These fan favorite Beats headphones are 50% off right now
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan to enter 2025 NFL Draft
By LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump attorney Alina Habba, a Lehigh University grad, to serve as counselor to the president But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.“Wanted” posters with the names and faces of health care executives have been popping up on the streets of New York. Hit lists with images of bullets are circulating online with warnings that industry leaders should be afraid. The apparent targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the menacing threats that followed have sent a shudder through corporate America and the health care industry in particular, leading to increased security for executives and some workers. In the week since the brazen shooting , health insurers have removed information about their top executives from company websites, canceled in-person meetings with shareholders and advised all employees to work from home temporarily. An internal New York Police Department bulletin warned this week that the online vitriol that followed the shooting could signal an immediate “elevated threat.” Police fear that the Dec. 4 shooting could "inspire a variety of extremists and grievance-driven malicious actors to violence," according to the bulletin, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “Wanted” posters pasted to parking meters and construction site fences in Manhattan included photos of health care executives and the words “Deny, defend, depose” — similar to a phrase scrawled on bullets found near Thompson’s body and echoing those used by insurance industry critics . Thompson's wife, Paulette, told NBC News last week that he told her some people had been threatening him and suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Investigators believe the shooting suspect, Luigi Mangione , may have been motivated by hostility toward health insurers. They are studying his writings about a previous back injury, and his disdain for corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Mangione’s lawyer has cautioned against prejudging the case. Mangione, 26, has remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday . Manhattan prosecutors are working to bring him to New York to face a murder charge. UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said this week it was working with law enforcement to ensure a safe work environment and to reinforce security guidelines and building access policies, a spokesperson said. The company has taken down photos, names and biographies for its top executives from its websites, a spokesperson said. Other organizations, including CVS, the parent company for insurance giant Aetna, have taken similar actions. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. has announced that its investor day will be held online, rather than in-person as originally planned. Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm, said last week it was temporarily closing its six offices for security reasons and would have its employees work from home. Heightened security measures likely will make health care companies and their leaders more inaccessible to their policyholders, said former Cigna executive Wendell Potter. “And understandably so, with this act of violence. There’s no assurance that this won’t happen again,” said Potter, who’s now an advocate for health care reform. Private security firms and consultants have been in high demand, fielding calls almost immediately after the shooting from companies across a range of industries, including manufacturing and finance. Companies have long faced security risks and grappled with how far to take precautions for high-profile executives. But these recent threats sparked by Thompson's killing should not be ignored, said Dave Komendat, a former security chief for Boeing who now heads his own risk-management company. “The tone and tenor is different. The social reaction to this tragedy is different. And so I think that people need to take this seriously,” Komendat said. Just over a quarter of the companies in the Fortune 500 reported spending money to protect their CEOs and top executives. Of those, the median payment for personal security doubled over the last three years to just under $100,000. Hours after the shooting, Komendat was on a call with dozens of chief security officers from big corporations, and there have been many similar meetings since, hosted by security groups or law enforcement agencies assessing the threats, he said. “It just takes one person who is motivated by a poster — who may have experienced something in their life through one of these companies that was harmful," Komendat said. Associated Press reporters Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco, contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Weeks after winning the election, President-elect Donald Trump took aim at Mexico and Canada over border security. The Great White North appears to be acting as the threat of tariffs looms. Trump issued his warning to Canada and Mexico last month that if they did not stop the flow of illegal drugs and illegal immigrants across the United States's northern and southern borders, then the president-elect would impose a 25% tariff on all imports into the U.S. when he entered office. “I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular, Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump posted on Truth Social last month. The Canadian government is working on a plan to increase its border security, according to a report from the New York Times. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other top officials said plans were being made during a meeting Wednesday. The report claims that officials are considering using drones, dog units, technological advancements to curb the flow of illegal drugs, and databases, among other proposals. The cost of the measures is expected to be released Monday, according to the report, and the plan is expected to be presented to the incoming Trump administration prior to the president-elect's inauguration next month. Trump and Trudeau met in Mar-a-Lago shortly after the initial tariff threat by the president-elect, in what was called a “very productive meeting” by Trump and an “excellent conversation” by Trudeau. Earlier this month, after the Trump-Trudeau meeting, Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told Canadian news outlet CBC News about the importance of border security between the U.S. and Ca nada to be improved in a “visible and muscular way.” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Since making the initial threat of tariffs against Canada, Trump has joked about the country being the 51st U.S. state and calling Trudeau the governor "of the Great State of Canada." Trudeau also took a jab at the U.S. for not electing its first female president last month, instead opting for Trump, after previously rejecting a female candidate for president in 2016, Hillary Clinton, who Trump also defeated. Canada only has one female prime minister, Kim Campbell, who served in the position for a few months in 1993.
Share pledging is linked to higher corporate misconduct in China, study findsWalmart Starts Putting Body Cameras on Employees to Combat Escalating Customer RageNone
Brainy, 'normal guy': the suspect in US insurance CEO's slayingEntertainment News | IFFI 2024: Nikkhil Advani Shares Insights About His Series 'Freedom at Midnight'
Jarrod Bowen held Antonio’s number nine shirt aloft after scoring the winner in support of the Hammers striker, who is recovering after a horror car crash on Saturday. Boss Julen Lopetegui said: “He is not in his best moment but he kept his humour. It was a special moment for us. “I think we have a lot of reason to win matches but this was one reason more. He’s alive so we are happy.” MA9 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fXwtdSQWYE — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 9, 2024 West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9′ shirts while warming up and walking out before kick-off. The shirts will be signed by the players, including Antonio, and auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK. Tomas Soucek headed West Ham into the lead and held up nine fingers to a TV camera. The Czech midfielder told Sky Sports: “He’s been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. "He was here since I came and he's really my favourite" Tomáš Souček on dedicating his goal to Michail Antonio ❤️ pic.twitter.com/smNy26wmuX — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024 “I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.” Matt Doherty equalised for Wolves, and boss Gary O’Neil felt they should have had two penalties for fouls on Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, both of which were checked by VAR. But Bowen’s winner – O’Neil believed there was a foul in the build-up – condemned Wolves to a 10th defeat of the season and a third in a row. While under-pressure Lopetegui may have earned a stay of execution, O’Neil’s future as Wolves manager is now in serious doubt. “A lot of things went against us but ultimately we have not found a way to turn the game in our favour,” he said. “But the players showed they are still fighting for me, for the fans and the group. “Where does this leave me? In the same place I was. I’m aware of the noise. But if anyone expected this to be easy – I’m happy to be judged on results but it should be done in context. “Whenever this journey ends with Wolves I’ll be proud of it.” There was an acrimonious end to the match as captains Bowen and Mario Lemina scuffled after the final whistle, with the Wolves midfielder angrily shoving people including one of his own coaches, Shaun Derry. “I just went to shake his hand after the game,” Bowen said. “He didn’t want to shake my hand, two captains together just to say ‘well done’ after the game. “I know it’s difficult when you lose. I’ve been on the end of that situation.” O’Neil added: “Mario is calm now. He’s a passionate guy and something was said that upset him. “The instinct of the staff was to make sure he didn’t get into trouble, but he took some calming down.”
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump said he can’t guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists’ predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won’t be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That’s a different approach from Trump’s typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are “going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. “All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that.” At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump’s inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate cease-fire . Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell’s term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy , including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump’s pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We’re not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we’re not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are -- things do -- things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better healthcare for less money.” Read more political news Sen.-elect Dave McCormick is the most popular person in the room at Pa. Society Worried about Trump’s tariffs, Americans pile up supplies, debt: poll Musk spent $277M to elect Trump, other Republicans as he campaigned aggressively in Pa.Jaylon Johnson leans into gratitude as this latest Chicago Bears skid drags on: ‘There’s always something to prove’
NoneWhat Has Filmmaker Michael Moore Said About UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting?
Surge In Luxury Car Demand: A Key Driver Transforming The Audio Equipment Market 2024How Smart Air Technology is Modernizing Air Conditioning
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan to enter 2025 NFL DraftUkraine Seeks Advanced Air Defense Amid Rising Tensions
“I carry a knife or a sickle, an earthen pot, a waist belt and a harness before wrapping my feet around the tree trunk and climbing it,” explains Katikam Bhiksham, a toddy-tapper from Penumaka village in Tadepalli mandal of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. “Even at the age of 59, he can climb swiftly carrying tools and the toddy collecting pot with a remarkable balance that comes only with years of experience,” says his wife, Ms. Narasamma, her eyes glowing in pride. The couple was interacting with a team of officials and staff from the AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) and Penumaka Grama Sachivalayam (village secretariat), a government-established office that provides public services at the grassroots level. The team members go door to door for the household survey as part of the Andhra Pradesh government’s ambitious plan to enumerate skill census, the first of its kind in India. “First, I inspect the tree and the inflorescence to ensure it is healthy and is ready for tapping,” Mr. Bhiksham continues, unmindful of his conversation overlapping with a query tossed at him by one of the Sachivalayam staff. “Do you want to switch to some other occupation, or do you desire to continue what you are doing,” asked Sadupati Jyotirmayi, Welfare and Education Assistant at the Sachivalayam. Sachivalayam staff interacting with Katikam Bhiksham and his wife Narayanamma, locals of Penumaka village. | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao Mr. Bhiksham took a few minutes as if to organise his thoughts. Rubbing his chin, he said that toddy-tapping demanded exceptional strength and endurance. “It is also a high-risk job because sometimes it involves climbing trees taller than 50 feet,” he said, breaking eye contact. Given a choice, the 59-year-old is willing to take up agriculture work. However, even while promptly answering the queries, Mr. Bhiksham wonders about the purpose of the inquiry. APSSDC has almost completed the pilot census conducted in five mandals of Tadepalli, Duggirala, Mangalagiri Urban, Mangalagiri Rural and Thulluru in Mangalagiri Assembly Constituency. “This initiative will help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, aligning better with the demands of the modern workforce” D. Nagamalleswara Rao Engineering student, KLEF (Deemed to be University) A total of 775 enumerators, drawn from APSSDC, village and ward secretariats, Society for Employment Generation and Enterprise Development in Andhra Pradesh (SEEDAP), and the National Academy of Construction (NAC), surveyed 1,12,251 households categorised into 2,029 clusters across 100 Sachivalayams by reaching out to the 2,77,207 residents. A new hope Pathan Shameela, a 34-year-old homemaker, once worked as a computer operator at a surgical shop in Vijayawada. The native of Bhimadole in Eluru district is a B. Com (Computer Applications) graduate who lives in Penumaka. The purpose of the visit of the officials to the village rekindled her hope of finding a job and utilising her skills to supplement her husband’s income. At Kothuru Centre in Tadepalli mandal, the enumerators approached a group of villagers, most of them unlettered and a mix of curiosity, confusion and apprehensions writ large on their faces. Soon, others gathered cautiously to observe what was happening. Whispers spread as people speculated about the purpose of the officials’ visit. “Is it a government aid programme?” asked an excited Ms. Venkayamma, a local resident. However, questions about skills, education and vocational experiences puzzled them, and some hesitated to answer, unsure of how their responses would be interpreted. When asked, Ms. Venkayamma laughed nervously, dismissing her skills as unimportant. It took a patient explanation of the purpose of the survey to people in the villages so that they could open up. Some of them came forward to describe their expertise in weaving, farming or animal husbandry. The staff recorded details meticulously, asking questions about traditional crafts, farming methods, educational and technical skills, and aspirations for future training. They captured inputs from all demographic groups, including women, youth, and elders in the 15-59 years age group, to build a comprehensive profile of their skill potential. “Besides the challenge of the migrated persons, whose names are officially registered here but have moved elsewhere, many residents have apprehensions about sharing the one-time password (OTP) they receive on their phones to approve the survey. Some others say they are unwilling to participate in the survey for various reasons,” says Mr. Venkata Srikanth, a digital assistant from Penumaka Sachivalayam. Some of the surveyors involved in the enumeration process say that the Sachivalayam staff attending other government priorities and surveys in addition to the skill census is yet another shortcoming. Skill gap study This sample assessment and data collection exercise aims to understand the skills and competencies of the local population and the skills in demand for improving the State economy. In other words, it is a skill gap study, which will be replicated at the State level, tentatively from the first week of January 2025. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (2022-23), says that Andhra Pradesh has the highest unemployment rate of 24% among graduates aged 15 years and above in India. The Skill Census exercise aims to address this issue. According to key information accessed by those at the helm of the census project, which is only indicative in nature, the Labour Force Participation Rate is lowest among those with higher secondary education, while unemployment rate in the 15-29 years age group is 15.7% against the national average of 10%, indicating that Andhra Pradesh needs to skill up its youth more to bring down the unemployment rate. Regarding the gender-based worker population ratio among the 15-29 years age group in the State, it has been found that fewer young women are participating in the workforce, and more programmes could be designed to uplift them. As far as wages among salaried employees (15 to 29 years age group) are concerned, the State is performing above the national average, but there is scope for improvement. Unlocking talent “Our youngsters are skilled not just in the emerging areas of cyber security and cloud technology but also in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Unfortunately, their talent is locked up in their resumes. They need a platform to prove their mettle,” says A. Srinath, dean of Skill Development and Students’ Progression wing in K.L.E.F. Deemed to be University. Mr. Srinath feels that the skill census should not be prolonged, and it should be completed in the next six months “as we have the 2024 graduating batch readily available with high potential and equipped with skill sets.” “Through this very special project, the government is trying to identify what skills people have across different jobs and fields, spot the gap between the skills people have and what employers need” G. Ganesh Kumar Managing Director and CEO, APSSDC People, especially the youth, see the skill census as a boon in disguise. “This initiative will help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, aligning better with the demands of the modern workforce,” says D. Nagamalleswara Rao, a final year Mechanical Engineering student from K.L.E.F. Deemed to be University. The APSSDC office at Tadepalli is buzzing with activity where a constant hum of energy and purpose fills the space. The Managing Director and CEO of APSSDC, G. Ganesh Kumar, is engaged in back-to-back meetings and is working closely with various agencies and NGOs to ensure the success of the skill census. A large conference room, converted into a tech command centre, is occupied by representatives of KPMG International Limited, the knowledge partners of the APSSDC. Long tables are laid with high-power laptops and monitors, and a mix of tangled cables are spread across the room. A couple of techies are immersed in typing codes, while others are scanning spreadsheets filled with survey questions and demographic data. “Through this very special project, the government is trying to identify what skills people have across different jobs and fields, spot the gap between the skills people have and what employers need,” says Mr. Ganesh Kumar, explaining that the outcome of the census will benefit both, the government and the people. He says it will equip the government with useful data to create better training and job-oriented programmes and help people choose careers, find suitable training, and improve their job chances. “Job creation in the State is the need of the hour, and this project will help the government achieve the same. Selected State-run and private institutions should be engaged in the process of identifying skill gaps, building competency levels among students and promoting internships, which subsequently would lead to their job placements,” says A.V. Ratna Prasad, pro-vice-chancellor of V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College, Deemed to be University. Students are happy that the skill census would guide them in focusing on skills that align with the demands of the industry. “As mere academic qualifications are no longer enough to land jobs, we need to target specific skills that will make us more competitive and employable in the job market,” says Pranuthi Pollipogu, a final year (ECE) student from V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College. Her friend Tribhuvana Sree Sappa, who is pursuing computer science engineering at the same institution, sees the initiative as a transformative step towards addressing critical challenges like employment and skill gaps. “It will give a sense of direction and confidence to young jobseekers like me,” she says. “The outcome of the census will be a powerful tool that will help the government systematically classify and organise the skills possessed by people, like a well-organised library of the State’s workforce capabilities, providing a clear picture of what skills an individual has and where there might be gaps” K. Raghu Executive Director, APSSDC Mammoth task Gearing up for the State-wide survey, which would require meticulous planning and execution to ensure accuracy and reliability, officials at the helm of the project are making swift and elaborate arrangements, including multiple rounds of workshops and training sessions on a massive scale at the village, mandal, district, and State levels. Armed with credible information, the officials are progressing with the project. The population in the State is said to be experiencing a demographic dividend, and this is expected to last till 2040 if their numbers are any indication. Every year, about 3 lakh people are entering the labour force now, compared to 2.3 lakh in the previous decade. Though the State economy is anticipated to grow, more than 1 lakh youth in the 15-16 age group here drop out of mainstream education every year, which is a matter of grave concern. The information also indicates that 33% of the youth in the State need skilling as of 2021-22. The census will cover 3.5 crore working-age people (15-59 years) in 1.8 crore households in Andhra Pradesh. The project involves two key elements: a household census and an industry census. The State has 33 lakh micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), among other major industries, and all of them will be covered. Skill ID To overcome the language barrier, the enumerators will conduct the survey in a bilingual format. After the enumeration, the participants will receive a Skill ID derived from their Aadhaar number, which will give them access to a skill profile, assessments and lifelong skilling opportunities in virtual and physical modes. Around 50,000 enumerators and 8,000 supervisors would be trained to carry out the project. “The outcome of the census will be a powerful tool that will help the government systematically classify and organise the skills possessed by people, like a well-organised library of the State’s workforce capabilities, providing a clear picture of what skills an individual has and where there might be gaps,” says K. Raghu, Executive Director, APSSDC. Published - December 13, 2024 12:48 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada / employment / unemployment / labour / population and census / advanced training / Visakhapatnam / Spotlight
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Remote-First Company -- Clover Health Investments, Corp. (Nasdaq: CLOV) (“Clover,” “Clover Health” or the “Company”), today announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Toy, will present at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. A live webcast and replay of the presentation and Q&A session will be accessible from Clover Health's investor relations website at https://investors.cloverhealth.com/ . About Clover Health: Clover Health (Nasdaq: CLOV) is a physician enablement technology company committed to bringing access to great healthcare to everyone on Medicare. This includes a health equity-based focus on seniors who have historically lacked access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Our strategy is powered by our software platform, Clover Assistant, which is designed to aggregate patient data from across the healthcare ecosystem to support clinical decision-making and improve health outcomes through the early identification and management of chronic disease. For our members, we provide PPO and HMO Medicare Advantage plans in several states, with a differentiated focus on our flagship wide-network, high-choice PPO plans. For healthcare providers outside Clover Health's Medicare Advantage plan, we aim to extend the benefits of our data-driven technology platform to a wider audience via our subsidiary, Counterpart Health, and to enable enhanced patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs on a nationwide scale. Clover Health has published data demonstrating the technology’s impact on Medication Adherence , as well as the earlier identification and management of Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease . Press Contact: Andrew Still-Baxter press@cloverhealth.com Investor Relations Contact: Ryan Schmidt investors@cloverhealth.com
Metabolism Assays Market Future Scope, Size, Share, Growing Trends & Demand, Opportunities, Key Segments And Forecast To 2028Our soccer writers bring you the latest transfers of the League of Ireland off-season. Sunday, December 8 Derry City have secured the services of midfielder Adam O'Reilly until the end of the 2026 season. The Cork native had interest from around the league and did spend time training with Leyton Orient but positive discussions with Tiernan Lynch influenced his decision to stay put with the Brandywell club. Lynch is also trying to keep midfielder Will Patching who is likely to make a decision on his future in the coming week. It was anticipated that Patching would move on but he has spoken with the new boss about extending his stay. Sligo Rovers are considering a move for midfielder Evan McLaughlin whose future is up in the air after turning down a contract offer from Cork City. The 22-year-old had been in talks with the Leesiders about staying after impressing in their First Division title win and being voted onto the team of the season but he now looks set to move on due to a difference of opinion on terms. However, interested clubs will have to pay a fee as McLaughlin is under the age of 23 and was retained by City. Sligo Rovers are exploring the possibility. Dundalk have added experienced defender Conor O'Keeffe to their expanding panel with the securing of a First Division licence allowing manager Ciaran Kilduff to recruit players with a knowledge of that level. O'Keefe joins from Galway United where he dropped out of favour last term. Dundalk have signed midfielder Harry Groome from Bray and striker Dean Ebbe from Athlone Town with Kilduff working off a competitive budget for the division. The Lilywhites have also sealed a deal to bring in promising attacker Gbemi Arubi from Waterford. Versatile Drogheda player Luke Heeney is understood to be a target. Waterford's new recruit Matty Smith says his decision to return to the club was influenced by Keith Long's repeated attempts to sign him. The Scot started his League of Ireland journey at Waterford in 2020, but moved on to St Patrick's Athletic, Derry City and Shelbourne where he contributed to title success under Damien Duff before being told he could go. Long tried to sign Smith when he was Bohemians manager. "He's been onto me probably since I've come here," said Smith, "Over the past four years he's been trying to sign me. After meeting with him, I can't wait to get going." – DMcD Friday, December 6 Shamrock Rovers: The Hoops are set to make another bid to sign Darragh Burns on a permanent basis after an initial offer to MK Dons was rejected, writes Daniel McDonnell. Burns has made a good impression on loan with the Hoops this year and Rovers want to tie the 22-year-old down for the long term. His contract with the League Two side expires this summer, and there are no indications that he has a future there so Rovers are keen to get the deal done – especially as there is likely to be a reasonable level of squad turnover the winter. Their European campaign is set to continue into February and they technically only have the facility to make three changes to their squad list for the playoff round. Burns has been involved throughout their run so keeping him would be a bonus. Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has starred during his loan spell, but he’s understood to be keen on trying his luck in England while the out of contract Neil Farrugia is expected to have offers from overseas to consider after the game with Chelsea on December 19. St Patrick’s Athletic have made a strong play to sign Sean Hoare whose deal is also up and his fellow defender Sean Kavanagh is also likely to move on after playing a peripheral role this term. Shelbourne and Bohemians are both interested in the 30-year-old. Richie Towell has no future with the Hoops after reacting badly to being an unused sub in October’s league win over Shelbourne. His next destination is unclear; it’s understood he has spoken with Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic but both of those clubs are reasonably well stocked in the midfield department. Wednesday December 4 Derry City Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch says the club have put their best foot forward in their pursuit Gavin Whyte, as well as in their attempts to resign Adam O’Reilly and Brian Maher. The Candystripes are also interested in signing former Northern Ireland international Shane Fergsuon, with Lynch admitting the 33-year-old is a player who ticks all the boxes for him. Last month the Irish Independent reported that Derry had made a strong push to attract Northern Ireland midfielder Whyte, who is currently a free agent after departing Portsmouth in August. “Is Gavin someone I’d love to bring to Derry City? One million percent,” Lynch told Drive105. “He’s a kid I know really well and who I had at a really young age. He’s hugely talented. Getting him now is another challenge. As a club we feel like we’ve put our best foot forward and we’ll see where it takes us.” Asked about the club’s interest in 57-times capped Ferguson, who is without a club having left Rotherham last summer, Lynch added: “Is he someone we admire as a footballer? Absolutely. “Is he someone who ticks all the boxes as a person, the experience he has? One million percent. Is he a Derry player? The answer is no and until he is there’s very little I can do about that With the club also hoping to convince goalkeeper Maher and midfielder O’Reilly to stay at the Brandywell for the 2025 campaign, Lynch said: “The club has put their best foot forward and they are players we definitely want to keep.” City also have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Arlo Doherty on an initial 18-month deal. The 21-year-old cut his teeth at the academies of Manchester City, Norwich and Leicester before he was released by the latter last summer. Capped for Ireland up to U-19 level, Doherty has now committed his future to the Candysripes having been training with the club since September. “I’m very ambitious and I’m very proud of my Irish heritage. I have a lot of hard work to do but I’m ready,” said Doherty, whose grandparents hail from Dublin and Limerick. “I want to be here beyond 2025 and in helping Derry City, I also hope to use my time here to help push me into the Ireland U-21 set up as well. It’s a challenge, I can’t wait to start.” St Patrick’s Athletic Jason McClelland has committed his future to St Patrick’s Athletic, penning a contract extension to remain at Richmond Park for a sixth year. The 27-year-old has made 128 appearances for the Inchicore club to date although he found starts hard to come by last term with just five in the league. "Jason has been an integral part of St Patrick's Athletic for the last five seasons, so we're pleased that he's agreed to extend his stay with us,” said Saints boss Stephen Kenny. “He has an extremely high level of professionalism, his attitude to training is always first class and he is a brilliant team-mate.” Shelbourne: Shels have confirmed that winger Rayhaan Tulloch will remain at the club for the 2025 campaign. As reported by the Irish Independent last week, the Englishman was absent from a list of retained players last month but was expected to agree a deal to remain at Tolka Park for the Reds' title defence. The 23-year-old scored a crucial winner in their penultimate league game against Drogheda United. Bohemians: Bohs academy product Nickson Okosun has earned a move to Championship side Watford, it has been confirmed. The 18-year-old rose through the ranks at Bohs after arriving from St Kevin’s making his senior debut in 2023 and signing his first professional contract that same year. The Ireland U-19 cap made 12 senior appearances for the Dalymount Park club, and will now join Watford on January 1. Irish players on the Hornets’ books include senior cap Festy Ebosele (on loan from Udinese) and U-21 star Rocco Vata. Tuesday December 3 Shamrock Rovers: The Hoops are in advanced negotiations to complete a deal for goalkeeper Ed McGinty and are also keen on resurrecting the career of Danny Grant . We revealed last month that the Hoops had targeted Sligo Rovers favourite McGinty to strengthen their goalkeeping department. He spent the 2024 season back on loan at the Showgrounds with the club where he made his name before earning a move to Oxford that hasn't gone to plan, with the Scottish born stopper surplus to requirements. It's understood that Rovers and Oxford have worked out a deal in principle but personal terms need to be agreed before the 25-year-old opts to continue his career in Tallaght. Meanwhile, Rovers have made a move to try and sign Grant after his release from Bohemians. The 24-year-old failed to make an impact in his second stint at Bohs after relocating from Huddersfield in the summer of 2023. Grant was voted PFAI Player of the Year in 2020 before leaving for England but a serious hamstring issue severely hindered his progress. He was made one of the highest earners at Dalymount when they saw off competition from elsewhere to bring the winger back to Phibsborough but he struggled to capture his previous form. It was expected that Grant would look at options outside of Dublin when champions Shelbourne passed up the opportunity to pursue a deal, but Rovers have now entered the picture, believing that they can get the best out of the Dubliner. They may be left short in the attacking midfield department with the out of contract Neil Farrugia exploring the idea of going overseas at the end of this calendar year. St Patrick's Athletic: The Saints have confirmed the signing of midfielder Barry Baggley from Fleetwood Town. Last month, the Independent reported that Stephen Kenny was very keen on Baggley who impressed on loan with Fleetwood's sister club Waterford last term. The Saints have moved assertively to negotiate a permanent deal with Fleetwood for a player who has been capped with Northern Ireland through the age groups. Baggley (22) has signed a long term deal. "I think the type of football Stephen plays will suit me," he said. News of the deal could be good news for Derry City. They want to retain Adam O'Reilly who was on the radar of Pat's but fell behind Baggley in the pecking order of targets. Sligo Rovers: John Russell has added to his squad for 2025 by recruiting Jad Hakiki from Dundalk on a two year deal. Hakiki joined Dundalk from Shelbourne midway through the season just gone but the Lilywhites' relegation from the top flight opened up the possibility that he would be able to move on. Hakiki has signed a two year deal at The Showgrounds. "He has bags of ability," said Russell, who has already rated the Ireland U-21 international. "He's able to carry the ball and beat players which is exactly the type of player we need.” Bohemians: James Talbot will spend a seventh season at Dalymount Park as the goalkeeper has signed up for the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old took a temporary step back from football prior to the 2024 season to deal with mental health challenges, before returning to the Bohs squad at the end of last March. The Dubliner’s only two appearances of last season came in the final two games as Bohs finished in eighth. Monday, December 2 Derry City: The Candystripes have confirmed the departure of another experienced squad member with Ciaran Coll opting to reunite with former City boss Declan Devine at Glentoran. Coll had just completed his sixth season at the Brandywell, with injury ruling him out of run-in and the FAI Cup final. Earlier today, new Derry boss Tiernan Lynch confirmed our report from last week on the club's interest in free agent Gavin Whyte. However, he added that reported competition from Shamrock Rovers could be a difficulty. "Gavin is someone I've worked with before and have a good relationship with," Lynch told the Derry Journal. "He's someone we would love to try and bring to Derry City. Whether we can get him, whether we can lure him here or can get into that rat race because apparently Rovers are also very interested and I think if you can see the type of money Rovers are throwing around, it might come down to finance."- Daniel McDonnell Romal Palmer has penned a new two-year contract at St Patrick’s Athletic and hailed the impact Stephen Kenny has made in building up his confidence at Richmond Park. The midfielder arrived in Inchicore last February on loan from Turkish side Goztepe and appeared 25 times for the Saints across 2024. The 26-year-old netted two key goals in their Conference League qualifying campaign against Vaduz and Sabah, but missed their play-off second-leg defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir with a knee injury in late August. He returned from injury for the final stages of the Premier Division season and helped St Pat’s close out the campaign with a remarkable run of nine successive wins as Kenny’s side finished third and clinched European qualification for 2025. After committing his future to the club, the ex-Manchester City youth player admitted the move was a “no-brainer” for him. "It feels amazing, signing a new deal has been in the works for a while now. It was a no-brainer for me really,” said Wigan native Palmer. "Stephen Kenny coming in helped me a lot, confidence wise and building me up and I feel like that’s what I need at this point of my career, to get back playing games and try to be the best version of myself. I feel like I can do that at St Pat's." “He's a brilliant midfield player, with a high level of technical ability, combined with a really strong work ethic. If he can stay fit, Romal can have a real impact on the season ahead," added Saints boss Kenny. – SOC Friday, November 29 Cork City: As Cork City prepare for their return to the Premier Division for 2025, the Leesiders have announced the signing of left-back Benny Couto this evening. Couto (21) cut his teeth at Oldham Athletic, rising through the ranks at the National League club before he made 28 appearances for their first team. The Lisbon native joined Ashton United last August but his time at the non-league side, who play in the seventh tier, was short lived as has now opted for a fresh start in the League of Ireland. “Benny is a very exciting young player and is someone that I’m very pleased to have on board. He is a player with massive potential, and despite his age, brings experience from the English Football League which is exactly what we are looking for,” said Cork boss Tim Clancy. Sligo Rovers: Striker Cian Kavanagh has today departed St Patrick’s Athletic and signed a two-year deal with Sligo Rovers, the club has confirmed. The Baldoyle man (21) returned home after a spell in Scotland in 2021 and spent time at Waterford and Derry City before arriving at Richmond Park last January. But he found starts hard to come by at the Saints last term, making just two in the league in 2024 with his 15 other appearances all coming off the bench as he sat behind Aidan Keena and Mason Melia in the pecking order in Inchicore. "I want to be on the team sheet every week,” said Kavanagh, who officially joins John Russell’s side on December 1. “That's going to come down to me putting in a good pre-season and performing day in, day out. I want to score as many goals as I can and hopefully we'll finish in a high position. "After I met with John, he told me about his plans for Rovers for the next few years and how things have been run here, it was a no-brainer for me. I felt straight away how much he wanted to bring me here and that he believes in me and that's what I need right now." – Sean O’Connor Drogheda United: FAI Cup champions Drogheda United have confirmed that midfielders Warren Davis and Steve Zishim Bawa and defensive duo James Bolger and Aaron Harper-Bailey will all remain at Weavers Park for the 2025 Premier Division season. Wednesday, November 27 Drogheda United have paid tribute to their captain Gary Deegan this evening as the 37-year-old departs the Louth club. Having signed from Shelbourne in 2021, the Dubliner made 134 appearances for Drogheda in total with his final display coming in their FAI Cup triumph over Derry City at Lansdowne Road earlier this month. “I want to thank Gary from the bottom of my heart for his four seasons with the club, in particular the last three years since I became manager and made him club captain,” said Drogheda manager Kevin Doherty, as the midfielder departs following the expiration of his contract. “He is an example to every player with his work ethic and the dedication he brings, showing what it takes to be a successful professional footballer. I wish him nothing but success in the future.” Tuesday, November 26 Derry City: Derry have made a strong push to sign Northern Ireland international Gavin Whyte who is a free agent after his recent departure from Portsmouth, writes Daniel McDonnell. The 28-year-old has interest from clubs on both sides of the border as he considers the next move with a weekend interview indicating that the 30-times capped attacking midfielder is open to playing his football on this island. New Derry boss Tiernan Lynch is looking to make a splash in the transfer market after the departure of key players from the dressing room – including skipper Patrick McEleney – and the Candystripes are willing to make the Belfast native a high earner. But they face strong competition for his signature from multiple Irish League clubs with Shamrock Rovers also monitoring the situation. Whyte had a long association with Crusaders in his youth before earning a move to Oxford United. Cardiff paid a seven figure fee for his services, but it didn’t quite work out with loan spells at Hull and back at Oxford functioning as the bridge to a move to Portsmouth last summer. He departed the club by mutual consent in August, citing family reasons. Lynch needs fresh bodies as he presides over a dressing room overhaul but there remains confidence around the club that goalkeeper Brian Maher and midfielder Adam O’Reilly can be persuaded to stick around. Derry sources believe that Maher will stay put unless an overseas option emerges, while midfielder O’Reilly has long standing interest from his former club St Patrick’s Athletic but it’s understood that Stephen Kenny is exploring other options in that position. Fleetwood midfielder Barry Baggley is a Saints target after impressing on loan with Waterford and it’s possible that remaining with Derry will be the best option on the table for O’Reilly. St Pat’s: Pat’s confirmed on Monday night that centre half Tom Grivosti has signed a new two year deal with the club. His partnership with Joe Redmond was central to the resurgence under Kenny in the second half of the season. The Saints are still keen on the versatile Sean Hoare, who is out of contract with Shamrock Rovers and taking time to consider his options. He started his senior career with the Saints before Kenny brought him to Dundalk. Saints have the under-contract Conor Keeley and Luke Turner as defensive back-up but Drogheda want to bring Keeley back to Weaver’s Park, while Cork City are one of a number of clubs tracking Turner’s situation. City confirmed the capture of Alex Nolan from the Saints yesterday; he had a longer-term deal on the table from Sligo Rovers but opted for the Leesiders. The First Division champions are also believed to be close to bringing in a goalkeeper from Europe. The retirement of Dave Webster has made the recruitment of a centre half a high priority for Drogheda who are also admirers of Dundalk’s Mayowa Animasahun. Dundalk captain John Mountney is expected to sign for Bohemians after confirming the end of his stay with the Oriel Park club as they enter a new era under Ciaran Kilduff. Monday, November 25 St Patrick’s Athletic: The Saints have confirmed that defender Tom Grivosti has penned a new two-year deal with the Inchicore club. “Tom has shown immense character having been a full calendar year out injured, to have the fortitude to go through that and come back into the team and play at a very high level is exceptional,” said Saints boss Stephen Kenny. “Tom defends with real intelligence and his decision making is excellent. He is extremely calm and decisive in possession so we're really pleased that he has signed a new contract.” – SOC Cork City: The Rebels have bolstered their squad ahead of their return to the top-flight next season, with 21-year-old winger Alex Nolan arriving from St Pat’s. “Alex is a very exciting young winger who has been in high demand, so we’re delighted to get this deal done,” said City boss Tim Clancy. “Although he is still a very young player, he has been a part of a Cup winning side and has featured in a European campaign, so he knows the standards that are expected as we return to the Premier Division.” – SOC Waterford FC: The Blues have announced the signing of midfielder Sam Glenfield on a multi-year deal this evening. The 19-year-old joined the Blues on loan from sister club Fleetwood Town last summer and having impressed during that stint at the RSC, the Belfast native has now joined the Premier Division club on a permanent basis as Keith Long continues to build his squad for the 2025 campaign. Sam Glenfield of Waterford “Sam is a player who is an extremely important member of our squad – a player who we really only saw a snapshot of what he can really be last year,” said Long of Glenfield, who has been capped at Under-19 level for Northern Ireland. – SOC Friday November 22 St Patrick’s Athletic: Axel Sjoberg has signed a new deal with the Saints. The Swedish full-back enjoyed a successful end to last season under manager Stephen Kenny after overcoming a series of injuries. The 24-year-old has now put pen to paper on a new deal in what will be his third season at Richmond Park. The defender has played 33 times for St Pat’s and is excited to get going again next season. He said: “It’s great news, I’ve signed a new deal with St Pat’s and I’m really looking forward to the new season as we hope to continue on from how we finished last season. "We have built a great team and a strong environment for all the players and the connection with the fans too. We had a good European campaign in 2024 and I hope we will next year as well, we want to keep going and have a great year together.” – AF Shelbourne: The Reds have also shored up their defence for the 2025 season with a new deal for full-back Seán Gannon. Gannon won the 11th league title of his career last season with Shels but he has opted for another push for honours next term as he follows the lead of teammates like Mark Coyle and Seán Boyd by extending his contract. – AF Thursday November 21 Shelbourne: Shels defender Tyreke Wilson has committed his future to the club, signing a multi-year deal after appearing in all but two games across their title-winning campaign last term. And midfielder JJ Lunney has today signed a new deal to keep him at Tolka Park until 2027. "It means the world to sign back with Shels. Tolka is home for me and I'm thrilled to sign back for 2025," he said. Two more of Damien Duff's men have also committed their futures to the club with Harry Wood and Paddy Barrett penning new deals this evening, the latter signing a multi-year contract. This evening, Shelbourne captain Mark Coyle also penned a new long-term deal with the champions while forward Evan Caffrey has signed for the 2025 campaign too. – SOC Wednesday November 20 Shelbourne: Shelbourne striker Sean Boyd insists the club’s 2024 league triumph should be the standard, as he penned a new deal at Tolka Park today. The 26-year-old played a crucial role in the Reds’ title run-in with three goals in their final three games to help Damien Duff’s men clinch a first Premier Division title since 2006. The Dubliner enjoyed a purple patch in May too, hitting five goals in six games, while he also picked up the Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month award for October. “Thrilled to be at this club for another year,” said Boyd this evening. “It’s been an amazing journey from when the gaffer took over three years ago to now. Last year was special but that should be the standard for the club. See you all in Tolka next season. Up the Reds.” Goalkeeper Conor Kearns has also committed his future to Tolka Park this evening, having helped the club to the best defensive record last season. "I've loved every minute of my time at Shels since coming here and continuing that journey was a no-brainer," said the 26-year-old, who won the joint golden glove (along with Galway's Brendan Clarke) last term keeping 16 clean sheets in 36 games. "Last year was a special one that will live long in the memory of everyone involved at the club. But there's plenty more work to be done to continue the rise that has taken place over the last couple of years." – SOC Friday November 15 Shelbourne: The Reds have announced the exit of three members of their title winning squad, including long serving defender Shane Griffin and Scottish striker Matty Smith, a keynote signing in Damien Duff's first season in charge. Dean Williams has also left Tolka Park after his contract expired, a well-travelled striker who made minimal impact this term. Griffin was one of Duff's first signing at Shels, but the left-sided defender made just 12 league appearances this term. Smith was signed on loan from Derry in 2022 before the move was made permanent, and he was involved in some big moments this year, playing a starring role in a 2-0 win away to Shamrock Rovers in May. However, he did struggle for goals, scoring just twice in 30 appearances with 12 of those outings coming off the bench. His final outing for Shels showcased the good and the bad with Smith scoring a brilliant equaliser in the thrilling Tolka Park derby with St Patrick's Athletic only to get sent off for a petulant stamp in the aftermath of the Saints bagging a late winner. Duff made no excuses for it and Smith played no part in the rest of the season, serving a three-game ban before he was an unused sub in the decider in Derry. – DMcD Galway United: The Tribesmen have confirmed that Greg Cunningham is sticking around for the 2025 season. The former Irish international impressed upon his return home in the summer before his campaign was cut short by a late tackle in the costly 1-1 draw with Dundalk. Garry Buckley, Jimmy Keohane and Bobby Burns have also extended their contracts. Sligo Rovers: The Bit O’ Red have suffered with departures in the off-season but local centre-half John Mahon has penned a new two-year deal. Mahon has thanked the club for showing faith in him with a new contract even though he missed most of the 2024 season through injury. “It feels great to get the deal across the line”, Mahon says. “John (Russell) has shown huge faith in me in offering me a deal for next season and I want to repay that faith.” Cobh Ramblers: The Cork side are looking for a new manager after announcing the departure of Gary Hunt. The club have recently been taken over by USA-based group FC32. Wednesday November 13 Waterford FC: Former Ireland international Andy Boyle admits it was a tough decision to leave crisis club Dundalk as he completed his move to Waterford which guarantees him top flight football for next season. The 33-year-old won eight major trophies in his two spells with Dundalk, but with that club condemned to an uncertain future due to their financial situation and have been relegated, he needed to move on and Waterford boss Keith Long has swooped for the Dubliner, adding to his squad in a week when the Blues released eight members of the 2024 squad. – AF Monday November 11 St Patrick’s Athletic: New Saints signing Simon Power admits the chance to work under his former Ireland Under-21 boss Stephen Kenny was a major factor in his decision to sign a two-year contract at Richmond Park. The 26-year-old winger arrives in Inchicore from Sligo Rovers where he scored four times in 19 appearances across an injury-hit campaign. – SOCNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints quarterback Derek Carr was willing to risk his health to improve New Orleans’ chances of playing meaningful football in mid-December. Now the Saints, who’ve remained mathematically alive in the playoff race by winning three of four, might have to play without Carr again — and it didn’t go well the last time. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi declined on Monday to rule out Carr for any of New Orleans' final four games because of his injured non-throwing hand or his concussion . Both injuries occurred when he tried to leap for a first down and crashed hard to the turf during the fourth quarter of New Orleans' 14-11 victory over the reeling New York Giants on Sunday. “We’re not going to rule him out just yet,” Rizzi said. “We have to see in the next day or two what the healing process is like and see if he can function. “The good news it’s not his throwing hand,” Rizzi said. “The bad news is we’re obviously dealing with an injury here that we have to kind of play it by ear.” Rizzi noted that Carr must clear the concussion protocol first. After that, he said, the Saints can see how well Carr can operate with his hand injury. “It's been done before,” Rizzi said when asked about the prospect of an NFL QB playing with an injured non-throwing hand. “It appears at moment that it's non-surgical, which is a big aspect of it. ... That's why we're going to discuss the options.” Last season, Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert played with a fractured finger on his non-throwing hand . Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has played part of this season with an injured non-throwing hand . If Carr can't play, his replacement will be either second-year pro Jake Haener or rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler started three games earlier this season when Carr had an oblique injury — all losses by New Orleans, which was in the midst of a seven-game skid. “We've just got to surround whomever it is and pick him up and get him rolling with the rest of us,” guard Lucas Patrick said. “It's just another step of adversity in this long season that we’ve had.” What’s working New Orleans' interior defensive line is coming off one of its better games. Defensive tackles Bryan Bresee and Khalen Saunders accounted for both New Orleans' sacks in New York. The Saints also held the Giants to 112 yards rushing — a lower opponent rushing total than in seven other games this season. What needs help The Saints' 92 yards rushing offensively was their fourth-lowest total all season and the lowest in any of their victories. Stock up Running back Kendre Miller's future is looking a bit brighter now. He has played in just three games this season because of hamstring injuries and his lack of readiness was criticized by since-fired coach Dennis Allen earlier this season. Miller also has yet to rush for more than 36 yards in a game. But against the Giants, he earned praise for the speed, strength and elusiveness he was able to show on a couple of clutch runs, including an 8-yard run for his first and only touchdown this season. Patrick said Miller deserved credit on his scoring run for staying upright and continuing to push forward — with the help of some teammates — after he was met at the 5-yard line by a Giants defender. Patrick said if Miller didn't give the extra effort and stay on his feet, his teammates would not have had the chance to help push him across the goal line. “Kendre's definitely a bright, young runner and he's exciting to block for,” Patrick said. Stock down Blake Grupe was 0 for 2 on field goal attempts, although both were from beyond 50 yards and one was blocked. Those were Grupe's first two failures from beyond 50 yards this season. Injuries In addition to Carr, reserve linebacker D’Marco Jackson left Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Key number 0 — The number of games the Saints have won when Carr does not play. They've gone 5-5 in his starts this season. Next steps The Saints are back home Sunday against Washington in what could be ex-New Orleans cornerback Marshon Lattimore's first game with the Commanders. The game also marks the return to Louisiana of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Troply last year at LSU. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl