qq jili login PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced a new government Monday, after the previous Cabinet collapsed in a prompted by fighting over the country's budget. The government, put together by newly named , includes members of the outgoing conservative-dominated team and new figures from centrist or left-leaning backgrounds. Coming up with a 2025 budget will be the most urgent order of business. The new government enters office after months of political deadlock and crisis and to reduce France’s colossal debt. Macron has until his term ends in 2027, but has struggled to govern since snap elections in the summer left no single party with a majority in the National Assembly. Since his appointment 10 days ago, Bayrou has held talks with political leaders from various parties in search of the right balance for the new government. Some critics on Monday were angry at Bayrou for consulting with Marine Le Pen’s far-right party, and some argue the government looks too much like the old one to win lawmakers’ trust. Former Prime Minister Michel Barnier prompted by , leaving France without a functioning government. Le Pen played a key role in Barnier’s downfall by joining her National Rally party’s forces with the left to pass the no-confidence motion. Bayrou will need support from moderate legislators on the right and left to keep his government alive. Banker Eric Lombard will be finance minister, a crucial post when France is working to fulfill its promises to European Union partners to reduce its deficit, estimated to reach 6% of its gross domestic product this year. Lombard briefly worked as an adviser to a Socialist finance minister in the 1990s. Bayrou has said he supports tax hikes championed by his predecessor, but it’s not clear how the new government can find the right calculation for a budget that satisfies a majority of lawmakers angry over spending cuts. Hard-right Bruno Retailleau stays on as interior minister, with responsibility for France’s security and migration policy. Sebastien Lecornu, who has been at the forefront of France’s military support for Ukraine, remains defense minister, while Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who has traveled extensively in the Mideast in recent weeks, also retains his post. Among new faces are two former prime ministers. Manuel Valls will be minister for overseas affairs, and Elisabeth Borne takes the education ministry. The Associated Press

A massacre of more than 200 people in Haiti this month followed a gang-ordered manhunt that saw victims, many of them elderly, pulled from their homes and shot or killed with machetes, the UN said Monday. The victims were suspected of involvement in voodoo and accused by a gang leader of poisoning his child, with the suspects taken to a "training center" where many were dismembered or burned after being killed. A civil society organization had said at the time that the gang leader was convinced his son's illness was caused by followers of the religion. "On the evening of December 6, (Micanor Altes) ordered the members of his gang -- around 300 -- to carry out a brutal 'manhunt.' They stormed into about ten alleys of the (Port-au-Prince) neighborhood and forcibly dragged the victims out of their homes," said the report, authored jointly by the UN office in Haiti, BINUH, and the UN Human Rights Commissioner (OCHR). In the days that followed, the gang returned to the neighborhood, abducting adherents from a voodoo temple, targeting individuals suspected of tipping off local media and slaughtering people seeking to escape. Some of the bodies "were then burned with gasoline, or dismembered and dumped into the sea," the report concluded. A total of 134 men and 73 women were killed in total over six days, the report said. A mosaic of violent gangs control most of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. The impoverished Caribbean country has been mired for decades by political instability, made worse in recent years by gangs that have grown in strength and organizational sophistication. Despite a Kenyan-led police support mission, backed by the United States and UN, violence has continued to soar. "According to BINUH and OHCHR, since January 2024, more than 5,358 people have been killed and 2,155 injured," the report said. "This brings the total number of people killed or injured in Haiti to at least 17,248 since the beginning of 2022." The UN Security Council "strongly condemned the continued destabilizing criminal activities of armed gangs and stressed the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the population." A spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said "these crimes touched the very foundation of Haitian society, targeting the most vulnerable populations." Voodoo was brought to Haiti by African slaves and is a mainstay of the country's culture. It was banned during French colonial rule and only recognized as an official religion by the Haitian government in 2003. While it incorporates elements of other religious beliefs, including Catholicism, voodoo has been historically attacked by other religions. gwA new petition has called for food allergy measures to be issued in California after Disney influencer Dominique Brown died due to an allergic reaction at a holiday food event. Brown, 34, experienced the allergic reaction at an event hosted by retailer BoxLunch in downtown Los Angeles on December 5. According to the Daily Mail , fellow influencers at the event said the item she ate was unmarked, and she was allegedly told that the food item did not contain the ingredient she was allergic to. The influencer, who frequently posted about her love for Disney on her social media accounts , received CPR at the event before 911 was contacted, People reported. Following Brown’s death, her close friend Marcus Medley shared a Change.org petition aiming to “mandate life-saving food allergy measures at all food establishments.” The petition already has more than 19,000 signers as of Monday (December 9). “Allegedly, despite informing staff of her life-threatening allergy, she was served a dish containing the allergen,” Medley wrote about Brown in the petition’s description. “Allegedly, the establishment lacked critical life-saving tools like epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) and trained staff to respond effectively.” The petition has called for legislation requiring three demands, the first being “mandatory epinephrine autoinjectors at all establishments that serve food.” Supporters are also urging for “staff training on recognizing and treating allergic reactions,” and “real-time ingredient transparency, including clear communication protocols between chefs, servers, and patrons to ensure all ingredients in a dish are disclosed.” Speaking to local California news station KTLA , Medley said that while food allergies have been treated as “a preference,” they’re actually “life or death serious.” “Domo’s story isn’t unique, and that’s why we want justice and change. People should be able to eat out without fear that their next meal could be their last,” he said. A representative for BoxLunch told the outlet that when Brown suffered her allergic reaction, emergency services were immediately called. The DJ at the event reportedly made two announcements to ask if someone had an EpiPen, as well as measures taken to ensure the venue knew all of the guests’ allergies. The spokesperson said the company is arranging grief counseling for its team, and an investigation into the incident has been launched. Following the event, BoxLunch also issued a statement about Brown’s death and sent condolences to her family. “We are devastated by the passing of Dominique Brown, a beloved member of the BoxLunch Collective, who suffered a medical emergency at an event hosted by BoxLunch on Thursday in Los Angeles,” the company said in the statement. “Our hearts go out to her family and friends, and we will do everything we can to support them and the members of the BoxLunch Collective and our team during this painful time.” The Independent had contacted BoxLunch for comment. Brown was a long-time Walt Disney World enthusiast, with more than 21,000 followers on Instagram . The influencer was also the co-creator of the account Black Girl Disney, which she ran with her friend Mia Von, who’s based in Texas. Last month, she attended the premiere of Moana 2 at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. Her final Instagram post was a video of herself at a Disney store. Brown was seen wearing a hat featuring the Disney cartoon Winnie the Pooh , along with a yellow and brown Winnie the Pooh -themed sweater and brown pants. “Since this Winnie the Pooh hat is now available on @disneystore website, you should get it!” she wrote in the caption.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers, meet your latest lobbyists: online influencers from TikTok. The platform is once again bringing influencers to Washington, this time to lobby members of Congress to reject a fast-moving bill that would force TikTok's Beijing-based parent company to sell or be banned in the United States. On Tuesday, some influencers began a two-day advocacy event in support of TikTok, which arranged their trip ahead of a House floor vote on the legislation on Wednesday. But unlike a similar lobbying event the company put together last March when talks of a TikTok ban reached a fever pitch, this year’s effort appeared more rushed as the company scrambles to counter the legislation, which advanced rapidly on Capitol Hill. Summer Lucille, a TikTok content creator with 1.4 million followers who is visiting Washington this week, said if TikTok is banned, she “don’t know what it will do” to her business, a plus-sized boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It will be devastating,” Lucille said in an interview arranged by the platform. In an unusual showing of bipartisanship, a House panel unanimously approved the measure last week. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation if lawmakers pass it. But it’s unclear what will happen in the Senate, where several bills aimed at banning TikTok have stalled. The legislation faces other roadblocks. Former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who holds sway over both House and Senate Republicans, has voiced opposition to the bill, saying it would empower Meta-owned Facebook, which he continues to lambast over his 2020 election loss. The bill also faces pushback from some progressive lawmakers in the House as well as civil liberties groups who argue it infringes on the First Amendment. TikTok could be banned if ByteDance, the parent company, doesn’t sell its stakes in the platform and other applications it owns within six months of the bill’s enactment. The fight over the platform takes place as U.S.-China relations have shifted to that of strategic rivalry, especially in areas such as advanced technologies and data security, seen as essential to each country’s economic prowess and national security. The shift, which started during the Trump years and has continued under Biden, has placed restrictions on export of advanced technologies and outflow of U.S. monies to China, as well as access to the U.S. market by certain Chinese businesses. The Biden administration also has cited human rights concerns in blacklisting a number of Chinese companies accused of assisting the state surveillance campaign against ethnic minorities. TikTok isn’t short on lobbyists. Its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance has a strong lobbying apparatus in Washington that includes dozens of lobbyists from well-known consulting and legal firms as well as influential insiders, such as former members of Congress and ex-aides to powerful lawmakers, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will also be in Washington this week and plans to meet with lawmakers, according to a company spokesperson who said Chew’s visit was previously scheduled. But influencers, who have big followings on social media and can share personal stories of how the platform boosted their businesses — or simply gave them a voice — are still perhaps one of the most powerful tools the company has in its arsenal. A TikTok spokesperson said dozens of influencers will attend the two-day event, including some who came last year. The spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how many new people would be attending this year’s lobbying blitz. The company is briefing them ahead of meetings with their representatives and media interviews. Lucille, who runs the boutique in North Carolina, says has seen a substantial surge in revenue because of her TikTok page. The 34-year-old began making TikTok content focusing on plus-sized fashion in March 2022, more than a decade after she started her business. She quickly amassed thousands of followers after posting a nine-second video about her boutique. Because of her popularity on the platform, her business has more online exposure and customers, some of whom have visited from as far as Europe. She says she also routinely hears from followers who are finding support through her content about fashion and confidence. JT Laybourne, an influencer who also came to Washington, said he joined TikTok in early 2019 after getting some negative comments on videos he posted on Instagram while singing in the car with his children. Laybourne, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, said he was attracted to the short-form video platform because it was easy to create videos that contained music. Like Lucille, he quickly gained traction on the app. He says he also received more support from TikTok users, who reacted positively to content he produced on love and positivity. Laybourne says the community he built on the platform rallied around his family when he had to undergo heart surgery in 2020. Following the surgery, he said he used the platform to help raise $1 million for the American Heart Association in less than two years. His family now run an apparel company that gets most of its traffic from TikTok. “I will fight tooth-and-nail for this app,” he said. But whether the opposition the company is mounting through lobbyists or influencers will be enough to derail the bill is yet to be seen. On Tuesday, House lawmakers received a briefing on national security concerns regarding TikTok from the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence officials. AP Journalist Didi Tang contributed to this report. This story was originally published on March 12, 2024. It was updated on December 23, 2024 to clarify a quote by TikTok content creator Summer Lucille.Shyam Benegal's Death ‘End Of Glorious Chapter’: President Murmu, PM Modi, Other Leaders Mourn Demise Of Master StorytellerBiden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus

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December's Pixel Drop includes a new feature called Simple View. Late last week, Google announced the December Pixel Drop in a blog post penned by product marketing manager Mayra Fajardo. The Android software update includes the Expressive Captions feature, which I covered last week by interviewing Google’s Angana Ghosh. “The latest Pixel Drop brings more intelligent, helpful and intuitive features to your devices, with new ways to use Gemini, camera improvements and security updates,” Fajardo wrote in the post’s lede. “Better yet, it brings some favorite features to more countries.” Among the new features in this month’s Pixel Drop, which includes emoji updates to Gboard and updates to Pixel Screenshots, is an update to the Lookout app on Android that sees the software gain support for Arabic, as well as automatic language detection, nicer-sounding voices, and notably, help from Google’s Gemini AI models to power its image description and Q&A modes. Google introduced Lookout in 2019 as a way to enable people to “discover [their] surroundings” with assistance from AI. The app was primarily built to help Blind and low vision people better access the world, much in the same vein as Be My Eyes. In fact, Lookout and Be My Eyes are conceptually identical—Be My Eyes sets itself apart by enlisting the support of sighted volunteers to help users better comprehend their surroundings, whereas Lookout relies on AI. Elsewhere, Fajardo detailed a feature Google calls Simple View. According to Fajardo, the feature is a new way for someone to navigate their phone by “[increasing] your phone’s font size and touch sensitivity, making it easier to see and use controls, apps and widgets.” Google says Simple View, available on Pixel 6 and later, can be beneficial to older adults. Simple View is conceptually akin to Assistive Access in iOS , which Apple introduced as a new accessibility feature in iOS 17. The implementations differ—Assistive Access is far more stripped down in terms of the user interface—but the basic premise between it and Simple view are shared. Both have been designed to make the respective platforms easier and more accessible to navigate. As Google mentioned, this simplification can be a boon to older people, who may be less technically savvy and thus are more intimidated by technology.

When Flowing Wells student Isabelle “Isa” Lopez joined the freshman girls basketball team in her first year of high school, she dreamed about the day she could join the varsity team. She was determined to make that dream a reality. Through perseverance, faith and lots of hard work, she did. Lopez made it to the JV team during her sophomore year and by the time she was a junior, she finally got the call-up she had been waiting for. “I knew the game was a lot faster and you got to be quick, but it was really nice to have a coach who had the faith in me to be able to pull me up and I was very thankful,” Lopez said, adding: “It's nice to have a team that loves the same thing you do, that comes together every single day, and it’s just nice being around people who love what you do.” Now, Lopez, a senior at the school, is a co-captain of the varsity team alongside senior Nevaeh Urenda, who’s averaging 17 points, six rebounds and six assists through the first several games of her final season at Flowing Wells. Nevaeh Urenda, a senior varsity basketball players at Flowing Wells High, runs through warm-up drills before a game on Dec. 17, 2024. Urenda recently eclipsed 900 career points, an achievement she hit during the Lady Caballeros' 55-33 win against Casa Grande High School on Dec. 13 — the same night Flowing Wells celebrated 50 years of Lady Cabs basketball . “It feels good because I see a bunch of other people hit milestones around me, so it feels good to be able to hit those milestones, (too),” Urenda said. “And hopefully in the next couple of games, I'll be at 1,000 (career points), so we'll see.” The girls’ journeys are the “perfect example of two journeys coming together but from different spaces,” said Michael Perkins, the Flowing Wells girls basketball coach for the last 20 years. Urenda, a fierce competitor, was a varsity starter from the very beginning of her high school career, while Lopez, a dedicated player, had to work up to varsity status. Lopez says there were times she faced mental challenges while working her way up to varsity, often doubting her own worth. But her parents, Perkins and her faith got her through those challenging times. But no matter how the girls made it to the varsity level, they had the drive and passion to be at their best from the very beginning of their high school journeys. They credit their lifelong passion for basketball to their siblings who inspired them to play. “They're both just terrific people,” Perkins said. “They both come from great families. They are both what we call ‘Flowing Wells kids,’ that grow up in the district. They're just great people, and then to have them commit to Lady Cabs basketball is just really cool.” While they’ve only been playing together for the last two years, the two have developed a tight bond. “Isa is like my partner in crime, and we have a great time all the time,” Urenda said. “Sometimes we may not play at the same time, but I feel like me and her are always on the same page, no matter what it is.” Nevaeh Urenda, left, and Isa Lopez, senior varsity basketball players at Flowing Wells High School, pose for a photo on Dec. 17, 2024. The two had different journeys at Flowing Wells but have become close friends and co-captains. Even their coaches have picked up on their silly and outgoing personalities, often referring to them as the “knucklehead captains,” according to Lopez. But those “knucklehead captains” are part of the reason Flowing Wells is currently 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the 5A Southern Conference. With the basketball season starting only a month ago, the two plan on soaking up every second of their final season with the Lady Cabs. “I try not to be sad about it because it’s a new beginning,” Urenda said. “But it's not really the end for me because I'm gonna continue playing and I don't think I'll be too far away, because my sister's gonna be playing, too, so, I'll still have some type of connection here. But it's just a little nostalgic for me because I've been here for four years and now those four years are about to be up.” Lopez feels similarly, saying that she’s thankful for her time with the team and the memories she’ll leave with. Despite their competitiveness on the court and dedication to school off the court — both girls have GPAs above 3.8 — the girls are still your typical high school students who enjoy doing things like hanging out with friends and catching up on sleep. Both have deep passions for activities outside of basketball, too. Lopez is actively involved in her church, which includes volunteering with children and attending services every Sunday. As a singer for the last several years, it was a no-brainer for Lopez to join the choir when she started at Flowing Wells. Urenda loves building LEGO sets or doing hair and makeup during her free time, a hobby she picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both are set to graduate next year and already have big plans for post-graduation life. Lopez plans on going to college to become an elementary school teacher, while Urenda aims to study marketing in college. She hopes to go to the University of Notre Dame. Isa Lopez, a senior varsity basketball player at Flowing Wells High School, takes practice shots before a game on Dec. 17, 2024. As they finish up their senior year, the girls are focused on making the best of their time at Flowing Wells — hopefully with a few more achievements and milestones under their belts before they go. “They're the kids that I want my young kids to model themselves after when I look for role models,” Perkins said. “We've talked about celebrating 50 years of Lady Cabs basketball and many of the women that reached out to me ... mentioned their role models that they looked up to, the seniors that they looked up to when they were freshmen. “So, those are those girls now, being those seniors, being those role models for our young freshmen, for our junior-high kids that come up and watch the games, things like that. Those are the kids we want to continue to foster, continue to grow and continue to be great role models in our community.” Fast five with Nevaeh and Isa Nevaeh Who is your basketball inspiration? My brother. If you could participate in a basketball shootout with any basketball player, who would it be? For fun, Caitlin Clark. To win, Angel Reese. What is your favorite makeup lip product right now? The e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil. What is your dream LEGO set? A makeup vanity. What is your current favorite class? Piano. This is the first year that I'm taking it and I've been having a blast. Isa Who is your favorite basketball team? Indiana Fever Who is your basketball inspiration? Caitlin Clark. What is your favorite basketball shoe? LaMelo Ball’s Puma line. I saw they’re coming out with some (Teenage Mutant) Ninja Turtle ones and I really want those. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing? “White Christmas.” What is your current favorite class? Math. Contact Elvia Verdugo, the Star's community sports editor, at everdugo@tucson.com . A journalism and history graduate from the University of Arizona, she hopes to share stories that show what makes Tucson and its community special. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Community Sports Editor

Serenity Psychotherapy Group Now Offers Telehealth Therapy in Navy Yard 12-10-2024 12:06 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: The SED Society Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1733758657.jpg Serenity Psychotherapy Group, a leading mental health provider, is now offering telehealth therapy services to residents of Navy Yard and the surrounding areas. Serenity Psychotherapy Group [ https://serenitypsychotherapygroup.com/service-area/navy-yard/ ], a leading mental health provider, is now offering telehealth therapy services to residents of Navy Yard and the surrounding areas. This expansion of their services aims to make quality mental health care more accessible and convenient for individuals who may face challenges in attending in-person therapy sessions. Remote Mental Health Services With the growing demand for remote mental health services [ https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=38.131944,-79.330838&z=3&t=m&hl=en&gl=NG&mapclient=embed&cid=12943743491501790968 ], Serenity Psychotherapy Group has embraced telehealth technology to provide online counseling and virtual therapy sessions. Their licensed therapists understand that making it to an in-person appointment isn't always possible due to busy schedules or distance. Telehealth therapy bridges this gap, allowing clients to receive the same quality care from the comfort of their own homes. Flexibility and Privacy Telehealth counseling brings the therapeutic conversation to clients through live video sessions. These appointments offer the flexibility to fit into busy lives and the privacy to discuss sensitive topics. Sarah Charmchi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a cornerstone of Serenity Psychotherapy Group's telehealth counseling team states, "We recognize that many individuals face barriers to accessing traditional in-person therapy. Our telehealth services provide a convenient and effective alternative, ensuring that everyone can receive the support they need." Diverse Telehealth Options In addition to video therapy sessions, Serenity Psychotherapy Group offers other forms of telehealth therapy, including phone calls, online apps, and text-based therapy. These diverse options cater to the varying preferences and needs of their clients, making mental health support more accessible than ever before. Telehealth Technology and Regulations Serenity Psychotherapy Group has invested in secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth technology to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of their clients' information. They strictly adhere to telehealth regulations and best practices to maintain the highest standards of care in the digital health landscape. Dedicated Therapists At the heart of Serenity Psychotherapy Group's online telehealth therapy services is a team of dedicated therapists. Sarah Charmchi, with her rich educational background and holistic approach to treatment, exemplifies the expertise and commitment of their telehealth counseling team. Clients can expect compassionate, personalized care tailored to their unique needs and goals. Teletherapy Platforms and Telepsychology Serenity Psychotherapy Group leverages advanced teletherapy platforms to facilitate seamless, interactive sessions between therapists and clients. Their team of professionals is well-versed in telepsychology best practices, ensuring that the therapeutic alliance and treatment efficacy are maintained in the virtual setting. Telemedicine and Mental Health The integration of telemedicine into mental health care has proven to be a game-changer, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Serenity Psychotherapy Group recognizes the importance of adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape and is committed to providing accessible, high-quality mental health services through telehealth channels. About Serenity Psychotherapy Group Serenity Psychotherapy Group is a leading mental health provider based in Navy Yard, offering a wide range of therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. With a team of highly skilled and compassionate therapists, they are dedicated to promoting mental well-being and helping clients navigate life's challenges. Their commitment to excellence, combined with their embrace of telehealth technology, positions them as a trusted partner in the journey toward healing and personal growth. Location: https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d25709401.892755475!2d-79.33083800000001!3d38.131944!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x264eab7aeb83e787%3A0xb3a16a206abd16f8!2sSerenity%20Psychotherapy%20Group%2C%20LLC!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sng!4v1729766223172!5m2!1sen!2sng Location: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z9eqgB4lS26-ahs5S6Qp19eCYSdoYC4qFH7bKoHrGPA/edit?usp=sharing Media Contact Company Name: Serenity Psychotherapy Group, LLC Contact Person: Sarah Charmchi Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=serenity-psychotherapy-group-now-offers-telehealth-therapy-in-navy-yard ] Phone: 202-990-2707 Address:10604 Drumm Ave. City: Washington State: DC Country: United States Website: https://serenitypsychotherapygroup.com/ This release was published on openPR.Turkish central bank lowers interest cost of rediscount credits

CINCINNATI — Diana Lewis did what she normally does on the 18th day of the month. She woke up and checked the balance of her Electronic Benefit Transfer card to make sure her benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program had been loaded. Her account had 54 cents. Starting at 1:20 a.m., she said fraudsters from The Bronx, New York were making transactions at restaurants between $15 and $85. In total, they spent $768.12. “I really did not think it was going to happen to me, but it did,” Lewis said, adding that she has never been to The Bronx. Her experience is not unique. Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services, which administers the federal food assistance program, said it has already replaced $1 million in stolen benefits this year. Director Michael Patton said there has always been a problem with SNAP benefits being targeted, but card skimming is relatively new. He said the problem is getting worse because thieves’ understanding of skimming technology is getting better. “It’s really unfortunate because people depend on these benefits,” he said. How to protect yourself The department has emphasized a “Guard Your Card” campaign because skimming fraud increases around the holidays. “Our goal is just to make sure people are aware that that happens, and we want to make sure that they avoid it when they can, if they can,” Patton said. The three-decade veteran of the department said his number one tip is downloading the ConnectEBT app on your mobile device. When installed, the county said it allows benefit-holders to: Additionally, closely monitor card readers for skimming devices. If you notice anything that may look off, do not use it and notify store staff. How does skimming work? A fraudulent device is often placed over a point-of-sale card reader, the department said. “When a recipient swipes their card over a compromised device, they are unsuspectingly sharing their card information with criminals,” a handout from the department reads. Patton also notes that, unlike modern credit cards, EBT cards do not have chips. “They have a little less protection than the chip cards,” he said. “I think there are some things that I think we would have to consider to bolster the program to avoid scammers and skimming from happening.” Replacement benefits for theft victims could come to an end The federal government has not allocated additional funding beyond Dec. 20, 2024, for stolen SNAP benefits. President Biden signed an appropriations bill in December 2022 that included provisions for replacing stolen benefits. It rolled out in Ohio in May 2023. In September 2024, it was extended. “It’ll be devastating if we can’t get a fix at the federal level to address either the technology,” Patton said. “This is not going to, in my opinion, go away.” Replacing stolen benefits takes time. Lewis said she isn’t sure how her card information got leaked, but said she applied to have her stolen benefits replaced. The process can take 30 days, leaving her family without them for the Thanksgiving holiday. “It doesn't make sense to me why I should have to sit here and wait,” she said. “I didn't take a little trip to New York and spend all my money and come home. You know that [doesn’t] make sense.” Speaking broadly, Patton with JFS said his team works through applications as quickly as they can. In October, he said they replaced $100,000 in benefits. “They're eligible for the benefit, and they should be able to access the benefit, and it is difficult for staff who are hearing the stories,” said Patton.

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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Marcus Johnson scored 20 points as Bowling Green beat Aquinas (Michigan) 87-62 on Monday. Johnson went 8 of 10 from the field (3 for 5 from 3-point range) for the Falcons (5-7). Derrick Butler scored 18 points and added five rebounds. Jamai Felt had 13 points and shot 5 of 6 from the field and 3 for 4 from the line. Jadakiss Lewis led the Saints in scoring, finishing with 15 points and two steals. Caden Pokorzynski added 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Bowling Green led 43-25 at halftime, with Johnson racking up 15 points. Butler scored a team-high 13 points after intermission. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Looking At Marvell Tech's Recent Unusual Options Activity, /PRNewswire/ -- As the nurse practitioner (NP) profession looks ahead to 2025, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) has identified five key health trends that will impact the health care system in the coming years. "As health care trends evolve, the demand for America's 385,000 licensed nurse practitioners remains high due to their exceptional, patient-centered approach to care," said AANP President , DNP. "Patients nationwide deserve access to high-quality health care, and NPs are experts in various fields, including primary care, elder care, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment and artificial intelligence (AI) innovations. Nurse practitioners are dedicated to providing evidence-based care as the health care landscape continues to change." – Nurse practitioners are leading the way to improve health care access and outcomes for millions of patients and leveraging the potential of new technologies, including AI, to benefit their patients. In their constant pursuit of excellence in health care, NPs are exploring the capability of AI to analyze vast amounts of patient data from remote monitoring devices to allow more proactive interventions and added patient engagement in care. The potential for AI to automate non-clinical routine tasks, like note-taking and documentation, will allow NPs and other providers to focus even more on patient interactions. Used properly, AI can make a real difference while reducing documentation and administrative burdens. Nurse Practitioners are well-positioned to evaluate and guide the implementation of safe and effective AI technologies and must be actively involved throughout the entire AI development and integration process to improve patient outcomes. – As the U.S. population ages, the rising demand for elder care requires a growing health care workforce. Every Baby Boomer will be by 2030, with the oldest members closer to 85 – meaning 1 out of every 5 Americans will be eligible to enroll in Medicare. At the same time, the NP profession is 385,000 strong, ensuring needed access to care for patients. NPs provide care to seniors in a wide variety of settings, including telehealth and in home care. – NPs and other primary care providers are increasingly integrating patients' mental health into primary care screenings for both physical and mental health problems, during their visits. Mental health conditions have increased sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic, and people live in areas where access to treatment is limited due to provider shortages. With a strong focus on whole-patient care, NPs understand the important role mental health plays in the overall well-being of their patients. In addition, will play a vital role in meeting the nation's need for diagnosing, treating and managing mental health conditions. – More than a quarter of Americans reported they are not up to date on health screenings and immunizations, according to AANP's national survey. The survey also found that nearly one-third of adults, particularly those who are younger, Hispanic or living in rural areas, reported difficulty accessing health care services. Among adults who did see a provider for primary care, nearly a third (31%) turned to telehealth or to convenient care clinics. This survey echoes AANP's 2023 survey, which found that more than 25% of respondents had waited more than two months for an appointment with a health care provider. Adopting Full Practice Authority policies removes barriers to care so patients can choose an NP to access preventive screenings and health services, which are essential to improving the health of the nation. – According to the National Institute on Drugs and Addiction's 2024 fact sheet, people in had a substance use disorder (SUD), and only 6.5 percent received treatment. people died from an overdose in 2021. NPs who specialize in SUD and opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment are experts in this addiction crisis, prescribing medications to aid in recovery and ensuring that their patients have access to counseling, behavioral therapy, peer support and other interventions. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 385,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other health care consumers. As , AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care. To locate an NP in your community, visit . For more information about NPs, visit . View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)