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Washington State Launches ‘Public Health’ Task Force To Address ‘Domestic Violent Extremism’Fs Kkr Capital director sells $900,034 in stock

These are the 4 areas of the stock market set to surge in 2025, according to the top firms on Wall StreetTrump nominates Kash Patel for FBI directorNEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “alarmed” by the escalation of violence in Syria and is calling for an immediate end to fighting, his spokesman said on Monday. “All parties must do their utmost to protect civilians and civilian objects, including by allowing safe passage to civilians who are fleeing hostilities,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. “Syrians have endured the conflict for nearly 14 years. They deserve a political horizon that will deliver a peaceful future, not more bloodshed,” he added. UN peacekeeping operations in the country have been “largely suspended” across Aleppo, Idlib and Hama due to security concerns, Dujarric said. “This has led to severe disruption in people’s ability to access lifesaving assistance,” he said, adding that the United Nations remains committed to delivering humanitarian aid. Dujarric warned that “the presence of unburied bodies and lack of drinking water” in Syria threatens public health and said that damage to Aleppo’s university hospital had left hundreds of patients without care. “Syria is also already one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with 16.7 million human beings in need of assistance and over 7 million people internally displaced,” he said. “More than half a million people have also fled from Lebanon to Syria in recent weeks, and winter conditions will only make the needs in the coming weeks even more acute.” Syrian President Bashar Assad has branded the militants’ offensive an attempt to redraw the regional map. “The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map,” a statement from Assad’s office quoted him as saying. At a news conference in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan blamed the recent flare-up of the conflict on the Syrian government’s refusal to enter a dialogue with the anti-government forces that Turkiye supports. “Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people,” the Turkish minister said. “Turkiye is ready to make all the necessary contributions toward this.” Turkiye has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security threats from groups affiliated with Kurdish militants along its southern border and to help ensure the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees. Assad has insisted that Turkiye’s withdrawal of its forces from northern Syria be a condition for any normalization between the two countries.

The fifth National Sports Festival continued its competitions yesterday morning at designated stadiums and gymnasiums in the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area. In the Inter-States and Regions basketball tournament final, held at Shwekyabin Gymnasium, Shan State defeated Yangon Region by a narrow score of 67-66 to secure the championship. Yangon Region took second place, while Kachin State and Mandalay Region shared third place honours. Quarterfinal matches of the Inter-States and Regions under-20 volleyball tournament took place at Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium (B). In the men’s division, Kayin State beat over Yangon Region in a 3-2 match, Mandalay Region defeated Bago Region 3-1, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory overcame Kachin State 3-0, and Shan State bested Sagaing Region 3-0. In the semifinals of the Inter-States and Regions badminton tournament, held at Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium (C), Yangon Region defeated Bago Region 3-1, while Shan State edged out Mandalay Region 3-2 in the men’s division. In the women’s category, Yangon Region won against Mandalay Region 3-1, and Shan State defeated Bago Region 3-2. In the men’s badminton final, Yangon Region claimed the championship by defeating Shan State 3-1. Shan State secured second place, while Mandalay Region and Bago Region shared third place. In the women’s final, Yangon Region also emerged victorious, beating Shan State 3-1 to take the championship. Shan State placed second, and Mandalay Region and Bago Region shared third place honours. The ISR men’s and women’s Lethwei events took place at the Wunna Theikdi Indoor Boxing Area. In the men’s 51-kilogramme category, Hein Htut Aung of Mandalay Region defeated Ye Naing of Shan State, Bawm Sowng of Kachin State overcame Khant Phyo Kyaw of Yangon Region, Thura of Sagaing Region triumphed over Ye Yint Htwe of Chin State, and Saw Shwe Win of Kayin State bested Akar Htet Win of Rakhine State. In the men’s 54-kilogramme category, Akar Phyo of Taninthayi Region defeated Kaung Sett Naing of Magway Region, Zaw Zaw Naing of Mandalay Region triumphed over Saw Lin Aung of Ayeyawady Region, Shine Nge of Shan State overcame Ko Ko Tun of Sagaing Region, and Win Htike of Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory defeated Tuu Maung of Bago Region. In the men’s 57-kilogramme category, Min Sett Tha Oo of Sagaing Region defeated Hein Lin Tun of Mon State, Shein Htet Ko Ko of Kachin State triumphed over Hein Htut Kyaw of Bago Region, La Min Ko Ko of Yangon Region defeated Kyaw Swa Moe of Ayeyawady Region, and Gin Shan Mowng of Chin State overcame Saw Hla Han Aye of Kayin State. In the men’s 63.5-kilogramme category, Nok Mar of Kachin State defeated Htoo Aung Ye Yint of Rakhine State, Phone Myint Maung of Bago Region triumphed over Lin Htet of Ayeyawady Region, Sai Naung of Mandalay Region overcame Saw Hae Do Sae of Kayin State, and Kyaw Myo Han of Sagaing Region defeated Yazar Nay Win of Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. In the women’s 50-kilogramme category, Aye Aye Mu of Taninthayi Region defeated Kay Thwe Win of Chin State, Pyae Sone Win of Sagaing Region triumphed over Eindray Kyaw of Bago Region, Eaint Myat Kyaw of Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory overcame Khine Thazin Tun of Mandalay Region, and Mya Moe Thu of Yangon Region bested Thel Myat Mon of Shan State. The Under-25 Cricket Tournament group matches were held at the Wunna Theikdi shooting range. In the men’s event, the Kayin State team defeated the Shan State team by 16 runs, Mandalay Region overcame Bago Region by 14 runs, Rakhine State triumphed over Mon State by a wide margin of 139 runs, and Ayeyawady Region secured victory against Magway Region by 10 wickets. In the women’s event, Rakhine State defeated Magway Region by 51 runs, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory overcame Mon State by four wickets, Ayeyawady Region beat Shan State by 14 runs, and Kayin State narrowly triumphed over Yangon Region by two runs. In the group matches of Under-21 Men’s Football Tournament were held at Wunna Theikdi Training Grounds 3 and 4. Chin State and Magway Region teams ended in a 3-3 draw, while Mandalay Region defeated Sagaing Region with a score of 4-1. In the Under-25 Women’s Football Tournament, held at the Bawgawadi Sports Ground and Lewe Township Sports Ground, Bago Region and Kayah State teams ended at a goalless draw, while Ayeyawady Region secured a 2-0 victory against Rakhine State. In the women’s futsal semifinals held at Wunna Theikdi Futsal Ground, the Yangon Region women’s futsal team defeated Sagaing Region 11-0, and Kachin State edged out Ayeyawady Region 7-5. In the men’s Sepak Takraw regu matches at Wunna Theikdi Stadium A, Shan State beat Bago Region in two straight games, Sagaing Region overcame Rakhine State 2-0, Nay Pyi Taw triumphed over Kayin State, and Kachin State secured a win against Kayah State. Other results included Mon State defeating Chin State, Yangon Region prevailing over Ayeyawady Region, and Mandalay Region winning against Magway Region. In the women’s Sepak Takraw regu matches, Mon State defeated Magway Region 2-1, Sagaing Region beat Taninthayi Region in straight games, Rakhine State triumphed over Yangon Region in two games, Mandalay Region overcame Shan State, and Kayin State defeated Kachin State in straight matches. In the men’s Sepak Takraw regu quarterfinals, at Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium A, Yangon Region won against Sagaing Region 2-1. Magway Region defeated Kachin State 2-1, Mandalay Region overcame Nay Pyi Taw in straight games, and Shan State triumphed over Mon State. In the women’s Sepak Takraw regu matches, Bago Region defeated Sagaing Region in straight matches, Ayeyawady Region beat Yangon Region, Rakhine State overcame Kayin State 2-1, and Mon State defeated Mandalay Region in straight matches. The Inter-Ministry Open Men’s Football Tournament group matches were held at Paunglaung, Shwekyabin, and Lewe TC-2 grounds. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Construction teams played to a goalless draw, while the Ministry of Science and Technology defeated the Ministry of Health 2-1. The Ministry of Transport and Communications secured a 3-1 victory over the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development. In the group matches of ISR Futsal Tournament held at Wunna Theikdi Futsal Arena, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement teams drew 3-3. The Ministry of Commerce thrashed the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs 2-0, the Ministry of Education defeated the Ministry of Information 5-4, and the Ministry of Health triumphed over the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture with a score of 3-1. — MNA/KZLNEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans tight end Taysom Hill is likely to miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the Saints' loss to the Los Angeles Rams. “It looks like an ACL tear,” interim coach Darren Rizzi said Monday. “He’ll probably get a second opinion, but it looks like it will be season-ending.” Hill, who is listed at tight end but plays a variety of roles, was carted off the field after taking a hard hit to his left knee while converting a fourth down on a direct snap in the Saints’ 21-14 loss Sunday to the Rams. The injury came one game after he'd posted a career-best 138 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns in a victory over Cleveland. He also has lined up at quarterback and running back, as well as playing special teams. “It means everybody else has to step up,” Rizzi said. “He fills so many roles, so there are going to be a lot of different guys that have to be a part of the solution there. It’s hard to sit here and tell you we are going to replace Taysom. You can’t. He’s a phenomenal person, player, leader and captain. It’s a big loss." Hill is the third key offensive player the Saints have lost. He joins leading wide receivers Chris Olave, who suffered a concussion in Week 9 and has not played since, and Rashid Shaheed, who is out for the year after tearing a meniscus in Week 7. Rizzi said guard Nick Saldiveri also might miss the remaining five games after injuring his left knee in the fourth quarter one series before Hill. Without Hill, though, the Saints’ quest to get back in the NFC South race became even tougher. At 4-8, they trail Atlanta and Tampa Bay by two games. Hill has 99 catches, 437 carries, 302 passes, 44 touchdowns, 19 tackles and one blocked kick in seven years with the Saints. “I don’t know if I can compare Taysom to anybody else that I’ve ever coached,” Rizzi said. “There’s not a guy that comes to mind that has been able to do all the different things he’s been able to do just in one game, forget about his career." What's working Alvin Kamara had his third 100-yard rushing game of the year and is 106 yards away from the first 1,000-yard season of his eight-year career. He needs only 39 more yards to set a career high. His 206 carries are the third most in his career. What needs help Los Angeles averaged 5.4 yards per carry, finishing with 156 yards. Rams running back Kyren Williams said they knew at halftime they would win if they stuck to the ground game, and he carried seven times on the opening series of the third quarter as they took the lead. The Saints have allowed 5.1 yards per carry for the season — tied for last with the New York Giants. Stock up Signed in late October after Shaheed’s season-ending surgery, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has become Derek Carr’s go-to receiver for big plays. His 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was the Saints’ longest gain of the day and his fourth score in the past three games. Stock down Tight end Foster Moreau, a reliable performer all year, could not handle Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse on the Saints’ final offensive snap, allowing him to hit Carr as he released a pass on fourth-and-3 from the Los Angeles 9 with New Orleans trailing by 7. Injuries Although the news was bad for Hill and Saldiveri, Rizzi said he expected starting center Erik McCoy to play Sunday against the Giants. McCoy was scratched against the Rams after aggravating a groin injury two weeks earlier versus Cleveland in his first game back since missing seven in a row. Rizzi said oft-injured running back Kendre Miller, who has played in two games this year, might return from a hamstring injury Sunday. Key number 2 — The number of sacks for the Saints, not enough to keep Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford from finding his rhythm in the second half. In the Rams’ last five losses, he has been sacked 20 times. In their last five wins, he has been sacked three times. Next steps With their NFC South hopes on life support, the Saints travel to face the reeling Giants, who have lost seven in a row. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Guerry Smith, The Associated Press

On November 26, 2024, the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Contract Year (CY) 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D), Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) proposed rule ( fact sheet ; proposed rule ). This is part of an annual rulemaking process that includes both substantive and technical changes to the MA, Part D, and PACE programs. This year, the rule proposes new policies related to the coverage of anti-obesity medications in Part D and Medicaid, medical loss ratio and utilization management requirements, use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and more. Comments are due by January 27, 2025. In Depth COVERAGE OF ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATION IN PART D AND MEDICAID CMS proposes to reinterpret the Social Security Act so that anti-obesity medications are no longer excluded from Part D or Medicaid coverage when used to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term for individuals with obesity. CMS would recognize obesity as a chronic disease, so coverage would be permitted even if an individual does not have other medically accepted indications for use of the drug, such as diabetes. CMS estimates that over 10 years, this proposed change would increase costs to the federal government by $24.8 billion for Part D and $14.8 billion for Medicaid. This is a proposal that may be scrutinized more closely by the incoming Trump administration before being finalized. MEDICAL LOSS RATIO RULES CMS has proposed several revisions to the medical loss ratio (MLR) regulations, many of which reflect similar changes recently implemented in the commercial and Medicaid MLR rules. For example, CMS proposes to require that provider incentive and bonus arrangements are tied to clinical or quality improvement standards to be included in the MA MLR numerator. CMS also proposes to require that administrative costs be excluded from quality-improving activities in the MA and Part D MLR numerators. Both changes are based on findings from CMS’s commercial market MLR audits, which led to changes in the commercial MLR regulations. Additionally, CMS is proposing new regulations governing MA and Part D MLR audits, including an appeals process, suggesting that we may observe an increase in government scrutiny and potential enforcement action related to MLR reporting in these markets. Additional changes to the MLR rules relate to allocations of expenses between lines of business, the treatment of Medicare Prescription Payment Plan unsettled balances, new data requests from CMS regarding vertical integration and provider payment arrangements, and rules protecting that additional data from public release. BUILDING ON EXISTING PRIOR AUTHORIZATION AND UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT SAFEGUARDS In the 2024 MA and Part D Rule , CMS codified enrollee protections related to prior authorization and utilization management to clarify when and how MA organizations (MAOs) can use these tools. The protections included, among other things, requiring MAOs to post internal coverage criteria publicly and requiring MAOs to establish a Utilization Management Committee to review all utilization management practices. These rules went into effect on January 1, 2024. CMS continued to address prior authorization processes throughout the year, including in the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule and through a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs). CMS proposes to build on these safeguards by: Defining “internal coverage criteria” to mean any policies, measures, tools, or guidelines, whether developed by an MAO or a third party, that are not expressly stated in applicable statutes, regulations, national or local coverage determinations, or CMS manuals and are adopted or relied upon by an MAO for purposes of making a medical necessity determination Adding rules regarding the publication of internal coverage criteria on MAO websites Clarifying that decisions made contemporaneously with treatment are organization determinations and are, therefore, subject to appeal and other existing requirements Eliminating MAO discretion to reopen approved authorizations for hospital admissions. ENSURING USE OF AI TOOLS DOES NOT PERMIT DISCRIMINATION In recent years, stakeholders have raised questions concerning the role of AI, algorithms, and similar tools in making coverage determinations. CMS described via FAQs that an algorithm or software tool can be used to assist MAOs in making coverage determinations, provided that such tools comply with all applicable coverage determination rules, and that algorithms and AI cannot be used to solely deny certain care. CMS published a request for information in January 2024 soliciting comments on MA plans’ use of AI and the potential impacts on health disparities. CMS now proposes to revise the MA regulations to ensure that services are provided “[e]quitably irrespective of delivery method or origin, whether from human or automated systems[.]” When AI or automated systems are used, the systems must be used in a way that ensures equitable service access. CMS may conduct program audits and/or take enforcement action where an MAO fails to comply with the regulations. OTHER TOPICS Regulating the Administration of Supplemental Benefits Through Debit Cards. MAOs often use debit cards to provide supplemental benefits. CMS proposes to clarify when and how debit cards may be used by an MAO and enrollee, add disclosure requirements around debit cards, and require MAOs to allow an enrollee to receive covered benefits through an alternative method if there is an issue in using the debit card. CMS is also proposing to clarify and codify existing guidance to prohibit MAOs from marketing the dollar value of a supplemental benefit or the method by which a supplemental benefit is administered. CMS is soliciting comments on all aspects of the proposal. Expanding CMS Review of Marketing Materials. CMS proposes to expand the definition of “marketing” to require submission and review of a broader universe of materials. CMS would require submission of all communication materials and activities that are intended to draw a beneficiary’s attention or influence a beneficiary’s plan enrollment decision. CMS seeks comments on the potential financial impact of the proposal. The proposal does not impact materials that are – and will continue to be – designated as “File & Use.” Adding Topics That Agents and Brokers Must Discuss With Prospective Beneficiaries. CMS has developed a list of topics that MAOs and Part D sponsors must ensure their agents and brokers discuss with beneficiaries prior to enrolling the beneficiary in a plan. CMS proposes to expand the number of required topics that must be discussed to include low-income subsidy eligibility, resources for state programs, and additional information for beneficiaries who are enrolling into an MA plan when first eligible for Medicare or those who are dropping a Medigap plan to enroll into an MA plan for the first time. Integrating Provider Directory Information Into Medicare Plan Finder . CMS seeks to enhance Medicare Plan Finder by making provider network information searchable for all MAOs. CMS proposes to require MAOs to submit provider directory information that is formatted to CMS’ specifications for use on Medicare Plan Finder, as well as attest to the accuracy of the data. Consistent with current provider directory standards, MAOs would be required to update the Medicare Plan Finder data within 30 days of receiving information from providers regarding a change in information. CMS proposes an applicability date of July 1, 2025, to allow for online testing and requests feedback on the attestation process. A range of additional topics are addressed in the proposed rule .South Korea’s Yoon survives impeachment after martial law fiasco

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Today, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CII) (the "Fund") approved changing the name of the Fund to “BlackRock Enhanced Large Cap Core Fund, Inc.” In connection with the name change, the Board has approved the adoption of a non-fundamental investment policy to invest at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in large cap equity securities and derivatives that provide investment exposure to such securities or to one or more market risk factors associated with such securities (the “80% Policy”). For purposes of the 80% Policy, large cap equity securities are equity securities that at the time of purchase have a market capitalization within the range of companies included in the Russell 1000® Index. The name change and adoption of the 80% Policy are expected to be effective as of December 31, 2024. After careful review of the Fund’s current investment strategies and portfolio holdings, the Fund’s investment adviser, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”), recommended that the Board approve the name change and adoption of the 80% Policy in order to comply with recent amendments to Rule 35d-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (often referred to as the “Names Rule”) that will go into effect in 2025 and expand the scope of the Names Rule. There will be no changes to the Fund’s investment objective, NYSE ticker symbol or CUSIP as a result of the name change or adoption of the 80% Policy. About BlackRock BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate Availability of Fund Updates BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Fund on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Fund. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Fund and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release, and other statements that BlackRock or the Fund may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to the Fund’s or BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. With respect to the Fund, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Fund or in the Fund’s net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of the Fund and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to the Fund or BlackRock, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities, health epidemics and/or pandemics and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or BlackRock; (9) BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time; and (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions. Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on BlackRock’s website at www.blackrock.com , and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Fund. The information contained on BlackRock’s website is not a part of this press release. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122388285/en/ 1-800-882-0052 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: BlackRock Closed-End Funds Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 05:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122388285/en

NVIDIA Acquisition of Israeli AI Startup Run:ai Moving Forward: EU Commission Grants Full Merger Approval

Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21Vikings place LB Ivan Pace on injured reserve and sign LB Jamin Davis off Packers practice squad