Purpose Investments Inc. Announces December 2024 Distributions
Washington : President Joe Biden faces a backlash from Democrats angry over his decision to pardon his son – a move that blunts their line of attack on Donald Trump, the first convicted criminal to be re-elected president. Two days after Biden’s decision to spare Hunter Biden from the prospect of jail, the federal judge overseeing Hunter’s gun convictions terminated any further court proceedings in the case on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST). The judge overseeing the tax evasion case that Hunter was due to be sentenced for in California is soon expected to do the same. President Joe Biden embraces his son Hunter Biden at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. Credit: NYT Biden decided to pardon his 52-year-old son on Sunday – the same day that Trump announced he had tapped MAGA loyalist Kash Patel to be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Patel is a far-right extremist and former federal prosecutor who has previously said he wants to “annihilate the deep state”, which he believes is made up of senior bureaucrats, journalists, big tech and Democratic Party elected officials. “We’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens and who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections,” he once told Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast while pushing unproven claims of voter fraud. “We’re going to come after you, whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’ll figure that out.” Kash Patel has little of the law enforcement and management experience typical of FBI directors. Credit: AP As demoralised Democrats attempt to rebuild following Kamala Harris’ crushing election defeat, some in the party are fuming over the presidential pardon, which comes after Biden and his aides spent months saying he would adhere to the jury’s verdict and not grant such clemency. Michigan Democrat senator Gary Peters described it as an “improper use of power”, noting that “a president’s family and allies shouldn’t get special treatment”. Colorado Democrat senator Michael Bennett agreed, telling CNN: “It just gives the American people a sense that there’s one system for the rich and powerful and another system for everybody else.” And Virginia senator Tim Kaine had a similar sentiment, saying in a statement: “President Biden made a promise to not take this step, and I do not believe in breaking promises. We all need to follow the rule of law, even – especially – when it’s hard for us personally.” The internal dissent that Biden faces comes weeks before the US president leaves office after a political career spanning half a century. But the sweeping nature of the pardon – which covers not only the tax and gun convictions that Hunter faced but also any potential criminal activities that he “may have committed or taken part in” starting from January 2014 through to Sunday – has exposed the president to claims that he is abusing a justice system he long denied was being “weaponised”. The beginning date is significant as it is a few months before Hunter joined the board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings – a position in which Republicans have accused him of violating foreign lobbying laws. They have also used Hunter’s business dealings as a political cudgel against his father, who was then vice president under Barack Obama. “Enough is enough,” Biden said on Sunday as he announced the pardon before leaving on his final presidential overseas trip to Angola. Donald Trump supporters storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Credit: AP Trump immediately responded by hinting at potential clemency for rioters who attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. His list of past pardons also includes his former national security adviser Michael Flynn (who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during the Russian interference investigation of Trump); Paul Manafort (convicted of tax and bank fraud as part of the Russia investigation) and former White House strategist Steve Bannon (charged with defrauding donors in a campaign to fund Trump’s border wall). Trump’s lawyers this week formally asked a judge to throw out his hush money criminal conviction, arguing continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the presidency.” They also cited Biden’s pardon of his son in the filing. “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’” Trump’s legal team wrote. The Manhattan district attorney, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theatre “that President Biden condemned.” The backlash over Biden’s pardon comes as Trump rounds out his new cabinet with loyalists who will help him carry out his second-term agenda. Among them is Fox News presenter Peter Hegseth, who has spent the past two days meeting senators on Capitol Hill amid fresh claims that he was forced out of leadership roles in two military veterans organisations following allegations of financial mismanagement, aggressive drunkenness and sexist behaviour. The 44-year-old military veteran was an unconventional choice for the top Pentagon job, as he has never led a large government agency. Now, concerns about his qualifications have been overshadowed by allegations related to his personal conduct. The latest reports – which were made by a whistleblower in The New Yorker – come after California police released a complaint by a woman who claims she was raped by Hegseth during a Republican fundraiser in 2017. He insists, however, that the incident was consensual, and in relation to the latest claims, told reporters through an adviser that the claims were “outlandish”. His lawyer declined to comment. However, the Trump team continues to stand by its picks, with senior adviser Jason Miller telling Fox News on Tuesday that they were feeling “very good about the nominees”. Others include Russian sympathiser and former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy for secretary of health, and former Florida attorney-general Pam Bondi for federal attorney-general. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here .MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Zach Tanner threw two touchdown passes to Shawn Charles and Robert Morris ended the season with a 31-13 win over Stonehill on Saturday. Tanner and Charles hooked up for an 86-yard score on the second snap for the Colonials (7-5, 4-2 Northeast Conference) and then went for 51 yards to make it 21-0 after one quarter. Tanner was 13 of 20 for 268 yards with two interceptions. Charles caught four passes for 149 yards. DJ Moyer capped a 69-yard drive in the first quarter with a 1-yard plunge. Danny Hurley kicked two field goals to help get the Skyhawks (1-10, 0-6) within eight points but a field goal and a Turner Schmidt fumble recovery for a score wrapped up the game for Robert Morris. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
Mosquito Repellent Market to grow by USD 4.16 Billion (2024-2028) awareness campaigns drive growth, Report with AI-powered market evolution - TechnavioPete Hegseth's mother says The New York Times made 'threats' by asking her to comment on a story
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Every year in November, Geography Awareness Week (GAW) is celebrated to promote the importance of geography in understanding our world. This global initiative encourages individuals to explore their surroundings, appreciate diverse cultures, and understand the interconnectedness of our planet. In 2024, GAW continues its mission of fostering geographic literacy, emphasising the critical role of geography in addressing global challenges like climate change, migration, and sustainable development. This year, the celebration runs from November 18-22 under the theme, ‘Connecting Communities: A Geographic Lens on a Changing World ’ , which highlights the significance of geography in uniting people and solving pressing issues. For Jamaica, GAW offers an opportunity to reflect on the island’s unique geographic position and how it interacts with the rest of the world. Below, we delve into the importance of GAW globally and provide a closer look at how it relates to Jamaica. WHAT IS GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK? • History and purpose: Established in 1987 by presidential proclamation in the United States, GAW aims to raise awareness about the role of geography in education and decision-making. • Focus: The week focuses on spatial thinking, cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship. • 2024 theme: This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities: A Geographic Lens on a Changing World’, emphasises the power of geographic knowledge to address global disparities and bring communities together. WHY IS GEOGRAPHY IMPORTANT GLOBALLY? • Understanding interconnectedness: Geography helps us see the links between people, places, and environments. • Climate change awareness: Geographic knowledge is critical in understanding and combating climate change. Rising sea levels, deforestation, and changing weather patterns are all deeply geographic issues. • Global challenges: Issues like resource distribution, urbanisation, and migration require geographic insights for effective solutions. • Cultural appreciation: Geography fosters respect for cultural diversity and heritage, bridging gaps between communities. JAMAICA’S GEOGRAPHIC SIGNIFICANCE Jamaica, a small island nation in the Caribbean, has a rich geographic identity. Its unique position offers lessons in resilience, cultural exchange, and environmental management. Key geographic facts about Jamaica: 1. Location: Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles, approximately 145 kilometres south of Cuba and 191 kilometres west of Haiti. 2. Size: Covering 10,991 square kilometres (4,240 square miles), Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean. 3. Topography: The island features mountains, coastal plains, and limestone plateaus. The Blue Mountains are home to the highest peak, Blue Mountain Peak – 2,256 metres (7,401 feet). 4. Climate: A tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, prone to hurricanes and tropical storms because of its location in the Atlantic hurricane belt. 5. Natural resources: Known for bauxite, limestone, and its fertile soils, Jamaica’s economy is deeply tied to its geography. THE ROLE OF GEOGRAPHY IN JAMAICA Environmental Resilience: Jamaica faces significant challenges because of its geographic position: • Climate change: Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, while changing weather patterns affect agriculture. • Hurricane preparedness: Geography is crucial for disaster risk management, ensuring the country is better prepared for storms and hurricanes. • Biodiversity: Jamaica boasts unique flora and fauna, requiring conservation efforts grounded in geographic understanding. Tourism and Culture: • Tourism: With its stunning beaches, waterfalls, and cultural landmarks, Jamaica’s tourism industry depends heavily on its geographic appeal. • Cultural exchange: As a hub in the Caribbean, Jamaica’s location fosters cultural and economic interactions. Global Connectivity: • Trade and shipping: Jamaica’s ports, such as Kingston, are vital for international trade, connecting the Caribbean to global markets. • Diaspora relations: Geography also plays a role in shaping Jamaica’s large diaspora community, influencing remittances and cultural ties. TIPS FOR ENGAGING IN GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS For Students and Educators: 1. Explore local geography: Visit local landmarks, parks, or historic sites to understand Jamaica’s geographic features. 2. Use technology: Utilise geographic information systems (GIS) or online mapping tools to explore global and local geography. 3. Study environmental issues: Focus on how geographic factors affect Jamaica’s environment, such as coral reef degradation or deforestation. For Families and Communities: 1. Cultural celebrations: Highlight Jamaica’s diverse cultural heritage, from Maroon history to Rastafarianism, and its ties to the land. 2. Interactive activities: Engage in map-making or scavenger hunts to teach geography in a fun, interactive way. 3. Community projects: Participate in tree-planting drives or clean-up campaigns to connect with local geography. For Policymakers and Advocates: 1. Promote geographic literacy: Invest in education programmes that emphasise the importance of geographic thinking. 2. Climate action plans: Develop policies based on geographic data to address rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and disaster preparedness. 3. Sustainable development: Use Jamaica’s geographic resources wisely to balance economic growth with environmental protection. CONCLUSION Geography Awareness Week 2024 reminds us that geography is not just about maps and memorising capitals; it’s about understanding the relationships between people and places. For Jamaica, this week is an opportunity to appreciate the island’s unique geographic identity and its role in the broader global context. By fostering geographic literacy, Jamaica can better address its environmental challenges, strengthen its global connections, and celebrate the beauty and resilience of its landscapes and people. Let’s use this week to deepen our understanding of the world and Jamaica’s special place within it. editorial@gleanerjm.comIn the Shadow of Fists and the Gleam of Swords: Wang Xijing's New Series of Chinese Martial Arts Paintings
Disability ministers will ‘champion’ inclusion and accessibility, says TimmsVolkswagen Australia has finally launched its first electric vehicle (EV), and the battery-electric ID. Buzz people mover and commercial van range is a born-again Kombi for the modern age. After numerous delays and setbacks for the local launch of the ID.4 and ID.5 mid-sized electric SUVs, the ID. Buzz has arrived just in time for Christmas. First customer deliveries are set to commence late this year and into early next year. Wrapped in an iconic retro design that exudes road presence and is instantly recognisable as a new-age Kombi, the big ID. Buzz is the largest model so far to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s dedicated-electric MEB platform, which underpins both the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, as well as the VW ID.7, the Cupra Born and Tavascan , the Skoda Enyaq and Elroq , and Audi Q4 e-tron, among others. At launch, the ID. Buzz will be offered in two people mover Pro variants, plus a singular Cargo delivery van. A high-performance GTX people mover variant is due here in the second quarter of 2025. For this particular review, we’re focussing on the ID. Buzz Pro people mover in both short-wheelbase (SWB) five-seat and long-wheelbase (LWB) seven-seat guises. Our first local review of the ID. Buzz Cargo is embargoed until 5:00pm AEDT on Thursday (December 19). So how does the ID. Buzz Pro stack up and has it been worth the wait? Read along to find out. Quite a lot: at least $88,000 before on-road costs. But both ID. Buzz Pro variants just slide under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold, meaning if you purchase one through a novated lease it’s currently exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). To see how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool As you’d expect for a reincarnated electric Kombi, the ID. Buzz is properly futuristic and modern inside, as well as bigger than any Kombi that came before it. It’s easy hopping into this electric van due to the large doors that open nice and wide, and a ride height that makes it a natural step up into the cabin. One of the few things that is missing is a grab handle on the A-pillar. Once inside, the standard seat upholstery looks disappointingly black and boring. You’re able to option two different (lighter) seat trim colours as part of packages, though they don’t come cheap (see below). As standard, the front seats are manually adjustable, yet a range of body sizes are still able to find a comfortable driving position. Adding to the comfort factor, you also get an armrest on each front seat in the middle of the cabin. Opting for one of the pricey interior option packs gives you electric seat adjustment, an extra armrest on the outboard side, plus seat heating and a massage function that works incredibly well. Ahead of the driver is a lovely leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels fantastic in your hands. It offers a great amount of tilt and reach adjustment, meaning plenty of people will be able to get comfortable behind the wheel. One downside, however, is that the steering wheel is fitted with Volkswagen’s annoying touch-sensitive buttons. Thankfully, they aren’t as frustrating as they’ve been in previous VW cars, where random buttons have been too easy to press accidentally. But it would be nice if the ID. Buzz did come with proper physical steering wheel buttons like all the other models in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range. Even the German carmaker’s passenger car range is now re-adopting these. Behind the steering wheel is a small digital instrument cluster, as in other Volkswagen ID. models. Despite its size, it shows all the critical information you need to see while driving, and there’s a small amount of custom configuration available to make it more personalised. Moving across to the centre, there’s a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s properly large, bright and high-resolution. It’s easy to move around the different menus, and if you do get lost there are shortcut buttons that are always present at the top of the screen to help make life easier. It is occasionally a little frustrating that you need to use the touchscreen to adjust some of the climate control functions, but like the shortcut buttons there’s a range of key features always present at the bottom of the screen. There’s also a physical touch slider under the touchscreen for adjusting the cabin temperature. If you don’t like using the touchscreen, however, you can interact with the IDA voice assistant. It’s able to change the climate control, among many other functions – including telling you a joke. Another minor frustration at the launch was that our test vehicles were only equipped with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless forms of both phone mirroring systems will be available as part of an over-the-air update coming in the first quarter of 2025. That meant we needed to physically plug our phones in using a USB-C cable to use smartphone mirroring. Thankfully, the connection was rock-solid and didn’t waver at any point. Looking around the cabin, the ID. Buzz’s commercial vehicle roots are clear. There are plenty of hard interior plastics, though thankfully there are a few soft-touch surfaces, including for high-contact areas like the armrests. As standard, the ID. Buzz looks a little boring inside, but the optional interior packages not only give you lighter seat trims but also faux wood inlays on the dashboard. Frustratingly, however, there’s still some glossy piano black bits up front, which get scratched and grimy quickly. There is also interior ambient lighting in the ID. Buzz that can be configured in multiple different ways. With the Interior Plus option pack you’re able to select from up to 30 different colours. Another way of lightening up the cabin is with the optional panoramic glass sunroof, which has a cool electrochromic function that can make the panel transition from translucent to opaque. But it’s disappointing there’s no physical blind to fully block out the glass roof, as even in frosted opaque mode it still lets light stream into the cabin, which could be a drag on a hot summer day. Unsurprisingly, there’s a wealth of storage around the cabin, including vast spaces on the dashboard. A neat touch is the so-called ID. Buzz Box, which is a removable centre console compartment featuring a range of moveable cupholder sections, storage options, and even a bottle opener. Moving to the second row, there are electric power-sliding side doors with hands-free functionality, operated by a kick under the side panel. They are incredibly helpful if you’ve got your hands full. With the sliding door opened fully, it’s super easy to hop into the second row of this car. There’s even a small loop handle to make it easier, and it’s design is inspired by the original Kombi. Once you’re sat in the second row there’s oodles of space, and it’s easily capable of going three abreast on the bench seat. For more comfort, the seat is capable of sliding and reclining back a fair way. Despite the wealth of space, however, it does feel a little utilitarian in the second row. There aren’t many soft-touch surfaces, but the floor is carpeted and completely flat. In terms of second-row amenities, there is separate zone of climate control with roof-mounted air vents, plenty of USB-C ports, as well as tray tables attached to the front seat backs. There’s also plenty of storage space in the sliding doors, and numerous pockets in the seat backs. In the LWB, hopping into the third row is easy once you know what you’re doing. There’s a lever you can pull on the side of the seat that folds the backrest flat, though this isn’t actually how you get into the third row. Instead, there’s a handle you pull on the top of the seat which tips and slides the seat forward. To put the seat back you need to ensure you’ve got the handle pulled. Ingress and egress to the third row is so much better than in any other SUV. There’s a reason why people movers are called people movers. The space on offer in the back of this van is fantastic, though there are even fewer soft touches here. Pretty much every surface you can feel is hard plastic, but thankfully there are roof-mounted air vents, cupholders and USB-C ports even for rearmost passengers. At the rear there’s a power tailgate that opens very wide. In SWB guise the boot is absolutely massive and, strangely, Volkswagen doesn’t remove the cupholders and USB-C ports for the rear occupants it can’t actually accommodate. In the LWB there’s an adequate amount of cargo space, though folding down the third row makes it more usable. A cool cargo-related feature is the optional multi-flex board, which makes the boot floor flat when the seats are folded. It also comes with two storage boxes which can be put under the board. To see how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Both versions of the ID. Buzz Pro are powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor. The SWB has a slightly smaller lithium-ion battery at 79kWh, while the LWB has a 86kWh unit. To see how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like all Volkswagen Group EVs, you don’t need to actually start up the ID. Buzz. Instead, all you need to do is hop in, buckle your seatbelt, and press the brake pedal. When this happens the car will switch on, and all you need to do to get moving is twist the user-friendly column-mounted gear selector to either drive or reverse. Setting off, this large boxy vehicle is incredibly zippy. Its rear-mounted electric motor is able to give all 550Nm of torque from a standstill, so it’s not underdone in terms of low-speed performance in any regard. In fact, the ID. Buzz Pro feels almost performance car-quick at low speeds and around town. It makes you feel like you could win virtually any traffic light drag race, and this isn’t even the high-performance GTX model coming next year. This big electric bus isn’t all about straight-line speed, however. The rear-wheel dynamism of the Pro variants gives them a lot of character and actually makes them fun to drive. In fact, there are two ways to drive the ID. Buzz. In ‘D’ it drives just like a regular combustion-powered vehicle, requiring you to press the brake pedal to slow down. But in ‘B mode, which is activated by twisting the gear selector to ‘D’ once more, the regenerative braking ramps up when you lift off the accelerator, proving a convenient level of ‘engine braking’. While this was my preferred way to drive this car, there’s no full one-pedal drive mode since you still have to hit the brake pedal to come to a complete stop. The ID. Buzz comes with rear drum brakes as standard, which perhaps isn’t surprising given EVs rely a lot more on regenerative braking. But the transition from regenerative braking to regular friction braking can be a little disjointed. Complementing this car’s zippy rear-mounted electric motor is the well-weighted steering. It’s not too light nor too heavy – Goldilocks would approve. At low speeds the ID. Buzz is almost completely silent, and the suspension does a good job of minimising harsh road imperfections. Its low-speed compliance also doesn’t waver when you opt for the larger 21-inch alloy wheels. Although the ID. Buzz may feel a bit like a hot hatch around town, there’s no getting around its size when it comes to parking. At almost 5.0-metres long in LWB guise, it’s a big car that fills a parking space. Thankfully there are front and rear parking sensors as standard, plus a surround-view camera that has okay quality. Out on the open road the electric motor doesn’t run out of puff. It maintains highway speeds really well and even feels like it has plenty left in the tank for overtaking. This is somewhat surprising, given the brick shape of the ID. Buzz. It’s not perfect, however, as it can get tossed about a bit in the wind, plus there’s a fair bit of road and tyre noise. The latter is pretty common in European vehicles, especially on Australian coarse-chip roads, though it’s likely exacerbated by the lack of engine noise. Another gripe is that at higher speeds on lumpy roads the suspension never feels settled. It see-saws on harsher bumps, which can make it feel almost nauseating in the second and third rows. This is unfortunate because the ID. Buzz feels rather supple and dynamic at lower speeds. Thankfully, it’s not as bad on the smaller standard alloy wheels as there’s more tyre sidewall. If you can avoid overly rough roads, the ID. Buzz is a fantastic highway tourer. It’s also surprisingly efficient at higher speeds. I averaged around 20kWh/100km in both the short- and long-wheelbase versions. On the safety front, the ID. Buzz’s adaptive cruise control is great, like it is in many Volkswagen vehicles. The undertaking prevention feature does grate, however, especially in Australia where lane etiquette doesn’t always exist. The Travel Assist feature that combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring is a fantastic companion on long highway drives as it reduces driver fatigue. It doesn’t pull at the steering wheel too hard, though on poorly marked roads it can get a little lost. Lastly, the entire ID. Buzz range gets Matrix LED headlights. This is a great feature for dimly lit rural roads, where it allows you to have the high-beams on all the time and will dip only part of the beam when it detects oncoming cars. To see how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro is offered in both short-wheelbase configuration with five seats, and long-wheelbase configuration with seven seats. 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro SWB equipment highlights: Pro LWB adds: To see how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are a range of option packages available for the Pro. Infotainment package plus ($2200) adds: Interior Style Package ($6470) adds: Premium Interior Style Package ($6970) adds: The following standalone options are available: Candy White solid paint is standard on the Pro, with metallic and pearlescent finishes costing an extra $1890 and two-tone paint treatments costing $4090. The following single-tone finishes are optional on the Pro: The following two-tone finishes are available: The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP based on testing conducted in 2022, but Australian sister authority ANCAP has yet to apply a rating locally. Standard safety equipment includes: There are top-tether child seat anchor points for all three seats in the second row, plus ISOFIX points for the two outboard seats. All Volkswagen ID. Buzz owners receive a complimentary five-year subscription to a third-party connected services system called Goconnect. Via the Goconnect phone app, owners can view their parking position, visualise the vehicle’s most recent trips, interact and book appointments with their dealer, view important errors and warnings, see the high-voltage battery status, and see the driving speed. To see how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, though the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. Coinciding with the launch of the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen Group Australia has detailed its new ‘peace of mind’ package for all of its existing and new EV customers. Highlights include guaranteed future value, novated leasing options, “all in one” weekly repayments, roadside assist, eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, battery health checks, EV loan cars, and more. ID. Buzz owners in particular will get discounts at Ampol’s AmpCharge public charging network, as well as discounts on a range of home chargers. To see how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a fitting homage to the iconic Kombi van and its timeless exterior design turns heads like nothing else, especially with a two-tone paint finish. This electric people mover isn’t just a pretty face, however, as its rear-mounted electric motor packs a significant punch and the chassis dynamics of its rear-drive layout bring a smile to my face. Inside, there’s oodles of space, but it’s apparent this is a commercial vehicle dressed up as a people mover. Despite this, the multimedia and driver assist technologies are effective and user-friendly – it seems like Volkswagen has been listening to our complaints. Disappointingly, the standard black interior finish is rather drab, but it feels so much more special with the lighter upholstery options. And while there’s no sun shade, the optional panoramic sunroof’s electrochromic function is fun to show off to passengers. There’s no getting around one thing, however – the price. Sure, $88,000 may sound okay for a company, fleet buyer or individuals via a novated lease, but that’s just for the base model before on-road costs and options. If you option virtually anything, including the cool two-tone paint, it takes the price of the ID. Buzz Pro above the LCT threshold, which bumps up the drive-away price astronomically and also means novated leasing customers are not exempt from FBT. But if that’s less important to you than owning a big, beautiful electric box on wheels that’s fun to drive, has a direct link with a genuine automotive icon and exudes unrivalled road presence, nothing else comes close to the ID. Buzz. Interested in buying a Volkswagen ID. Buzz? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Volkswagen ID. Buzz
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Amazon Web Services will invest another $10 billion to bolster its data center infrastructure in Ohio. The company and Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced the plan Monday. The new investment will boost the amount it has committed to spending in Ohio by the end of 2029 to more than $23 billion. AWS launched its first data centers in the state in 2016 and currently operates campuses in two counties in central Ohio, home to the capital city of Columbus. The new investment will allow AWS to expand its data centers to new sites, but the company said those locations have not been determined yet and noted that its investment plans are contingent upon the execution of long-term energy service agreements. AWS said the new data centers will contain computer servers, storage drives, networking equipment and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. In June 2023, AWS said it would invest $7.8 billion by the end of 2029 to expand its data center operations in central Ohio. That was on top of $6 billion already invested through 2022.As winter settles over the serene landscapes of Lake Tahoe, people in our community are not only adjusting to the chill in the air, but also new developments in the audiology world. Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic is bringing insights to some prevalent topics in hearing care: over-the-counter hearing aids, AI-driven advancements, and innovative tinnitus management. Each of these topics represents an important step in the evolution of hearing health, merging accessibility, advanced technology, and personal care to support individuals in maintaining a rich quality of life. 1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids The accessibility of over-the-counter hearing aids marks a significant shift in the audiology landscape. Historically, hearing aids required prescriptions and professional fitting sessions. With the FDA’s approval, OTC hearing aids are now widely available for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. While this has advanced accessibility for hearing aids, Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic urges that OTC hearing aids offer a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and its oftentimes a temporary solution for a larger problem. OTC hearing aids offer flexibility, enabling users to adjust them independently, and they tend to come at a lower cost. However, while OTC aids bring convenience to users, they also come with limitations. “Without an audiologist’s guidance, recommendations, and customizations, users may find it challenging to select and fine-tune the devices for optimal results,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated. “We always offer guidance to help users make informed decisions that best support their hearing needs.” 2. AI and Machine Learning in Audiology Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming hearing health by making devices more adaptive and responsive to users’ unique needs. These advanced technologies enable hearing aids to “learn” from auditory environments, effortlessly adjusting to varying soundscapes—whether it’s a bustling restaurant or a serene forest trail. AI-equipped hearing aids enhance users’ ability to adapt to changing environments, making conversations and ambient sounds much clearer and accessible. The clinic explains that everyone’s hearing needs differ depending on the setting, and AI’s adaptability means that even in fluctuating auditory environments, users experience consistent, personalized support. “With this technology, people can easily adjust volume, walk from one room to another with shifting audio levels, and experience an environment-specific hearing experience that adapts to them,” the clinic adds. AI’s role in audiology is only set to grow, providing more precise customization for each user. As hearing devices are exposed to more diverse environments, they will continue to refine and optimize sound experiences for individuals, enabling an increasingly tailored and immersive hearing journey. 3. Tinnitus Management For many, tinnitus—the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears—can become significantly noticeable. For some, tinnitus can be a significant distraction, disrupting sleep, focus, and overall quality of life. Audiologists are now exploring a variety of tinnitus management techniques, from sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to advanced hearing aids designed specifically to alleviate the effects of tinnitus. “There’s no definitive cause, and no definitive cure for tinnitus,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated. “For some, tinnitus can be managing their specific environment.” With tinnitus, many individuals are overall okay to manage it throughout the day, but it often becomes increasingly prevalent at nighttime and when trying to sleep, making it difficult to live with. “There are masking solutions [for tinnitus] in some hearing aids that assist in injecting white noise and sounds to help retrain the brain on those sound elements,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated. Recent advances in tinnitus management integrate with hearing aids and even smartphone apps, creating an accessible treatment pathway for patients seeking relief. “At Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic, we work with each patient to tailor solutions that suit their specific tinnitus experience,” Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic stated. As these topics evolve, they paint a picture of audiology’s future: accessible, personalized, and tech-driven. The interaction between OTC hearing aids, AI advancements, and tinnitus management is empowering patients to take an active role in their hearing health, while also allowing audiologists to provide an effective, customized care approach to each patient. Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic is dedicated to supporting each patient’s unique hearing journey, offering personalized solutions and the highest quality of care to enhance their hearing health. For more information on Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic, visit: https://www.tahoefamilyhearing.com/ .
Natixis Advisors LLC Acquires 441 Shares of Glaukos Co. (NYSE:GKOS)Pat Bryant caught a 40-yard touchdown on fourth down with four seconds remaining as No. 25 Illinois rallied for a dramatic 38-31 victory over Rutgers on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, N.J. With Rutgers playing cover-zero defense, Bryant caught Luke Altmyer's sidearm toss on fourth-and-13 at the 22-yard line in the middle of the field and ran in from the right side for a 36-31 lead. Bryant's dramatic catch came after Illinois initially decided to attempt a go-ahead 57-yard field goal into the wind. Following a timeout, the Ilini went for it on fourth down. Altmeyer's two-point conversion attempt to Bryant was incomplete, but the visitors recorded a safety on the game's final play. Bryant finished with seven catches for a career-high 197 yards, and his score came after Rutgers took a 31-30 lead on a 13-yard rushing TD by Kyle Monangai with 1:08 left. Monangai gave the Scarlet Knights the lead after Illinois overcame a nine-point deficit on Aidan Laughery's 8-yard TD run with 13:48 remaining and Altmyer's 30-yard run with 3:07 left. Bryant's clutch catch gave Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) eight wins for the second time in three seasons on a day when it committed 11 penalties. Altmyer finished 12-of-26 passing for 249 yards and threw two touchdowns. He also gained a team-high 74 yards on the ground as the Ilini totaled 182 rushing yards. Monangai finished with 122 yards on 28 carries and Kaliakmanis completed 19-of-37 passes for 175 yards, but Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) was unable to win a third straight Big Ten game for the first time. Kaliakmanis also rushed for 84 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. The Scarlet Knights saw their losing streak against ranked teams reach 41 games after taking a 17-9 halftime lead and a 24-15 advantage early in the fourth. --Field Level Media
Coleen Rooney stuns I’m A Celebrity viewers as she takes jungle shower in bikini after horror trialPoland could legally equate Ukrainian nationalists with Hitler’s Nazis – media