By Naveen Athrappully Contributing Writer The vast majority of U.S. citizens are concerned about their future Social Security receipts, with such anxieties popping up amid the projected depletion of Social Security funds over the next decade. “More than half (53%) of Americans who haven’t retired yet say they expect to rely on Social Security benefits to pay their necessary expenses once they retire,” said a Nov. 21 survey from Bankrate. “But at the same time, 72% of all Americans are concerned that promised Social Security benefits won’t be paid to them upon retirement age.” Generation-wise, baby boomers and Gen X are most anxious, with more than 80% worried about the issue. Among millennials and Gen Z, this number was at 60% to 70%. The Social Security system’s main trust fund is calculated to deplete by 2035, according to a May report from the Social Security board of trustees. When funds are depleted, the Social Security administration will only be able to pay beneficiaries 83% of the promised benefits. Another September report from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget expects Social Security funds to deplete by 2033, following which beneficiaries would be forced to take a larger, 21%, reduction in monthly receipts. For a typical single-income couple, this indicates an annual benefit reduction of $12,400, with dual income couples losing $16,500. And by 2098, the 21% reduction is projected to rise to 31%. With millions of people relying on Social Security to pay for daily necessities, a more than one-fifth reduction in monthly receipts could be broadly devastating. “There’s a vast divide between Americans’ concern about the looming Social Security funding shortfall and the lack of serious and thorough conversation among elected officials about what to do about it,” said Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick. “The result is that the American public’s financial well-being is not being tended to.” To complicate matters, many Americans believe they are already behind on their retirement savings, he said. Hamrick advised Americans to undertake proactive steps to ensure their retirement plans. Tackling Social Security Solvency Crisis A recent study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute showed how critical Social Security payments are for retired Americans. About 80% of respondents said Social Security was an income source accounting for roughly half of their total earnings. The majority of retirees have only three months’ worth of savings put aside for emergencies. As such, any reduction in income puts them in financial distress. Facing a looming crisis in Social Security, lawmakers have proposed measures to tackle the issue, which vary depending on the political party. Last February, a group of Democrat lawmakers and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, introduced the Social Security Expansion Act. The bill proposed requiring wealthy American households to “pay their fair share of taxes,” which it claimed could keep Social Security solvent for an additional 75 years. Specifically, it suggested imposing a 12.4% tax on business and investment income of wealthy people. On the other hand, President-elect Donald Trump proposed during his campaign that he would cut down taxes for Social Security payments received by seniors. In August, a group of lawmakers introduced the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act aimed at strengthening the financial state of Social Security and ensuring that “seniors continue to benefit from the programs they have paid into throughout their lives,” said an Aug. 2 statement. The bill proposes doing away with the generic measure of inflation to decide annual cost-of-living adjustments to Social Security payments. Instead, it wants to use an inflation gauge that specifically measures the living costs incurred by senior citizens. The act also seeks to phase out limits on social security contributions. “Social Security provides crucial support to millions of kupuna [elders], people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities in Hawaii and across the country,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii. “By lifting the cap on Social Security contributions, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act will help ensure Social Security remains solvent for decades to come.”Texas, Texas A&M Renew Rivalry As Bitter SEC Foes After 13-Year Hiatus - Sports IllustratedBy Naveen Athrappully Contributing Writer The vast majority of U.S. citizens are concerned about their future Social Security receipts, with such anxieties popping up amid the projected depletion of Social Security funds over the next decade. “More than half (53%) of Americans who haven’t retired yet say they expect to rely on Social Security benefits to pay their necessary expenses once they retire,” said a Nov. 21 survey from Bankrate. “But at the same time, 72% of all Americans are concerned that promised Social Security benefits won’t be paid to them upon retirement age.” Generation-wise, baby boomers and Gen X are most anxious, with more than 80% worried about the issue. Among millennials and Gen Z, this number was at 60% to 70%. The Social Security system’s main trust fund is calculated to deplete by 2035, according to a May report from the Social Security board of trustees. When funds are depleted, the Social Security administration will only be able to pay beneficiaries 83% of the promised benefits. Another September report from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget expects Social Security funds to deplete by 2033, following which beneficiaries would be forced to take a larger, 21%, reduction in monthly receipts. For a typical single-income couple, this indicates an annual benefit reduction of $12,400, with dual income couples losing $16,500. And by 2098, the 21% reduction is projected to rise to 31%. With millions of people relying on Social Security to pay for daily necessities, a more than one-fifth reduction in monthly receipts could be broadly devastating. “There’s a vast divide between Americans’ concern about the looming Social Security funding shortfall and the lack of serious and thorough conversation among elected officials about what to do about it,” said Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick. “The result is that the American public’s financial well-being is not being tended to.” To complicate matters, many Americans believe they are already behind on their retirement savings, he said. Hamrick advised Americans to undertake proactive steps to ensure their retirement plans. Tackling Social Security Solvency Crisis A recent study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute showed how critical Social Security payments are for retired Americans. About 80% of respondents said Social Security was an income source accounting for roughly half of their total earnings. The majority of retirees have only three months’ worth of savings put aside for emergencies. As such, any reduction in income puts them in financial distress. Facing a looming crisis in Social Security, lawmakers have proposed measures to tackle the issue, which vary depending on the political party. Last February, a group of Democrat lawmakers and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, introduced the Social Security Expansion Act. The bill proposed requiring wealthy American households to “pay their fair share of taxes,” which it claimed could keep Social Security solvent for an additional 75 years. Specifically, it suggested imposing a 12.4% tax on business and investment income of wealthy people. On the other hand, President-elect Donald Trump proposed during his campaign that he would cut down taxes for Social Security payments received by seniors. In August, a group of lawmakers introduced the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act aimed at strengthening the financial state of Social Security and ensuring that “seniors continue to benefit from the programs they have paid into throughout their lives,” said an Aug. 2 statement. The bill proposes doing away with the generic measure of inflation to decide annual cost-of-living adjustments to Social Security payments. Instead, it wants to use an inflation gauge that specifically measures the living costs incurred by senior citizens. The act also seeks to phase out limits on social security contributions. “Social Security provides crucial support to millions of kupuna [elders], people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities in Hawaii and across the country,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii. “By lifting the cap on Social Security contributions, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act will help ensure Social Security remains solvent for decades to come.”
In France, start of construction of three photovoltaic projects
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Pundit slams Hibs star Elie Youan for ‘not acceptable’ red card reaction – but fans insist ‘it’s not that deep’NFL Christmas Day Games on Netflix Drew 65M US Viewers; Sets League Streaming RecordPro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss reveals cancer diagnosis, 6-hour surgery Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss says he is being treated for cancer and is recovering from major surgery. In an appearance on Instagram Live on Friday, Moss introduced himself as a cancer survivor and thanked his “prayer warriors” for their support. Moss says a cancerous mass was found in his bile duct, between his pancreas and liver. He says he had surgery to put a stent in his liver on Thanksgiving and then underwent a 6-hour procedure about a week ago to remove the cancer. He says he was hospitalized for six days and released on Friday. De'Vondre Campbell won't be part of the 49ers after his refusal to enter a game, Kyle Shanahan says SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said linebacker De’Vondre Campbell won’t be part of the 49ers moving forward after he refused to enter a game after losing his starting job. Shanahan said the team is still working through the options of how to deal with Campbell after he walked to the locker room in the middle of a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Shanahan says the team is weighing its options, which could include a suspension or release, but that Campbell won't be part of the team for the final three weeks of the season. Trae Young, Hawks hoping to win big in Vegas at the NBA Cup semifinals LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA’s biggest enigma. Young’s fans can point to numbers and say he’s an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he’s overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they’re infuriating. This can’t be argued: He’s helping Atlanta author one of the season’s surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. Analysis: Only LeBron James knows what's happening right now, and what's in his future LAS VEGAS (AP) — LeBron James was starring in Las Vegas at this time last year, the headline attraction while he and the Los Angeles Lakers were about to win the inaugural version of the event now known as the NBA Cup. That's not the case this year. “Personal reasons ... he’s taking some time” is what Lakers coach JJ Redick said this week when detailing why James was missing from practice. “Left foot soreness” is the reason why the Lakers have ruled him out of Friday’s game in Minnesota. There’s been trade speculation in recent days. It's all very different than a year ago at Cup time. Yankees get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. The Yankees also will send $2 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams and his signature “Airbender” changeup are eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28. Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings. Cubs acquire All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with the Astros CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, paying a big price for one of baseball’s best hitters. The Cubs sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects, to the Astros for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. Tucker was limited to 78 games this year because of a fractured right shin, but he hit .289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions. New West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez says leaving for Michigan 17 years ago was a 'mistake' MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Rich Rodriguez says he regrets leaving West Virginia 17 years ago. Rodriguez was introduced as the coach at his alma mater on Friday. Based on the welcome he got from the thousands of West Virginia fans in attendance, much seems to be forgiven. Rodriguez told the crowd that he never should have left his home state. The 61-year-old coach says he's grown both as a person and a coach throughout his long career, and that his departure at the end of the 2007 season for a head coaching job at Michigan was a mistake. Rodriguez went 60-26 at West Virginia from 2001 to 2007. Lindsey Vonn to enter World Cup ski races next weekend in Switzerland in her comeback at age 40 BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn will return to World Cup ski racing next weekend for a pair of super-G events in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as she continues her comeback at 40 years old. Vonn teased her return in an Instagram post through her sponsor, Red Bull, on Friday morning. She said “I hear St. Moritz is pretty nice this time of year.” The U.S. Ski Team then confirmed she will race in St. Moritz. She’s won five of her 82 World Cup races on the venue at St. Moritz. Picabo Street, a two-time Olympic medalist and Vonn’s former teammate, says “it’s the coolest thing ever.” Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 publicly admits she lied RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The woman who in 2006 falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of raping her has admitted publicly for the first time that she made up the story. The accusations made national headlines at the time, stirring tensions about race, class and the privilege of college athletes. Crystal Mangum, who is Black, said in an interview with the “Let’s Talk with Kat” podcast that she “made up a story that wasn’t true” about the white players who attended a party where she was hired to perform as a stripper “because I wanted validation from people and not from God.” The former Duke players were declared innocent in 2007 after Mangum’s story fell apart under legal scrutiny. Belichick's bid to reshape football at UNC another sign of rising pro influence on college level CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's hiring of NFL coaching great Bill Belichick marks another sign of the growing influence of the NFL on college football. The challenges of managing the transfer portal and looming revenue sharing for athletes has led teams to take on more NFL-like structures to their programs. Belichick is set to structure North Carolina's program like an NFL front office. That includes hiring former NFL executive Michael Lombardi as general manager. At Florida, coach Billy Napier is interviewing general managers while saying the program is going to “a business model” to deal with a “major math puzzle.”Megyn Kelly unleashed an attack against Caitlin Clark after the WNBA star talked about ways white privilege seeps into women’s basketball during an interview published in Time magazine this week. The former Fox News personality took to X, formerly Twitter, to spew inflammatory remarks about Clark’s comments. In the interview, Clark said that she recognized her privilege as a white person in the league and that it’s important to elevate Black players. The publication had named the Indiana Fever player its 2024 Athlete of the Year on Tuesday. “Look at this. She’s on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention,” Kelly wrote on X . “The self-flagellation. The ‘oh pls pay attention to the black players who are REALY the ones you want to celebrate.’ Condescending. Fake. Transparent. Sad.” But Clark never apologized for being white. She acknowledged that Black WNBA players — who make up the majority of players in the league — haven’t received the same level of mainstream attention, opportunities or coverage that she has. When reports emerged in the spring that Clark was nearing a reported eight-figure Nike deal, many questioned why the league’s most valuable player, A’ja Wilson, who is Black, hadn’t gotten a signature shoe deal . (Wilson announced a shoe deal with Nike the following month.) People have also called attention to Clark’s growing list of endorsement deals and the rookie’s perceived marketability in a league that’s predominantly Black. But the Fever star doesn’t seem to be bothered by Kelly’s criticism. She told sportscaster Maria Taylor in an interview on Wednesday that she blocks out the “noise” and that she’s “comfortable in my own skin” when asked to address Kelly’s remarks. Here’s what Kelly’s missing with her social media comments. In the Time interview, Clark celebrated her own talents, accomplishments and influence in women’s basketball, as well as the accolades and opportunities that have followed. But she also recognized that two things can be true: She is an outstanding basketball player, and talented Black players who have built the league should get more recognition than they do. “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark said. “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.” “The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important,” she added. “I have to continue to try to change that.” “The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing,” Clark said in the interview. Clark has undeniably had an immense effect on women’s basketball. She became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division 1 basketball during her time playing college basketball with the Iowa Hawkeyes. And when South Carolina’s women’s basketball team defeated Iowa in the NCAA women’s championship game in April, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley credited Clark for “lifting up” women’s basketball. Clark, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, is also often credited for playing a significant role in the WNBA’s recent record-breaking attendance and TV ratings — dubbed the “Caitlin Clark effect.” But Black players have largely built and grown the league since the first WNBA game was played in 1997, with many groundbreaking moments since. In 2002, Lisa Leslie became the first WNBA player to dunk in a game . In 2008, Candace Parker was the first player to get MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. In 2017, Rebekkah Brunson set a WNBA record winning five titles. WNBA players have also been leaders in championing LBGTQ rights and bringing racial injustice protests to professional sports. In 2014, the WNBA became the first professional sports league to launch an official Pride campaign . Ajhanai “AJ” Keaton , an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who studies race and gender marginalization, told the New Pittsburgh Courier in September that she believes the heightened coverage surrounding Clark has to do with race and gender politics. “I believe that race is a guiding politic,” she said. “But I think it’s also gender, and I think we can’t ignore the way race and gender politics play into this. Caitlin Clark being a white woman, right? Being a white woman from the Midwest, being heterosexual, representing something to white America, right?” People have also called out the fact that masculine-presenting WNBA players have been excluded from certain sponsorship opportunities. Victoria Jackson , a sports historian and clinical associate professor at Arizona State University, explained to The Associated Press in May that it’s important to dissect why Clark has been labeled a “generational talent.” “Whenever we’re making those cases, I immediately think, well, who are the other generational talents we’ve had? And I think too often the athletes that could be placed in that category who have been Black women have not had that sort of gushing attention,” Jackson said. “And especially the kind of general public, crossover saturation that Caitlin Clark has had.” “There are overlapping, intersecting reasons for why that is. But I think we can’t not think about it if the goal here is to have equitable treatment of the athletes in the sport,” Jackson said. Clark herself has recognized the impact Black WNBA players have made in the league. During her appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in April, she took a moment to honor five Black WNBA greats: Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley and Maya Moore, whom she called her “basketball hero.” And in recent years, Black WNBA players, such as Wilson, Chicago Sky player Angel Reese and Phoenix Mercury player Brittney Griner, have also notably helped popularize the sport. Black players say they’ve been receiving more racist abuse online — and it needs attention In September, Connecticut Sun player Alyssa Thomas and coach Stephanie White called out the unprecedented number of racist and homophobic comments they said players have faced since WNBA viewership increased this past season. Thomas, who is Black, said that the attacks had mostly come from the Fever fan base. “I think that in my 11-year career, I never experienced the racial comments like from the Indiana Fever fan base,” she said, adding “basketball is headed in a great direction, but we don’t want fans that are going to degrade us and call us racial things.” Reese, who has often been pitted against Clark and villainized in narratives about their sports rivalry , has similarly called out the racist vitriol over the past few years. She wrote in a post on X in September that she’s been told to “save the tears” and “stop playing victim” anytime she’s spoken out about the attacks. The WNBA released a statement at the time saying the league “will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments.” Clark has also previously condemned racist comments from WNBA fans. During a news conference in September, she called the situation “definitely upsetting.” Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. 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Former US President Donald Trump's reentry into the political scene has reignited controversy surrounding H-1B visas , a long-contentious issue in American labor and immigration policy. The debate has drawn fresh attention, particularly towards Sriram Krishnan, an India-born venture capitalist and newly appointed senior policy advisor for artificial intelligence in Trump's camp. Critics accuse Krishnan and similar figures of prioritizing immigration policies that allegedly displace American workers. ET Year-end Special Reads Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 2025 outlook: Is it time for cautious optimism or rekindling animal spirits? 2024: Govt moves ahead with simultaneous polls plan; India holds largest democratic exercise The criticisms against H-1B visas primarily hinge on three points: Perception of Cheap Labor: Critics argue that H-1B workers undercut wages for Americans. However, official data contradicts this narrative. Employers are mandated to pay H-1B holders either the prevailing wage or the actual wage paid to comparable U.S. workers. In 2023, the average annual H-1B salary for computer-related occupations was $132,000, with a median of $122,000. Job Displacement Concerns: Some claim H-1B immigrants, particularly Indians, dominate American jobs. Yet, in FY 2024, only 7,299 H-1B petitions were approved for Indian-based companies, representing a mere 0.004% of the U.S. civilian workforce. The annual H-1B cap accounts for just 0.05% of the U.S. labor force. Administrative "Infiltration": Critics also allege that Indian-origin professionals are influencing U.S. policies to favor their own. However, Indian IT firms have significantly reduced their reliance on H-1B visas, cutting usage by 56% between 2015 and 2023. Shifting H-1B trends The H-1B visa process, already a complex route for companies seeking skilled foreign workers, has become increasingly challenging due to significant cost hikes and regulatory changes. These shifts are impacting both the volume of applications and the overall feasibility for businesses. Key changes in H-1B fees (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Registration Fee: Increased by a staggering 2050%, rising from $10 to $215. Application Fee: Jumped by 70%, from $460 to $780. Additional Asylum Fee: A $600 surcharge has been introduced, further burdening applicants. In total, companies now face approximately $34,000 in legal and government fees for each initial or extended H-1B visa petition. This sharp rise in expenses is prompting many businesses to reconsider their reliance on the program. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. 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As a result, eligible registrations for H-1B visas dropped by nearly 40%, from 758,994 in FY 2024 to 470,342 in FY 2025. While these changes aim to ensure integrity in the visa process, they have added new layers of difficulty for companies seeking to hire global talent. Denial rates for H-1B applications spiked during Trump’s first term due to restrictive policies, peaking at 24% in FY 2018. However, recent years have seen approval rates improve, with a denial rate of just 2.5% in FY 2024. Despite criticism, the data highlights the continued importance of H-1B workers in meeting America's tech talent shortage . The U.S. produces approximately 160,000 computer science graduates annually, while software job openings exceed 360,000, often offering salaries well above the national average. Even with H-1B contributions, domestic talent falls short of fulfilling demand. Tech leaders and policymakers argue that H-1B professionals are vital for innovation and economic growth in the U.S. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, underscored the shortage of skilled engineers, saying, "Immigrants are responsible for 36% of aggregate innovation in the US." You Might Also Like: These companies are the biggest winners in US H-1B visa draws Congressman Ro Khanna emphasized that attracting global talent is a hallmark of American exceptionalism. Similarly, Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera, called for easing high-skill immigration , noting, "Immigrants create more jobs than they take."Yolo County announced its participation as the first pilot jurisdiction in the Bridge initiative, a new program launched by the Institute for Local Government. This initiative aims to strengthen California’s local government workforce by creating Registered Apprenticeship Programs in nontraditional fields, including human resources, accounting, information technology, health and human services and more. “I’m thrilled that Yolo County will serve as an inaugural participant in ILG’s Bridge Public Sector Registered Apprenticeship program,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Lucas Frerichs. “Apprenticeships have a long history of success in the construction trades, and I’m excited to bring this innovative model to support our broader local government workforce in Yolo County.” Like many local governments across the state, Yolo County is facing significant workforce challenges, with recruitment and retention issues affecting nearly 70% of California’s cities, counties, and special districts. These challenges can lead to vacancies in essential roles, potentially disrupting services such as social services, permitting, and more. The Bridge initiative is designed to address this issue by providing innovative, community-based solutions to hire for high-demand, difficult-to-fill positions, while expanding career opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations. As the first confirmed pilot jurisdiction for the Bridge initiative, Yolo County will help test and implement non-traditional RAPs over the next year. The program will focus on training and hiring individuals for a wide range of roles in local government, including positions in IT, human resources, and health services. ILG will provide crucial support to Yolo County, including capacity building, grant writing, marketing assistance, and technical guidance throughout the program’s development. Through this pilot, Yolo County will work closely with local education agencies, community-based organizations and other partners to ensure the successful implementation of apprenticeship programs that align with the county’s workforce needs. Yolo County’s participation in the Bridge initiative is a crucial step toward building a sustainable, skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the future. As part of the pilot program, the county will lead the way in developing a scalable model for apprenticeships that can be adopted by other local governments across California. “Apprenticeships are a proven strategy to develop a resilient workforce while opening doors for underserved communities,” states Erica Manuel, CEO and Executive Director of the Institute for Local Government. “The Bridge initiative brings this model to the public sector, ensuring local governments have the talent they need to meet the challenges of tomorrow. With Yolo County leading the way, we’re building a blueprint for other jurisdictions across California to follow.” The Institute for Local Government is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports local governments with tackling their most pressing and evolving issues related to workforce development, climate action, leadership, ethics, and public engagement. Since 1955, ILG has provided conscious counsel, training, resources, and technical assistance to empower and educate local agency leaders and deliver real-world expertise to help them navigate complex issues, increase their capacity, and build trust in their communities. As the nonprofit affiliate of the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties, and the California Special Districts Association, ILG proudly serves municipalities large and small, urban and rural throughout California. Find out more at www.CA-ILG.org .
Share this Story : World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Sports Hockey Junior Hockey World Juniors World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC The crowd of 16,433 erupted when former Ottawa 67's winger Tuomas Uronen scored to give the Finns a 4-3 overtime victory. Author of the article: Don Brennan Published Dec 29, 2024 • 2 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Tuomas Uronen (15) of Team Finland celebrates his overtime goal with teammate Mitja Jokinen against Team USA at the Canadian Tire Centre on Dec. 29, 2024 in Ottawa. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Article content FINLAND 4, U.S. 3 (OT) Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team . World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC Back to video Article content Fans at an almost-full Canadian Tire Centre were strong and loud in their support of Finland in its Sunday matinée match against the Americans. They should have been more careful about what they wished for. The crowd of 16,433 erupted when former Ottawa 67’s winger Tuomas Uronen scored to give the Finns a 4-3 overtime victory over the U.S.A. that squeezed the interesting Group A standings. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content The Americans, who took one point from the game, are still in first place with seven, while Finland now has five as Canada had four heading into its battle against the Germans on Sunday night. Had Finland won in regulation time, it would have shot up to first place, getting the nod over the U.S. in the tie-breaker based on head-to-head record. Team Finland celebrates an overtime victory against Team USA at the Canadian Tire Centre on Dec. 29, 2024 in Ottawa. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Canada would have moved into the top spot with seven points by beating Germany, but the stage could have been set for a New Year’s Eve showdown with the U.S. that would likely have seen the winner finish first and the loser third. As it stands, Canada can move into first by defeating the Germans in regulation time, two points up on the Finns, like the U.S. Uronen, whose 2023-24 campaign with Dave Cameron’s 67’s was limited to 11 games by a knee injury that required surgery, now toils for the Kingston Frontenacs. The sixth-round Vegas Golden Knights pick is third in Frontenacs scoring with 39 points on 16 goals and 23 assists. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Uronen said of scoring the winner. “It’s nice to be back here.” Among the goal scorers for the Americans on Sunday was defenceman Cole Hutson, the brother of Montreal Canadiens D-man Lane Hutson, as a follow-up to his five-assist game against the Germans on Friday. Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Ryan Leonard of Team USA skates face first into the mask of goaltender Petteri Rimpinen of Team Finland in the first period. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images “They were ready to go and we weren’t,” Cole Hutson said of the Finns. “We took a few undisciplined penalties, including myself, and just got away from our game, and we can’t be doing that.” Of the partisan crowd, Hutson said: “They hate us out there and we were ready for it. They’re going to root against us all tournament. We love it.” American captain Ryan Leonard said his team is looking forward to the Tuesday showdown with Canada. “It’s going to be cool, especially being in Canada,” he said. “The world is against us, and we see it with any team that we play, but it’s definitely going to be a different breed when we play in Canada. It’s going to be a fun game, and we’re just going to embrace it.” Recommended from Editorial World Juniors: Easton Cowan assumes ownership of Canada's failure to score more World juniors: Reinforcements on way as Canada moves forward from devastating loss to Latvia Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. 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Local, independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve. Each week we profile an , discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations. This week we have manager Jennifer Hale of in Stowe, Vermont! was founded in 1970 in Stowe, Vermont on unceded Abenaki territory, and there were several owners before the current family came into ownership. Susan Adams ran this store with love for many years before passing it down to her daughter, Jennifer Hale, who is the current owner. It is a staple of the town with its long, winding shelves that entice tourists and locals alike. One of our staff members, who identifies as queer, has been working hard to bring more LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC books to our shelves, which we are very excited about. We are a community of 7,000 in Stowe, and while not everyone knows the staff's names by heart, they all know Staff Pup Tucker, our French bulldog who lives behind the counter. We have tourists who only come in once a year, and they ask after the dog the moment they walk into the store. As a town that was ranked among , Stowe has a lot of tourists and we strive to balance both books for our tourists and books for our locals. We host many author signings throughout the year and use our entire front room to spotlight local and New England authors and creators. My favorite section is our Staff Picks spot because our staff has such broad interests. There's always something new and interesting going out that even I would never have checked out otherwise, and it's clear that customers really enjoy being able to talk to a real person one-on-one about books, or even just knowing which person they should go to for a recommendation. It fosters a real sense of connection and has led to people coming back asking for a specific employee whose choices they trust. "A Psalm For The Wild Built" by Becky Chambers. If there was one book I could make everyone in the world read, it would be this one. More self help than science fiction, this book follows a Tea Monk in search of the last crickets. This book is for anyone who has struggled with their purpose or with feeling like they don't deserve something. In the words of Mosscap, a character in the book, “It is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it. You don’t need to justify that, or earn it. You are allowed to just live." "A Council Of Dolls" by Mona Susan Powers. This book left me speechless. Achingly beautiful and heart-breakingly honest, this book is a work of art. Following three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women and their experiences with “Indian Boarding Schools,” this book is an incredible work about resilience, love, healing, and the different ways trauma can echo through generations. It speaks to a section of our history too many people are not aware of and need to acknowledge. Shopping locally is always important – you know where your money is going and who it's supporting, unlike with big corporations. Local independent bookstores are even more important in this age of surging book bans. We will almost always have a more diverse collection of books, and are always more than happy to track down a book we don't have on our shelves. Bookstores provide community spaces for everyone, and (ideally) are a place where all are welcome to learn about whatever they want. Below is a list of our upcoming Author events for December & January. Author Events typically feature Vermont and New England authors and it allows for customers to meet the author, learn more about their books, ask questions and take home a signed copy. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 14: Gina Tron, author of "Suspect"1 p.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 14: Ellen Parent, author of "After the Fall" 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 25: Susan Edwards Richmond, author or "Night Owl Night"What can parasite eggs preserved in medieval poop tell us about human history?New York Times didn't publish 'anti-Israeli' headline about Luigi Mangione | Fact check
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) Trading Down 2.1% – Here’s WhyHow poorly we treat our elderly in this miserable, narcissistic, materialistic society. And, those in government couldn’t care less. A case in point is the Medford Care Center, which an NJ Advance Media story indicated was just barred from new admissions by the New Jersey Department of Health. This Burlington County nursing home was rated poorly in by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in 2023, which is when its last full health inspection occurred. Despite the low ranking, state health officials didn’t intervene until just last week. When inspectors arrived, they allegedly found inhumane conditions — a lack of hot water, a non-working stove, piled up trash, unpaid staff, and low food stocks — with residents said to be at “immediate and serious risk of harm.” But rather than being shut down immediately or being taken over by the state, the facility has been allowed to continue to operate, and what the state calls an absentee owner was granted time to fix the horrific conditions instead of being arrested on multiple charges. I’m sure that’s of great consolation to the families of the 93 residents (as of Nov. 14) trapped in the facility. The owner disputes some of the violation findings. Don’t grow old in America. Unlike other societies that revere their elders, this harsh, merciless land can’t wait to shove you out of sight once you’re no longer deemed “of use,” and the hell if anyone cares what becomes of you after that. John Woodmaska, Kearny RECOMMENDED • nj .com Even Trump’s backers will regret his cabinet picks | Letter Nov. 17, 2024, 8:25 a.m. Teachers should not squash opposing viewpoints | Letters Nov. 19, 2024, 2:58 p.m. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion . Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook .
“The ‘Russia-ASEAN: World of Opportunities’ Forum became one of the largest business events of its kind in the country and region in recent years, providing a unique platform to enhance trade relations between Russia and Southeast Asian countries. In 2023, Russia’s trade turnover with ASEAN countries reached a record high, growing by 14.6% compared to the previous year. This positive trend continued in the first half of 2024, with a 20.5% increase. The business forum was a response to the growing interest of Russian businesses in ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia, and further solidified Russia’s strengthening trade position in Southeast Asia. I am confident that the Forum will serve as a significant discussion platform for addressing and broadly covering issues related to deepening trade and investment ties between Russia and ASEAN countries across various sectors,” said Anton Kobyakov , Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation. The Forum’s business agenda centered on trade and export interaction, energy, digital transformation, information security, technology, and innovations. Dedicated sessions also explored healthcare, tourism, education, and the impact of alumni communities in fostering international business connections. “Russia-Malaysia relations are dynamically progressing across a wide range of areas, providing optimism for their future. I believe this Forum served as an excellent starting point for creating and implementing new projects, fostering cooperation, and promoting open dialogue between the business community and government representatives. I hope the event’s outcomes bring ASEAN countries and Malaysia closer to Russia, enabling the peoples of our nations to learn more about each other and explore new horizons for mutually beneficial relationships,” emphasized Nail Latypov , the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Malaysia. He described Kuala Lumpur as a fitting choice for the event, noting that Malaysia will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and highlighting the city’s strategic location as a regional hub, within a two-hour flight of any ASEAN capital. The main highlight of the Forum was the plenary session, which featured participants such as Alexey Gruzdev , Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; Ayrat Khayrullin , Minister of Digitalization of Public Administration, Information Technologies, and Communications of the Republic of Tatarstan; Tan Sri Nazir Razak , Founder and Chairman of Ikhlas Capital and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia; Oudet Souvannavong , President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council; Alexander Stuglev , Chairman and CEO of the Roscongress Foundation; and Abu Bakar Yusof , Deputy Director of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Daniyar Akkaziev , Executive Director of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, moderated the session. The business program on the first day continued with a panel discussion titled “The Energy Dimension of Strategic Partnership between Russia and ASEAN: Lessons Learned and New Directions” and the EAEU-ASEAN business dialogue. Discussions focused on exploring new formats of cooperation among businesses for sustainable, long-term development. The second day of the Forum featured panels on enhancing cooperation between Russia and Southeast Asian countries in digital transformation, healthcare, and medicine. Additional focus was given to strategies for increasing tourist flows and fostering educational partnerships. The “World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN” International Business Forum was held with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Malaysia. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) served as the co-organizer. The Forum’s general partner was the Tatarstan Trade House, while program partners included the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, the Eurasian Economic Commission, and Coalstar LLC. Hashtag: #RoscongressFoundation The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented, non-financial development institution and the largest organizer of Russian, international, congress, exhibition, business, public, youth, sports, and cultural events. It was established in 2007 by presidential decree to promote economic potential, advance national interests, and strengthen Russia’s image. The Foundation comprehensively studies, analyzes, and highlights issues on Russian and global economic agendas. It facilitates business project administration, investment promotion, social entrepreneurship, and charitable initiatives. Events organized by the Foundation attract participants from 209 countries and territories, with over 15,000 media representatives working at Roscongress venues annually. More than 5,000 experts from Russia and abroad are involved in its analytical and expert activities. The Foundation collaborates with UN structures and other international organizations, develops diverse partnerships with 212 foreign economic institutions, industrial and business associations, and financial and trade organizations in 86 countries. Domestically, it partners with 293 Russian public organizations and federal and regional executive and legislative bodies of the Russian Federation. Official Roscongress Telegram Channels: In Russian – t.me/Roscongress, in English – t . me / RoscongressDirect , in Spanish – t . me / RoscongressEsp , and in Arabic – t . me / RosCongressArabic . Official website and information-analytical system: roscongress . org .
