put the game away in the second half, breaking free from a 21-21 tie at halftime. Shawn Brown caught three passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns, including a 56-yarder, and Braylon Finney had three receptions for 28 yards and a TD. Malachai Jackson caught four passes for 74 yards. Navarro has won three-straight over the Apaches since TJC won 69-57 on Sept. 11, 2021. On Nov. 2, Navarro scored a 49-24 win over TJC in Corsicana. The Bulldogs lead the all-times series with Tyler, 49-41. SMOKE SIGNALS: Tyelar Rohman, TJC assistant athletic director, said, “Fans are encouraged to wear black and participate in another Black Out to show their support as the team takes the field in their signature black uniforms.” ... Ticket prices are: general admission ($8), reserved seatbacks ($12), TJC students (Free with ID) and other students ($3 with valid student ID).
NEW YORK (AP) — There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. That's one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make — things to do and things to avoid — that could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place. DO assess honestly where you are with it all For those who feel strongly about the election's outcome, and know that the people they would be spending the holiday feel just as strongly in the other direction, take the time to honestly assess if you're ready to spend time together in THIS moment, barely a few weeks after Election Day — and a time when feelings are still running high. The answer might be that you're not, and it might be better to take a temporary break, says Justin Jones-Fosu, author of “I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” “You have to assess your own readiness,” he says, “Each person is going be very different in this.” He emphasizes that it's not about taking a permanent step back. “Right now is that moment that we’re talking about because it’s still so fresh. Christmas may be different.” READ: DON’T miss the bigger picture of what the holiday is all about Keep focused on why why you decided to go in the first place, Jones-Fosu says. Maybe it’s because there’s a relative there you don’t get to see often, or a loved one is getting up in age, or your kids want to see their cousins. Keeping that reason in mind could help you get through the time. DO set boundaries If you decide getting together is the way to go, but you know politics is still a dicey subject, set a goal of making the holiday a politics-free zone and stick with it, says Karl Pillemer, a professor at Cornell University whose work includes research on family estrangement. “Will a political conversation change anyone’s mind?" he says. “If there is no possibility of changing anyone’s mind, then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.” DON’T take the bait Let’s be honest. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions to keep the holiday gathering politics- and drama-free, there’s someone who’s got something to say and is going to say it. In that case, avoid getting drawn into it, says Tracy Hutchinson, a professor in the graduate clinical mental health counseling program at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. “Not to take the hook is one of the most important things, and it is challenging,” she says. After all, you don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to. DO think about what will happen after the holiday If you risk getting caught up in the moment, consider engaging in what Pillemer calls “forward mapping.” This involves thinking medium and long term rather than just about right now — strategy rather than tactics. Maybe imagine yourself six months from now looking back on the dinner and thinking about the memories you'd want to have. “Think about how you would like to remember this holiday,” he says. “Do you want to remember it with your brother and sister-in-law storming out and going home because you’ve had a two-hour argument?” DON'T feel you have to be there uninterrupted Things getting intense? Defuse the situation. Walk away. And it doesn't have to be in a huff. Sometimes a calm and collected time out is just what you — and the family — might need. Says Hutchinson: “If they do start to do something like that, you could say, `I’ve got to make this phone call. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’m going to take a walk around the block.'" Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Analysis-Legal hurdles ahead for Google's forced sale of ChromeMission Bay Coffee Shop Broken Into Twice In 24 Hours, Before It Even Opens