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This holiday season is one that Jay Wheeler and Zhamira Zambrano will cherish forever. The couple welcomed their first child together , daughter Aiuni, in September, and celebrated their first year of marriage on Dec. 2. Now, as a gift ahead of the most wonderful time of year, they are exclusively premiering the music video for their new Christmas song “Santa” on TODAY.com. The song is a melancholic tune about missing someone on Christmas and hoping to get them back. The accompanying visual is a timeless concept, with Wheeler and Zambrano elegantly dressed as they belt out the emotional lyrics on stage, apart and then together. They're also accompanied by dancers dressed in festive attire. “When people create a great Christmas song, it lasts forever,” Wheeler tells TODAY.com in Spanish about the song's inspiration. “So I told my wife, let’s make a Christmas song together so that every Christmas, people will play it when they are sad. And because we make sad songs, it had to be a sad Christmas song.” “Santa” marks the pair’s third collaboration following their hits “Dicelo” and “Extrañandote.” Zambrano adds that they opted for a different take on a holiday tune, deciding to look at the “ desamor ,” or heartbreak that many people experience during this time of year. “It’s a bittersweet song,” she says, adding she hopes their fans embrace it as much as they have their past collaborations. The couple, who have yet to show their daughter's face on social media, didn't include Aiuni in the music video — but they already have an idea of when they might. “We thought about including our daughter, but I want to include her in another song I have,” Wheeler says. The pair is excited to celebrate their baby girl's first Christmas together and host their first holidays at their new home. Wheeler shares that he made sure to put up Christmas lights specifically for his daughter. They're also looking forward to new and old traditions as a family of three. “My parents would always make us believe in El Niño Jesús and Santa, that they would come at 12 and deliver the gifts,” Zambrano says. “I always thought that was so much fun. When I found out that it wasn’t real, I was really sad because I feel like I kind of lost a little bit of that magic of Christmas. But now I get to live it all over again with my baby, and have a couple of years of making magic for her every year.” For Wheeler, he wants to make sure his daughter's first Christmas is special and memorable. “So when she’s older and sees photos, she says, ‘You did this for me?’ And I can say, ‘Yes, because it was your first Christmas.'” Calling each other “ mejores amigos ,” Wheeler says parenthood has strengthened their relationship because “nos amamos bonitos ,” adding in Spanish: “I make sure she’s OK, she makes sure I’m OK... We are always adapting to every change that comes our way.” Zambrano adds, “We are more of a team now that we have the baby, because we have to work together in order to get everything running. Right now, we’re doing a bunch of things, but since we’re doing it together, it’s a bit easier. I feel like it has helped us grow as a couple, as a team, and I just think she makes us stronger.” Fans can expect more music from the twosome, as they teased something in the works. “We love making music together,” Zambrano says. “We have a couple of songs already recorded, but we have something else in the works for that, maybe another project later on. But for now, I hope everyone enjoys this one that we did with so much love.”

Last summer, one of the standout figures of the Olympic Games was Algerian boxer Imani Khélif—not for winning a gold medal in her category, but mainly due to the debate sparked over whether he was male or female . His family insisted from the outset that he was a girl, but the International Boxing Federation excluded him from competitions due to high testosterone levels, with Khélif being classified as intersex (individuals born with sex characteristics such as genitalia, chromosomes, or hormonal profiles that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies). Khélif’s case attracted significant media attention, reminiscent of South African runner Caster Semenya’s prolonged legal battle with the International Athletics Federation. However, both cases are just the tip of the iceberg, as the issue of transgender athletes’ participation (in any subcategory they fall under) is becoming an increasingly pressing topic for the sports community. Now, a significant development has emerged from across the Atlantic. In women’s volleyball within the NCAA collegiate championship, a major controversy erupted in the past two months over the participation of a transgender athlete on San Jose State University’s team. With six teams refusing to compete against San Jose and the team’s vice-captain filing, along with athletes from other colleges, an injunction to ban the athlete’s participation (“The force with which she spikes the ball is not something a woman could achieve,” they argued, among other points), the Federal Court in Denver rejected the request. The ruling noted that the athlete had been playing with the college team since 2022 without raising concerns or controversy. This decision seemed to put the issue on hold, but as of yesterday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order preventing all colleges from allowing biological males to participate in women’s sports within the state of Texas or in events involving teams from Texas colleges. Paxton argues that the current NCAA rules permitting transgender participation violate Texas’ “Deceptive Trade Practices Act,” which aims to protect consumers from being misled or deceived about falsely advertised goods and services. “The fact that only biological women participate in women’s sports is a significant reason consumers choose to support women’s athletics,” a statement from the Attorney General’s office read. Paxton also claimed that the NCAA is “dangerously and intentionally endangering the safety and well-being of women by deceptively turning women’s competitions into mixed-gender events.” “When people watch a women’s volleyball match, for example, they expect to see women competing against other women—not biological males pretending to be something they are not. Radical ‘gender theory’ has no place in collegiate sports.” On the NCAA’s side, there has been no formal response to Paxton’s lawsuit. However, NCAA President Charlie Baker had recently admitted to Congress that he was aware of a small number of trans athletes. The only public statement was a broad remark indicating that the matter would likely be resolved in court. “Collegiate sports are the premier stage for women’s athletics in America, and while the NCAA does not comment on pending litigation, the Association and its members will continue to uphold Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports, and ensure fair competition across all championships,” the statement read. Explore related questionsFamilies often discover during the holidays that loved ones are struggling with dementia and memory loss, and these cognitive issues are becoming yearlong concerns for employers, too, as they encounter an aging U.S. workforce. The Alzheimer’s Association collaborated this year on its first report on dementia in the workforce, calling it a “hidden but growing concern” now that seniors make up 19% of U.S. employees. That rate has doubled through four decades. “As our population and workforce ages, the possibility of having employees who experience cognitive impairment is real,” said Katie Evans, the association’s chief programs and mission engagement officer. Some workers conceal cognitive declines because they fear their employers demoting or firing them. Or they might adjust their workplace routines on their own to compensate. Others, such as surgeons and pilots, are obliged to disclose serious changes in cognition for safety reasons. Bank of America collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Association on the report to encourage “dementia-friendly workplaces,” where conversations about changes in workers’ cognition levels are nonthreatening. Companies that overlook this challenge risk costly mistakes and lawsuits, the report stated. “An empathetic company culture increases the chances that a worker will disclose cognitive concerns, allowing critical conversations to occur and employees to get support earlier,” said Cynthia Hutchins, a director of financial gerontology at Bank of America. Here is some expert advice for workers, employers and caregivers on how to manage an aging workforce: Occasional forgetfulness and confusion are normal signs of aging, but dementia is not, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The condition typically emerges after injuries, infections or brain diseases — such as Alzheimer’s — and causes cognitive problems that significantly impair daily living. Someone who forgets words or names but recalls them later doesn’t necessarily have dementia. More concerning is someone who loses track of conversation midsentence, asks the same questions again and again or loses something and then can’t retrace steps to find it. People can gauge their level of impairment with the association’s list of 10 early signs and symptoms but should also bring their concerns to their doctors, partly to rule out other reversible causes of cognitive impairment before diagnosing dementia. Depression also can produce symptoms that mimic dementia, such as withdrawal from normal activities and mood changes. Healthy sleep, diet, exercise, social contact and daily cognitive challenges can slow the onset of dementia. Berries have offered the strongest dietary links in research so far to better brain health, but clinicians also encourage whole grains, nuts and fish. They discourage red meat, cheese, sweets and fried food. Dementia can hasten if early symptoms push people out of the workplace, and they don’t find other pursuits to stimulate their brains, said Jenna Fink, associate director of community services for the Minnesota chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. ”The workplace absolutely challenges the brain,” she said. “So it would be important for someone who is exiting the workplace that has a diagnosis of dementia to continue with social activities, continue to challenge your brain, continue to do things that you enjoy to keep the brain and the body active.” While they don’t prevent symptoms, compensatory strategies in the office can help manage them, Fink said, including post-it notes to offer visible reminders of appointments and deadlines. The report encouraged employers to involve trusted family members or physicians in discussions about workplace modifications for employees experiencing dementia or to enlist “buddy” employees to help and monitor them. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not a list of conditions included or excluded from federal protection against discrimination. ADA protections apply whenever a medical condition significantly limits major life activities, which can often be the case for people with Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia. Nor does the ADA only apply to disabled people. Spouses or other caregivers also have protection from discrimination, such as bosses who think their employee’s caregiving role will result in too many absences. Employers under the ADA must make reasonable accommodations for workers when their disabilities affect their performance. Examples often involve specialized equipment, which in the case of someone with dementia could involve tools that increase organization or aid memory. But they can also involve changes to the daily work schedules or modified assignments. “There is always a point where someone can’t do a job that requires a certain level of cognitive skill. That’s understood,” said Joseph Gaugler, director of the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. “But how can we accommodate people so that they can remain productive and, from a social perspective, people can live as high a quality of life as possible with necessary support?” Workers might need to press for their accommodations or offer suggestions. The Connecticut Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit in December 2023 because a worker declined opportunities to suggest accommodations for her Alzheimer’s disease before her employer fired her. The woman had been an account manager for Sinclair Insurance Group for 26 years but lost accounts and had negative performance reviews before her termination. Employers can’t offer accommodations unless they know about worker disabilities, and yet many people with dementia don’t disclose their conditions for fear of retaliation. Gaugler said he is sympathetic but stressed workers in their silence need to plan on their own for the day when they can’t do their jobs anymore, at least not without support. “Dementia is a dirty word. People don’t want to use it. Its highly stigmatizing, and that certainly carries over to the workplace,” he said. The Alzheimer’s Association is trying to change that perception and make employers more responsive. Fink said the organization has conducted trainings at numerous workplaces across the Twin Cities to make them dementia-friendly. Workers should explore whether their employers have participated in this training. “The workplace is becoming more understanding and more accommodating,” she said, “but of course, there is still a fear, a worry.” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, appeared publicly at a Minneapolis senior-living complex in November to celebrate the federal reauthorization of the BOLD program, which funds opportunities to prevent, detect, diagnose and care for dementia in addition to providing support for caregivers. Gaugler said he is excited about a new option under the federal program called GUIDE , which will pay participating clinics to coordinate medical care and nonmedical services for people with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. Under the program, caregivers can also find help so they take breaks and receive training on how to provide dementia care. Minnesota has one GUIDE clinic in Alexandria, but a locator map shows four more opening in July in Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Stillwater and Moorhead. Gaugler’s center is one of three the BOLD program funds and works to spread awareness about the needs of caregivers and services available to them. Some companies offer more support than others, he said, and often it varies by whether executives have experienced Alzheimer’s or dementia among family. “We see that with policy, too, quite frankly,” Gaugler said. ©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit at startribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

EdgePoint Millennium Capital Acquires Industry-Leading Algorithm, Absolute Analysis, to Revolutionise Futures TradingOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info He's making a list, and checking it twice... that's Premiership managers we're talking about, of course. But who has been naughty and nice? Who will have their wish lists answered by their chairmen? It's the time of year for gift-giving and generosity and top flight bosses don't want to be left out. So as the Big Man comes down the chimney, we have a look at what the 12 Premiership gaffers really need in their sack. Oh, and what little stocking fillers they could do with to make sure it's a new year full of cheer. What they really want Pape Gueye back. As soon as possible. For a while it looked as if the Senegalese might have been the chaos factor fuelling a legitimate title challenge at Pittodrie. He exploded into life out of seemingly nowhere with five goals in five Premiership games. Then injury struck, and without him, they've been unable to sustain that astonishing early form. That's not to say they would still be in the title hunt had he not got injured, but he'd certainly have helped. It was reported in early October he faced 14 weeks out, so his big comeback might need to wait until the January sales rather than coming down the chimney with Santa. But the sooner the better for Jimmy Thelin. What they don't want Interest in manager Jimmy Thelin could be the coal in the Dons' stocking. Fair enough, their early form has fallen by the wayside, but it's still been a mightily impressive first season for the Swede in Scotland. He'll get lucrative offers sooner rather than later, especially if he can lead the Dons to second place. For now though Dave Cormack and co will be quite happy if it all stays quiet on this front. Stocking filler It all depends on how Gueye is looking but if it is going to be months rather than weeks before he's back in the picture, then another striker wouldn't hurt to help them rediscover their scoring touch. Kevin Nisbet hasn't quite been the answer they were looking for on that front and fans will expect to see some of the Bojan Miovski cash splashed. What they really want If you ask the fans, the answer is simple: Kieran Tierney. But if you ask Brendan Rodgers, it's likely something a little more practical. Their 0-0 draw with Dundee United exposed the lack of quality out wide when Nicolas Kuhn isn't available, underlined further by the absence of ageing James Forrest. Yang isn't up to it and Luis Palma, by all accounts, looks like he's on his way out. So a younger option who is first-team ready and can compete with Kuhn and Daizen Maeda will certainly be at the top of the shortlist. What they don't want Celtic are a bit like that cousin you don't know particularly well but feel obliged to get something anyway. They're difficult to buy for. They've got basically everything they need, motoring along nicely at the top of the league and in with a real chance of a prolonged run in Europe. One thing they definitely don't need is any more centre-backs, with fringe men struggling as it is to nudge Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty out the way. So much so that Stephen Welsh is reported to be holding talks over a possible exit - although an impressive performance when called upon against Dundee United might make them think twice about letting hm go. Stocking filler Brendan Rodgers hasn't hidden the fact he wants another striker to offer some depth beyond Kyogo - and there could even be question marks over his future at Parkhead with ex Hoops boss Ronny Deila targeting him at Atlanta United - and Adam Idah. It appears he doesn't see Daniel Cummings, firing for the B-team, as a viable solution. Johnny Kenny, returning from a loan in Ireland, will be hoping to fill the void. But if he isn't up to the task then it's likely a new frontman, young with a high ceiling, will be at the top of Rodgers' list. What they really want A place in the top six is the target for Dundee this season after a strong start has them propping up the top half of the table. Europe isn't out of reach either, but the more immediate concern is is an uncharacteristically leaky defence. A 1-0 defeat at Ibrox, though hardly a damaging result in isolation, means they've now shipped 30 in 17 games - the fourth worst record in the league. That's not Euro form so a new defensive signing or two to shore things up wouldn't go wrong. What they don't want Simon Murray can't even get into the Dee starting XI as things stand and that's a luxury not many teams in the Premiership can boast. Seb Palmer-Houlden is doing the business up top and, provided he sticks around until the summer, they don't need much up top. Stocking filler There isn't much in the way of natural width at Tony Docherty's disposal and that may be a minor concern. Minor, only because they don't actually play with wingers. But if Scott Tiffoney were to get injured then a lack of invention in the wing and attacking midfield areas might be a worry. What they really want Jim Goodwin's squad is largely well-balanced but they are lacking in a little natural width. Kai Fotheringham and Glenn Middleton were the starters against Celtic while Kristijan Trapanovski came off the bench, but another out-and-out wide player could give them another dimension and some more tactical flexibility. What they don't want Once captain Craig Sibbald is back in the fold then they're pretty much sorted for central midfield players. Youngsters Luca Stephenson and Miller Thompson have also impressed recently and Goodwin will likely be cautious not to block their pathway. Stocking filler Full-back cover is the footballing equivalent of a new three-pack of socks, or a Lynx Africa gift set. But needs must. Ryan Strain is the only natural right-back they currently have available so some cover in that position would be a useful addition. What they really want It's starting to look up for Hibs after a miserable start to the season and you get the feeling it's going to be a big January for them. They're looking upwards rather than down at last, but there's still a problem position or two that need resolved - particularly in goals. Both Josef Bursik and Jordan Smith have had their moments to forget this season and an undisputed, reliable No.1 is the golden ticket David Gray may be looking out for, albeit that's easier said than done in January. What they don't want The Cadden twins are hitting their stride in Gray's five-at-the-back system so Hibs are sorted for wing-backs. They've also got Lewis Miller and Jordan Obita in reserve. Stocking filler Hibs' forward line is ageing, with Martin Boyle and 35-year-old Dwight Gayle among the key figures in the final third. Elie Youan still has his best years ahead of him, but a youthful attacker with room to grow would be a nice supplement to the squad. Albeit they may need to clear space first with one of the biggest squads in the league. What they really want It's a curious quirk of Hearts' that they always seem to be smack-bang in the middle of an injury crisis. This time it's defensively, with Frankie Kent, Stephen Kingsley and Gerald Taylor among the absentees. Some new defenders please, Santa - particularly centre-backs. They also badly need another striker, whether Lawrence Shankland rediscovers his shooting boots or not. What they don't want His form may have dipped as he enters his 41st trip around the sun, but Craig Gordon doesn't appear to be going anywhere just yet. And neither is Zander Clark who has had to wait patiently behind him. Hearts won't be looking to shake it up in goals next month - unless, grimace, there's another injury. Stocking filler A new deal at last for Lawrence Shankland would put an end to the speculation over his future, particularly after he ended his long barren run without a goal against Dundee. He's unlikely to get the huge wage bump he was initially offered by the club off the back of last season, but poor season or not, tying down their skipper would be a nice bonus. What they really want Killie look like they are sleepwalking into a relegation battle after transforming from a formidable defensive unit into a ramshackle bunch with the joint-poorest goals conceded record in the league. They're unusually light on natural full-backs, particularly on the right side where their No.8 Brad Lyons has recently been filling in. Some depth there would be nice. What they don't want Between Bruce Anderson, Kyle Vassell, Marley Watkins and Innes Cameron, they should be sorted for strikers. Scoring goals isn't necessarily their problem anyway Stocking filler David Watson continues to impress even if the stunning goals have dried up a little. He's into the final 18 months on his contract from January so a new one of those for the 19-year-old would do nicely. What they really want A new deal for Lennon Miller, please and thank you. It's been a calmly impressive season for Motherwell so far who look well on track for a European spot if they can keep their form going. Keeping hold of rising star Miller will be integral to that, and they're unlikely to entertain any offers in January, unless they fall into the 'silly' category. But he's into the final year of his contract next season and his financial value, as a result, is deteriorating by the week. It's a matter of time before he gets a mega move and fans are enjoying him while it lasts: but news of a new deal would certainly make it a merry little Christmas in North Lanarkshire. What they don't want Any bids for Lennon Miller. See above. Stocking filler We'll just stay on the Lennon Miller theme, will we? The fact the central midfielder is their joint top scorer on four goals this season says they could do with a striker. Stuart Kettlewell has chopped and changed his forward options but hasn't found a consistent source of goals yet, with Tony Watt, Apostollos Stamatelopoulos and Moses Ebiye have shared the minutes while Zach Robinson is sidelined with injury. They'd like someone new to bang in the goals. What they really want Injuries have taken hold at Rangers now and they're down to their bare bones at centre-back in particular. John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo are both out and their struggles have been amplified by the form of Robin Propper, who hasn't exactly set the heather alight. Dujon Sterling deputised there against Dundee to give Leon Balogun a rest, so they'll be hoping to unwrap a reinforcement or two in that position. What they don't want Once upon a time it looked as if Philippe Clement was desperately lacking in forward options. But slowly that has eased: Danilo is now keeping Cyriel Dessers out the team, Ianis Hagi is back in the picture, and Hamza Igamane emerged as a lethal option in the final third. Vaclav Cerny is also in decent form and there's a settled front four, with Oscar Cortes, Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland among those waiting in the wings. Stocking filler A decent offer for Cyriel Dessers, which would allow them to replace him with a more reliable goalscorer up front, certainly wouldn't go amiss. The Nigerian has dropped to the bench in recent weeks with Danilo back in the frame but the Brazilian's injury record has fans looking on nervously every time he hits the deck. Dessers, meanwhile, has never really convinced despite his reasonable scoring record. A lethal No.9 they can rely on, even on loan for the rest of the season, would put a smile on Clement's face. What they really want One player County haven't replaced is Yan Dhanda, and they've seriously missed his goal contributions from midfield as a result. Ronan Hale and Jordan White have 14 goals between them, but the next top scorer on that list is Akil Wright, with two. Astonishingly, Joshua Nisbet is the only midfielder to have scored for them in the league this season, so a playmaker who knows where the back of the net is would suit them nicely. What they don't want They have eight natural centre-backs. That is, some would argue, too many natural centre-backs. They're still shipping goals for fun, mind you, but it's likely they'll need to find a balance with what they have currently, rather than sign anyone else. Stocking filler A run of defeats has taken the shine off what was a promising spell for County under Don Cowie and they're nervously looking over their shoulder again. It's no coincidence that it's come at the same time they've lost No.1 Ross Laidlaw, who is expected to be out until February at the earliest. They did bring in Jordan Amissah on a short-term deal but that only runs until January 1. And with Jack Hamilton not exactly impressing in the mean time, a new keeper they can rely on would lift a weight off Cowie's mind. What they really want With no recognisable right-back to speak of, Saints have largely been playing either Lewis Neilson or Drey Wright out of position there. Someone to nail down that position would go a long way towards sorting out their leaky defence. What they don't want They're good at scoring goals. Benjamin Kimpioka is hitting the back of the net for fun and the rotating cast alongside him, which includes Nicky Clark, Adama Sidibeh and Makenzie Kirk who all know where the goal is, their attacking balance under Simo Valakari is spot on and they don't need to rock the boat here. Stocking filler If they can add a new defensive leader to a team that is scoring goals like it's currency, then they could be onto something very fun indeed. Kyle Cameron's form has been in and out so someone to settle him and take charge of things at the back would do. What they really want The Kevin van Veen experiment didn't work out, in the words of Stephen Robinson, and the boss has made it clear he wants a new striker to fill that void. It's easy to see why - Toyosi Olusanya started the season in good scoring form but even his goals have dried up, and none of their other forwards particularly look like racking them up. A No.9 who can rack up a few in the second half of the season, and a Europe isn't out of reach. What they don't want They've just signed Declan John on a free so that should be left-back sorted. Stocking filler Olusanya is in talks over a new deal and, goals drying up or not, they'll want to keep him beyond the summer. A shiny new contract for him, please!

Stock up on these popular board games for your next get-together“America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh is 79. Keyboardist Bob Carpenter with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is 78. Bassist George Porter Jr. of The Meters is 77. Humorist David Sedaris is 68. Drummer Brian Westrum of Sons of the Desert is 62. Drummer Lars Ulrich of Metallica is 61. Guitarist J of White Zombie is 57. Country singer Audrey Wiggins is 57. Guitarist Peter Klett of Candlebox is 56. Singer James Mercer of The Shins is 54. Actor-singer Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars is 53. Singer Chris Daughtry (“American Idol”) is 45. Actor Beth Behrs (“The Neighborhood,” “2 Broke Girls”) is 39. Actor Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”) is 38. Actor Eden Sher (“The Middle”) is 33. Singer Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix is 32. — Associated Press Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

We always knew when we had kids that we would move back to Bunbury — we both had amazing, adventurous childhoods, were able to walk to school and of course had lots of family support. When we fell pregnant with twin boys — sooner than we expected — the move back down south felt a bit abrupt and forced, but boy am I glad now that we did it straight away. Heading into the school holidays there is so much for us to do around Bunbury and the South West for our adventurous, ocean loving twin boys. Being surrounded by so much water, there’s somewhere for us to go fishing, crabbing and even hunting for yabbies no matter which way the wind is going. I always tell my friends, if you’re looking for me I’m probably out at The Cut flipping rocks hunting for rock crabs. We kicked off the holidays with a few day trips down to the Huts beach off Stratham. My husband is a free diver and of course we needed to stock up on crays for Christmas. The kids and I even all pile on to the stand up paddle board and paddle out to the reef, it’s like floating over an aquarium. It’s been a big busy year for our family so a secluded getaway out of reception was just what we needed. We are heading out to Bridgetown which is only just over an hour from Bunbury to stay at Into The Wild Escapes. My grandma grew up in Bridgetown and it’s a relaxed, family friendly town. We plan to swing past The Cidery which is known for natural cider and hearty, locally-inspired meals. From there we’ll head down to the Blackwood River park, which has plenty of shade, and after running wild on the playground we will see if we can spot some yabbies in the river before we head to accommodation for an outdoor bath on the deck. In January we will be heading to another one of our favourite spots in the South West, Augusta. My family has been going there for 25 years and every January, they re-book the same sites at Flinders Bay caravan park for a couple weeks of coastal walks, bakery runs and a lot of diving and fishing. As we have all grown up and started our own families, we have all come and gone as it suited us with work, kids and our own responsibilities, but we all make an effort to get down there. Flinders Bay Caravan Park is walking distance to the beach, with a beautiful bay for snorkelling, a pontoon for the bigger kids and a playground for the little ones. If it’s too windy down the beach, you can head around the river mouth — protected and the perfect spot for canoeing, fishing and is also super popular for kite surfing. Or, jump in your car for a 15 minute drive to Hamelin Bay. Living in Bunbury and exploring the South West has been the best decision for our family. The blend of adventure, ocean views, and family traditions has created a childhood for our boys that is as magical as ours once were. Whether it’s crabbing at The Cut, paddling out over reef aquariums, or enjoying an unplugged getaway in Bridgetown, this region offers endless memories waiting to be made. So, if you’re looking for us, chances are we’re out on the water, flipping rocks, or chasing the next adventure — right where we’re meant to be. Ashleigh Atkinson owns and operates The Climb Collective.By TOM MURPHY, Associated Press A big shopping deadline is drawing near for some people, and it has nothing to do with the holidays. Millions of people use flexible spending accounts to help pay for health care, and some may lose money left in those accounts if they don’t spend it by year’s end. There are many ways to spend that use-it-or-use it balance — think raiding the local drugstore — but it’s important to understand FSA rules before going on a shopping spree. Here are some things to consider. FSAs let you set aside money from your paycheck before taxes to cover a wide range of medical expenses like copays, deductibles, eyeglasses and other supplies. They are set up through your employer, and individuals can set aside up to $3,300 in these accounts. Figuring out the right amount to set aside can be tricky because it involves forecasting how much care you might need. And you have to use the money by a certain point or you lose it. They can vary by employer or plan administrator. In some cases, you may have to spend the money by Dec. 31 or you will lose it. But many plans offer a grace period in the new year to let people use their remaining funds or they allow participants to carry over some of the leftover balance. “Make sure you understand the clock and the rules,” said David Feinberg of Justworks, a technology company that helps small businesses with benefits. There are limits. The IRS, for instance, limits the balance carried over to $660 for 2025. Any amounts over that could be lost if they are still in your account by the plan deadline. Think of medical expenses not covered by insurance. The IRS keeps a huge list of eligible expenses for both FSAs and health savings accounts. But companies can limit the expenses they’ll reimburse, so employees should check with their employers. Eligible expenses can include travel costs to the doctor’s office, eyeglasses, bandages, sunscreen, condoms and tampons. FSA dollars may even be used to cover things like gym memberships or electric massagers if you have a doctor’s note stating that they are medically necessary. But they don’t cover things like health insurance premiums or certain cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. Do you have any receipts from health care you could submit, like the copayment for a doctor’s office visit? That would qualify. Some plan administrators watch for stockpiling. Don’t buy a crate of aspirin to use up your balance. Limit purchases to about a year’s supply. Items can be bought in stores or online. Health savings accounts, or HSAs, also allow you to set aside money before taxes. The difference is that you won’t lose the balance, you can keep the account if you leave your job, and some plans let you invest the money. HSAs can only be paired with high-deductible insurance plans. Account holders can contribute several thousand dollars each year, depending on the type of coverage they have. FSAs work with more types of coverage. And the help they offer can be more immediate. The money you decide to set aside over the course of the year is available right away. That can help people facing a big medical expense like a surgery at the start of a year, said Nicky Brown of Health Equity, which manages about 3 million FSAs. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.The website Wikipedia describes curiosity as a "quality related to inquisitive thinking, such as exploration, investigation, and learning, evident in humans and other animals." But there is a lot more to this prime motivator for so much of human behavior—and Wikipedia, as the world's largest encyclopedia, is now helping social scientists deepen the definition of curiosity. Tracing how Wikipedia searchers flit among topics and lose themselves in Wiki rabbit holes revealed three different styles of human inquisitiveness: the "busybody," the "hunter" and the "dancer." "Curiosity actually works by connecting pieces of information, not just acquiring them." —Dani Bassett, University of Pennsylvania On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. In this lexicon, a busybody traces a zigzagging route through many often distantly related topics. A hunter, in contrast, searches with sustained focus, moving among a relatively small number of closely related articles. A dancer links together highly disparate topics to try to synthesize... Gary Stix

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CoreNest Capital , one of the most dynamic emerging players in venture capital, has announced its latest round of investments, backing seven innovative companies: OpenAI, xAI, Weave Robotics, Blaze Money, Domu, Phonely, Andromeda Surgical, and Texture Capital. These strategic investments underscore CoreNest’s commitment to driving transformative growth across AI, robotics, MedTech, and fintech sectors. “Our focus is on backing founders who are reshaping industries and solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology,” said Bob Ras , Co-Founder & GP of CoreNest Capital. “This round of investments underscore CoreNest’s commitment to driving impactful innovation and supporting visionary teams that are defining the future of AI, Robotics, MedTech, and Fintech.” OpenAI: OpenAI is setting new standards in artificial intelligence by driving advancements that push the boundaries of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). xAI: xAI , founded by Elon Musk, is pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, aiming to deepen our understanding of the universe through the development of cutting-edge AI technologies. Weave Robotics: Weave Robotics is reshaping personal robotics with Isaac, the world’s first autonomous home assistant robot, designed to handle tasks like tidying, folding laundry, and home monitoring. Blaze Money: Blaze Money revolutionizes financial services with a seamless app designed for global nomads, enabling instant, fee-minimal payments worldwide. Domu: Domu leverages AI to transform client interactions in the insurance sector, automating real-time, 24/7 sales and service calls. This innovation empowers businesses to engage clients efficiently, handle payment reminders, and respond to inquiries. Phonely: Phonely enhances business communication with AI-driven phone support that handles calls, schedules appointments, and integrates with existing tools, elevating customer service efficiency. Andromeda Surgical: Andromeda Surgical is advancing precision surgery with AI-guided robotic systems, initially focused on endourology, optimizing accuracy and patient outcomes. Texture Capital: CoreNest has strategically invested in Texture Capital , positioning itself to acquire a significant stake in the firm. This investment will support the launch of the SoloTex platform, the first regulated trading and tokenization platform for U.S. stocks. SoloTex is changing the way people trade and invest in U.S. stocks by enabling users to have self-custody of their tokenized stocks and ETFs and allowing fractional trading of these assets, bringing unprecedented flexibility and accessibility to the securities market. This funding round builds on CoreNest’s history of high-impact investments, including companies like Artisan AI , Piramidal , Avatar Medical , OpenCall , Fleak.ai , Algorized , itsElectric , and Dili . Each of these companies is making strides in their fields, reflecting CoreNest’s mission of driving global innovation and delivering meaningful technological progress. About CoreNest Capital CoreNest Capital is a powerhouse for nurturing and funding startups in cutting-edge sectors like AI, Robotics, MedTech, and Fintech. For more information on CoreNest Capital, visit corenest.com . Innovative startups tackling real-world challenges and seeking investment are encouraged to submit their pitch decks for consideration. Pedro Crespo CoreNest Capital op@corenest.com

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The two-day meeting of the core group of Bihar BJP in Suraj Kund ended on Monday during which the BJP leaders came out strongly in support of JDU chief Nitish Kumar as the leader of the NDA in Bihar. The BJP leaders said the party is willing to contest the upcoming assembly elections under Kumar's leadership. ET Year-end Special Reads Top 10 equity mutual funds of the year. Do you have any? How India flexed its global power muscles in 2024 2024 was the year India became the talk of America "We have a leader and face of the NDA in Bihar. Nitish Kumar is the chief minister of the state and we will go for the upcoming election under his leadership," Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal told ET post the meeting. Before Jaiswal, Bihar deputy CM Samrat Choudhary also reiterated that Kumar is the leader of the alliance. Over the past few days, several BJP state leaders have reiterated that Nitish Kumar remains the leader and the CM face of the alliance. The clarification from the BJP about the CM face in Bihar came after the rumours started going on in political circles of the state that there could be another political shift before the assembly polls. The rumours emanated after the BJP formed the government in Maharashtra with Devendra Fadnavis as the CM. Political watchers in Bihar linked it to the upcoming polls in the state and observed that the Maharashtra model could well be implemented in Bihar. Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond 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 Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere 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 Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Design Microsoft Designer Guide: The Ultimate AI Design Tool By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) 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) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass By - CA Himanshu Jain, Ex McKinsey, Moody's, and PwC, Co - founder, The WallStreet School View Program Data Analysis Learn Power BI with Microsoft Fabric: Complete Course By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program The rumours got further wind when Union home minister Amit Shah, during a TV interview, didn't clearly name Nitish Kumar as the CM face. Though Shah didn't say anything to create doubt, him not naming Kumar became another news in Bihar. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )None

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An Illinois man is accused of intentionally shooting his uncle with a crossbow, killing him, news outlets reported. Joshua Zilm, 25, is charged with first-degree murder , according to a Dec. 23 news release from the Bradley Police Department. Attorney information was not listed for Zilm in court records. Police were called to a home for reports of someone being shot at about 2:20 p.m. Dec. 22. When officers arrived, they found 39-year-old Scott McLain dead inside the home. McLain was Zilm’s uncle, and the two lived at the same home , WLS reported. Officials told the news outlet that Zilm shot McLain with a crossbow. “He lay in wait to shoot his uncle with the crossbow. He got him to come out of his room by slamming his door,” Kankakee County First Assistant Attorney Carol Costello told the Daily Journal. “[Zilm] said he was tired of it.” Costello told the news outlet that Zilm said his uncle treated him poorly. Zilm was arrested at the scene. Bradley is about a 60-mile drive southwest from Chicago.Fact one: has transformed the way we enjoy our favorite songs, albums and podcasts, offering millions of tracks from virtually anywhere at your fingertips. Fact two: gone are the days of listening to filler because it's easier not to – is a playground chant that does its best to ruin the Beatles' – now you can listen to what you want, when you want. Heck, thanks to the streaming services' built-in algorithms, you can even open your horizons to stuff you've never heard of, instead of listening to for 94,584th time on the sly because Taylor Swift taught you how to feel. With so many options available, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. Fear not, though – whether you’re an audiophile searching for the pristine sound quality that exposes Pulp's multi-channel mixing desk approach to , a completist seeking Frank Zappa's vast back catalog, or someone who wants great value for the whole -loving family, there’s a platform tailored to your needs. The best service for you depends a few things, including your budget, file quality preferences, device compatibility and whether you value personalized playlists or exclusive content. But we'll get to all of that. Relax, grab a mug or glass of something, and read on. Though and dominate the market in 2024, slightly more niche platforms such as and cater to specialized needs, such as high-resolution audio, specific sub-genres or even (whisper it) actual human advice, and relative newcomers and have their own offerings too. After extensive testing, we're going to break down the leading options, highlight key features, explore pricing tiers and evaluate extras that could sway your decision. Go ahead and (right in...) Each music streaming platform has its own unique strengths – and these might make choosing which is right for you all the easier. is the standout one-size-fits-all option, thanks to its robust free tier and exceptional personalization features like , Discover Weekly, and year-end . The service is ideal for users who love discovering new music and sharing playlists with friends on social media. , on the other hand, is perfect for those immersed in the Cupertino giant's ecosystem – so those that have an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or iPod – offering seamless integration with devices, lossless, hi-res and spatial audio, and expertly curated playlists. Love a bit of karaoke? Check out . It's free with your Music subscription and basically, it allows you to turn the vocal in almost any track right down... so that you can provide it! For audiophiles, delivers hi-fi-quality sound with its newly streamlined Individual plan, and also offers better artist royalties. is a no-brainer choice for Amazon Prime members, blending affordability with a growing library of HD and Ultra HD tracks, and excels in combining video content with audio, offering a unique appeal for those who enjoy discovering rare or niche tracks. Additionally, platforms like and Idagio cater to more specialized audiences, (people who know what they want, want it in hi-res, and can live without the social media stuff) providing high-resolution audio and a focus on classical music respectively. First up, library size and content variety are essential. Most major services boast catalogs of 80 to 100 million songs, but the availability of niche genres, podcasts (and increasingly video podcasts), live albums and other exclusive content can vary, and might make a difference. Sound quality is another crucial factor, especially if you’re an audiophile who enjoys the slightest background 'oooh' from Mick Jagger in . While most services provide standard streaming quality, platforms like Tidal and Qobuz stand out with high-resolution audio options. There have been long-term rumours of Spotify adding a HiFi service – and CEO Daniel Ek even confirmed a "deluxe" version was set to launch at some point – but so far we haven't seen it. Personalization and curated playlists can enhance your experience by helping you discover new music. Spotify is renowned for its algorithm-driven recommendations, while Apple Music emphasizes human-curated playlists from experts like DJs and artists. Device compatibility is also vital – your preferred service should work seamlessly across smartphones, smart speakers, gaming consoles and more. If you have an iPhone, Apple Music naturally integrates deeply, while Spotify works well more broadly. Offline listening is a must-have feature for travelers, and social features like playlist sharing and music discovery through friends add a layer of interactivity, with Spotify leading the charge. Pricing could be a significant factor when choosing a music streaming service. For those looking to save, Spotify and YouTube Music offer free ad-supported tiers, though these come with limitations such as lower audio quality and no offline listening. Premium plans now typically start at £9.99 or $9.99 per month, providing ad-free listening, offline downloads, and enhanced sound quality, although many services have raised prices in recent years due to inflation. Audiophile services including Tidal, Apple Music and Qobuz charge more for high-resolution audio (there's no free Apple Music tier – and the service ), but their offerings justify the extra cost for those who prioritise sound. Family plans are an excellent choice for households, offering multiple profiles for around £15 or $15 per month. Students can often enjoy discounted rates, with some services providing up to 50% off. (Here's , if you wanted that...) Bundles are also worth checking out: Amazon Music Unlimited is cheaper for Prime members, and Apple Music can be included in the Apple One subscription bundle. Many services offer free trials lasting one, three or even six months, making it easy to explore features before committing, and there may well be deals around during the holiday season. Beyond obvious differences such as price and device compatibility, there are several other things to consider. Exclusive content is a significant draw for some users. Spotify leads the way with its popular podcasts and artist exclusives, while Apple Music offers live radio and unique releases. Smaller platforms can also sometimes offer exclusive content. Podcasts and video content are increasingly important for modern streaming services. Spotify integrates podcasts seamlessly, while YouTube Music shines with its blend of video and audio. Some platforms also cater to niche audiences, such as Idagio for classical music enthusiasts or Bandcamp for those who prefer supporting independent artists by buying (and streaming) music directly. User experience is another factor. A clean interface, intuitive navigation and reliable search functionality can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the service and make discovering new music easier. Put Taylor down, you don't need to listen to her . Ultimately, the best music streaming service depends on your personal priorities and preferences, principally among them what content you want to listen to. If you value personalized playlists and social features, Spotify remains a top choice. Apple Music is a natural fit for users in the Apple ecosystem, offering high-quality audio and excellent device integration. Audiophiles might gravitate toward Tidal or Qobuz for their superior sound quality, while budget-conscious listeners might prefer Amazon Music Unlimited or YouTube Music for their affordability and unique offerings. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ideal service for you will depend on your sound quality needs, content preferences, and budget. Do you have one of the that supports AirPlay? That's an Apple Music thing; it works using your wi-fi to give you better quality audio. It's worth checking the spec sheet of the speaker (or speakers) you have, to better understand what might work best for you. Or, if you've just signed up for Apple Music and want to really make your playlists sing (any Bluetooth speaker will play files from your service over Bluetooth, but your home wi-fi offers better bandwidth and thus, improved audio) our guide to the is the place to head. Free trials are an excellent way to explore your options and find the platform that resonates most with your listening habits. Spotify is the biggest service around, but there are plenty of reasons to pick another option – including hi-res audio and spatial audio content, as well as wireless speakers that support AirPlay or Tidal connect, say. Happy discovering!

Amanda Hernández | (TNS) Stateline.org CHICAGO — Shoplifting rates in the three largest U.S. cities — New York, Los Angeles and Chicago — remain higher than they were before the pandemic, according to a report last month from the nonpartisan research group Council on Criminal Justice. The sharp rise in retail theft in recent years has made shoplifting a hot-button issue, especially for politicians looking to address public safety concerns in their communities. Since 2020, when viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies flooded social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have expressed fears that crime is out of control. Polls show that perceptions have improved recently, but a majority of Americans still say crime is worse than in previous years. “There is this sense of brazenness that people have — they can just walk in and steal stuff. ... That hurts the consumer, and it hurts the company,” said Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, in an interview. “That’s just the world we live in,” he said. “We need to get people to realize that you have to obey the law.” At least eight states — Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, New York and Vermont — passed a total of 14 bills in 2024 aimed at tackling retail theft, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measures range from redefining retail crimes and adjusting penalties to allowing cross-county aggregation of theft charges and protecting retail workers. Major retailers have responded to rising theft since 2020 by locking up merchandise, upgrading security cameras, hiring private security firms and even closing stores. Still, the report indicates that shoplifting remains a stubborn problem. In Chicago, the rate of reported shoplifting incidents remained below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2023 — but surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period a year ago. Shoplifting in Los Angeles was 87% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Police reports of shoplifting from January to October 2024 were lower than in 2023. Los Angeles adopted a new crime reporting system in March 2024, which has likely led to an undercount, according to the report. In New York, shoplifting rose 48% from 2021 to 2022, then dipped slightly last year. Still, the shoplifting rate was 55% higher in 2023 than in 2019. This year, the shoplifting rate increased by 3% from January to September compared with the same period last year. While shoplifting rates tend to rise in November and December, which coincides with in-person holiday shopping, data from the Council on Criminal Justice’s sample of 23 U.S. cities shows higher rates in the first half of 2024 compared with 2023. Researchers found it surprising that rates went up despite retailers doing more to fight shoplifting. Experts say the spike might reflect improved reporting efforts rather than a spike in theft. “As retailers have been paying more attention to shoplifting, we would not expect the numbers to increase,” said Ernesto Lopez, the report’s author and a senior research specialist with the council. “It makes it a challenge to understand the trends of shoplifting.” Impact on retailers, communities In downtown Chicago on a recent early afternoon, potential shoppers shuffled through the streets and nearby malls, browsing for gifts ahead of the holidays. Edward Johnson, a guard at The Shops at North Bridge, said that malls have become quieter in the dozen or so years he has worked in mall security, with the rise of online retailers. As for shoplifters, Johnson said there isn’t a single type of person to look out for — they can come from any background. “I think good-hearted people see something they can’t afford and figure nothing is lost if they take something from the store,” Johnson said as he patrolled the mall, keeping an eye out for lost or suspicious items. Between 2018 and 2023, most shoplifting in Chicago was reported in the downtown area, as well as in the Old Town, River North and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, according to a separate analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice. Newly sworn-in Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke this month lowered the threshold for charging retail theft as a felony in the county, which includes Chicago, from $1,000 to $300, aligning it with state law. “It sends a signal that she’s taking it seriously,” Rob Karr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told Stateline. Nationally, retailers are worried about organized theft. The National Retail Federation’s latest report attributed 36% of the $112.1 billion in lost merchandise in 2022 to “external theft,” which includes organized retail crime. Organized retail crime typically involves coordinated efforts by groups to steal items with the intent to resell them for a profit. Commonly targeted goods include high-demand items such as baby formula, laundry detergent and electronics. The same report found that retailers’ fear of violence associated with theft also is on the rise, with more retailers taking a “hands-off approach.” More than 41% of respondents to the organization’s 2023 survey, up from 38% in 2022, reported that no employee is authorized to try and stop a shoplifter. (The federation’s reporting has come under criticism. It retracted a claim last year that attributed nearly half of lost merchandise in 2021 to organized retail crime; such theft accounted for only about 5%. The group announced this fall it will no longer publish its reports on lost merchandise.) Increased penalties Policy experts say shoplifting and organized retail theft can significantly harm critical industries, drive up costs for consumers and reduce sales tax revenue for states. Those worries have driven recent state-level action to boost penalties for shoplifting. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of 10 bills into law in August aimed at addressing retail theft. These measures make repeated theft convictions a felony, allow aggregation of crimes across multiple counties to be charged as a single felony, and permit police to arrest suspects for retail theft even if the crime wasn’t witnessed directly by an officer. In September, Newsom signed an additional bill that imposes steeper felony penalties for large-scale theft offenses. California voters also overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes. Under the new law, people who are convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen item’s value. “With these changes in the law, really it comes down to making sure that law enforcement is showing up to our stores in a timely manner, and that the prosecutors and the [district attorneys] are prosecuting,” Rachel Michelin, the president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, told Stateline. “That’s the only way we’re going to deter retail theft in our communities.” In New Jersey, a bipartisan bill making its way through the legislature would increase penalties for leading a shoplifting ring and allow extended sentences for repeat offenders. “This bill is going after a formally organized band of criminals that deliver such destruction to a critical business in our community. We have to act. We have to create a deterrence,” Democratic Assemblymember Joseph Danielsen, one of the bill’s prime sponsors, said in an interview with Stateline. The legislation would allow extended sentences for people convicted of shoplifting three times within 10 years or within 10 years of their release from prison, and would increase penalties to 10 to 20 years in prison for leading a retail crime ring. The bill also would allow law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods over the course of a year to charge serial shoplifters with more serious offenses. Additionally, the bill would increase penalties for assaults committed against retail workers, and would require retailers to train employees on detecting gift card scams. Maryland legislators considered a similar bill during this year’s legislative session that would have defined organized retail theft and made it a felony. The bill didn’t make it out of committee, but Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, said the group plans to propose a bill during next year’s legislative session that would target gift card fraud. Retail theft data Better, more thorough reporting from retailers is essential to truly understanding shoplifting trends and its full impact, in part because some retail-related crimes, such as gift card fraud, are frequently underreported, according to Lopez, of the Council on Criminal Justice. Measuring crime across jurisdictions is notoriously difficult , and the council does not track organized retail theft specifically because law enforcement typically doesn’t identify it as such at the time of arrest — if an arrest even occurs — requiring further investigation, Lopez said. The council’s latest report found conflicting trends in the FBI’s national crime reporting systems. The FBI’s older system, the Summary Reporting System, known as SRS, suggests that reported shoplifting hadn’t gone up through 2023, remaining on par with 2019 levels. In contrast, the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS, shows a 93% increase in shoplifting over the same period. The discrepancy may stem from the type of law enforcement agencies that have adopted the latter system, Lopez said. Some of those communities may have higher levels of shoplifting or other types of property crime, which could be what is driving the spike, Lopez said. Despite the discrepancies and varying levels of shoplifting across the country, Lopez said, it’s important for retailers to report these incidents, as doing so could help allocate law enforcement resources more effectively. “All law enforcement agencies have limited resources, and having the most accurate information allows for not just better policy, but also better implementation — better use of strategic resources,” Lopez said. Stateline staff writer Robbie Sequeira contributed to this report. ©2024 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.TESSAN booth layout at CES 2025 LAS VEGAS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading charging solution provider TESSAN has announced its participation in CES 2025, where it will present its latest innovations designed to enhance connectivity and convenience for users. Visitors can explore the brand's new offerings at Booth 30562 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 2. "Tessan aims to be a reliable companion for users in their lives and travels, ensuring that they stay connected at home or on the go. Participating in CES 2025 is also an opportunity for us to deepen the connection with more users, offering them a tangible experience of our commitment to innovation and sustainability," said Alex, CEO of TESSAN. At the heart of TESSAN's showcase are products that reflect its core values: simplicity and convenience, innovation and efficiency, as well as sustainability. Every product is designed with a user-centric approach, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices to meet modern demands. A highlight of the exhibit will be the 140W Universal Travel Adapter, designed for global use with EU, UK, US, and Australian plugs. Its lightweight, compact design makes it travel-ready. USB-C ports offer up to 140 watts for fast charging, while USB-A ports provide 18 watts. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, laptops, cameras, and CPAP machines. Advanced safety features, like double-patented auto-resetting fuses, ensure secure operation. Another innovation on display is the 100W Charging Station. Compact and designed to save space, this multi-functional device can charge up to nine gadgets simultaneously at high speed. Its sleek upright design combines style with functionality, while robust safety measures safeguard devices from overcurrent, voltage surges, and overheating, ensuring uninterrupted charging around the clock. For electric vehicle owners, TESSAN will showcase its Level 2 Smart EV Charger, a high-performance charging solution that delivers up to 11.5kW/h, offering remote control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, off-peak scheduling, and adjustable currents. Compatible with most North American electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, its SAE J1772 connector and water-resistant, fireproof design ensure safety and reliability. These innovative products have not gone unnoticed in the industry. In May 2024 , TESSAN was recognized at the MUSE Design Awards, earning gold and silver honors for its Intelligent Charging Set, multi-functional fast charging socket, and Household EV AC Charger. These accolades reflect the brand's dedication to blending exceptional design with cutting-edge functionality, resonating with users worldwide. Beyond technology, TESSAN remains deeply committed to environmental sustainability. In August 2024 , the brand received ClimatePartner certification, signifying its alignment with eco-friendly practices. Most recently, it announced a collaboration with the non-profit organization One Tree Planted, launching an initiative to plant 10,000 trees as part of its efforts to mitigate climate change and support global reforestation. As a brand committed to empowering users to explore the unknown while safeguarding the planet, TESSAN continues to lead through innovation, sustainability, and meaningful action. CES 2025 promises to be an exciting opportunity for audiences to witness these values brought to life. About TESSAN TESSAN, a trusted partner in charging solutions, is committed to enriching experiences both at home and during travel. The brand offers a wide array of products, including multifunctional power strips, travel adapters, wall extenders, and smart home devices. Supported by a robust R&D and production team, TESSAN develops innovative socket products for users across the globe. With the trust of over 20 million users, TESSAN empowers their journeys from home to every destination, promoting environmentally conscious electricity usage. For more information, visit www.tessan.com or the TESSAN Amazon store , and follow TESSAN on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ces-2025-preview-tessan-to-showcase-charging-solutions-for-enhanced-connectivity-and-convenience-302338829.html SOURCE TESSAN