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Watch out for scammers during Giving Tuesday in North CarolinaThe constitution reform commission will propose a set of recommendations, including the restoration of the caretaker government and adoption of a bicameral system. The commission, led by political scientist Ali Riaz, is likely to recommend the inclusion of equality, human dignity and social justice in the preamble to the constitution. The commission, which is currently drafting its proposal along with the rationale, is scheduled to submit its recommendations by January 7. "I would say the biggest consensus we received is on the caretaker government. If I were to say 100 percent, it would not be an exaggeration," Riaz said. Additionally, the commission will propose measures to curb the absolute power of the prime minister and limit the tenure of the office to a maximum of two terms. It will also recommend establishing a balance of power between the prime minister and the president. The commission plans to strengthen the parliamentary standing committees to enhance their ability to monitor and hold the government and the prime minister accountable. It will also recommend repealing Article 70 of the constitution. Asked whether the commission is amending or rewriting the constitution, the commission clarified that it is not drafting a new constitution but rather compiling recommendations so that the constitution would guarantee that no one can snatch the voting rights of the masses and no potential autocrat can grab power. So far, the commission has received proposals from 28 political entities, including 25 political parties and three alliances. It has also held discussions with 43 organisations, including civil society groups, some of which have provided written submissions. Moreover, the commission consulted seven constitutional experts and sought opinions from 27 prominent citizens. It also took opinions from 10 youths who contributed songs, poems and graffiti during the July uprising. They were not associated with the Student Against Discrimination movement or the Jatiya Nagorik Committee. The commission has undertaken two broader initiatives. "First, we collected public opinions through our website, receiving 50,573 responses. While these inputs were helpful, they had limitations due to the lack of demographic information about the respondents, such as age, gender, location or profession, which weakened their scientific credibility." To address this, the commission collaborated with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to conduct a household survey using a methodologically sound and scientifically rigorous process, Riaz said. "This survey collected 45,925 opinions, which we are now analysing. This approach ensured a more representative and inclusive understanding of public sentiment." Thus far, the commission has conducted 46 meetings: 23 for consultations and 23 among its members. "Through these efforts, we have extensively and inclusively gathered opinions and analysed 121 countries' constitutions -- we are working toward making well-informed recommendations." The constitution reform commission will propose a set of recommendations, including the restoration of the caretaker government and adoption of a bicameral system. The commission, led by political scientist Ali Riaz, is likely to recommend the inclusion of equality, human dignity and social justice in the preamble to the constitution. The commission, which is currently drafting its proposal along with the rationale, is scheduled to submit its recommendations by January 7. "I would say the biggest consensus we received is on the caretaker government. If I were to say 100 percent, it would not be an exaggeration," Riaz said. Additionally, the commission will propose measures to curb the absolute power of the prime minister and limit the tenure of the office to a maximum of two terms. It will also recommend establishing a balance of power between the prime minister and the president. The commission plans to strengthen the parliamentary standing committees to enhance their ability to monitor and hold the government and the prime minister accountable. It will also recommend repealing Article 70 of the constitution. Asked whether the commission is amending or rewriting the constitution, the commission clarified that it is not drafting a new constitution but rather compiling recommendations so that the constitution would guarantee that no one can snatch the voting rights of the masses and no potential autocrat can grab power. So far, the commission has received proposals from 28 political entities, including 25 political parties and three alliances. It has also held discussions with 43 organisations, including civil society groups, some of which have provided written submissions. Moreover, the commission consulted seven constitutional experts and sought opinions from 27 prominent citizens. It also took opinions from 10 youths who contributed songs, poems and graffiti during the July uprising. They were not associated with the Student Against Discrimination movement or the Jatiya Nagorik Committee. The commission has undertaken two broader initiatives. "First, we collected public opinions through our website, receiving 50,573 responses. While these inputs were helpful, they had limitations due to the lack of demographic information about the respondents, such as age, gender, location or profession, which weakened their scientific credibility." To address this, the commission collaborated with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to conduct a household survey using a methodologically sound and scientifically rigorous process, Riaz said. "This survey collected 45,925 opinions, which we are now analysing. This approach ensured a more representative and inclusive understanding of public sentiment." Thus far, the commission has conducted 46 meetings: 23 for consultations and 23 among its members. "Through these efforts, we have extensively and inclusively gathered opinions and analysed 121 countries' constitutions -- we are working toward making well-informed recommendations."Manila, Philippines – December 04, 2024 – Mondelēz International in the Philippines celebrated a major milestone in its sustainability journey as it has been conferred the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal by the PCX Markets. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, particularly its adherence to the Philippine Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law and ongoing efforts to manage plastic waste within the snacking industry. The Plastic Cleanup Partner label is awarded to companies that take significant, measurable actions to clean up plastic waste. Mondelēz International’s involvement in this initiative is part of a broader sustainability strategy focused on reducing packaging waste, evolving packaging designs, and improving recycling systems to contribute to a circular economy. PCX Markets is a plastic credit marketplace that collaborates with organizations that collect and divert post-consumer plastic waste through a transparent, environmentally sound, and socially responsible framework. “Achieving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal is an important milestone for us,” said Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. “This seal is a powerful message to our stakeholders, consumers, and partners that we are actively working to ensure that plastic waste is diverted from nature and the landfill. It is a symbol of our dedication to our Sustainable Snacking Strategy,’ ensuring that the right snack is delivered in the right way.” In addition to receiving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal, Mondelēz International also discussed its ongoing efforts to support the EPR Law. The company is committed to complying with the law’s guidelines and actively participates in initiatives to make packaging materials more circular and less wasteful. “We believe compliance with the EPR Law is not just about meeting requirements; it’s about leading by example and advocating for others to follow,” added Arcilla. “At Mondelēz International, we are committed to reducing plastic packaging, evolving our materials to use recycled content, and improving waste management systems in countries where we operate. That is why for every kilo of post-consumer plastic packaging we introduce to the market; we ensure the equivalent amount is collected and diverted from nature here in the Philippines.” This commitment goes beyond the 40% collection and diversion requirement of the EPR Law this 2024. The company’s sustainability programs also extends beyond certification. Their ‘Trash Right’ program, which educates teachers and schoolchildren about waste management and plastic collection, has already engaged twenty-seven public elementary schools in Parañaque City together with ocean advocacy group Save Philippine Seas. Mondelēz International has successfully collected almost ten metric tons of plastic for diversion to upcycling through this initiative. Furthermore, the company has just launched two new Aling Tindera sites in Parañaque City, providing local collection points to further support community recycling and sustainability efforts. This program, which transforms women micro-entrepreneurs running small “sari-sari” stores into sustainability leaders, allows local residents to sell their plastic waste directly to their neighborhood Aling Tindera. These women collect, clean, and store the plastic, which is then responsibly processed, with compensation provided for each delivery. Adds Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX Markets, “Mondelēz International’s achievement of the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal in the Philippines shows their commitment to real, measurable action against plastic waste. Their initiatives, like ‘Trash Right’ and Aling Tindera, go beyond compliance—they empower communities and set the standard for sustainability in business. At PCX Markets, we’re proud to partner with Mondelēz International in creating a cleaner, more circular future.” The company’s commitment to diverting plastic pollution from nature is part of a wider plastic sustainability plan. Globally, Mondelēz International aims to ensure 98% or more of its packaging is designed for recyclability, and to reduce the amount of virgin plastic it uses by 2025. With its ongoing efforts and future commitments, Mondelēz International aims to continue its collection and diversion of its total post-consumer plastic packaging onwards, making sustainability a core aspect of its operations and contributing to a circular economy where plastic is seen as a valuable resource and does not end up as waste. ### About Mondelēz International Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ . Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.

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High school recruiting isn't the only way to build a winner in the transfer portal eraBrenda Suddeth began fostering and rescuing animals with the Humane Society of Cherokee County, where she volunteered for over 15 years. At the time, HSCC had limited space for cats, and she decided to take on the responsibility of rescuing cats and kittens, including getting them spayed and neutered and socializing them. This led her to get a rescue license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. “I was called one cat and one dog short of crazy,” Suddeth said. Despite a breast cancer diagnosis, she never stopped caring for animals, but she had to slow down during her treatment. Now in remission, Suddeth continues her efforts, but she now takes on more of a “networking” role, connecting people to other rescues or individuals who can help animals. “I get a lot of cruelty calls, about animals that need help,” Suddeth said. “And I have a page on Facebook, where people will reach out.” She does not work alone, but has several friends and a handful of volunteers who help her. “I would get a load of puppies, foster them, and find a rescue to adopt the puppies out,” Suddeth said. Suddeth said she used to help transport animals to metropolitan cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City, or even sometimes to other states, like Kansas. Now, she lets other volunteers handle the long drives, while she makes arrangements. “It’s really getting hard now to get animals moved,” Suddeth said. “I get on Facebook, I network, and get ahold of rescues, and help arrange transport for them.” Another way Suddeth uses social media is to help individuals in emergencies find food or other supplies they may need for their animals. She said some may need help with vet costs. “A lot of people will donate to fund these efforts,” Suddeth said. She described the rescue work as like having a job she doesn’t get paid for. “Sometimes I get 15 calls a day, and that will mean I spend all day on my phone trying to find help for those animals,” she said. In addition to cats and dogs, Suddeth said she’s also received calls about horses, and she said she does the best she can. Throughout the winter season, Suddeth said, she receives donations of doghouses she is able to give out to those in need. She also gives out flea and tick medication for dogs all year. Suddeth said she has rescued over 60 cats and fostered over 40 puppies in her 22 years of rescue work. Many cats still live in her home, where she has a cat room, and an enclosed “catio” for them. “They are like kids. They make messes and knock stuff over,” Suddeth said. “I raised six kids, and they are like raising kids all over again.” Outside of her rescue work, Suddeth said, she enjoys shopping at thrift stores. “I just like to look at stuff, and see what other people have discarded,” she said.

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KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) turned around to a bearish trend on Tuesday, as the KSE-100 index shed 1,509.61 points to close at 112,414.81 points. A total of 880.6 million shares were traded during the day as compared to 857.8 million shares the previous trading day. The price of shares stood at Rs 54.45 billion as compared with Rs50.54 billion on the last trading day at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. As many as 456 scrips were active in the stock market, out of which, 129 recorded gains and 288 sustained losses while the share price of 39 companies remained unchanged. WorldCall Telecom remained the top-trading company with 127.4 million shares at Rs1.78 per share, followed by Fauji Foods Limited with 67.14 million shares at Rs14.95 per share. Analysts at Topline Securities said “The market’s downturn was primarily driven by concerns over rising leverage positions, which heightened risk perceptions. This, combined with increasing borrowing costs, compelled investors to trim their portfolios”. They added that the approaching last few days of December contract added additional pressure on market participants, resulting in cautious and selective trading behavior. Read More: PSX slumps as KSE-100 sheds 3,790 points Sui South Gas remained the third with 33.56 million shares to settle at Rs46.09 per share at the closing of the PSX. Hoechst Pakistan Limited was the top gainer with an increase of Rs100 per share price to close at Rs2850, followed by Shahmurad Sugar Mills Limited with an Rs31.29 rise in its per share price to Rs474.96. Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited recorded a decline of Rs99.99 per share closing at Rs21,000.01 followed by Nestle Pakistan Limited with Rs97.35 decline to close at Rs7232.

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers have formally asked a judge to throw out his hush money criminal conviction, arguing that continuing the case would present unconstitutional "disruptions to the institution of the presidency". In a filing made public on Tuesday, Trump's lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M Merchan that dismissal is warranted because of the extraordinary circumstances of his impending return to the White House. "Wrongly continuing proceedings in this failed lawfare case disrupts President Trump’s transition efforts," the lawyers continued, before citing the "overwhelming national mandate granted to him by the American people on November 5 2024". Trump's lawyers also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son , Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges. " President Biden asserted that his son was 'selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted', and ''treated differently'," Trump's legal team wrote. The Manhattan district attorney, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theatre "that President Biden condemned". Prosecutors will have until December 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile , select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In their filing on Monday, Trump’s lawyers dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion”. Following Trump’s election victory last month, Judge Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing , previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defence and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse the conviction . It involved efforts to conceal a 130,000 dollar payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, whose affair allegations threatened to disrupt his 2016 campaign. He has denied any wrongdoing. Trump takes office on January 20. Judge Merchan has not set a timetable for a decision. The defence filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial. They have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. A dismissal would erase Trump’s historic conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence . Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Judge Merchan could also decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing or delay the case until Trump leaves office. And he can also wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a 130,000 dollar hush money payment to Ms Daniels , just before the 2016 presidential election, to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Ms Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses – concealing what they really were , prosecutors alleged. Trump has pledged to appeal against the verdict if the case is not dismissed. He and his lawyers said the payments to Mr Cohen were properly categorised as legal expenses for legal work. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .

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 US$25 to US$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 per cent to 22 per cent of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10 per cent to 15 per cent of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than five per cent of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20 per cent of patients — as many as one in five — 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 seven 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.” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.None

STUART, Fla. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $9,200,000 , before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and estimated offering expenses. The Company has granted the underwriter an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of the final prospectus, to purchase an additional 345,000 shares of Class A common stock from Health In Tech at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. Assuming such option is fully exercised, the Company may raise a total of approximately US$10,580,000 in gross proceeds from the Offering Health In Tech intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for system enhancements, expansion of service offerings, sales and distribution channels, talent development and retention, working capital, and other general corporate purposes. American Trust Investment Services, Inc. acted as the sole book-running manager for the offering. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-281853) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on December 19, 2024 . This offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the prospectus relating to the offering can be obtained when available, by contacting American Trust Investment Services, Inc., 230 W. Monroe Street , Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606, or via E-Mail at ECM@amtruinvest.com. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Health In Tech Health in Tech ("HIT") is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology. We offer a dynamic marketplace designed to create customized healthcare plan solutions while streamlining processes through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By eliminating friction and complexities, HIT enhances value propositions for employers and optimizes underwriting, sales, and service workflows for Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), insurance carriers, licensed brokers, and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). Learn more at healthintech.com . Forward-Looking Statements Regarding Health In Tech Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Investor Contact Investor Relations: ir@healthintech.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-in-tech-announces-closing-of-initial-public-offering-302338923.html SOURCE Health In TechDemocrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contest