What’s Fact and What’s Fiction in A Complete UnknownThomas Story & Son LLC Increases Holdings in Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
Democracy is a system of government where people control the agenda and hold decision-makers accountable. It gives every person the power and freedom to help choose the path for their society and to take action to improve their lives. It is the only political system that can force governments to work for their citizens, not against them. The most important element of democracy is a vibrant citizenry that actively participates in society and in their government – through voting, protesting, running for office, or other ways to engage in democratic politics. Without this engagement, democracy will fail. Democracy also requires respect for human rights and the rule of law. Democracies should ensure that all persons can take part in the governance of their country through freely chosen representatives, with periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage. They should respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and guarantee access to information and transparency. In turn, these rights create an environment that facilitates democracy and enables it to realize its potential as a mechanism for the protection and realization of human rights. As different as all nations and societies are, modern democracy consists of the same essential components: a people-controlled constitution; elected leaders at the national and local levels who listen to their constituents and respond to their concerns; free, fair and professional elections that allow all political parties and candidates to present their views to voters, both directly and through mass media; independent courts that uphold and enforce the laws without fear or favor; and the ability to hold elected leaders accountable for their actions. A strong democracy includes a loyal opposition that passionately advocates for its policy interests, but does not resort to violence against the democratic process or its opponents. It also includes a commitment to a free press and other mechanisms that promote a culture of tolerance, openness and pluralism. While there is a debate over what is included in a definition of democracy, most include electoral procedures, participation and accountability as core elements. Some go even further by including economic or administrative efficiency in their indices of democracy. Some argue that democratic values and principles are being undermined by the rise of populist demagogues in many parts of the world. However, a democracy that is not reliant on its own popularity can endure challenges and thrive over time. It is worth remembering that democracies exist all around the globe, with each one having its own unique characteristics and needs. Over the course of history, they have survived civil wars; racial and ethnic cleansing; famines; devastating natural disasters; economic expansions and depressions; and social, demographic, and technological change. They have also brought women, minorities and indigenous peoples closer to full equality; and reduced inequality in all its forms. It is our responsibility to defend democracy, and to educate each generation about its value. Only then can it be a force that can resist the siren call of autocratic leaders and sustain a peaceful coexistence of diverse peoples and cultures.
Stock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more records
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Amar'e Marshall scored 17 points as Albany beat Puerto Rico-Mayaguez 93-50 on Friday. Marshall also contributed five assists for the Great Danes (4-1). Byron Joshua added 13 points while going 4 of 4 (3 for 3 from 3-point range) while he also had five assists and five steals. Aaron Reddish shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 2 for 3 from the line to finish with 12 points. Puerto Rico-Mayaguez was led by David Maldonado, who posted 16 points. Jose Alicea scored 10 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .2 Los Angeles Chargers Slapped With More Big Fines
AC Milan and Bologna have advanced to the Italian Cup quarter-finals with convincing victories. Milan thrashed Serie B leaders Sassuolo 6-1, while Bologna routed Serie A strugglers Monza 4-0. The Rossoneri will face either Roma or Sampdoria in the last eight and Bologna will play the winners of Atalanta's match against Cesena. Both those round of 16 games take place next week. Tuesday night's match at the San Siro was all but over after less than 23 minutes as Sassuolo, who featured Sydney born and raised Italian youth international Cristian Volpato, were swept away by a double from Samuel Chukwueze and other goals by Tijjani Reijnders and Rafael Leao. It had been a much-changed starting line-up for Paulo Fonseca's Milan side ahead of a tough Serie A trip to Atalanta on Friday and the Rossoneri made four further changes at halftime. Milan nevertheless extended their advantage through Davide Calabria and Tammy Abraham, either side of a consolation goal for Sassuolo's Samuele Mulattieri. "I think everyone played a great game, we were aggressive," Portugal international Leao said. "We set goals for this season, in this game we showed what we want to do ... The team is doing well, it's important to have this family atmosphere among us." Bologna scored two goals in each half, with Tommaso Pobega and Riccardo Orsolini netting in the first period and Benjamin Dominguez and Santiago Castro in the second. However, Orsolini limped off shortly after scoring and Bologna now faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of his injury. The Italy forward is Bologna's top goalscorer this season, with six goals.
NEW YORK — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez isn’t defending last week’s targeted execution of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, but believes companies like his act in a way that many people might see as life-threatening. “This is not to say that an act of violence is justified, but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them ,” the 35-year-old liberal lawmaker said in a video shared to social media this week. Blasting the nation’s health care system, Ocasio-Cortez said she had no health insurance until joining Congress in 2019. She recalled going to a free clinic for blood work she couldn’t afford while campaigning to represent New York’s 14th District. “Health care in this country has gotten to such a depraved state that people are living with things that they should never have to live with,” she continued in the clip. “We need to understand that extreme levels of inequality in the United States yield high degrees of social instability.” According to the congresswoman, Americans who don’t care that others can’t afford necessities like health care should at least consider the potential danger such desperation and frustration causes all of society. Police in Pennsylvania arrested Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione on Monday in connection to Thompson’s murder outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown where insurance company investors were scheduled to meet Dec. 4. He’s been charged with murder , illegal weapons possession, forgery and providing false identification to police. Mangione, who’s expected to enter a not guilty plea , reportedly harbored a grudge against insurance companies that profit by denying claims filed by people overwhelmed by medical expenses. When Mangione was apprehended, authorities found a notebook in which he seemingly plotted to target a health care insurance executive. “What do you do? You wack the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention,” he allegedly wrote, according to the New York Times. “It’s targeted, precise, and doesn’t risk innocents.” Thompson’s killing was celebrated online by many who voiced their own frustrations with insurance companies and the nation’s health care system as a whole. ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Xilio Therapeutics Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
KENOSHA — A series of books and short stories written by a Kenosha author is changing the lives of her readers and their families. Parents who once thought certain tasks were impossible are seeing big changes in their kids. The series is called Positively Prepared. The books are written by Heather McKay. She has been a speech pathologist for about 26 years. She writes primarily short stories that are called 'social stories' or 'social narratives'. “They are books that are written to prepare children for specific situations, procedures, or events," McKay said. These stories prepare children for big moments by giving them visual representations of what to expect. Some of these events include going to the dentist, blood tests, entering middle school, talking with friends, expressing emotions, and potty training. “The visual representation of the story is so important to help prepare these kids, to reduce their anxiety, to increase their positive behavior," McKay said. She has written about 80 different stories since the early 2000s. In 2021, McKay turned it into a business called Positively Prepared. Over the past two decades, she has helped dozens of students and their families. One prime example is Leila Burke. You'd never be able to tell now, but the 16-year-old grew up being non-verbal. “Cause I have autism, and I couldn’t really talk that well at the time," Burke said. Thanks to McKay and her books all that changed. "She helped me, like, learn how to interact with my peers and stuff and get better at it," Burke said. The books and corresponding visuals were presented in a way that Burke could understand. “So, because her language wasn’t functional at the time, she started to become verbal, and these stories kind of helped bridge that gap in showing her how to communicate with her peers and her teachers in the classroom," McKay said. For a while, Burke's parents weren't sure what to do. They didn't know if or when their daughter would start speaking. “We had had a hard time at our home life honestly. People do not believe us now when they see her compared to how she was then. I mean she has grown so much. She has learned a lot. And Heather definitely had a big part in that," Katie Burke, Leila's mom, said. It’s those success stories that motivate McKay every day. “This is where I start crying. Just what you said—it’s very touching to see how successful these kids become," McKay said. “I just see these families and parents really struggle with kids on the autism spectrum. If I can make it a little easier by giving them a tool to use at home.” This is why McKay will keep writing these books and tailoring them specifically to kid's needs. She wants more success stories like Leila's. “I have not run out of any ideas yet.” Find her books at positivelypreparedstories.com . Watch the story to see more Positively Prepared stories... It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device. Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip
Stock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more records
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Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certainThe China Fund, Inc. Announces Date of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certainAccording to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN , the Detroit Red Wings are on the verge of making a coaching change. Following the team’s disappointing 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues, with the holiday break giving GM Steve Yzerman some time to think it over, speculation is he’s ready to pull the plug on Derek Lalonde . Hearing whispers that Steve Yzerman is ready for a coaching change in Detroit, however owner Chris Ilitch is hesitant due to the financial impact of a potential buyout. Interesting situation developing... #LGRW The defeat to the Blues has fueled discussions about the team’s long-term direction and performance under its current coaching staff. What may be causing the delay is owner Chris Ilitch’s reluctance to approve a coaching change due to financial concerns. While Yzerman appears dissatisfied with recent results and is eager to make a move, Ilitch is hesitant to pay two coaches. The expenses involved in buying out the current coach’s contract, along with the cost of hiring an experienced replacement, are creating obstacles to approving the change. Do the Red Wings think they can salvage the season? It’s intriguing timing for talk of the coaching chance to surface. There has been chatter most of the year that this might be in the works, but now that the Red Wings are 34 games into the season and seventh in the Atlantic Division, it’s hard to see a scenario where they turn things around. The team is eight points out of the wild-card race , and while a new coach might offer them a bump in terms of improved play, would it be enough? As pressure mounts, Red Wings fans are eager to see whether Yzerman can secure the resources needed to make significant changes and get the team back on track. And, if they do make a change, is the coach they bring in supposed to get this team into the playoff mix? Or, is it about finding a coach to move forward with the team after this year? This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.