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PVH lowers top-end of full-year EPS guidance range after Q3 results top estimatesThe AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Ethan Taylor’s 21 points helped Air Force defeat Mercyhurst 82-48 on Sunday night. Taylor added 10 rebounds for the Falcons (2-4). Wesley Celichowski scored 14 points, going 6 of 11 and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Luke Kearney had 12 points and shot 4 for 5 from beyond the arc. The Lakers (4-3) were led by Aidan Reichert, who posted 11 points. Jeff Planutis added 10 points for Mercyhurst. Mykolas Ivanauskas also had seven points, six rebounds and three blocks. Air Force took the lead with 15:21 left in the first half and never looked back. The score was 31-24 at halftime, with Taylor racking up nine points. Air Force extended its lead to 45-26 during the second half, fueled by a 14-0 scoring run. Taylor scored a team-high 12 points in the second half as Air Force closed out the win. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Kansai International Airport, situated near Osaka, Japan , is an engineering wonder and one of the globe's most remarkable air hubs, constructed at a staggering cost of $20.9 billion. The airport, entirely built on a man-made island in Osaka Bay , serves as a significant international gateway to the Kansai region, encompassing cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Constructed on an artificial island approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long and 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles) wide, the airport stands as a testament to human ingenuity, reports Daily Express UK. After six years of construction, which included creating the island and constructing the terminal and runways, it opened its doors in 1994. In September 1998, the airport weathered a typhoon with wind speeds exceeding 60m per second. However, in September 2018, the airport was struck by Typhoon Jebi. Operations had to be halted after seawater surges flooded the island. Runways were affected, and the water rose to the engines of some aircraft. Despite the devastation caused by the natural disaster, the airport managed to resume partial operations within days. Designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, common occurrences in the region, the airport incorporates advanced seismic and wave-resistance technologies. However, the airport faces another challenge: the island it was built on is sinking due to the soft clay seabed. This issue, foreseen during planning, is being addressed through ongoing adjustments and reinforcements. DON'T MISS: Top 10 best airlines to get an upgrade but only one's in America Airline pilot reveals best time and day to fly to avoid flight delays American Airlines launches new boarding system to prevent airport ‘gate lice’ The airport's runways and taxiways undergo regular elevation and reinforcement. Enhanced protective measures, like seawalls, have been implemented to shield against flooding worsened by subsidence. The sinking rate has considerably decelerated since the airport was built, due to engineering efforts and natural stabilisation. Nonetheless, it continues to be a persistent issue in the long run.
PONTE VEDRA, Fla., Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. ("Treace” or the "Company”) (NasdaqGS: TMCI), a medical technology company driving a fundamental shift in the surgical treatment of bunions and related midfoot deformities through its flagship Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® Procedures, today announced the successful completion of the first cases combining IntelliGuideTM PSI technology with the Adductoplasty® System for a CT-based, patient specific correction personalized to the patient's unique midfoot deformity. IntelliGuideTM PSI, incorporating RedPointTM technology, is the first and only patient-specific cut guide system available for correction of bunion and/or midfoot deformities in the U.S. IntelliGuideTM PSI provides an AI-enabled software approach to convert a patient's CT-scan to a pre-operative surgical plan and produce a 3D-printed cut guide specific to the patient's deformity for efficient and personalized intra-operative guidance. It is estimated that midfoot deformities, such as metatarsus adductus, may occur in up to 30% of bunion patients. 1,2 Treace has now initiated a limited market release of IntelliGuideTM PSI for the Adductoplasty® Procedure and plans to expand surgeon access of IntelliGuideTM for both the Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® procedures progressively over the coming months with full market release expected within the first half of 2025. "IntelliGuideTM PSI further advances our market leadership position in the surgical management of bunion and midfoot deformities, extending the established benefits of PSI personalized approaches to our Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® Procedures,” said John T. Treace, CEO, Founder and Board Member of Treace. "We look forward to further building out our ecosystem of enabling digital technologies as part of our strategy to provide a comprehensive portfolio of bunion and related midfoot solutions to address the evolving needs of our surgeon customers and patients.” Eric Kuhlman, DPM of Center for Spine & Orthopedics in Denver, who performed an initial IntelliGuideTM Adductoplasty® case commented, "This technology is going to revolutionize the way that I approach treating patients with bunion and related midfoot deformities. The virtual planning process helped me fully visualize the complex three-dimensional metatarsus adductus midfoot correction before stepping foot in the OR and the 3D-printed cut guides added a new level of intra-operative precision, efficiency, and confidence to the procedure. Just as PSI has advanced other areas of orthopedics, I expect IntelliGuideTM PSI to rapidly expand our understanding and treatment of these common, yet challenging foot deformities.” Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company's expectations of innovation, product commercialization, market performance, and growth. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations of future events and trends, which affect or may affect the Company's business, strategy, operations or financial performance, and actual results and other events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Factors that could cause actual results or other events to differ materially from those contemplated in this press release can be found in the Risk Factors section of Treace's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2024, and its subsequent SEC filings. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of their date and, except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements, whether as a result of any new information, future developments or otherwise. Internet Posting of Information Treace routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investor Relations” section of its website at www.treace.com . The Company encourages investors and potential investors to consult the Treace website regularly for important information about Treace. About Treace Medical Concepts Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. is a medical technology company with the goal of advancing the standard of care for the surgical management of bunion and related midfoot deformities. Bunions are complex 3-dimensional deformities that originate from an unstable joint in the middle of the foot and affect approximately 67 million Americans, of which Treace estimates 1.1 million are annual surgical candidates. Treace has pioneered and patented the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® System - a combination of instruments, implants, and surgical methods designed to surgically correct all three planes of the bunion deformity and secure the unstable joint, addressing the root cause of the bunion and helping patients get back to their active lifestyles. To further support the needs of bunion patients, Treace has introduced its Adductoplasty® Midfoot Correction System, designed for reproducible surgical correction of midfoot deformities. The Company continues to expand its footprint in the foot and ankle market with the introduction of its SpeedPlateTM Rapid Compression Implants, an innovative fixation platform with broad versatility across Lapiplasty® and Adductoplasty® procedures, as well as other common bone fusion procedures of the foot. For more information, please visit www.treace.com . To learn more about Treace, connect with us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram . 1. Aiyer AA, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2014; 35:1292-1297. 2. Gribbin CK, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2017; 38:14-19. Contacts : Treace Medical Concepts Mark L. Hair Chief Financial Officer [email protected] (904) 373-5940 Investors : Gilmartin Group Vivian Cervantes [email protected]
Spotlight on AST SpaceMobile: Analyzing the Surge in Options ActivityUS sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the Name, Image and Likeness era. Detroit Red Wings fire coach Derek Lalonde, name Todd McLellan as his replacement The Detroit Red Wings have fired coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan as his replacement. The move a day after Christmas comes after the Red Wings lost 21 of their first 34 games this season. They're on a three-game skid. Assistant Bob Boughner was also fired and Trent Yawney hired to work on McLellan's staff. McLellan signed a multiyear contract to start his fourth NHL head coaching job. Lalonde was nearly midway through his third season with Detroit after winning the Stanley Cup twice as an assistant with Tampa Bay. Penn State offensive coordinator Kotelnicki's creativity has the Nittany Lions humming in the CFP Penn State's offense is thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The Nittany Lions are one of a handful of Power Four schools averaging 200 yards per game rushing and receiving heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State. Penn State has one of the most unique offensive weapons in the country in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren has 92 receptions this season and has become a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Organizers say two sailors have died in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid wild weather conditions SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 53rd minute. The four-time defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. While City is languishing in seventh place, United is even further adrift in 14th place after a 2-0 loss at lowly Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Jackson breaks Vick's NFL rushing record for QBs in Ravens' rout over Texans HOUSTON (AP) — Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick for the most yards rushing by a quarterback in NFL history in a 31-2 win over the Houston Texans in Wednesday. Jackson moved past Vick on a 6-yard run in the third quarter. Jackson had 87 yards rushing to give him 6,110 yards, moving him past Vick, who piled up 6,109 in his 13-year career.'Absolute necessity': Trump sparks concerns after floating desire to control Panama Canal, Greenland
We have been at the edge of a precipice since December 1990 and more so since April 1991. The foreign exchange crisis constitutes a serious threat to the sustainability of growth processes and orderly implementation of our development programmes. Due to the combination of unfavourable internal and external factors, the inflationary pressures on the price level have increased very substantially since mid-1990. The people of India have to face double digit inflation which hurts most the poorer sections of our society. In sum, the crisis in the economy is both acute and deep. We have not experienced anything similar in the history of independent India... ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping Also Read: Manmohan Singh: The reformist who mastered the art of wielding delegated authority Also Read: Manmohan Singh passes away at 92; PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and others mourn former PM's demise There is no time to lose. Neither the government nor the economy can live beyond its means year after year. The room for maneuver, to live on borrowed money or time, does not exist any more. Any further postponement of macroeconomic adjustment, long overdue, would mean that the balance of payments situation, now exceedingly difficult, would become unmanageable and inflation, already high, would exceed limits of tolerance. Also Read: Remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh: A legacy of economic reforms and leadership Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program For improving the management of the economy, the starting point, and indeed the centre-piece of our strategy, should be a credible fiscal adjustment and macroeconomic stabilisation during the current financial year, to be followed by continued fiscal consolidation thereafter. This process would, inevitably, need at least three years, if not longer, to complete. But there can be no adjustment without pain. The people must be prepared to make necessary sacrifices to preserve our economic independence and restore the health of our economy. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Israeli police set to probe Netanyahu’s wife over ‘harassment of witnesses’Trump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Taylor Swift once raved about the sweet potato casserole served at a New York City restaurant and now that recipe pops up every now and again at Thanksgiving. The holidays encourage many of us to try new recipes. Social media right now is flooded with recipes for appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Anyone making that cornbread casserole from TikTok? While we might not get to share a Thanksgiving feast with Swift — is your name Blake Lively? — or other celebrities beloved by Kansas City, we can eat like them. So here’s the recipe for that casserole Swift loved so much, and favorite family side dish recipes from Donna Kelce and Eric Stonestreet. Enjoy. People are also reading... Travis Kelce's mother, Donna Kelce, seen here last year at her son's music festival, dined on a cheesesteak made by actor Bradley Cooper at QVC festivities in Las Vegas this week. (Emily Curiel/Kansas City Star/TNS) Donna Kelce’s dinner rolls If we tried to guess how many holiday dinner rolls Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, have scarfed over the years, would it be in the hundreds? Thousands? Their mom has spoken often about the batches of holiday crescent rolls she has baked over the years. Based on the recipe that won the 1969 Pillsbury Bake-Off, Pillsbury’s Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs , they’re now known as Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls. They blend the crescent roll pastry with marshmallows, cinnamon and sugar. Dinner roll or dessert? We bet they didn’t last long enough in front of Travis and Jason for that debate. Ingredients Rolls •1/4 cup granulated sugar •2 tablespoons Pillsbury Best all-purpose flour •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) •16 large marshmallows •1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted Glaze •1/2 cup powdered sugar •1/2 teaspoon vanilla •2-3 teaspoons milk •1/4 cup chopped nuts Directions Make the rolls 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 16 medium muffin cups with nonstick baking spray. 2. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon. 3. Separate the dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow into melted butter; roll in the sugar mixture. Place marshmallow on the shortest side of a triangle. Roll up, starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point. Completely cover the marshmallow with the dough; firmly pinch edges to seal. Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in muffin cup. 4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. 5. When done, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool in the pan for 1 minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups; place on cooling racks set over waxed paper. Make the glaze and assemble In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve warm. Eric Stonestreet attends 'Eric Stonestreet visits The SiriusXM Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles' at SiriusXM Studios on Oct. 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM/TNS) Eric Stonestreet’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts Thanksgiving is one of the “Modern Family” star’s favorite holidays. Three years ago, as part of a campaign honoring hometown heroes , he shared one of his favorite recipe with McCormick Spices: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Butternut Squash . This recipe serves eight. Ingredients •1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved •1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes •1 tablespoon olive oil •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder •1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper •5 slices bacon, chopped •1 shallot, finely chopped •1/2 cup dried cranberries •1/4 cup balsamic vinegar •1 teaspoon whole grain mustard •1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) •1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, (optional) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Spray large shallow baking pan with no stick cooking spray; set aside. Place Brussels sprouts and squash in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat evenly. Spread in single layer on prepared pan. 2. Roast 16 to 18 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through cooking. 3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in medium skillet on medium heat about 6 minutes or until crispy. Remove using slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Add shallot to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in cranberries, vinegar and mustard until well blended. Transfer mixture to small bowl; set aside. 4. Arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and squash on serving platter. Drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cooked bacon, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately. Taylor Swift’s favorite sweet potato casserole Swift gushed about the sweet potato casserole served at Del Frisco’s Grille in New York City, a dish crowned with a crunchy candied pecan and oatmeal crumble. “I’ve never enjoyed anything with the word casserole in it ever before, but it’s basically sweet potatoes with this brown sugary crust,” she told InStyle. ”Oh my God, it’s amazing.” The media rushed to find the recipe, which Parade has published this Thanksgiving season . “Similar to T. Swift herself, we think this recipe is a mastermind, especially if you’ve been asked to bring the sweet potato side dish to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. It seriously begs the question: who needs pumpkin pie?” the magazine writes. Ingredients •4 lbs sweet potatoes •1⁄3 cup oats •12 oz unsalted butter, divided •1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar •1⁄2 cup toasted pecans •1⁄2 cup granulated sugar •1 tsp kosher salt •2 tsp vanilla extract •4 large eggs, beaten Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. 1. Scrub sweet potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place on a sheet pan. Bake 90 minutes or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. 2. Meanwhile, place oats in a food processor; process 1 minute. Add 4 oz butter, brown sugar and pecans; pulse five times to combine. Spread mixture on a baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, crumble. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown. 3. Melt remaining 8 oz butter. Remove skin from cooled sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, whisk sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar and remaining ingredients until slightly lumpy. Transfer to a greased baking dish, smoothing surface evenly. Top with oat mixture. Bake 12 minutes or until heated through. Make-ahead tips •Sweet potato filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Prepare the sweet potato filling, cool, place in a casserole dish and keep refrigerated. •Oat-pecan crust can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Make the crust according to recipe directions, cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle over the sweet potato filling just before baking. More Thanksgiving recipes Holiday party recipe: How to make a showstopper antipasti platter Dressing or stuffing? No matter what you call it, these 3 recipes will be your new favorites 7 recipes that will add a new twist to your Thanksgiving dinner Satisfy your cravings With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.Minister Wilkinson highlights the government's tax break for all Canadians and new Working Canadians Benefit
UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson was shot and killed on Wednesday morning in what police said was a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference. The 50-year-old executive was shot at about 6.45am as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The gunman appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Mr Thompson from behind and opening fire, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police have not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Ms Tisch said, adding that the shooting “does not appear to be a random act of violence”. Mr Thompson was struck at least once in the back and once in the calf, Ms Tisch said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect, dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and carrying a grey backpack, then fled on foot down an alleyway before pedalling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away. The shooter was at large, sparking a search that included police drones, helicopters and dogs. “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the insurer’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said in a statement. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.” Police issued a poster showing a surveillance image of the suspect pointing what appeared to be a gun and another image that appeared to show the same person on a bicycle. Police offered a reward of up to 10,000 US dollars (£7,860) for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The killing shook a part of New York City that is normally quiet at that hour, happening about four blocks from where tens of thousands of people are set to gather on Wednesday night for the annual Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting. Mr Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that the executive told her “there were some people that had been threatening him”. She said she did not have details, but suggested they may have involved issues with insurance coverage. UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health care giant UnitedHealth Group. The group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the company’s direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Mr Thompson’s death. “I’m afraid that we – some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” a company official told attendees, according to a transcript. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today. I’m sure you’ll understand.” Mr Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as chief executive for more than three years. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the US and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programmes. Minnesota governor Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team”. “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Can you hear it? Sleigh bells ringing in the distance, the snow is starting to fall and Christmas movies are rolling out: Love them or hate them, the holidays are here. See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news A season of joy and happiness sweeps over the globe once a year, but no matter how you might feel about the holidays, there’s always something to be grateful for and giving gifts is a show of appreciation to the people you love most. Even for the early-bird shoppers, finding the right gift can be a challenge, and that’s where we come in. Billboard’s e-comm team tests out hundreds of items to give our keep our readers in the know about everything we’re loving — from the trendiest looks to the coolest gadgets. To get the holiday vibes going, Billboard has returned with the Shop 100 . Our annual shop list compiles the best in electronics, beauty, fashion and other giftable goodies. For music lovers, certified audiophiles and anyone looking for a comprehensive gift guide to make holiday shopping run a little smoother, the Shop 100 is here to help. What made our list this year? From portable Bluetooth speakers and earbuds to the hottest gaming consoles, the best over-ear headphones on the market (tested by Billboard’s e-comm editor). You’ll also find a range of holiday gift offerings including jewelry, toys, books, beauty essentials and celebrity-owned gifts options from Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Dolly Parton, Snoop Dogg and other stars. Ready to dive into the Shop 100? Keep reading to check out our best gift picks of the year. Part frame, part speaker. Samsung Music Frame is one-of-a-kind speaker, surprisingly suitable for large and small spaces. What’s so great about the Frame? It’s worthy of hype – from sound quality to size. Plus, you can swap out the photos, mount it on a wall like a real frame or place it on a surface. Shop Samsung’s limited-edition Wicked Samsung Frame here . Cheaper in price, but not in quality. Meta Quest 3S has all the necessary bells and whistles for a quality VR experience with some necessary updates – namely in the headset’s weight and overall fit. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds fit on the lower helix of the ear instead of sitting directly inside, which gives you a uniquely immersive listening experience. They’re super comfortable (BLACKPINK’s LISA loves how they fit), lightweight and available in black, white, moonstone blue, sandstone, white smoke, chilled lilac and other colors. This Nike men’s puffer stands up to the cold while keeping you perfectly warm. Made with Nike’s PrimaLoft Thermoplume insulation and water-repellent ripstop fabric, Nike Sportswear’s men’s puffer is available black, iron gray, green, yellow, light blue and royal blue (sizes ranging from XS to 4XL tall). Between designs and function, Sonos Ace hits the right marks with 30 hours of battery, Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, active head tracking and the list goes on. Sonos Ace headphones are available on black and white. Apple packed a lot of power in this 5x5x2-inch device. The all-new M4 chips transforms Mac Mini into a unstoppable processor that’s great for editing, music production and other creative tasks. 2024 saw the return of more than a few classics. Among them? The Beats Pill. The portable speaker made a comeback with a stronger battery and better sound quality. Enhanced in power and sound quality, Apple’s AirPods 4 features the powerful H2 chip, with personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation takes the technology a step further featuring adaptive audio, transparency mode to hear the world around you and Conversation Awareness, which lowers the volume when you’re speaking to someone. TV in the palm of your hands. The new Google TV Steamer lets you stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube and other streaming platforms in 4K HDR. Equipped with Dolby Vision, the streaming device is 22 percent faster than its predecessor. The holidays means it’s time to party! This JBL speaker will last you well beyond the festive season and into the new year. JBL’s Party 100 features hi-powered sound, a 12-hour battery and LED lighting that syncs to the music. It’s also splashproof and dustproof. Cher: The Memoir is the first in a two-part biography series from the music legend. Travel back to the 1984 through Prince and Purple Rain . The book features rare photos and memorabilia of the Purple One in all his glory. Rock out with this wireless guitar controller from PDP Riffmaster. The controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 PC, Rock Band 4 , Fortnite Festival and Audio Jack . Shoot for the stars, land on the moon. Lego and Pharrell Williams teamed up for Over the Moon, an motivational builder’s set that reminds you to aim high. Drop the beat! A cute set is for kiddie DJs in training. The Let the Beet Drop set features a light-up DJ Bunny, carrot and beet seesaw with 10 sound effects, a blueberry slider, melon spinner and melon turntable complete with scratching sounds. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9 offers 4GB RAM, 64GB of memory, 128GB of storage and an 11-inch display screen to stream, play music and take video calls during (and after) the holidays. Let’s get loud! Bose SoundLink has a good amount of sound power and 30 hours of playtime. Available in black and blue, the SoundLink features Bluetooth 5.0, an IP67 water-resistant rating and it measures 4.73 x 10.42-inches. The Hatch 2 helps you sleep deeper and longer with multiple sleep sounds — white noise, pink noise, brown noise and more. Easily one of the best collection from Rare Beauty, Find Comfort is a refreshing array of fragrances, body wash and lotions to add more comfort to your self-care routine. Gloss Bomb is an icon, so why not stock up? Fenty Beauty’s holiday gift set comes with 10 luscious, Gloss Bomb lip glosses including Fu$$y, Hot Cherry, Diamond Milk, Cake Shake, Trophy Wife along with new shades: Purple Pepp’r, Smoke’d Quartz, Idoll’ize You and Roast ‘Em. Dyson Airwrap with a festive makeover. Dyson’s an all-in-one styling wand is designed for various hair types. One of New Balance’s bestsellers makes a stylish holiday gift. For comfort and style, slip into the New Balance 330. Luxury in a bottle. Beyonce’s Cécred haircare line delivers a salon-like experience at home, and yes, the products actually work (I highly recommend the clarifying shampoo and hydrating conditioner). Victor & Rolloff’s Flowerbomb blends ruby orchid with Red Roxy Vanilla Bean and vine peach accord. YSL’s MYSLF is a woodsy scent with bergamot and fresh orange blossom. A three-in-one hair curler with a swappable barrel with nine adjustable heat settings, what’s not to love? Pattern Beauty’s innovative hair tool lets steam do the talking. The hair steamer can be used to detangle to hydrate, stretching and deep condition your hair. “See you in space, cowboy.” Logic collaborated with Crunchyroll on an anime-inspired capsule collection that includes this Cowboy Beebop Varsity Jacket. Timberland celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to D.I.E. album with a special installment of the classic, 6-inch boot available in black and wheat. “Love is like a butterfly.” Dolly Parton’s Kendra Scott collaboration is inspired by her 1974 hit. The Gold Air Heart necklace represents Parton’s love for music. Nameplate necklaces are out, initial necklaces are in. Abbott Lyons Bubble Initial Necklace comes in gold or silver and chain sizes ranging from 14 to 24-inches long. Ring in the holidays with a lovely gift set from Gorjana. The three-piece set comes in silver or 18k gold plated settings. A little shimmer never hurts! Pandora’s sparkling Tennis Bracelet is adorned with cubic zirconia stones with a gold plated, rose plated or sterling silver bracelet. Mejuri’s Heirloom ring was made to be passed down — and it happens to be one of of Taylor Swift’s favorite rings . The ring is available in garnet, blue topaz, London blue topaz and honey quartz stones. Oura Ring is the tech version of jewelry. The smart ring tracks your sleep, stress, heart rate and more. Adidas Solar powered headphones offer to up to 80 extra hours of playtime and and made from recycled materials. Cushion on the pavement. Nike’s Motiva sneaker is made for walking in ultimate comfort with next-level cushioning and enough grooves to help you step into a new era. Meta’s Ray Ban Smart Glasses seem like something you might see in a spy movie but modernized for present day. You can record, takes calls and check Instagram and Facebook with these glasses. Feel the chill. Alo Yoga’s Sherpa Hat is a cozy gift for the fashionably fierce. There’s a reason why Carhartt’s cuffed beanie has been around for almost 40 years. Apart from being affordable and extremely warm (not too thick, not too thin), you can get them in a bunch of different colors besides black, brown, grey and white. Dangerously comfortable and perfect for gifting. The Bean Boots from L.L. Bean’s Noah Kahan collection are almost out of stock in men’s sizes, so don’t wait to snag these (also available in women’s sizes ). Say hello to style and sophistication. The Coach Leah Loafer is a great addition to any closet. Nothing says cozy footwear like an ubersoft, crochet Ugg slipper (available in cream, black and charcoal). Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty released a festive, paisley Onsies for the whole family. Carhartt isn’t just for craftsmen, ranchers, and mechanics. It’s also a growing brand in streetwear fashion. Made from thick ringspun cotton duck, The Carhartt Detroit Jacket is a sleek and stylish piece of outerwear that’s durable and warm for the fall and winter months. It honestly feels like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket. The jacket comes in two colors, Carhartt brown and black, as well as in a wide range of different sizes. – Rudie Obias Zara’s faux leather Bomber Jacket offers a slouchy, oversized fit that you can style up or down. Up, up and away! The Bigger Carry-On is touted as one of the best bags for travel (it’s pilot and flight attendant-approved). Away’s Carry-On collection of durable suitcases are available in different sizes and several colors including black, brown, navy, orange, red and olive green. The perfect travel buddy. Rare Beauty’s Puffer Travel Tote became my favorite travel bag this year — it’s super trendy with plenty of space to pack your wallet, tech gadgets, clothes and other essential — and easy to clean. Make it a Coach Christmas! The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 comes in five colors including maple, black, stone, dark ruby and dark cedar. A camera bags, but make it fashion. From Swift to Hilary Duff and Megan Fox, lots of celebrities have sported camera bags. This Tory Burch bag is a smaller, crossbody purse that’s perfect for a night on the town. Whether you’re streaming a music festival, live concert, sporting event, movie or your favorite TV series, Sonos Arc changes the way you experience entertainment. The soundbar works especially well in smaller rooms and is designed for TVs of 50-inches or more (or slightly less, in my case). The Arc features 11 drivers, Dolby Atmos, Apple TruePlay, voice control and other capabilities. A slew of new, PS5 consoles hit the market this year including the PS5 Pro, one of the latest consoles joining the Sony’s lineup alongside the PS5 Slim and 30th anniversary consoles . The bestselling Xbox Carbon Black holds up nicely with 1TB of storage, 4K gaming with 120 FPS. The legacy lives on. The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap’s Masked Iconoclast paints a moving portrait of the mysterious rapper starting from his childhood to his passing in 2020. E.V.E is spilling t-e-a in her bestselling memoir Whose That Girl? From growing up in Philadelphia to rap stardom, marriage and motherhood, the “Illest Pitbull in a Skirt” continues to evolve. Snoop Dogg’s Skechers collab has expanded from sneaker to slides and comfy clogs. The Arch Fit Footsteps clog features charms with Snoop’s face. Adidas OG Sambas look even better in the viral Earth Stone colorway. A beautiful translation of Ithell Colquhoun’s artistry, Dr. Marten’s 1460 boot utilized the late British painter’s decalcomania technique to create this design. You’ll be seeing things more clearly with Samsung’s Crystal UDH TV. Bring the arcade home. This top-selling arcade cabinet comes preloaded with NBA Jam , NBA Jam Tournament Edition and NBA Hangtime . Apple’s iPad Mini has a turbo A17 Pro chip with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who lives in an apartment, then the Solo Stove Mesa is an ideal pick to create a bit of ambiance in a limited outdoor space. It’s a small fire pit that sits safely on top of a table with its included ring stand in a patio or balcony, while the Solo Stove Mesa is smokeless with the company’s iconic “Signature 360-degree Airflow” system to keep fires contained and burning throughout an evening outside. It comes in nine colors, such as stainless steel, water, ash, mulberry, deep olive and more. — Rudie Obias Google Pixel 9 has a 24-hour battery, a 6.3-inch display screen, 128GB of storage, and Google’s most powerful camera to date. A powerful Bluetooth speaker for the size and price. The Wylen II features 17+ hours of listening time (it takes 2.5 hours to fully charge). It’s IP67 dust and waterproof means that it can be safely submerged in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes (available in black and cream). Victrola’s Fully Automatic Turntable is equipped with Bluetooth and AudioTechnica cartridge for top-tier audio. A comfortable chair is pivotal to any gaming setup. Available in black, blue, pink, red and white, the N-Gen Video Gaming chair features a footrest, headrest and lumbar pillow. Lisa Marie Presley shares never-before-told stories in this moving memoir written before her death in 2023 and completed by her daughter Riley Keough. Jojo has persevered through child stardom to finding her own form of balance. The “Too Light Too Late” singer recounts the ups and down of fame in Over the Influence . Dolly Parton’s Good Lookin’ Cookin’ cookbook is a collection Southern staples including barbecue spare ribs, colorful coleslaw, mac and cheese and strawberry shortcake. T-Pain is spicing things up for his latest collaboration with Spicewalla. The Sauce is the brand’s first-ever hot sauce. From country music to haircare, fragrances and SirDavis Whisky, Beyoncé is covering all the bases. SirDavis is an 88 proof whiskey (not for the faint of heart) that stands out just as well as it blends in. Fans of Hell’s Kitchen and Love Island are familiar with HexClad’s viral cookware. The brand’s 10-inch pan is designed for frying, sautéing and searing. Kelly Rowland, Oprah Winfrey and Hailey Bieber are some of the stars that have used HexClad. A portable pot for meats, veggies, grains and enough one-pot meals to get you through winter? Sounds like a dream come true. It’s KitchenAid’s beloved stand mixer, but in a sleek Evergreen colorway with a gorgeous, wooden bowl. Jadakiss is in the coffee business. The New York rapper launched KISS Café with his father and son in 2022. Named after Jadakiss (Beijo means “kiss” in Portuguese), KISS Cafe carries dark, medium and light roasts and coffee mugs . A cheeseboard shaped like a turntable is a great gift idea for music fans. Get it while you still can. A “wicked” cup collaboration worth celebrating. Stanely’s Wicked -inspired Thirst Quencher includes pink and green sizes of the 40z and 30z tumblers. Stressed? Theragun Mini can fit in a small bag or purse for immediate back, neck and muscle relief (available in black, dessert rose, pink, green and blue). A cozy blanket needs to be on every holiday gift list. Elton John and Stalkin + Co. collaborated on this lovely collection of fragrant candles. Why wouldn’t the Queen of Christmas has her own Barbie doll (and holiday merch )? The Mariah doll is ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly. Sonic Edition releases rare photos of beloved artists including Oasis, Madonna, Prince, Tina Turner and other music icons. This black-and-white snapshot of Oasis’ Noel and Liam Gallagher at the Columbia Hotel a day after they were banned in 1994. Apple’s iPhone 10 is lighter and faster than the previous model and the screen is 30 percent larger. HP’s convertible Chromebook has a near-perfect customer rating. The Chromebook Plus feature a 14-inch display screen and powerful Intel Core processor. An easy way to keep your money secured. The card holder is great space-saver for attending concerts and music festivals. Digital pics are nice, but it’s good to have photos that you can hold in hand (or stick on the wall). Cannon’s Mini Photo printer makes that possible. Sony’s ZV-1F Vlog Camera is a user-friendly, starter camera for vlogging and content creation. Beats Studio Pro headphones lasts for up to 40 hours, but what I like most about them, besides the sound quality, is that they’re foldable and easily connect to iOS or Android. Wrong answers only! Mistaken Lyrics Coasters will make a fun gift option or stocking stuffer and a great conversation-starter. Gifties for Swifties! Taylor Swift Style takes fans on a journey through the pop star’s fashion evolution. A keepsake journal for music memories. The Concert Journal includes writing prompts for you to take note of things like ticket prices, venues, quotes from concerts and your favorite memories. Dave Matthews The Dreaming Tree red wine offers a smooth and tasty, blend of wines with notes of raspberry, caramel oak and mixed berry. Dolly Parton’s has wine too! Her chardonnay mixes white peach and lemon zest with a hint of pineapple. Foster & Grant is a whiskey collab between Michale Bublé and distillers Paul Circa. The 84-proof, rye whiskey is distilled in Kentucky. A truly portable blender with USB charging and LED lighting. The Nutribullet Flip is powered by a 11.1V high-torque motor that lets you blend on the go. This blender can also be used as a tumbler cup (it keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours). An interactive gift for rock fans featuring 64 guitars from rock history. Razer’s Ornata V3 X is described as a “lowkey” keyboard for a quiet and comfortable gaming session. For podcasting and recording, this bestselling Shure microphone comes equipped with voice isolation ideal for recording in not-so-quiet spaces. Not your average board game. Arcade1 Up Infinity Gaming Table features 50, digitized games including Monopoly 9, Battleship, Candyland, Checkers, Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Connect 4, Game of Life, Fling Hockey, Hungry, Hungry Hippos, Mahjong Deluxe, Mancala, Memory Matching Game and Mini Fini Football.‘What a difference a year makes’: Stocks in this sector are set to surge in 2025 after a disappointing year, Citi says
NoneOklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris , a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago. “Fred Harris showed us what is possible when we lead with both heart and principle. He worked to ensure everyone had a voice and a seat at the table,” said Alicia Andrews, chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Harris appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier this year as a guest speaker for the Oklahoma delegation, where he reflected on progress and unity. “Standing alongside him in Chicago this summer was a reminder of how his legacy continues to inspire,” Andrews said. Kalyn Free, a member of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma and the DNC, said that there is no one else in public service whom she admired more than the former senator. RELATED COVERAGE Fred Harris, former US senator from Oklahoma and presidential hopeful, dies at 94 “He was a friend, a mentor, a hero and my True North. Oklahoma and America have lost a powerful advocate and voice,” Free said in a statement. “His work for Indian Country will always be remembered.” “Senator Harris truly was an Oklahoma treasure and was ahead of his time in so many ways,” said Jeff Berrong, whose grandfather served in the state Senate with Harris. “He never forgot where he came from and he always remained focused on building a society that would provide equality of opportunity for all.” Harris served eight years in the state Senate before he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served another eight years before his 1976 presidential campaign. State party leaders commemorated his work on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, or the Kerner Commission, to investigate the 1960s riots. Harris was the last surviving member of the commission. Shortly after his presidential campaign, Harris left politics and moved to New Mexico and became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. —- Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
ResQvision, the innovative creation of surf lifesaver Alex Piatek and his friends, Bryan Pakulski and Julian Kovacek, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor ocean activity. The platform scans waves, tides and swimmers and sends an emergency message to first responders if it detects a swimmer is struggling. The technology is set to be piloted at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the 2024-25 summer period, where surf lifesavers will provide feedback to help refine the system. "This artificial intelligence platform utilises cameras already installed by the government and surf clubs," Pakulski told SBS Polish. There were 323 drowning deaths from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, 16 per cent higher than the 10-year average of 278, according to Royal Life Saving Australia's National Drowning Report 2024 . Of this statistic, 25 per cent were born overseas with the highest countries of origin being India, China, Nepal and the UK, while almost half occurred at coastal locations, including 84 at beaches. According to Life Saving Victoria's Drowning Report , 21 people who drowned in the same 2023-24 period were from culturally and linguistically diverse communities — the highest ever recorded. Credit: Supplied Life Saving Victoria's Doctor Hannah Calverley told SBS News there are many hidden dangers waterways can present. She said the common threat is risky behaviour undertaken away from the watchful eyes of lifesaver-patrolled areas. "And so what this means is it's not necessarily a dangerous beach or it might be a bay or a calmer looking beach but it's more of the activities people are doing in those areas and their ability to be able to deal with the water conditions that they're facing." Pakulski said Australia faces a significant issue with individuals drowning at beaches where no lifeguards are present. "Statistics show that areas monitored by lifeguards are very safe, with virtually no drownings occurring under their watch. "However, the situation is drastically different outside the flagged zones and designated patrol hours when no one is left on the beach to ensure safety. That’s where our focus lies — on the unpatrolled beaches and the times when no lifeguards are available to protect swimmers." Credit: Supplied Dr Calverley said a renewed community effort is needed to drive home the water safety message. "Look we're dealing with mother nature at the end of the day. "And as much as we can forecast conditions, it is unpredictable at times. And so the onus is on everybody for their own water safety to make sure they can stay safe." When a swimmer is identified as being in distress, ResQvision sends off-duty rescuers an alert via text message, including the swimmer’s exact location and a live video feed. "We now have access to incredibly powerful computers and high-quality cameras capable of spotting people in the water with remarkable clarity," Pakulski said. "This technology is still evolving, but it’s allowing us to build systems that can recognise when someone is in trouble and needs assistance." Record numbers of young people and migrants figure in drowning deaths 'We're pioneers' Pakulski and Kovacek met at the University of NSW in 2017 while studying computer science while Piatek was a volunteer surf lifesaver at Bondi Beach. Piatek says he conceived the technology after witnessing countless incidents outside patrol hours. "When it comes to ocean rescue, we’re leading the way. While others are researching and exploring ways to address similar challenges, our system is unique in its approach — it covers everything from identifying a person in distress to ensuring help is sent. In this sense, we’re pioneers." Living just two minutes from Bondi Beach, Piatek said he had heard of many tragic situations like intoxicated people jumping into the water at night and drowning within minutes. He realised that timely intervention could make all the difference. "Alex loved the idea and reached out to me," Pakulski added "I immediately saw its potential. We met, discussed it, and decided to give it a shot. That’s how this project began." Lifesavers issue urgent warning as summer drowning deaths hit 30Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?Photo by Mark Peterson Media/Prince Albert Raiders. Daxon Rudolph (10) of the Prince Albert Raiders skates with the puck while avoiding Red Deer Rebels forward Kalan Lind (13) during WHL action at the Art Hauser Centre on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 It wasn’t exactly the start to the season that the Prince Albert Raiders envisioned at the start of training camp, but they are right in the thick of the playoff race with the second half of the season about to begin. Prince Albert started the season with a 2-7-2-0 record through their first 11 games of the season, including dropping all but one game on their B.C. Division road trip back in October. The Raiders have been slowly but surely climbing the standings posting a 13-4-1-0 record since returning home from that trip. Raider head coach Jeff Truitt says a big reason for the turnaround has been the willingness of the team to buy in. “I always say it’s the first 15 games of a season to start to find out exactly where you’re at. That was kind of the point where now we got guys in certain spots. We got guys with good line combinations. You take a look at your defensive core. Everything kind of got dissected a little bit and rearranged a little bit at that time. I think we settled down and we’re able to kind of figure things out with the right personnel and I think that was key. The guys bought in and they’ve got a good mood about them. The expectation is higher, there’s no doubt. We’re right in the thick of it and it’s a lot better than being right out of it so the building continues.” Early in the season, the Raiders had several bodies in and out of the lineup. Several players would spend a handful of games in the Green and Gold before being either reassigned or released by the club. The list of players who spent some time with the Raiders includes Norwin Panocha, Lukas Kral, Cedricson Okitundu and Brandon Osborne. Several players have appeared in games as affiliate players this season including Liam Myhre, Brock Cripps and Benett Kelly. Truitt says the Raiders have been able to gel as a team with a more solidified roster. “We were without some guys and we were just kind of trying to establish things that maybe we couldn’t. I think when the guys came back, we’d be able to sort some things out and get some chemistry going. I think the confidence grew, we were doing small things better and those small things grew into other things. The team became a team and that was important. That just goes to show you that everybody’s pulling the right way that good things are going to happen and we want that to continue.” One area where the Raiders have seen major improvement from last season has been on the man advantage. After having the 10th best power play in the WHL last season at 23.3%, Prince Albert has become the top power unit in the league so far this season converting a 30.1 % clip through 29 games. Truitt says the power play is an area of strength for the Raiders and something he wants to see continue in the second half of the season. “I think it’s the chemistry end of it. The skill level is there and how they execute with each other. It’s a team within a team, both power plays and penalty kills. It’s a team effort that way, but we’ve got two units that have proven that they can score here. I think with the repetition that’s going on, Ryan (McDonald)’s been really good with these guys on their structure and their responsibilities. I think that it’s grown and again, it’s something we want to keep going.” Keen observers of the Raider schedule so far will notice one very important fact: Prince Albert has yet to play a game against the archrival Saskatoon Blades this season. The last time the Highway 11 rivals faced each other was in the playoffs last April, when the Blades eliminated the Raiders in five games. The Blades hold a 17-10-2-2 record and sit in second place in the Eastern Conference, but struggled posting a 3-5-1-1 in their last 10 games going into the break. Truitt says he expects the rivalry to be close and heated, just like in year’s past. “Saskatoon is a high flying team. They have got lots of skill and they’re obviously at the top of the conference for a reason here. It’s very similar to last year (with) how they play. With our group, we just need to worry about us and learn from some corrections we’ve made over the first 29 games and hopefully get on the right side of them. We’re looking at six games in nine (days) as soon as we return. There’s not a lot of time to sit and breathe either. We see those guys quite a bit, so I’m sure the rivalry will be heated.” With a 15-11-3-0 record on the season, the Raiders currently sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Only six points separate the Medicine Hat Tigers at the top of the conference and the Raiders who hold the eighth and final playoff spot. The Raiders, along with the Brandon Wheat Kings have played the fewest amount of games so far this season. Truitt says he sees the conference being close all the way to the final game of the regular season and into the playoffs. “I’ve never seen it from top to bottom that tight right now. Usually a top team or two have already separated themselves and have gone (and) everybody else is kind of in that middle gap. Right now, anything can happen in this Eastern Conference. If you were going to name who’s going to win this conference right now at the Christmas break, I don’t know if you can really say anything because it is tight. You can just draw them out of a hat and maybe that’s the way it’s going to go. It’s going to be an interesting second half.” THe Raiders begin the second half of the WHL schedule on Friday night when they host the Swift Current Broncos. Puck drops at 7 p.m. Editor’s Note: The interview with Jeff Truitt for this story was done on Dec. 18 in Calgary, prior to the announcement that Truitt will be taking a medical leave of absence from the team. The Prince Albert Daily Herald wishes Truitt a safe and speedy recovery. sports@paherald.sk.ca -Advertisement-