online casino ph

'Customer appreciation': Gaetz report uses text messages to allege payments for sexThe nominations for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards have been announced, and the list is filled with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Among the standout stars who received dual nominations are Winston Wright, Selena Smith, and the mysterious newcomer known only as 384.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to triumphantly return to the international stage Saturday when he attends the re-opening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris along with other world leaders. Trump will be joined at the highly anticipated event by such global bigs as French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Britain’s Prince William. President Biden is not attending the ceremony, instead sending his wife Jill to represent the US. Zelensky officially plans to meet with Macron – a staunch ally of Ukraine in its war with Russia — during his visit, but “other meetings are also possible [for the Ukrainian leader], in particular with President-elect Donald Trump,” a Ukrainian source told AFP. Such a meeting would make the gathering for the cathedral’s reopening a de facto diplomatic summit in a period of extreme tension between NATO and Russia over the Ukraine war. The guest list for the famed cathedral’s re-opening ceremony — which will feature music from world-renowned musicians and the blessing of its grand organ — also will include the heads of state of Germany Italy, Poland, Bulgaria and Lithuania, Le Monde said. Prince William will be joined by other royals at the event including King Felipe VI of Spain and likely the king and queen of Belgium, reports said. All of the world leaders will have an opportunity to cozy up to Trump, the soon-to-be leader of the free world. Trump has called the cathedral “one of the great treasures of the world” and lamented the devastating fire that ravaged the historic landmark in 2019. The blaze is suspected of being caused by faulty electrical wiring or even a smoldering cigarette from a worker. He has praised Macron for leading its restoration effort, which was completed with astonishing speed thanks to the efforts of more than 2,000 workers including many craftsmen. “President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so,” the president-elect wrote on Truth Social. Macron was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Trump on his election victory, posting on X that he was “ready to work together as we did for four years. “With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity,” Macron wrote, addressing Trump. Macron’s office also called Trump on the phone soon after he clinched the election win. On Saturday, the pair will have a chance to meet face-to-face along with the hoards of other political leaders. “It will be a very special day for us all!” Trump wrote.Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It’s a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It’s all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person’s response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn’t happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It’s not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn’t respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I’m hoping it’s slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.”General Hospital fans slam Kristina as 'cruel and vindictive' in this encounter with her sister Molly

WARMINGTON: Metrolinx boss finally thrown off train as Ford tries to get Crosstown back on railsIn the ever-evolving landscape of modern football, controversies and scandals may come and go, but what endures is the spirit of competition, the thrill of the game, and the unwavering passion of football fans around the world. Manchester City may have weathered the storm, but the journey doesn't end here - it's just the beginning of a new chapter in their storied history. Let the games begin.The North Korean women's team, known for their precision and technique, have made a stunning comeback to reclaim the lead from the Chinese competitors. With flawless execution and unwavering focus, they have set a new world record time of 12:13, showcasing their dominance in the sport and solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with.

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Atlantic City Airshow canceled for 2025 Atlantic City police officer accused of assaulting, pointing gun at wife Somers Point man killed after motorcycle strikes SUV on Longport Boulevard Atlantic City Mayor Small indicted on witness tampering charge in child abuse case Body found in fridge in Belleplain State Forest 'Great Day Express' takes its maiden voyage to Big SNOW at American Dream Mall Somers Point man killed in two-vehicle crash in Egg Harbor Township Mays Landing's Level Up comic and video game shop to close after 18 years GoFundMe started for Somers Point man seriously injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Long Beach Island fire damages multimillion-dollar bayfront home Troopers gave special treatment to drivers with courtesy cards, watchdog finds Lower Township man charged with possession of child porn Who are The Press' 2024 High School Football All-Stars? Who are The Press' football Player, Team and Coach of the Year? BPU begins process to consider 8% increase in Atlantic City Electric rates Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site had not posted any American Airlines flights on Tuesday morning, but showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: Alert the airline, both in person and in writing, of any missing bags. Remember, the clock starts ticking immediately. After 21 days, the baggage is considered lost and the airline is liable for it and its contents. Contact the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Canadian Transportation Agency , who will query the airline on your behalf and give them a 30-day deadline to respond. Usually, the airline will resolve the issue, but if it doesn't, or if you're unsatisfied with the offer, the next level is mediation. Beyond that, the case could move to adjudication, a court-like process with a panel deciding on the outcome. On international flights, you have up to two years to file litigation. If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: A plane must return to its gate after three hours on the tarmac. Minimum requirements will be set for procuring food, drink, lavatories, ventilation, and access to electronic communications during the delay. For larger airlines, payouts will range from $400 for a 3-6 hour delay, to $700 for 6-9 hours, and $1,000 for more than nine hours. For smaller carriers, the compensation would be $125, $250, and $500, respectively. Here's the loophole: If the delay is related to the air carrier's maintenance problems, no compensation is required. The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Misconception 4: The impact of "Trump 2.0" will be identical to that of Donald Trump.

How California retailers leverage technology to outsmart shoplifters

The clash between these two champions is not just a battle of footballing styles, but also a clash of cultures and histories. Bayer Leverkusen, with their roots in the industrial heartland of Germany, symbolize hard work, discipline, and efficiency, mirroring the qualities that have made German football so successful over the years. Inter Milan, on the other hand, represent the passion, flair, and creativity that are synonymous with Italian football, a style of play that has captivated fans around the world for generations.

Ravens QB Jackson leads first NFL Pro Bowl fan voting resultsNVIDIA, a leading player in the semiconductor industry, has enjoyed significant success over the years, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and gaming. However, its growth has not been without setbacks, and the company has faced scrutiny on multiple occasions for its business practices. The recent investigation has once again brought NVIDIA's conduct under the spotlight.Misconception 4: The impact of "Trump 2.0" will be identical to that of Donald Trump.

Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor picked by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the country's Medicare and Medicaid programs, has agreed to stop promoting health and wellness products if confirmed by the Senate, according to a spokesperson for the Trump transition. Likewise, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – who recently raised eyebrows by appearing on his wife's social media account apparently showering naked in the background while she promoted her beauty line – also has agreed to disclose his finances and undergo a federal ethics review if confirmed as health secretary, said spokesperson Katie Miller. "Both Mr. Kennedy and Dr. Oz plan to divest where appropriate and fully cooperate with the Office of Government of Ethics," Miller told ABC News. Whether Trump's nominees planned to follow traditional ethics rules that have governed Washington policymakers for decades had been an open question. Trump has picked several billionaires to lead his Cabinet, while Kennedy and Oz promoted wellness companies in new online posts even after being named as part of the incoming administration. Experts say it's still possible for any nominee to try to test the bounds of ethics rules. MORE: What to know about Dr. Oz as Trump picks him to lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services While many requirements are spelled out in law, Trump's Justice Department would be in charge of enforcing those rules. Trump also would ultimately be in charge of the federal ethics office after inauguration and would be responsible for pursuing or authorizing any disciplinary or corrective action among his cabinet members. Still, the transition's promise to follow ethics rules is an important first step, aid Delaney Marsco, ethics director for the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center. "It is one of the most basic commitments to not commit a criminal conflict of interest violation" when taking a government job, Marsco said. "The price of having all this power is that you have to use it to serve the public. And part of that deal is that you can't have financial conflicts of interest that would cloud your judgment," she added. Ethics laws require office holders to either divest investments that pose a conflict of interest or recuse themselves from making decisions related to those investments. Separate federal regulations impose standards of conduct that generally prohibit government officials from promoting products online that could be seen as a kind of federal endorsement. Five days after Oz was named as the incoming head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid – a federal agency that oversees federal health insure for 160 million Americans and regulates private insurers – he turned to social media to promote iHerb, an online retailer that sells vitamins and supplements. "Thanksgiving is a perfect excuse for practicing gratitude -- which also happens to be a proven way to reduce stress. You can also reduce stress with adaptogens like ashwagandha from a trusted source like iHerb. Happy Thanksgiving!" Oz wrote on X, with a similar video message posted on his personal Instagram account. Last month, Kennedy posted a similar post promoting an online fitness game called BoxBollen shortly after Trump named him to be health and human services secretary. "The ideal stocking stuffer! " Kennedy said in a video playing the game and wearing the game's headband. Kennedy quickly deleted his post. Miller said Kennedy has canceled his promotional contract already, while Oz plans to end his relationship with iHerb to avoid any potential conflict of interest. MORE: Could changes be coming to Medicare, Medicaid with Dr. Oz leading CMS? Oz also does not have any ongoing contractual agreements with weight-loss drugs, which he has promoted in the past on his syndicated television show. Separately, Oz's regular posts promoting iHerb prompted calls this week by the liberal consumer watchdog group Public Citizen for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. FTC rules requires online influencers to make clear in their posts if they are being paid to promote products. The FTC declined to comment on whether it would consider such a request. There are no records of past actions against Oz by the FTC. Less clear is how federal ethics rules might apply to the business owned by Kennedy's wife, Cheryl Hines, which sells home and body products. Marsco of the Campaign Legal Center said spouses typically aren't required to step away from their jobs or businesses because their partner was hired by the U.S. government. However, government officials are required to recuse themselves from making decisions that could impact their spouse's employment and would still have to divest financial holdings that conflict with their work. Those details would have to be worked out with the ethics office and enforced by the president, she said. Under the law, the couple could divest their financial interest in the company to Hines' adult daughter while he remains in office. Marsco said these requirements won't kick in until after Trump takes office and they are officially nominated. "Assuming they follow through with what they've said, which is that they're going to fully cooperate and divest and follow all the conflict of interest laws and rules, then that is what is frankly expected of people in their position," she said.Title: Reunion after 13 Years: Missing Female Master's Graduate Reunites with Family, Two Children Excel AcademicallyCollective bargaining rights for most Wisconsin public employees, which were effectively eliminated under former Gov. Scott Walker's 13-year-old signature law Act 10, are slated to be restored following a Dane County judge's order Monday. The order from Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost comes nearly six months after he ruled that provisions of Act 10, which was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and signed into law by Walker in 2011, were unconstitutional because the law treats public safety workers differently from other public employees. Frost earlier this year rejected a motion by the Legislature seeking to dismiss the case and, on Monday, he clarified which provisions of the law are no longer enforceable. His ruling would effectively restore collective bargaining powers for all public workers to what they were before Act 10 was adopted. "The judiciary cannot be a check on the Legislature if it cannot, through declaring a statute unconstitutional and void, stop the enforcement of that statute," Frost wrote in the 18-page order. "Instead, to uphold the role of the judicial branch, I must strike unconstitutional statutes and restore the statutes to a constitutional basis. The Legislature may then take up the work of drafting a new, constitutional framework for collective bargaining of public employees, if it so desires. "If the Legislature wants this Court’s decision to not yet have effect, it must move this Court to stay enforcement of its decision pending appeal," Frost added, suggesting his ruling would not take effect anytime soon. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, pledged to do just that, meaning the case is all but certain to come before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority. One of the court's liberal seats is on the ballot in April, with conservatives hoping to regain control of the state's highest court. “This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges," Vos said in a statement. "We look forward to presenting our arguments on appeal.” Court records show an appeal was filed hours after Frost's ruling. In his ruling, Frost rejected a request from GOP legislative leaders, submitted in response to his ruling in July, asking him to simply eliminate the definition of "public safety employee" from the law. Frost wrote that doing so would "lack any legislative direction in the statutes as to the intended meaning of the term." "Act 10 as written by the Legislature specifically and narrowly defines 'public safety employee,'" Frost wrote. "It is that definition which is unconstitutional. The Legislature cites no precedent for this bold argument that I should simply strike the unlawful definition but leave it to an agency and the courts to later define as they see fit. "Neither this Court, the Court of Appeals nor the Supreme Court can decide how we believe the Legislature should have, but did not, define the 'public safety employee' group," Frost continued. "We cannot decide who should be included or excluded, absent guidance from the Legislature as to its lawful policy choices." In his order, Frost struck portions of the law that laid out the difference between general and public safety employees, including a provision that required general employees to secure 51% of the votes of all employees in a collective bargaining unit to recertify, while public safety employees only needed a majority of those members who actually voted. "This distinction between general and public safety employees is meaningless without Act 10’s creation of these two categories," Frost noted. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers praised Frost's ruling. Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser dead at 81 “I've always believed workers should have a seat at the table in decisions that affect their daily lives and livelihoods," Evers said in a statement. "It’s about treating workers with dignity and respect and making sure no worker is treated differently because of their profession.” The lawsuit was filed last November by several union groups who argued lawmakers violated the state Constitution when they established two separate tiers of public employees: Those subject to the law, including teachers and service workers, and those exempt, including police and firefighters — groups that largely endorsed Walker. Moreover, they said, the differences between the two groups of employees aren't clearly defined. Municipal police and fire and state troopers are allowed to collectively bargain under the law, but not Capitol Police, UW Police and conservation wardens. Act 10 was passed when Republicans held a trifecta in state government as a way to address a projected $3.6 billion budget deficit and delivered a windfall to taxpayers while also altering the relationship between government workers and their employers. The proposal sparked immense pushback, with as many as 100,000 people massing at the Capitol for a nearly monthlong protest and occupation leading up to the measure's passage. Wisconsinites have gotten cheaper government, lower taxes and a way out of the immediate budget crisis, the Wisconsin State Journal found in a 2021 series examining the law's impact on the 10th anniversary of its passage. Kurt Bauer, president and CEO of the state's largest business organization Wisconsin Manufacturers and Business, said Frost's ruling "is wrong on its face and is inconsistent with the law." “Act 10 is not only constitutional, it is a critical tool for policymakers and elected officials to balance budgets and find taxpayer savings," he added. "Thanks to Act 10, the state, local governments and countless school districts have saved billions and billions of dollars — protecting Wisconsinites from massive tax increases over the last decade-plus." Interactive Map: Madison adds a new park every year. Here's where they're going The law effectively ended collective bargaining for most public-sector unions by allowing them to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation. It also ended the automatic withdrawal of union dues, required annual recertification votes for unions, and forced public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. "I voted against Act 10 more than 13 years ago, and am thrilled our public servants are able to once again organize and make their voices heard," former state legislator and U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth, wrote in a post on X. Walker, meanwhile, called Frost's ruling "brazen political activism," in a post on X. "Collective bargaining is not a right," Walker added in a second post. "It is an expensive entitlement." The conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty wrote in an April report that eliminating Act 10 could have a significant fiscal impact on the state, with school districts facing an estimated $1.6 billion in new annual costs if the law is fully repealed. “For over a decade, liberal activists have attacked reforms that have saved Wisconsin taxpayers tens of billions of dollars," LeMahieu said in a statement. "Despite Act 10 being upheld repeatedly by state and federal courts, an activist Dane County judge decided to issue a ruling suddenly deciding Wisconsin's law is unconstitutional. We will appeal this decision immediately.” Frost had taken criticism earlier this year after it was reported his name appeared on a 2011 petition to recall Walker following Act 10's passage, when Frost was a private practice attorney. Attorneys representing the Legislature in the lawsuit did not request that Frost be removed from the case. The lawsuit was filed by the Abbotsford Education Association, Beaver Dam Education Association, SEIU Wisconsin, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 47 and 1215, Teaching Assistants' Association Local 3220 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 695, as well AFSCME Local 1215 President Ben Gruber, Beaver Dam teacher Matthew Ziebarth and Racine Unified School District employee Wayne Rasmussen. "Today's decision is personal for me and my coworkers," Gruber said in a statement. "As a conservation warden, having full collective bargaining rights means we will again have a voice on the job to improve our workplace and make sure that Wisconsin is a safe place for everyone. We realize there may still be a fight ahead of us in the courts, but make no mistake, we're ready to keep fighting until we all have a seat at the table again." A decade after the debate and protests over the anti-union law known as Act 10 convulsed the state, Wisconsin remains firmly divided on the law. The most seismic political story of the last decade in Wisconsin began on Feb. 7, 2011, when Republican Gov. Scott Walker informed a gathering... A selection of Wisconsin State Journal photographs from the historic protests of February and March 2011 at the state Capitol. The largest pro... Between 2010 and 2017, four major public sector unions in Wisconsin saw significant decreases in their membership. A collection of Wisconsin State Journal front pages during the historic Capitol protests of February and March 2011. Gov. Scott Walker's plan ... Video highlights of the fallout over the introduction and passage of what would become Wisconsin 2011 Act 10 in February and March, 2011. A decade after the controversial legislation became law, state and local governments have saved billions of dollars, but spending on key programs has lagged. The most seismic political story of the last decade in Wisconsin began on Feb. 7, 2011, when Republican Gov. Scott Walker informed a gathering... The most seismic political story of the last decade in Wisconsin began on Feb. 7, 2011, when Republican Gov. Scott Walker informed a gathering... "Collective bargaining is not a right. It is an expensive entitlement." Former Gov. Scott Walker, writing in a post on X Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.DALLAS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: NREF) (the "Company") today announced a dividend for its 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (NYSE: NREF PRA) of $0.53125 per share. The dividend will be payable on January 27, 2025 , to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 15, 2025 . About NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., is a publicly traded REIT, with its common stock and Series A Preferred Stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NREF" and "NREF PRA," respectively, primarily focused on originating, structuring and investing in first-lien mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, convertible notes, multifamily properties and common equity investments, as well as multifamily and single-family rental commercial mortgage-backed securities securitizations, promissory notes and mortgage-backed securities. More information about the Company is available at nref.nexpoint.com . CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Griffith IR@nexpoint.com Media Relations Prosek Partners for NexPoint pro-nexpoint@prosek.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nexpoint-real-estate-finance-inc-announces-series-a-preferred-stock-dividend-302339003.html SOURCE NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.

In conclusion, the decision by Tencent Video to limit the number of devices that can be logged in with a single account is a positive step towards combating account sharing and piracy in the online streaming industry. By supporting these efforts, we can help ensure a more sustainable and ethical future for content creators and streaming platforms alike.

As the tennis world celebrates Aryna Sabalenka's well-deserved recognition as the WTA Player of the Year, fans and critics alike will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the rising star Zheng Qinwen as she continues her journey to the top of the sport. With her incredible talent and unwavering dedication to her craft, Zheng is sure to carve out a place for herself among the elite players in women's tennis and leave an indelible mark on the sport for years to come.

In conclusion, the measures taken by Tencent Video and AiYouteng to address account sharing and device restrictions reflect the ongoing challenges faced by streaming platforms in the digital age. Finding a balance between protecting content rights and ensuring a positive user experience is crucial for the long-term success of these services. As the industry evolves, it is essential for platforms to listen to user feedback, adapt their policies accordingly, and work towards a sustainable and fair ecosystem for both creators and consumers.

South Korea's Prime Minister and 10 other officials have been summoned for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into possible internal turmoil within the Ministry of Justice. This development comes after the establishment of a special inspection team, tasked with looking into allegations surrounding Justice Minister Yoon Suk-yeol and his handling of various legal matters.Nassau County DWI Lawyer Russ Kofman Releases Insightful Article on DWI Laws in Nassau County