ALUULA Composites Inc. Announces Rights Offering
( MENAFN - UkrinForm) For the first time in five years, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the Japan Business Federation Keidanren held the ninth joint meeting in Tokyo with the participation of Ukrainian and Japanese businesses. That is according to the Ministry of Economy, Ukrinform reports. During the meeting, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko and Chairman of the Keidanren Committee on cooperation with Ukraine Fumiya Kokubu signed a memorandum that provides for continued and expanded cooperation to support Ukraine's post-war recovery and expand bilateral cooperation. “It is the private sector that should become the engine of economic development and reconstruction of Ukraine. Therefore, our priorities include further cooperation with Keidanren and its members. In particular, we have offered Japanese businesses the opportunity to establish joint ventures with Ukrainian companies, localize their technologies and production, open business representative offices, and supply high-tech industrial equipment and spare parts to Ukraine. At the same time, we have requested the Government of Japan to provide assistance in restoring the destroyed production facilities and infrastructure,” Svyrydenko said. She stated that Japanese companies are already actively entering the Ukrainian market and that government organizations are opening their representative offices. Currently, over 40 Japanese companies are operating in Ukraine. The representatives of Keidanren highlighted the progress in the reforms being implemented by Ukraine and confirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine's recovery, mainly through public-private partnerships. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to help solve the problems faced by Japanese companies in Ukraine. About 100 Japanese companies and more than 20 Ukrainian participated in the joint meeting. The participants included representatives from various sectors: energy, finance, agriculture, engineering, logistics and construction. As reported, Ukraine has offered the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support projects on industrial cooperation, joint ventures, supply of equipment and spare parts, and restoration of destroyed industrial facilities. Photo: Ministry of Economy MENAFN16122024000193011044ID1108999794 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It's climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan's Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk's multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla's corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump's preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They're betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed's next move will arrive on Friday. It's the monthly jobs report, which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday's jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea's currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he'd lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump's threats to raise tariffs, including for goods coming from China. Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called "entity list" are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world's second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris, where the government is battling over the budget.
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – November 25, 2024) – Linda Williams, Managing Partner, Clients, Markets & Growth, EY Canada (“EY”), and Rachel Rodrigues, Partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Program Director, along with program winners, alumni, judges, program sponsors and firm executives, joined Dani Lipkin, Managing Director, Global Innovation Sector, Toronto Stock Exchange, to close the market and celebrate the 30 years of Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emhxRsIjR54 Since 1994, EY has recognized more than 3300 finalists and 1450 award winners. The program highlights innovative entrepreneurs who excel in balancing passion, determination, character, and skill to create businesses that tackle complex challenges and contribute to shaping the future with confidence. Together with the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network and EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women, EY’s trio of entrepreneurship programs support business growth and scaling while fostering an inclusive ecosystem for all. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/231345 #distro
Two people hospitalised after taking 'extremely dangerous' fake painkillersAs TikTok bill steams forward, online influencers put on their lobbying hats to visit Washington
( MENAFN - GetNews) Luxehomezone, a distinguished leader in luxury home decor, is proud to announce the launch of its latest chandelier collections, set to transform homes with unparalleled elegance and contemporary design. These new additions underscore Luxehomezone's commitment to providing exquisite lighting solutions that blend timeless beauty with modern sophistication. Exquisite Craftsmanship Meets Modern Aesthetics The Luxehomezone alabaster chandelier collection epitomizes refined craftsmanship and artistic design. Each chandelier is meticulously handcrafted from high-quality alabaster, featuring intricate carvings and a pristine, luminous finish. The soft, diffused light emitted by these chandeliers creates a warm and inviting ambiance, making them ideal for both traditional and contemporary interiors. Whether placed in a grand foyer, a sophisticated dining area, or a serene living room, these chandeliers serve as stunning focal points that elevate any space. In contrast, the Luxehomezone blue bhandelier collection introduces a vibrant splash of color, designed for homeowners who seek to infuse their spaces with personality and flair. Available in a spectrum of blue hues, these chandeliers incorporate sleek, modern lines and innovative lighting technology. The bold color choices not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide versatile lighting options that complement a variety of interior design styles. Perfect for adding a touch of drama to kitchens, bedrooms, or creative workspaces, the Blue Chandelier Collection exemplifies Luxehomezone's dedication to versatility and style. Innovative Features and Sustainable Practices Luxehomezone's new chandelier collections are not only visually stunning but also incorporate advanced lighting technologies. Energy-efficient LED bulbs are seamlessly integrated into each design, offering long-lasting illumination while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the use of sustainable materials reflects the company's commitment to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that luxury and responsibility go hand in hand. A Vision of Elegance and Functionality “At Luxehomezone, we believe that lighting is a fundamental element of home design that can transform the atmosphere and functionality of any space,” said Kevin, Product Manager at Luxehomezone.“Our new chandelier collections are a testament to our passion for creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also enhance the living experience. We strive to offer our customers lighting solutions that are both elegant and practical, allowing them to personalize their homes with confidence.” Enhancing Homes Worldwide With a reputation for excellence, Luxehomezone continues to expand its global presence, offering a curated selection of high-end furniture, lighting, and accessories. Each product is thoughtfully designed to meet the highest standards of quality and aesthetics, ensuring that customers receive exceptional value and satisfaction. The launch of the new chandelier collections further solidifies Luxehomezone's position as a premier destination for luxury home decor enthusiasts. About Luxehomezone Luxehomezone is a leading provider of luxury home decor, dedicated to offering a diverse range of high-end furniture, lighting, and accessories. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional customer service, Luxehomezone aims to bring elegance and sophistication to homes around the world. Explore the full range of products and discover the perfect pieces to elevate your living space at . Contact Information For more information about Luxehomezone and its new chandelier collections, please visit or contact below. MENAFN16122024003238003268ID1108999903 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New YorkAMD’s Latest Ryzen: A Game Changer or Future-Proof Fantasy?
Jalen Hurts is in the NFL's concussion protocol, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed during his Monday video call with the media. The Eagles lost their starting quarterback just over five minutes of game time into Sunday's 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders on the road. Hurts took off on a second-down run and as he fell forward, he took a hit to the head on the way down to the grass. Officials and sideline spotters noticed symptoms as he stood back up, and pulled him off the field for evaluation while Eagles backup QB Kenny Pickett went in. Hurts was ruled out with a concussion for the remainder of Sunday's game . Pickett was shaky, but did leave the Eagles with a chance to still win until it all fell apart at the end. Now the Eagles will be in a bit of a holding pattern waiting to see who their quarterback might be for Week 17, when they come back home to face the Dallas Cowboys, and with the NFC East still clinchable with just one more win. "We just lean on the doctors to let us know on a daily basis of where he is," Sirianni said of Hurts . Pickett, as the QB2, went 14-for-24 with passing for 143 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in relief of Hurts on Sunday. He got sacked three times in the second half as Washington clawed its way back, and one of the hits appeared to shake him up, even though he stayed in and finished the game. Pickett said postgame that it was his ribs that were hurting, but Sirianni had no update about that on Monday. Tanner McKee is the next man up behind Pickett, though, and did outplay him in the preseason , which led to questions about the third-stringer also. Sirianni vouched for each of them with Hurts' status for this coming Sunday in limbo. "Tanner gives us a lot of confidence. Kenny gives us a lot of confidence," Sirianni said."I think that's just a tribute to [general manager Howie Roseman] and his staff, of the all the pieces that he's given us to work with, and the depth that he's given us to work with." Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, and defensive backs Darius Slay and Reed Blankenship each suffered concussions earlier in the season, and their resulting time in the protocol each led to them missing a game after a week of being unable to practice . A similar timeline for Hurts is a strong likelihood, and a factor the Eagles will brace for in their gameplanning for this week. "You adjust," Sirianni said of whether Hurts or Pickett (or McKee) will be the QB. "There are a lot of similarities. There are little differences, but there are differences. It's just something you adjust to. This is the unfortunate part of the NFL. We've had a lot of experience doing this with different positions, and that includes the quarterback." There is a slight chance that Hurts won't miss the Cowboys game, but that would be a tough prospect. He would have to clear all his tests with the doctors and prove he's not at a major re-injury risk, which would be a process that would likely prevent him from getting in any practice reps before Sunday. Sirianni didn't dismiss the possibility of letting Hurts go back in without any practice if he does get cleared, but he was far from committing to anything either. The Eagles are going to have to wait on a lot. "Each and every week is a different scenario," Sirianni said. "What I've seen is Jalen knows how to prepare, knows how to get himself ready. He is a true pro." Follow Nick on Twitter: @itssnick Follow Nick on Bluesky: @itssnick Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice SportsISLETON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- unWired Broadband , a leading high-speed Internet provider in California, officially cut the ribbon on their new tower in Isleton, CA on Wednesday. This new tower is equipped with state-of-the-art fixed wireless technology from Tarana Wireless that offers up to Gig speeds. The event marked a new era of connectivity in a city that has been severely underserved by Internet service providers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212022357/en/ The unWired Broadband team at their new tower site in Isleton, CA. (Photo: Business Wire) The ribbon cutting ceremony on December 11 was attended by executives from unWired Broadband and Tarana Wireless. Officials from numerous organizations also attended including the City of Isleton, Sacramento County, Valley Vision, The Office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui, California Emerging Technology Fund, Delta Protection Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. Several members of the Isleton community were also in attendance. At the reception, remarks were made by: Headquartered in Fresno, CA, unWired has been in the business of connecting underserved communities across Central and Northern California since 2003. Their product offerings include both fixed wireless and fiber technologies, ensuring they can engineer the right connectivity solution for the mission. To learn more, go to getunwired.com . About unWired Broadband unWired Broadband is the leading Internet provider for rural and underserved areas in Central and Northern California. Their network includes over 200 towers connecting communities that have been ignored by cable and fiber Internet providers. Since their inception in 2003, they have expanded their connectivity suite to also include redundancy solutions, a data center and most recently, fiber Internet. About Tarana Tarana’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of fast, affordable internet access around the world. Through a decade of R&D and over $400M of investment, the Tarana team has created a unique next generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology instantiated in its first commercial platform, Gigabit 1 (G1). It delivers a game-changing advance in broadband economics in both mainstream and underserved markets, using either licensed or unlicensed spectrum. G1 started production in mid-2021 and has since been embraced by more than 250 service providers in 24 countries. Tarana is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with additional research and development in Pune, India. Learn more at www.taranawireless.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212022357/en/ CONTACT: Cherish Stockdale hello@getunwired.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY MOBILE/WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERNET CARRIERS AND SERVICES HARDWARE SOURCE: unWired Broadband Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 05:13 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 05:11 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212022357/en
Supreme Court sounds wary of halting youth transgender care ban
Report Debutant Jangoo, Carty help West Indies sweep ODI series 3-0 Four Bangladesh batters also scored fifties, with Mahmudullah and Jaker adding an unbeaten 150 for the sixth wicket, but in vain Mohammad Isam 12-Dec-2024 • 2 hrs ago Amir Jangoo played a match-winning innings on ODI debut • Randy Brooks {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","contentUrl":"https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/392900/392903.4.jpg","caption":"Amir Jangoo played a match-winning innings on ODI debut"} West Indies 325 for 6 (Jangoo 104*, Carty 95, Rishad 2-69) beat Bangladesh 321 for 5 (Mahmudullah 84*, Mehidy 77, Soumya 73, Jaker 62*, Joseph 2-43) by four wickets Amir Jangoo 's unbeaten 104 and Keacy Carty 's 95 helped West Indies scale a 322-run chase against Bangladesh in St Kitts. They won the series 3-0 after Jangoo became the first West Indian in 46 years to score a century on ODI debut. He guided the side in two fast-paced partnerships. It is also the fourth time that West Indies successfully chased a 300-plus target in ODIs. Jangoo added 132 runs for the fifth wicket with Carty, and when West Indies lost two wickets in quick succession, he combined with Gudakesh Motie for an unfinished 90-run partnership for the seventh wicket to take them home. Motie remained unbeaten on 44 off 31 balls, hitting three sixes and as many fours. Jangoo's innings was resplendent with six fours and four sixes. Related Litton to lead Bangladesh in West Indies T20I series Keacy Carty gets maiden T20I call-up for West Indies' series against Bangladesh Bangladesh reached 321 for five on the back of four fifties. Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali added 150 runs in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand, a Bangladesh record . The team also struck 12 sixes in the innings, their second-most in ODIs. West Indies, however, had their own big-hitting show in the bank. Brandan King picked up where he left off in the second ODI, as he cracked two fours and a six off Nasum Ahmed in the second over of the innings. His innings was cut short in the same over after a mix-up with his opening partner Alick Athanaze over a non-existent run. Athanaze himself did not last long, getting yorked in an attempted sweep in Nasum's next over. Keacy Carty was instrumental in the chase • Randy Brooks {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","contentUrl":"https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/392900/392901.jpg","caption":"Keacy Carty was instrumental in the chase"} Hasan Mahmud then had Shai Hope caught at slip for three before Sherfane Rutherford and Carty stabilised the innings with a 55-run fourth-wicket stand. Taskin Ahmed dealt West Indies a further jolt but dismissing Rutherford for 30. Carty was steady at the other end, already having struck two fours. Afif dropped him on 22 before Carty went after the Bangladesh spinners in the middle overs. He struck Rishad Hossain for consecutive fours in the 18th over, before hammering Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a six and a four in the 21st over. Jangoo struck Nasum for three fours in a short span before lofting Afif for his first six. It was in the 34th over that Bangladesh, perhaps, truly let the game slip. Jangoo had miscued one off Rishad, only to see substitute fielder Parvez Hossain Emon drop the chance while running back ffrom mid-off. Rishad did dismiss Carty next ball, with Soumya taking a low catch at point. He also took a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Roston Chase but Jangoo's miss came back to haunt them. Immediately after Chase's exit, Jangoo slogged Mehidy for his second six, before Motie and Jangoo struck Mahmud for a six each in the 43rd over. They struck one four each in the following over bowled by Taskin, before the pair completed the chase. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Soumya Sarkar added 136 runs for the third wicket • Randy Brooks {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","contentUrl":"https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/392800/392894.4.jpg","caption":"Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Soumya Sarkar added 136 runs for the third wicket"} The day could have belonged to Bangladesh given how they batted. After a disastrous start, losing Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das in the third over to be reduced to 9 for 2, Soumya and Mehidy resurrected the innings with a 136-run third wicket partnership. Alzarri Joseph hurried Tanzid with a bouncer with the left-hander top-edging a pull shot. Litton's horror run in ODIs continued when he edged a wide one to King at first slip. Mehidy was positive from the onset, hitting five boundaries in the powerplay. Soumya, who was dropped on nought, opened up after the powerplay. He played the upper-cut against Romario Shepherd for a six, before pasting Chase and Motie for a six each in consecutive overs. Shortly after Soumya was dropped for a second time, on 45 by Jangoo, Mehidy struck debutant Jediah Blades for a four a six. Soumya added a four to take 16 runs off the over, before getting two more fours off his next. Soumya was on a roll when he struck Motie for his fourth six, but fell next ball when the left-arm spinner trapped him in front. Soumya's 73 came at a run a ball, including six fours and four sixes. Six overs after Soumya's dismissal, Rutherford's pinpoint throw from point found Mehidy short at the striker's end as he fell for 77 off 73 balls. Rutherford then had Afif Hossain caught at the midwicket boundary for 15, as Bangladesh again lost two wickets in quick succession. But the last 20 overs belonged to Jaker and Mahmudullah. The pair had already added 96 runs in the first ODI, but this time they went far better. After Jaker struck his first two fours, Mahmudullah crashed Motie down the ground for his first six, before hitting Chase for his second, over long-off. Jaker joined in the six hitting, when he slammed Shepherd over cover, followed by Mahmudullah dragging Rutherford from outside off to a six over square-leg. Bangladesh scored 59 runs in the last four overs, taking them to a strong total. It was ultimately not enough. Amir Jangoo Keacy Carty Gudakesh Motie Mahmudullah Jaker Ali Bangladesh West Indies West Indies vs Bangladesh Bangladesh tour of West Indies Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court sounded hesitant Wednesday to second-guess Tennessee lawmakers who banned gender-affirming care for minors, as justices heard warnings that upholding the law could lead to other state or national restrictions on transgender Americans. During more than two hours of oral argument, members of the court’s conservative wing repeatedly expressed reticence to step into policy disputes over access to transgender care for minors, raising questions about the science behind the care and the fallout for other transgender issues such as access to women’s sports. The state law bans puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for minors for the purpose of medically transitioning their gender. Challengers have asked the justices to rule that the law unconstitutionally discriminates on the basis of sex because it prohibits access to that care when it is for the purpose of gender transition. Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh said there were “forceful policy arguments” on both sides of the Tennessee law, including how the ban harmed transgender children but also prevented a small number of children from being harmed by the treatments. Kavanaugh said that disputes about the medical efficacy of treatments “strikes me as a pretty yellow light or red light” for the court to intervene. “So it seems to me that we look to the Constitution, and the Constitution doesn’t take sides on how to resolve that medical and policy debate,” Kavanaugh said. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. repeatedly brought up disputes about the medical science behind gender-affirming care and wondered whether it would be better to “leave those determinations to legislative bodies rather than try to determine them ourselves.” Roberts later said it was “very troubling” that the court could step into an area where they are “bereft of expertise” around complicated questions of medical effectiveness. And Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. repeatedly brought up a literature review in the United Kingdom that questioned the efficacy of gender-affirming care and recent decisions by medical bodies in the U.K. and Sweden to restrict access. Families and doctors of transgender children, as well as the Biden administration, challenged the law, arguing it violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause because it prohibits access to those medicines based on gender transition but not for other conditions such as precocious puberty. The challengers and major medical organizations have maintained that the treatments are effective, including by reducing depression and suicidal ideation among transgender children. About two dozen states have similar laws banning access to gender-affirming care for minors, and the case comes to the court as Republicans nationwide, including in Congress, have said they intend to impose more restrictions on the care. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar told the justices Wednesday that upholding the law, which explicitly states its goal for minors to “appreciate their sex,” allows transgender youth in the state to suffer. “It doesn’t matter what parents decide is best for their children. It doesn’t matter what patients would choose for themselves. And it doesn’t matter if doctors believe this treatment is essential for individual patients,” Prelogar said. The Tennessee law “categorically bans treatment when and only when it’s inconsistent with the patient’s birth sex.” Prelogar pointed out that the treatments are restricted but still available in the U.K. and Sweden rather than the ban that Tennessee imposed. Prelogar and Chase Strangio, attorney for the families challenging the law, both pointed to West Virginia’s law as an example, because the state has restricted gender-affirming care rather than banning access and has yet to face legal challenge. Prelogar said the justices also could send the case back to the lower court with instructions to make sure the state better justifies with evidence its efforts to restrict the treatments. J. Matthew Rice, arguing for Tennessee, claimed the treatments were “risky and unproven” and said the law turned on the medical purposes of taking hormones or puberty blockers, rather than a sex classification. Rice also compared gender-affirming care to assisted suicide, lobotomies and eugenics that states had a right to regulate. “The Equal Protection Clause does not require the states to blind themselves to medical reality or to treat unlike things the same, and it does not constitutionalize one side’s view of a disputed medical question,” Rice said. Rice argued that the challengers could not eliminate risks from the procedures or the possibility that patients could detransition later, at which point Justice Sonia Sotomayor interrupted to say, “Every medical treatment has risks.” Sotomayor raised the concern that the same logic could apply to medical care for adults, and that upholding Tennessee’s law would be “licensing states to deprive full adults of the choice of which sex to adopt.” Sotomayor also downplayed the ability of the democratic process to protect such a small minority of the population if the court doesn’t intervene. “It didn’t protect women for centuries,” she said. President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign included explicit promises to target transgender care, and members of Congress have said they intend to legislate on the issue when they come into power with a trifecta in January. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she found similarities between Tennessee’s argument and the ones made by Virginia to try and uphold anti-miscegenation laws in Loving v. Virginia. Jackson pointed out that Virginia pointed to “disputed” medical science about race-mixing to try and justify the law. “I wonder if Virginia could have gotten away with what they did here by making a classification argument,” Jackson said. Justice Elena Kagan rejected Tennessee’s effort to categorize the use of hormones and puberty blockers as different medical purposes. “The whole thing is imbued with sex,” Kagan said. “It is a dodge to say it is based on a medical purpose.” On Wednesday, Rep. Mark E. Green, R-Tenn., praised the state’s stance in a post on social media. “Tennessee is leading the way and standing up for our children. Minors must be protected from these harmful and irreversible medical experiments,” Green posted. Similarly, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., posted on X calling gender-affirming care “child abuse.” Mace has previously said she would back legislation to bar access for transgender individuals to the bathrooms of the gender they identify as. ©2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.LETTER: It's time to hold Congress accountable for national debt
Trump says US ownership of Greenland is ‘an absolute necessity'
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC SURGERY (AACS) PRESENTS ITS 41st ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING, FEATURING GROUNDBREAKING EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS AND AN INNOVATIVE PRE-MEETING WORKSHOPApproximately 1.2 million new state IDs have been issued between the start of the replacement process on September 25, 2023, and December 13, according to official data provided by the Greek police to Kathimerini. Authorities have expressed satisfaction with the procedure’s rate of progress ahead of 2026, when new state IDs will be mandatory for all Greek citizens. Old IDs will remain valid for certain procedures until September, 2027. The new IDs are digitized, more compact, significantly more durable than their predecessors, and feature QR codes for instant authentication. They are also printed using advanced technology that makes forgery nearly impossible. Additionally, unlike the older state IDs, which were issued without an expiration date, the new IDs have a 10-year validity period. According to police figures, a total of 1,165,000 citizens have already received their new IDs, while 35,000 are currently awaiting issuance. Most new IDs have been issued in Athens and Thessaloniki, while a significant number have also been issued in Patra, Larissa, Ioannina and Volos. Waiting times for appointments at police station issuance points have significantly decreased following the removal of residence-based restrictions and the introduction of free service choice, Greek police spokesperson Constantia Dimoglidou told Kathimerini. The current waiting period is between two to three months in Athens, several weeks in Thessaloniki and just a few days in most provincial cities. Applicants must select a police station issuance point and book appointments through the online platform id.gov.gr. Appointments can be rescheduled or canceled up to one hour before the scheduled date.
Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Miriam Gluyas has been up since 4am in the Melbourne morning to make it here for our lunch, which will not trouble this masthead’s budget. She is warm and bright in a tomato-red cardigan, fitting apparel for the Commissioner of the Salvation Army. Not for us, a flash restaurant in Sydney’s down-town. Gluyas, who is “65 but feels 35”, has invited me to dine as the organisation’s clients do – modestly and communally. We are at William Booth House, a Salvos-run rehabilitation facility in Surry Hills. It is poised on a hip patch of Sydney real estate, amid minimalist clothing boutiques and cafes where the baristas are extremely serious about coffee. It would be worth a fortune, but like nearby Foster House, a facility for the homeless, it is badly in need of refurbishment. “We want to give people who use our services some dignity,” Gluyas tells me. “For that we need to upgrade. So we are going to donors and the government to seek support.” The lunchroom is a cheerful, stainless-steel kitchen, cafeteria-style affair, staffed by residents and scattered with rehab attendees, one of whom sits next to Miriam and chats easily to her. We serve ourselves. On the menu is a Greek-style grilled chicken wrap with yoghurt sauce and salad. We drink tap water from mugs. It’s simple and delicious. Simple and delicious food is available at the Salvos – like this Greek-style chicken wrap. Credit: Louise Kennerley Gluyas is the Salvos’ Big Cheese – the head of an organisation with 8000 employees, about $735 million in property assets and a net income of $22.9 million, according to the December 2023 Annual Report. But she does not have Big Cheese-energy. She also does not get paid Big Cheese-bucks – her pay packet is about $500 a week. Sure, she gets the use of a house and a vehicle thrown in, but I cannot think of any other boss who draws a salary of $26,000 a year. It’s radically counter-cultural. “I don’t like a command-and-control leadership,” Gluyas says. “I like a leadership that says, ‘Let’s come together, let’s wrestle and get to the best outcome’.” A structural flaw of the lunch interview is the fact that the interviewee has to do almost all the talking, and doesn’t get a chance to eat. But that’s not my problem. I begin with asking Miriam about her own background, which she says was as obliviously happy as they come – so much so, that she says she “probably didn’t even realise that people went through difficult stuff”. “I would call myself very blessed to have grown up in a family where you could be anything, do anything.” She was raised in Ballarat, with loving parents and grandparents, the eldest of three siblings, in a strongly Salvation-Army household, going back generations to her Scottish forebears. She barracked for the Geelong Cats and attended Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College. “It didn’t work,” she quips, meaning the “Ladies” part. Her mother May was a ten-pound Scottish migrant who ran her own small businesses, including a babywear shop and a ladies’ apparel store. Her father, Les, was a builder. “I think my parents were ahead of their time, but I didn’t realise it,” Gluyas says. “They both worked. They always said to me, ‘Be whatever you want. Do whatever you want’.” The family was close-knit but full of robust kitchen table debate, especially about politics. Her father Les was always Gluyas’ chief sparring partner. Now aged 88, he still is. I ask what the fault lines of their discussions are. “He would come from the very white ... there’s only one side of politics for him,” Gluyas says carefully. “So we would debate about that, especially when I was working at Auburn with asylum seekers and refugees. We would probably debate about most things.” Gluyas wanted to be a professional golfer or a sports teacher but ended up training as a Salvation Army officer, graduating aged 24 in 1983. She has worked “all over NSW and Queensland”, but her career highlights were “planting” (starting up) a new church in Newcastle in the mid-1990s, running a church in Auburn in Sydney’s western suburbs in the 2000s, and a three-year mission in Papua New Guinea in the early 2010s. Miriam Gluyas as a young Salvation Army cadet. The Auburn church attracted congregants from 26 different nations, many of them refugees and asylum seekers. There was also a cohort of methadone users. Gluyas learnt that years of drug abuse can ruin teeth, which in turn can result in self-esteem issues and social rejection. So the Salvos offered dental care. “Beautifully, one of the dentists out there said, ‘Everything would change if they could get their teeth back’,” Gluyas recounts. “So he would redo their teeth and to see them come back and say ‘Finally, I am game enough to smile and get a job!’” One of Gluyas’ most memorable clients at the Auburn centre was a young girl from Sierra Leone. “She had been in two refugee camps where she was not sure if she would survive,” Miriam says. “When she arrived in Australia, she was placed in Year 10, but she was years behind in her schooling.” With support and tuition from the Salvation Army, she finished the HSC, went on to university and is now a registered nurse. “I remember sitting at a table with someone once and people were saying, ‘Those people should have to learn English before they come here’, and I remember reacting and saying, ‘How dare you say that? You don’t know their stories’,” Gluyas says. “But then I had to stop and think, ‘I didn’t know their stories before either’. If you don’t know, you don’t know.” Gluyas speaking to some of the staff at the Salvation Army kitchen in Surry Hills, where people in need of food can have a meal. Credit: Michael Quelch Gluyas has managed a few nibbles of her lunch before I hit her with a big question – I ask her what the voice of God sounds like to her. She answers by telling me about her mother. When Gluyas was working in Papua New Guinea, her mother, who suffered from dementia towards the end of her life, used to phone and beg her daughter to come home. Gluyas was in knots about what to do, until one night as she was jogging around the Salvos’ compound, God spoke to her. “He said, ‘I never want you to worry about a title or a position any more. Go home and look after your mum’.” Gluyas did what she was told, and got another seven years with her mother, but when her mum died in 2021 during lockdown, it was “incredibly sad” and Gluyas had “a little argument with God”. “I said, ‘You could have waited because I would really have liked to be there with my dad at her funeral’,” she says. “But then I thought, ‘It is what it is, and many other people have been through the same thing’.” Gluyas is too nice, too clever and too unassuming to bite on any questions about politics. But she says the impact of the cost of living crisis is “huge”, and is forcing people to make impossible choices between paying power bills and buying food. “It’s just becoming overwhelming, like a blanket over people, they think, ‘How will I do this?’” Last week, the Salvation Army put out a press release saying it expected this Christmas to be the hardest in its 140-year history in terms of the volume and widespread nature of need across the country. Gluyas says the Salvos are seeing “people who have never come before and are actually embarrassed to come”. Having seen the effects of gambling addiction, she supports cashless gambling cards and banning gambling advertisements. “It’s all right to say at the end of the Footy Tab ad, ‘You are likely to lose’ or whatever, but I think, ‘Why bother?’” While some faith groups want to retain exemptions to anti-discrimination laws, the Salvation Army has a formal “Commitment to Inclusion” which encompasses “people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status”. “I think there is a massive degree of loneliness,” Gluyas says of the Salvos’ mission. “A lot of people come into our centres because they’re lonely, and they’re after real community.” By now I have polished off my chicken wrap and Gluyas has barely touched hers, and I do start to feel bad about it. Gluyas is so thoroughly equable and kind that it is starting to rub off on me. I tell her I worry she will be hungry later. “That’s fine!” she says. “It’s totally fine.” She takes a few more bites before we make her work again, this time to pose for the photographer. Ghoulishly desperate to discover Gluyas’ dark side, I ask her if she ever feels despondent. “Look, I am a pretty positive, upbeat person,” she says. She pauses for a moment to reflect, and then says that the only thing she gets despondent about is “attitudes”. Characteristically, she refrains from mentioning the people whose attitudes sadden her. “You have to hear the story behind the person, and then you’ll start to think differently,” she says. “Why is someone lying in the doorway? What is their story? How did they end up getting there? You will usually find a pretty powerful story there.” Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. 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DENVER (AP) — Travis Hunter made a pair of proclamations Thursday: He’s for sure entering the NFL draft after this season, but not until he sees Colorado all the way through the College Football Playoff — if the Buffaloes make it there. The first was already a given for the draft-eligible junior who plays both receiver and cornerback. The second is a risk-reward play for a projected high first-round pick who averages around 120 snaps a game. In years past, it took two extra postseason wins to capture a national title. Now, it could take up to four additional contests. That’s more of a chance to shine, but also more chance for an injury. “I don’t think nobody will opt out because you’re showing NFL teams that you’re more focused on something else, other than the team goal,” Hunter said of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. “So I don’t think players are going to opt out of the playoffs.” Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders chatted Thursday in a set of Zoom calls about turning around the program at Colorado (from 4-8 last season to bowl eligibility), chasing a Big 12 title, turning pro — Hunter acknowledged he will “for sure” — and, of course, the Heisman race, where Hunter is currently the odds-on favorite in an award each wants to see the other win. “He’s deserving of it, and if it’s between me and him, I want him to get it,” said Sanders, whose 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP ) travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face Kansas (4-6, 3-4) this weekend. “He does a lot of amazing things that have never been done before.” Countered Hunter: “I know he wants me to win it, but I also want him to win as bad as I want to win it.” Hunter is a generational talent shining on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he has 74 catches for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, he has picked off three passes, even though teams are reluctant to throw his direction. Like he did in high school and now in college, he believes he can do both on the next level. But he understands the trepidation of the NFL team that picks him. “They don’t want their top pick to go down too early," Hunter said. “I like when people tell me I can’t do it, because they just motivate me to continue to do what I want to do.” Sanders is turning in a stellar season as well with 27 touchdown passes, one away from tying Sefo Liufau for the most in a single season in program history. He's projected to be one of the first QBs off the draft board. The future certainly looks bright at Colorado thanks to the legacies Sanders and Hunter under coach Deion Sanders. But that's a point to ponder later. “I can’t think too much forward past Saturday,” Shedeur Sanders cracked. “The main thing is winning the Big 12 championship. That’s the main thing we’re focused on." Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballBrianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
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