Bipartisan effort needed to resolve Muan disaster Published: 29 Dec. 2024, 19:51 A massive aviation disaster took place amid the national crisis from the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the following impeachment of Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo. Most of the 181 passengers and crew aboard a Jeju Air plane returning from Bangkok died at around 9 a.m. after the plane caught on fire while landing at Muan International Airport, South Jeolla. The government must rescue any possible survivors, treat injured passengers and crew, and offer support for their families. It must also conduct safety checks with other passenger planes to prevent such tragedies at airports across the country. The crash was reportedly caused by a bird strike above the airport. After the plane lost one engine from the collision, the plane belly-landed and veered off the runway. During belly landings, airports usually spray a layer of fire suppression foam on the runway. But the Muan airport didn’t take such measure. We are deeply worried if the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters really can handle the disaster. If a large-scale accident takes place, the Minister of the Interior and Safety usually leads the headquarters. If an accident calls for bigger leadership, the prime minister takes up the role. However, as the prime minister was suspended from duties due to his impeachment last week, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok — who currently serves as acting prime minister and acting president — is required to play the role of the headquarters commander with the help from the interior minister as his deputy. But since the interior minister already resigned for his role in declaring emergency martial law, his deputy must help the finance minister. The seat of the police chief is also vacant since his impeachment by the legislature. But the finance minister must deal with tough economic challenges from unstable financial markets after the presidential impeachment. The value of the Korean won plummeted to nearly 1,500 won per dollar while the stock market dramatically plunged. On top of such urgent tasks, the finance minister must also deal with the unprecedented airplane crash. The opposition Democratic Party certainly played a big part in impeaching the president on Dec. 14 for his nonsensical declaration of martial law. But the majority party must not send the government into limbo further. The government and political parties must not deepen public concerns about security. Despite the ongoing impeachment procedure through the Constitutional Court, all stakeholders must be united in resolving the worst-ever aviation accident in Korea. We extend our deep condolences to the victims of the airplane crash and their bereaved families.Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. ( TSE:AVL – Get Free Report )’s share price hit a new 52-week low during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.04 and last traded at C$0.04, with a volume of 250050 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$0.04. Avalon Advanced Materials Price Performance The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.04 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.71, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 2.13. The firm has a market capitalization of C$19.78 million, a P/E ratio of -7.00 and a beta of 1.86. About Avalon Advanced Materials ( Get Free Report ) Avalon Advanced Materials Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of rare metal and mineral properties primarily in Canada. The company focuses on exploring lithium, tantalum, cesium, indium, gallium, germanium, tin, yttrium, and zirconium deposits, as well as rare earth elements. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Avalon Advanced Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avalon Advanced Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .MIAMI — President-elect Donald Trump won Miami-Dade County in a landslide, but will that be enough to get a street named after him? Hialeah wants Miami-Dade to recognize the city’s creation of President Donald J. Trump Avenue, a request that’s on the County Commission’s Dec. 3 agenda. The item would force Democrats on the County Commission, which is officially nonpartisan, to decide whether to support honoring the incoming Republican president. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest news, sports, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
Kathleen “Butchie” Muscatell went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 19, 2024. She is reunited with the love of her life Tom, and their son Kim. She was born on April 21, 1932 in Mandan, ND. She split her time between Cotton Lake near Detroit Lakes, MN and Bradenton, FL. She was known for her warm hospitality, always welcoming friends and family into her home. Never one to meet a stranger, she kept her candy drawer stocked with sweet treats, eager to share with all who stopped by. Butchie dedicated much of her life to volunteer work, and was an active member of several organizations. She was a proud member of The P.E.O. Sisterhood, Cotton Lake Pride and Joy Homemakers, president of the YWCA and the president of The Children’s Village Family Services. She is survived by her children: Brett (Gina), Ward (Debra), Kathy (Vann), and Marc. Butchie is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. An avid sports fan, she favored the MN Vikings, always donning her purple and gold suit on game days. She and Tom missed very few NDSU Bison home football games. Butchie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her kindness, compassion, and ability to see the best in everyone will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A family memorial will be held in Mandan, ND at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to P.E.O. Chapter DS-El in Bradenton Florida, Cotton Lake Pride and Joy Homemakers, Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, or United Presbyterian Church in Bradenton are preferred.Seeing the future: How expectations guide eye movementsNone
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The Cleveland Browns have elevated tight end Blake Whiteheart from the practice squad for the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That move comes after the team ruled out tight end Geoff Swaim , who is dealing with a concussion. Whiteheart has played in four games for the Browns this season. He has three receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown this year. The Wake Forest product has played in six games over the first two years of his career. The Browns will now have David Njoku, Jordan Akins, and Whiteheart as their three tight ends against the Steelers. The team still runs a good deal of 12 personnel, so having at least three tight ends to pull off those sets seemed essential to the offense. Without Swaim, it simply would not have been possible. With projections for wind and snow in the forecast as well for the game, it could be a run-heavy gamescript this week, which would lend itself to heavier personnel for the Browns at times. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. More Pittsburgh Steelers News Live Updates: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns, Thursday Night Football Bill Belichick reveals how Steelers’ Cam Heyward nearly joined Patriots Cleveland Browns lose hard-nosed blocking tight end for Steelers game Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns predictions: Who will win AFC North battle? Son of ex-Pittsburgh Steelers player arrested
Independent evaluation recognizes Ochsner Digital Medicine for superior hypertension managementMusk causes uproar by backing German far-right party ahead of key elections
An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalitionJake Paul wants “to set the record straight,” when no straightening is required. If anyone would understand that we moved on from his “fight” against Mike Tyson, it should be Paul, who has made a fortune in the split-second entertainment world of social media. Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions issued a statement on Monday to dispel the rumor that his fight at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15 against Tyson was rigged. The intention is to change the narrative of what was an embarrassing, if highly profitable, evening, and maintain the interest in Paul’s boxing career. The fight was not rigged, and no statement was needed. The fight was simply awful. The statement begins: “Following the wide circulation of incorrect and baseless claims that undermine the integrity of the Paul vs. Tyson event, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) would like to set the record straight regarding the contractual agreements and the nature of the fight.” “Integrity” and “Tyson v. Paul” have no business of being in the same sentence. “Rigging a professional boxing match is a federal crime in the United States of America. Paul vs. Tyson was a professional match sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). Both fighters in good faith performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight,” the statement said. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations did sanction this kitten fight between a Disney kid turned YouTuber against a 58-year-old man with serious health issues. The fight had judges, and Paul was awarded a decision when none was needed. “Best of their abilities” is subjective. After landing one of his first punches, a left to Paul’s head, Tyson looked like he may have something in what was once one of the most feared boxers who ever lived. He flashed some of that old Tyson head movement, but mostly he looked like an old boxer. Because that’s what he is. The event quickly became an awkward money grab embarrassment, an indictment on the ticket-buying audience more than the promoters, who were doing their job, and leaving Netflix blushing over streaming issues. “There were absolutely no restrictions – contractual or otherwise – around either fighter. Each boxer was able to use his full arsenal to win the fight. Any agreement to the contrary would violate TDLR boxing rules,” the statement said. No restrictions is a liberal use of the term. The fight was eight rounds, not 10 or 12. The rounds lasted two minutes, not three. The gloves the boxers used were 14 oz., not 10. President Jimmy Carter could take a few shots from a 14 oz. glove. The statement continues, “Trash talk and speculation are common in sports, and athletes and promoters need to tolerate nonsensical commentary, jokes and opinions. But suggesting anything other than full effort from these fighters is not only naïve but an insult to the work they put into their craft and to the sport itself.” Accusations of rigged outcomes have been hurled at sporting events in the United States since the New York Nine defeated the Knickerbockers 23-1 in four innings, the first recorded baseball game ever played in America, in 1846. The New York Nine did not release a statement to the press that the game was rigged. Such accusations are hallow, but every now and then there is a Chicago Black Sox. “It is further illogical and inane that MVP, in the debut of a hopeful long-term partnership with the world’s biggest streamer—an organization that made its first-ever foray into live professional sports with Paul vs. Tyson—would even so much as consider such a perverse violation of the rules of competition,” the statement said. That’s not how rigged works. You don’t tell the broadcast partner that the live event is staged. Making sure his boss knows he’s working, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian issued his own words to this statement, saying, “This is not the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded skepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete, and frankly, the claim that his bout must have been rigged is just the latest backhanded compliment to come his way.” Paul, 27, beat a 58-year-old man in a fight that looked like two-hand touch. There is no compliment. “From day one in this sport, people have doubted his abilities — unable to reconcile how someone with his background has accomplished so much in such a short time. Jake has not only proven himself repeatedly, but he has continuously set historic records that speak for themselves,” Bidarian wrote. Paul has created a niche for himself in the sport by carefully fighting opponents who are names, but are not boxers. Older guys. Ex-UFC fighters looking for one more check. He’s also spent the necessary time to train, and learn how to box. He knows how to promote himself, and an event. He created “boxing entertainment,” but his fights are not traditional boxing matches. They are also not scripted WWE. “As long as Jake continues to exceed expectations, there will always be those who try to discredit his achievements.” Bidarian said. “We embrace the doubt — it only fuels Jake to work harder and achieve greater success.” Herein lies the “need” for this press statement. Paul wants to continue to fight, but not against fighters who may knock him out. Considering the type of money his fights have generated, he would have no problem finding a line of potential traditional opponents waiting to pummel him through the canvas. He has avoided real fighters for a reason. Because he’s smart. Because he can. Because there is a market for the fights he stages. The fallout from his bout against Tyson is that Paul could have unintentionally knocked out the audience for these matches that are staged, not rigged, which is really why he wants to “set the record straight.” ©2024 Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Visit star-telegram.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
LaMelo Ball Injury Status – Hornets vs. Bulls Injury Report December 30DEAR RUSTY: My wife will reach her full Social Security benefit at 66.5 years of age which is just under 2 years away for her now. If she were to begin to get her monthly check now (i.e. early), would that prevent her from being eligible for the spousal benefit to receive half of what I am currently drawing? — Curious Husband DEAR CURIOUS: If your wife claims her own SS retirement benefit now (e.g., at 64.5 years), and you are already collecting your own SS benefit, then she will be automatically deemed to be filing for her spousal benefit immediately when she claims her own benefit (she does not have the option to defer claiming her spousal benefit until later). This is a change made by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which requires all those first claiming SS to file for ALL benefits they are eligible for when they claim. What that would mean is that your wife’s benefit now, including her spousal boost from you, would be actuarially reduced by the number of months early she claimed. Her own SS retirement benefit would be permanently reduced by about 15%, and her “spousal boost” (the additional amount she would get as your spouse) would be reduced by about 19%, yielding a combined benefit which is roughly 42% of your full retirement age (FRA) SS benefit. The only way your wife can get half (50%) of your FRA benefit entitlement is by waiting until her own full retirement age (66 years and 10 months) to claim. Note, too, that your wife’s spousal benefit will be based on your FRA entitlement, so if you claimed earlier or later than your own full retirement age, her spousal benefit will still be based on your FRA entitlement. Also, your wife should be aware that anyone who claims early is subject to Social Security’s “earnings test,” which limits how much can be earned while collecting early benefits. Thus, if your wife is working, she will be restricted on how much she can earn before Social Security takes away some of her benefits. FYI, the earnings limit changes annually, but for 2025 it is $23,420 and, if that is exceeded, SS will take away $1 in benefits for every $2 over the limit. And, the earnings limit goes up a lot during the year FRA is attained, and the earnings test no longer applies once full retirement age is reached. I hope this answers your question, but if you have need additional information, please feel free to contact us directly at SSAdvisor@amacfoundation.org , or call us at (888) 750-2622. (Russell Gloor is the national Social Security advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens.)
Uncertainty is a key theme this year at the annual, three-day gathering in Halifax of political leaders, defence officials and policy analysts who aim to promote democratic values around the globe. The 300 delegates from 60 countries will take part in the Halifax International Security Forum , which begins Friday, less than three weeks after Donald Trump's United States presidential election victory -- a result that has raised questions about U.S. military support for the threatened democracies of Ukraine and Taiwan. Over the past two years, Trump has repeatedly taken issue with the almost $60 billion in assistance to Ukraine provided by U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, and he's made vague vows to end the war. The president-elect has also been unclear if his upcoming administration would defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion by China, and has suggested the self-governed island "should pay us for defence." Peter Van Praagh, president of the forum, said in an interview Wednesday that in November 2016 -- after Trump's first ascent to the White House -- there was "a level of shock that this could happen," but he said this year shock has been replaced with a feeling of incertitude. "One of the things that the president-elect Trump brings to the table is a level of uncertainty .... Now everybody is looking to reduce that uncertainty and get some type of clarity on what his priorities will be," he said. Van Praagh expects the speakers at the 16th forum will present evidence justifying why the Trump administration must continue Biden's financial and military support for Ukraine, arguing that the security of democracies around the globe depends on it. He said he's pleased former Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen will deliver a speech Saturday, which is expected to emphasize how U.S. support for Ukraine is crucial to the security of her country and its democracy. Tsai left office in May. During her two terms in office she came under frequent attack from China for her refusal to recognize Beijing's claim of sovereignty over the island. Van Praagh said the politician -- who remains an influential figure in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party -- is expected to describe how the threat from China isn't isolated from the conflict in Central Europe. "All of these things are connected. Ukrainian security is connected with security in eastern Asia," he said. Van Praagh said he hopes speakers at the forum help to influence members of the U.S. congressional delegation on the importance of backing Taiwan and Ukraine. In 2016, former Republican Sen. John McCain was a prominent and influential figure in Washington, and he regularly attended the Halifax security forum -- bringing the ideas he heard back to the Senate. An award has been given out in his name at the forum each year since he died in 2018. This year, two Republican senators, James Risch of Idaho -- who may chair the influential foreign relations committee after Trump takes office -- and Mike Rounds from South Dakota are attending as part of the U.S. congressional delegation, along with four Democratic Party senators. "These guys not only have a say, they have a vote," said Van Praagh. Risch will be a speaker at the opening session of the conference on Friday, along with Democratic Party Sen. Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, as they discuss America's role in the world. The opening day will also hear from Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, who will sit on a panel titled "Victory in Ukraine" alongside Rounds. Other invited guests include Gen. Jennie Carignan, head of the Canadian Armed Forces, who will sit on a panel with U.S. Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific command, and Andrew Shearer, director of Australia's Office of National Intelligence, on Saturday. Many of the events over the forum's three days, including a plenary session on threats to the Canadian Arctic from Russia and China, tie back to the conflict in Ukraine, and to whether Western democracies should continue to back the country. "Should we succeed in Ukraine and push Russia out of Ukraine, every other international challenge becomes easier," Van Praagh said. "If Russia succeeds, everything becomes more difficult." "The alternative is chaos and more war." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2024.Maharashtra Election Results 2024: BJP Dominates Pune, Followed By Ajit Pawar's NCP, Here Are The WinnersA new independent report reveals that medication management solutions like Ochsner Digital Medicine deliver superior hypertension outcomes and long-term cost savings compared to other digital approaches NEW ORLEANS , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking evaluation by the Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) has identified that digital hypertension solutions centered on medication management deliver rapid and clinically meaningful improvements in blood pressure that outperform traditional care. The report also found that other digital approaches to hypertension management focused only on patient behavior change and transmitting home monitoring data to providers are less effective, and do not provide clinically meaningful improvements. Among the standout solutions with clinically effective medication management at its core is Ochsner Digital Medicine , a digital platform that integrates cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes. "Unlike other programs that simply monitor health conditions, Ochsner Digital Medicine offers comprehensive care, including adjusting medications to find the right treatment, health coaching, and managing conditions with specialized clinicians," said Dan Shields , CEO of Ochsner Digital Medicine. "The program was designed and is delivered by a leading academic health system, and studies like this show it gets better results than traditional care models." Hypertension, a prevalent chronic condition affecting nearly half of U.S. adults, incurs an annual economic burden of $131 billion . Addressing this silent menace demands innovative approaches that transcend conventional care. According to PHTI's findings, digital solutions that emphasize medication management not only offer immediate clinical benefits but also promise long-term cost savings. These savings stem from a reduction in costly utilizations such as unnecessary emergency department visits and inpatient admissions, as well as mitigating risks associated with strokes and heart attacks. Ochsner Digital Medicine has emerged as a leader in the medication management category, exemplifying how integrating connected blood pressure cuffs with expert virtual care from licensed clinicians can usher in a new era of hypertension management. This approach both optimizes clinical outcomes and supports healthcare providers in delivering timely and personalized care. "Too many people are living with uncontrolled hypertension, but there are effective digital solutions to help patients improve their cardiovascular health, save lives, and lower spending over the long run," Caroline Pearson , Executive Director of PHTI, said in a press release. "Digital medication management solutions support healthcare providers with virtual teams to monitor blood pressure and adjust medications to help bring patients into control within months rather than years." The report advocates for the broader adoption of medication management-based digital solutions, urging healthcare purchasers to consider long-term health benefits and cost-effectiveness when incorporating these technologies. PHTI's comprehensive analysis categorized digital hypertension solutions into three categories: The report findings were that blood pressure monitoring and behavior change interventions led to small, non-significant reductions in systolic blood pressure compared with usual care, while medication management resulted in more rapid and clinically meaningful SBP reductions with higher evidence certainty. PHTI's evaluation is based on a rigorous assessment framework, considering clinical efficacy, economic impact, and health equity. By reviewing 2,498 articles and collaborating with experts across health technology, economics, cardiology, and endocrinology, PHTI provides a robust endorsement of these innovative solutions. In an era where healthcare innovation is paramount, Ochsner Digital Medicine stands at the forefront, leveraging digital technology to transform hypertension care and ensure better health outcomes for millions. "We aren't just about monitoring health conditions, we're about comprehensive, unwavering clinical excellence. That is our commitment to our patients," said Shields. About Ochsner Digital Medicine Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating more than 80 years of service, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and kidney transplants, and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children's hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. Its cutting-edge Connected Health Digital Medicine program cares for patients beyond its walls by applying technology and data to create customized, patient-centered digital health solutions for chronic condition management. This program is a true clinical model that includes medication management by licensed clinicians. It enables members to improve their health and patient experience while reducing costs. Ochsner Digital Medicine is live in all 50 states, serving members, health plans, and employers nationally. Learn more at connectedhealth.ochsner.org/digital-medicine . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independent-evaluation-recognizes-ochsner-digital-medicine-for-superior-hypertension-management-302315813.html SOURCE Ochsner Health
