FRIDAY'S RESULTS College Basketball Allegany 86, Chesapeake 79 College Women's Basketball Chesapeake 72, Allegany 50 College Women's Soccer NCAA Atlantic Region Tournament No. 3 Gannon 4, No. 7 Frostburg State 1 High School Football Maryland Class 1A Quarterfinals Fort Hill 30, Cambridge-South Dorchester 12 Northern 49, Boonsboro 0 ——— SATURDAY'S RESULTS College Basketball Davis & Elkins (W.Va.) 85, Frostburg State 78 Garrett 89, Jamestown 66 WVU Potomac State 99, Butler (Pa.) County 46 College Women's Basketball Frostburg State 83, Davis & Elkins (W.Va.) 71 Garrett at Jamestown, canceled High School Basketball Hollidaysburg (Pa.) Area at Allegany, scrimmage, 10 a.m. High School Football West Virginia Playoffs First Round Class AAA Princeton 63, Hampshire 9 Class AA Frankfort 45, Westside 0 Williamstown 47, Moorefield 21 Class A Petersburg 49, River View 8 High School Girls Basketball Allegany at Williamsport, scrimmage, 10 a.m. ——— SUNDAY'S RESULTS College Basketball Garrett at SUNY Niagara (N.Y.), 3:00 College Swimming Frostburg State at Franklin and Marshall Invitational, Lancaster, Pa., 10 a.m. College Women's Basketball Garrett at SUNY Niagara (N.Y.), 1:00 College Women's Wrestling Frostburg State 31, Ursinus 13 High School Football West Virginia Playoffs First Round Class A East Hardy at Tucker County, 2:00 ——— MONDAY'S SCHEDULE High School Basketball Calvary Christian at Frederick Christian, 5:15 JV/6:30 High School Girls Basketball Calvary Christian at Frederick Christian, 4:00 ——— TUESDAY'S SCHEDULE College Basketball Garrett at Allegany, 7:00 West Virginia Wesleyan at Frostburg State, 7:30 College Women's Basketball Garrett at Allegany, 5:00 West Virginia Wesleyan at Frostburg State, 5:30
A Democratic state representative in Florida announced she was switching to the Republican Party just over a month after getting reelected—fortifying the GOP’s considerable grasp on the state’s legislature. Rep. Susan Valdés, who was recently re-elected in November for her final term representing parts of the Tampa metropolitan area, announced her party switch in a post on X on Monday, insisting she would not “waste my final two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community.” Valdés’ departure from the Democratic Party comes only one week after she lost an election for chair of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party, Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said in her own statement slamming the move as a “bait-and-switch.” Before the election in November, Valdés was an outspoken critic of President-elect Donald Trump and attended local events for Kamala Harris, the Tampa Bay Times reported. She even penned an op-ed in the newspaper only a year earlier comparing the Republican-lead government of Florida to the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista in Cuba. Valdés seemed to address some of this disconnect in her statement on Monday, telling her constituents “I know I won’t agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but I know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.” See statement below... pic.twitter.com/JUVhsziSL7 The man arrested in connection with UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killing last week looked directly into the camera for his mugshot after being taken into custody in Altoona, Pennsylvania Monday. Luigi Mangione was photographed after being escorted by cops to his preliminary arraignment in Hollidaysburg, less than 10 miles from the city of Altoona, where he was taken into custody. He was seen in the mugshot wearing a black scarf and coat, flashing a steely-eyed stare at the camera. After a tip from a McDonald’s worker in the city, police closed in and arrested Luigi Mangione. He has been charged with five crimes, including carrying a gun without a license, forgery, falsely identifying himself to the authorities and possessing “instruments of crime,” according to The New York Times . “Responding officers questioned the suspect, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs as well as a U.S. passport,” New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters Monday. “Upon further investigation, officers recovered a firearm on his person, as well as a suppressor, both consistent with the weapon used in the murder.” Not everyone wants to be a tipsy elf during the holidays. Increasingly, people are searching for alcohol alternatives that have relaxing benefits with fewer negative effects. That’s the intention behind Cycling Frog’s THC Seltzers. They are made with cannabis extracts for a lighter buzz than marijuana products normally offer. That makes them ideal for both experienced users and newcomers to enjoy. This season, they come in three holiday flavors, each only 60 calories with 0% alcohol. The star of the season is the Cran Razz THC Seltzer (6-Pack) , which offers 10 mg. of THC per can. That is double the amount of the other seltzers making it a great option for people with cannabis experience. An industry favorite, the Black Currant THC Seltzer, (6-Pack) received a gold medal at the 2024 LA Spirits “High Spirits” Awards. This flavor is sweet and tart with 5 mg. of THC per can. Wild Cherry THC Seltzer (6-Pack) was crafted for the holiday season. It also contains 5 mg. of THC per can with sour cherry and pear flavors. If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. Beyoncé ’s mom Tina Knowles has raised eyebrows by “liking” an Instagram post reporting that her son-in-law Shawn Carter (better known as Jay-Z ) had been named in a rape lawsuit involving a 13-year-old and incarcerated former mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs , according to Page Six . The Knowles matriarch was screenshotted having tapped the heart icon on the post by ABC7 Chicago, which had a photo of Combs and Jay-Z with the headline, “Jay-Z, Diddy Named In Lawsuit Alleging Rape of Girl, 13.” Page Six was able to verify that Knowles’ official Instagram account had liked the post, but could not reach her for comment. The unexpected social media move by Knowles follows years of her supporting her daughter’s marriage to the rapper in the press . It also follows the infamous Knowles family elevator fight in 2014, in which Beyoncé’s sister Solange attacked the rapper on an elevator with Beyoncé present. That incident was never addressed publicly by Jay-Z or the family. Jay-Z has responded to the rape allegations in the new lawsuit, however, with a public statement in which he called the suit a “ blackmail attempt ” by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, and vehemently denied the claims. Pope Francis has sparked a new wave of concern for his health after appearing with a black bruise and a swollen neck at a Vatican event. Francis, who turns 88 later this month, appeared at the ceremony Saturday to appoint new cardinals. The Vatican later said in a statement that Francis had a minor fall and hit his chin on the bedside table. At the ceremony, the pontiff did not appear affected by the injury. He has struggled with health issues in the past and currently uses a wheelchair because of knee and back pain. He was hospitalized earlier this year due to breathing issues and also underwent surgery to repair an abdominal hernia. Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict, relinquished his post in 2013 at the age of 85, citing declining health. Benedict was the first pope in 600 years to resign. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. As any true audiophile already knows, Amazon Music Unlimited has long been a reliable destination for an elevated listening experience. With millions of high-quality songs and an unparalleled collection of top ad-free podcasts, the platform’s catalog is curated to capture both your attention and your imagination. Now, Amazon is raising the bar with an exciting update: Audible is officially joining Amazon Music Unlimited, cementing the brand’s status as an all-in-one audio hub . Audible’s industry-leading catalog of audiobooks features an expansive selection of can’t-miss bestsellers, hot-off-the-press exclusives, and timeless classics to immerse yourself in. As an Amazon Music Unlimited subscriber, you’ll be free to select one book each month (of any length) and listen to it directly in the Amazon Music app . Whether you’re a fiction buff ready to dive into a thrilling new adventure or a non-fiction enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, Audible’s expansive collection is sure to have the right title that matches your tastes. Plus, when you’re ready to take a break from the book, you can seamlessly swap back to your favorite tunes and podcast episodes —all without having to leave the app. It’s all the audio that you’ll ever need, all in one place! Best of all, this game-changing update is arriving just in time for the holiday season: start a new subscription , and enjoy your first three months of Amazon Music Unlimited, completely for free. Audio art, conversation, and storytelling—all in one place. What’s not to love? Sign up today and get lost in the sound . Hope Walz claimed Joe Rogan fans are a relationship “red flag.” The 23-year-old daughter of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz , shared her dating tip for screening men online with her nearly 200,000 followers on TikTok. “A litmus test for me and my friends for like years now has been if the guy we’re talking to follows Joe Rogan on Instagram, they’re a red flag and we should probably stop talking to them,” Walz said on Saturday. “And the times when they do follow him on Instagram and we haven’t stopped talking to them... it’s never ended well.” Rogan, a popular and controversial podcaster, hosts an eponymous show. Men make up 80 percent of his listeners. Walz’s anti-Rogan rule, she alleged has “never failed” her and her friends. “If they follow him we’re like, yeah, this person probably isn’t a great person and probably our values don’t align so we’re gonna move on from that. And honestly it’s worked out well for all of us.” Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Rogan hosted Donald Trump on his show, alongside a slew of MAGA loyalists. Ultimately the podcaster endorsed Trump over Kamala Harris and Walz’s father. A private funeral was being held on Monday for murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as police detained a suspect in the case, a source familiar with the family’s plans told NBC News . The suspect was first caught on surveillance cameras in Manhattan , and had evaded a massive police search. However, Pennsylvania police said they had detained a 26-year-old who was caught with a gun similar to the one used in the shooting. Investigators believe he was in the city for 10 days before the shooting, at one point lifting his mask to speak to a hostel employee. A photo from the camera capturing that moment has been circulated worldwide. Only Murders in the Building landed Golden Globe Award nominations for its three big stars—Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez—on Monday. But missing from the list was their supporting co-star Meryl Streep , who failed to extend her streak as the most nominated actor in the award show’s 80-year history. Streep, who plays Short’s on-screen (and possibly off-screen?) love interest, earned her 33rd Golden Globe nomination last year for Best Supporting Actress on the Hulu comedy. Gomez was a double nominee for her role in the Netflix film Emilia Pérez , which led in overall nominations with 10, followed by The Brutalist with seven and Conclave with six. Other big snubs included directors John M. Chu for Wicked: Part One and Denis Villeneuve for Dune: Part Two . Pamela Anderson was a surprise Best Actress nominee for The Last Showgirl , which the Baywatch star is hoping could lead to an Oscar nomination in the new year. President-elect Donald Trump launched a baffling claim Monday that " Democrats are fighting hard to get rid of the Popular Vote in future Elections." In a post on his Truth Social network, he added: “They want all future Presidential Elections to be based exclusively on the Electoral College !” In fact, the popular vote has in recent decades heavily favored Democrats and, this year, Trump became the first Republican to win the popular vote in 20 years. Democratic candidates have won the popular vote in five of the seven presidential elections in the 21st Century, losing two of those elections to Republicans who got fewer votes on a national level. Not only is there no Democratic effort to shore up the Electoral College, many prominent Democrats— including the party’s 2016 nominee for president Hillary Clinton , who won more votes than Trump but lost the Electoral College—have argued in favor of a popular vote for president. It is very likely that Trump and George W. Bush , who lost the 2000 popular vote to Al Gore, would have never been elected president were it not for the Electoral College. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. Daniel Penny was acquitted of all criminal charges after the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on the subway—a case that sparked a debate on New York City’s mental health resources and public safety. The jury acquitted Penny of criminally negligent homicide, after throwing out the manslaughter charge on Friday when the jury twice couldn’t come to a unanimous verdict. The charge of criminally negligent homicide would’ve put Penny behind bars for four years; the manslaughter charge had a maximum of 15 years. Penny, a former Marine, put Neely, who was homeless at the time, in a chokehold for six minutes after Neely said, “someone is going to die today,” in May 2023. No witness testified that Neely touched or made any move towards another passenger, though many testified that they were afraid of Neely during his rant. He did not have a weapon on him. Prosecutors noted that Penny kept Neely in the chokehold even after the passengers had left the train. But jurors sided with Penny’s defense—that he was justified in protecting his fellow passengers in the face of an erratic homeless man, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and previously had over two dozen encounters with the police. The defense also questioned if it was the chokehold that killed Neely. A famously lanky English soccer legend has cast his verdict on Barron Trump’s skills after a clip of the 18-year-old playing went viral again. Peter Crouch became a household name in England for his exploits on the pitch, and for his comical appearance. Crouch, now retired, towered over his opponents quite like a young Barron, who was seen playing the sport in a resurfaced clip that is doing the rounds again. In it, Barron—who is now 6-foot-9, dwarfs the other kids on the pitch as he shows off an impressive array of skills. On X, Crouch shared the clip Sunday and simply said: “Baller.” Barron is reportedly soccer mad , and instead of boozing and chasing girls at college he spends his time playing the soccer game FC25, formerly known as FIFA. He also rubbed shoulders with another former England star, Wayne Rooney, when the Manchester United legend was managing D.C. United in the MLS. “(Donald) asked me to give his son football lessons,” Rooney said. Resurfaced video shows Barron Trump playing soccer. pic.twitter.com/Ew2DkUPFUIPolice may search a vehicle based on the smell of raw cannabis, Illinois Supreme Court rulesIan Schieffelin came within two assists of a triple-double and Clemson handed Penn State its first loss with a 75-67 decision for the championship of the Sunshine Slam tournament Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Schieffelin finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Tigers (6-1), leading four players in double figures. Chase Hunter added 17 points, while Chauncey Wiggins scored 14 and reserve Del Jones chipped in 10 points. Clemson sank 9 of 19 3-pointers, converted 16 of 20 free throws and was able to limit the impact of the Nittany Lions' full-court pressure. The Tigers committed just 13 turnovers, helping them hold Penn State (6-1) to less than 85 points for the first time this year. Ace Baldwin starred in defeat with game highs of 20 points and 11 assists, while center Yanic Konan Niederhauser added 14 points. Nick Kern came off the bench to score 11 but Penn State was outscored 15-2 on the fast break and made just 4 of 18 attempts from 3-point range. Schieffelin came up big down the stretch, assisting on a 3-pointer by Jaeden Zackery with 6:04 left that made it 65-61. Then he made two foul shots and tossed in a jump hook from the lane to up the margin to 71-66 with 1:03 left. The big storyline going into this game was which team would be able to control the pace. Penn State came in averaging 96 ppg, while Clemson demonstrated its ability to enforce a slower tempo in March, advancing to a regional final in the NCAA Tournament. In the first 10 minutes of the game, the Tigers made the Nittany Lions play at a crawl, opening up a 17-10 advantage when Schieffelin converted a short hook in the lane. But Penn State answered with an 18-4 run over nearly six minutes, establishing a 28-21 lead when Kern shook free for a layup. Clemson rallied with nine straight points but the Nittany Lions had the last say as Baldwin converted a layup with 24 seconds left, cutting the Tigers' edge to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level Media
Mia Syn, MS, Registered Dietician Nutritionist partners with DS Simon Media, Almond Breeze, Mediheal, and Mucinex COMBAT HOLIDAY CONGESTION "So many of us look forward to holiday parties and quality time with loved ones,” says Syn, "But we often find ourselves battling sinus congestion from dry air, cold weather, or seasonal allergies.” Her go-to solution? The NEW Mucinex® Sinus Saline Nasal Spray, the first-ever saline product featuring a 2-in-1 nozzle with customizable spray settings. Consumers can choose the 'Power Jet' to tackle tough nasal congestion or the 'Gentle Mist' to clear everyday congestion and soothe your nose. With its dual-nozzle technology, Mucinex® Sinus Saline Nasal Spray helps relieve congestion caused by allergens, irritants, and colds. Available at major retailers, pharmacies, and on Amazon, you can find your nearest store at Mucinex.com. Direct link: https://www.mucinex.com/ Social Media Handle: Facebook: @mucinex IG: @mucinex_us HOLIDAY TREATS WITH A HEALTHY TWIST Syn also encourages swapping ingredients in traditional holiday recipes with better-for-you alternatives. "One of my favorite holiday ingredients is Almond Breeze Almondmilk,” she shares. Direct link: www.AlmondBreeze.com Social Media Handle: Facebook: Almond Breeze Instagram: @AlmondBreeze Twitter: @AlmondBreeze SKINCARE MUST-HAVES FOR WINTER Cold, harsh air can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dryness and accentuating fine lines. "Nobody enjoys that itchy, uncomfortable feeling that winter brings," says Syn, a skincare enthusiast. "That's why I turn to Mediheal-a trusted name in Korean skincare that's been raising the bar for years." Mediheal's toner pads have become a hit on social media, especially on TikTok, where users are swearing by their magic. Leading the charge are two fan-favorite products: Direct link: Mediheal Amazon Website Social Media Handle: Facebook: @Mediheal US Instagram: @mediheal_us TikTok: @mediheal_us Twitter (X): @medihealus About YourUpdateTV : YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Almond Breeze, Mediheal, and Mucinex. Media Contact: Michael O'Donnell D S Simon Media 212-736-2727 [email protected] A video accompanying this release is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74283b19-564e-43c4-a467-440c7d109074
Scottsdale, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hosted at the prestigious Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, this year's MedSpa Pro Meeting brought together pacesetting voices in medical aesthetics under the guidance of industry pioneers and co-chairs Barry DiBernardo, MD, Jason Pozner, MD, and Joseph Russo, MD. Over three intensive days, participants immersed themselves in a wealth of cutting-edge, comprehensive content that spanned advanced injection techniques, emerging technologies, and business management strategies. Program highlights included an exclusive Head-to-Head Anatomy Masterclass led by preeminent anatomist Sebastian Cotofana, MD, PhD, and an innovative Weight Loss Track spearheaded by Johnny Franco, MD. Complementing these sessions, expertise-driven curricula featured a dedicated Aesthetician Track and Master Injector Live Injection Program. Beyond the core curriculum, expert-led panel discussions explored today's most pressing aesthetic medicine topics while market-leading brands showcased game-changing products and services in the exhibition space. Together, these experiences equipped participants with fresh perspectives, practical insights, valuable partnerships, and lasting connections, empowering them to elevate their clinical and personal success. MedSpa Pro's rebranding represents expanding pathways for advancing this booming specialty. "As we embrace the next chapter in aesthetic medicine, we are excited to unveil our new identity as MedSpa Pro," stated Doreen Brown , CEO of Informa Connect Medical Division. "This evolution reflects our commitment to keeping pace with our ever-evolving industry and serving our expanding community through gold-standard training and unmatched networking opportunities." MedSpa Pro's refined brand identity will roll out in the coming months as the company prepares for a breakthrough 2025. Among exciting new initiatives, next year introduces specialized training opportunities led by the distinguished Dr. Russo and fellow acclaimed experts, strengthening the organization's position as the foremost resource in medical aesthetics. Aesthetic medicine providers, medical spa professionals, and industry stakeholders can mark their calendars for the 3rd Annual MedSpa Pro Meeting, set to take place at the iconic Boca Raton resort in November 2025. Further details about upcoming programs will be announced soon; in the meantime, please visit MedSpa Pro's LinkedIn profile for updates. ### MedSpa Pro serves as the leading educational platform for medical aesthetics professionals, delivering targeted education, tailored training, and strategic networking opportunities across the industry. Through its premier conference and progressive initiatives, the organization connects enterprising practitioners with renowned experts to advance excellence in aesthetic medicine. MedSpa Pro is part of the Informa Connect Medical Division, a global force in medical education across the entire healthcare ecosystem.By ALEXANDRA OLSON and CATHY BUSSEWITZ NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches — the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President — are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI,” Glasgow said. “The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America’s top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart’s announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart’s need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer’s ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart.” Walmart’s announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.
Rachel Reeves tells angry business leaders there was 'no alternative' to Budget tax risesPatrick Mahomes ’ wallet is taking a hit after the football star’s recent gesture during a moment of celebration in the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Buffalo Bills was deemed “violent.” During the football game on Sunday, Nov. 17, Mahomes threw a successful touchdown pass and took a second to celebrate, holding his first and middle fingers together and pointing them away from him. To some, Mahomes’ gesture could have been interpreted to be emulating guns, although it’s not clear what Mahomes’ intention was. SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Either way, the NFL was not a fan, with sports journalist Tom Pelissero sharing a clip of the moment and writing, “The NFL fined #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct (violent gesture) as he celebrated a touchdown pass last week in Buffalo.” The news was also reported by CBS Sports . Reactions to the call were generally negative, with those who disagreed with Mahomes’ fine saying things like, “He’s literally pointing?” “So he was fined for striking a pose? Got it,” and “I thought it was a bow and arrow. Chiefs hello.” “I’m not even sure what the ‘violent gesture’ is supposed to be. It looks like a cross between two finger guns and the drawing back of a bow string,” wrote another fan. Even people who aren’t fans of the Chiefs questioned the serious call, with one declaring, “Let them celebrate however they want!” There were also some people who agreed with the call, voicing their support on social media. Last season, Mahomes faced a larger fine of $50,000 for “verbally abusing” game officials, while his coach Andy Reid earned a fine of $100,000 for publicly criticizing the officials ruling on the game.The Jupiter School Offers A Nurturing Infant Care Program in Downtown Orlando
Suspect in UnitedHealth CEO murder Luigi Mangione was not a customer, company says
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Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Flies To Germany For Injury Treatment By Curious about star and his recent injury-related absence? Fans are eager for updates as his absence impacts one of the ’s top players. As a cornerstone of the Leafs’ offense, his recovery is vital to the team’s success. So, what happened to Auston Matthews? Here’s what we know about his status, recovery, and its implications for the Leafs. What happened to Auston Matthews? Auston Matthews, star center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is currently sidelined due to an upper-body injury. The ailment, lingering since the preseason, has sidelined Matthews for several games, including seven in a row via . Matthews joined an optional skate earlier this month but has not yet returned to full practices or games. The team is prioritizing his long-term recovery. The injury shows no major setbacks but needs careful management. Coach Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving stress caution, aiming for a full recovery to avoid future issues. Matthews, on injured reserve, remains “day-to-day” with no clear return date, though optimism surrounds his potential comeback. In a bid to accelerate recovery, Matthews traveled to Germany for consultations with a specialist according to . The Maple Leafs clarified that Matthews’ injury does not require surgery, though they have shared few details. Auston Matthews’ injury has redirected focus to the team’s overall performance. After winning the Rocket Richard Trophy last season, his slower start this year, with 11 points in 13 games, reflects the injury’s impact. The Maple Leafs are hopeful for his return within a week, prioritizing his long-term health to support their season goals. Vritti Johar, Content Writer at ComingSoon.net, fuses her cinema passion with sharp content creation skills. When she's off-duty, you'll find her exploring the world through art and photography, always feeding her creative side. Share articleMDT Ventures Closes Fund III & IV at $570 Million, Exceeding $525 Million Target
A Japanese sake maker is going where no sake maker has gone before: space. Asahi Shuzo, the company behind the popular Japanese sake brand Dassai, plans to blast sake ingredients to the International Space Station (ISS) to ferment a very special brew. Related video above: The dark energy pushing our universe apart may not be what it seems, scientists say If it works, just one 100ml bottle will be offered for sale on Earth at 100 million yen, or about $653,000. A standard serve is 80ml, making it one very expensive drink. “There is no guarantee of 100% success for the fermentation tests,” said Souya Uetsuki, the brewer in charge of the project at Asahi Shuzo. He said the difference in gravity could affect how heat transfers in fluid, causing a different fermentation process in space than on Earth. The company has paid the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency for access to the Kibo experiment module, part of the ISS developed by Japan, where tests can be conducted in a “special microgravity environment.” The national space agency said they would not comment on the privately paid project. Sake is made of Japanese rice, water, yeast and koji (a type of mold). It traditionally takes about two months to make through a series of precise steps that involve steaming, stirring and fermenting. The drink is sipped from a glass at many Japanese cultural occasions — from weddings to meals at pub-like izakaya restaurants — and last week landed a spot on UNESCO’s list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity.” Dassai — meaning “otter festival” in Japanese — is one of the most popular sake brands on the market. However, its maker is also behind premium products that are popular with collectors, some willing to spend up to thousands of dollars for a bottle. Asahi Shuzo’s foray into space is more than just another attempt to make another rare sake, according to the brewer. Uetsuki said the company hoped the project would offer insights into how fermentation works in space, so perhaps one day they can make sake on the moon. “In a future where humans can freely travel between the moon and Earth, some will visit the moon as tourists. This project aims to create sake that can be enjoyed on the moon, allowing visitors to have delightful moments there,” he said. He hopes the technology will also benefit future space tourists who have a penchant for other types of fermented food. “Many Japanese foods, such as natto and miso, are fermented, and this technology could expand into these areas,” Uetsuki said. The company is developing space brewing equipment, with a planned launch date later in 2025.An Oak Flats disability support worker has been charged with manslaughter following a lengthy investigation after a woman who died after ingesting heroin. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading Brayden Hamilton, 28, was released on strict conditional bail at Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, December 5 after being charged more than two years on from the Illawarra woman's death. Magistrate Claire Girotto addressed the woman's family who were seated in the courtroom gallery. "I'm very sorry for your loss, this is an absolute awful tragedy. I don't know what else to say," she said. The court heard the woman was drinking with a group of people including Hamilton at a Shellharbour venue on June 12, 2022. It's alleged the group got kicked out of the venue with some of them later snorting drugs after they divided up lines on a mobile phone. Tendered court documents state the Hamilton and the woman were at a Lake Entrance Road unit when the woman died between 2am and 11am on June 13, 2022. Emergency services responded to the scene about 12.05pm following reports the woman was unresponsive. "NSW Ambulance responded; however the woman died at the scene," A NSW Police spokesperson said in a statement. "Detectives attached to Lake Illawarra Police District responded and established a crime scene." Defence lawyer Matt Ward told the court Hamilton was charged with manslaughter by way of alleged criminal negligence, and that his client believed the woman was asleep after hearing her "snoring". "There is no dispute that there is a tragedy ... but there is a difference between a tragedy and criminal activity," Mr Ward said. It's alleged Hamilton phoned his mother the next day when he realised what happened, and that she came over to the house. The court heard it is not the Crown case that Hamilton sold the drugs to the woman, but that he allegedly omitted to assist her, and that his omission carried a high risk that death or grievous bodily harm would follow. Mr Ward said the group ingested the heroin by snorting it, which may suggest those who took it believed it may have been a different substance, like cocaine. The police prosecutor opposed Hamilton's release, noting the seriousness of the charge. She also cited a "serious concern" Hamilton may interfere with witnesses give that "all parties are known to each other". However Mr Ward said Hamilton had avoided interfering with witnesses while the matter has been investigated for the last two and a half years. Mr Ward added Hamilton had strong ties to the community and that his girlfriend is pregnant. The magistrate noted the circumstances surrounding the charge were "unusual" and factored in Hamilton's lack of criminal history when opting to grant his release, noting there was nothing before her to suggest he would breach bail. "Sir, these are very serious allegations. You need to obey this to the letter," she said. Hamilton must forfeit his passport, not approach any point of departure, report to police daily, and allow police inside his home up to five times per week. His boss was present in court and deposited a $10,000 bail surety. The matter was adjourned to January 29. Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury. Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury. More from Court and Crime Newsletters & Alerts DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. 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