49ers’ Isaac Guerendo gets his shot at lead runner in decimated backfieldg star 28 34 。

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina director James Abernethy sells $15,950 in stock

Since most people need to consume between 1,600 and 3,000 calories to maintain their weight, following a 1,200 calorie diet plan can result in fast weight loss — but it's also highly restrictive and comes with quite a few risks. That's why if you choose to follow a 1,200 calorie diet plan, you need to plan what you eat in a day carefully to make sure you're taking in adequate and . After all, 1,200 is the smallest number of calories you can eat in a day and still get adequate nutrients from food. Each meal needs to be packed with nutrient-dense foods, including any you may consume. Another major challenge is that this leaves pretty much no room for any foods that are lower in nutrients, such as . To understand how many calories you're cutting from your diet, you should know that the average woman should eat between 1,600 and 2,400 calories a day to maintain her weight, and for men, it's between 2,000 and 3,000, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That said, there can be some benefits to following a 1,200 calorie diet, especially for people who have metabolic diseases, such as prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol in certain groups and improve blood-glucose ratios. Of course, to continue to experience any health benefits from following the diet, you need to continue with any major lifestyle changes you make for the rest of your life, which can be difficult for many people, given how limiting the diet can be. Here's what to know before trying a 1,200 calorie diet plan, according to a registered dietitian. A 1,200-calorie plan is a form of low-calorie diet that’s pretty self-explanatory. You try to eat no more than 1,200 calories in one day — which, for the average adult, is the lowest calorie level at which it may still be possible to meet most of your nutrient needs through food. When carefully planned, a 1,200-calorie menu includes to minimize any muscle you might naturally lose on a , and it will hit most of your vitamin and mineral targets. However, because of the low calorie levels, it’s pretty inflexible, and it doesn’t have any room for fun foods that are devoid of nutrition. For people who have a lot of metabolic complications, such as or type 2 diabetes, a diet plan like this may help with weight loss and managing blood-sugar levels. In one year-long among more than 2,000 obese patients, the average weight loss was about 32 pounds after a year of eating this way. And many health measures, like HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, improved during the study period. Blood glucose levels among those with type 2 diabetes also improved. However, study conditions don’t always match real life. For example, support from a registered dietitian and psychologist was built into the study program, and the dieters had the opportunity to participate in classes on behavior modification. They were given carefully designed soups, snack bars and other meals to help them reach these goals, which means they didn’t have to do meal prep like most of us do — and they had a system in place for dealing with social and emotional triggers, like a food-filled birthday party or rough day at work. Another on a commercially-based low-calorie diet suggested that success depended on regular meetings with the health counselor, indicating that this support is key. Some research in animals also suggests that low-calorie meal plans may boost your lifespan. A out of UT Southwestern Medical Center found that restricting calories by 30% to 40% and eating only when the circadian rhythm is active extended lifespan by 35% when compared to mice that could eat whenever and as much as they wanted. The research also found that the mice with restricted calories had better metabolic health, more sensitivity to insulin and blood sugar stability. What’s even more important than whether you can lose weight on a 1,200-calorie meal plan is if it’s possible for you to maintain most of what you lost and therefore continue to experience health benefits. In one carefully designed small among people who lost 10% of their body weight using a low-calorie diet — and who later attempted to maintain the weight loss over a nine-month period that did not include dietary counseling — participants regained on average about half the weight they’d lost. About will regain it. Weight loss sets off a cascade of biological events that promote weight regain. For example, your metabolism slows down to account for your smaller size. That means you need to eat fewer calories as you lose weight to match your body’s needs. This can be difficult under ordinary circumstances, but after losing weight, it’s much harder because your body responds to weight loss by hormones. So in essence, you need fewer calories than when you set out to lose weight, but as you do lose weight, you become even hungrier. And even if you carefully outline your 1,200-calorie meal plan, it can be difficult to get the recommended daily allowance of all your nutrients. can increase risk of several chronic health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, according to the CDC. There can also be drawbacks to this meal plan if 1,200 calories a day is too big of a calorie deficit for your body. You might experience fatigue, nausea, dehydration, , headaches and irritability, . How much weight you’ll lose on a 1,200-calorie meal plan depends on several factors, including how much you weigh and how active you are. According to , to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week (which most experts consider a safe rate), you need to eat 500-1,000 fewer calories a day than your weight-maintenance calorie count, or the amount of calories you should eat in a day to stay the same weight. To calculate your weight-maintenance calories, multiply your weight by 15. If 1,200 calories a day is more than 500 calories lower than your weight-maintenance calories, you can expect to lose more than 1 to 2 pounds per week. If it’s less, then you might lose fewer pounds a week. Here’s a peek at what a 1,200-calorie weight-loss meal plan looks like. Even though this menu is properly planned, it dips slightly below the daily recommended calcium, iron and magnesium levels. Ultimately, it’s difficult to achieve your nutrients from whole foods while staying within a 1,200-calorie limit. 1/2 whole-wheat English muffin topped with 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese, tomato slices and 1 teaspoon chia seeds. 1 can chunk white tuna, drained and mixed with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar. Serve with 1/3 avocado and 2 small , chopped. 5 ounces baked chicken seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Serve with 1 cup red potatoes roasted in 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and a side salad made with 2 cups mixed salad greens tossed with 1/2 tablespoon sliced almonds, 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese and tossed with 1 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. 1/2 cup plain and 1 cup . 1 whole-grain or almond-flour toaster waffle cooked according to directions and topped with 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt mixed with vanilla extract. Heat 1/2 cup frozen berries in the microwave for 1 minute. Pour berries over yogurt-topped waffle and add 1 tablespoon chopped nuts. Make a salad with 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/4 cup grape tomatoes, 3 ounces of store-bought rotisserie chicken breast, 1/4 , 1 boiled egg, and 2 tablespoon feta cheese. Toss with 1 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil and vinegar to taste. Marinate a 4-ounce chicken breast with 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 clove garlic, minced, and the juice from 1/2 . Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes or until it is cooked through (165 degrees F). Serve with 1/2 cup brown rice mixed with 1/4 cup frozen peas. 1/2 pear sprinkled with cinnamon and 2 tablespoons nuts. Make 1/2 cup rolled oats with water according to package directions. Serve with 1/2 cup berries and 1/2 cup Greek yogurt mixed in or on the side. Drain 2 1/2 ounces pouched or canned wild salmon and mix with 1 tablespoon store-bought pesto. Stuff the mixture with lettuce and tomato into a whole-wheat pita, and serve with 1/2 cup baby carrots. Cut a 4-ounce chicken breast into strips and toss with 1/2 bell pepper and 1/4 onion, cut into strips. Toss with 1 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil and taco seasoning. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes or until cooked through (165 degrees F). Serve over 1/2 cup cooked brown rice. 1/2 cup and 1 orange. 1/2 cup cottage cheese mixed with 1/4 cantaloupe, cubed. Serve with 1 slice whole-grain toast spread with 1 tablespoon nut or nutless butter. Make a deconstructed sushi bowl using a mix of 1/2 cup cooked brown rice and 1/2 cup cooked cauliflower rice, 1/4 cucumber sliced into sticks, 1/3 avocado, chopped, and 3 ounces smoked salmon. Sprinkle with 1 nori seaweed sheet, crushed, 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds, and reduced-sodium soy sauce to taste. Cut 1/2 sweet potato into rounds and toss in 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Flip the sweet potato rounds and add 1 , cut into rounds, and another 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil to the baking sheet. Bake another 15 minutes or until the veggies are to your liking. While the vegetables are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and add 8 ounces extra lean ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and salt to taste. Reserve half the ground turkey for dinner another night (see Day 5). Add 1/4 cup green olives (pitted) to 1/4 cup store-bought hummus. Serve with 1/2 cup baby carrots. Top 1 slice whole grain toast with 1/3 avocado, mashed, and 1/4 tomato, sliced. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with 1/2 cup cottage cheese. Have 4 ounces store-bought rotisserie chicken with a tomato salad made with 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, sliced, and tossed in 2 teaspoons store-bought pesto. Serve with 1 orange. Cut1 zucchini into rounds and toss in 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes or until zucchini is cooked to your liking. Meanwhile, heat 1 cup frozen broccoli in the microwave. When vegetables are done, toss with 1/2 cup cooked whole grain spaghetti and the remaining 4 ounces ground turkey, reheated and cooked previously. Split 1/2 lengthwise and spread each half with 1/2 tablespoon tahini (1 tablespoon total). Divide 1 1/2 teaspoon hemp seeds between the two halves. Chop 1/4 bell pepper and heat in a skillet coated with 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil. Meanwhile whisk two eggs and combine with 1/4 tomato, chopped, 1/4 cup baby spinach, and 1 tablespoon feta cheese. When bell peppers are cooked to your liking, pour the egg mixture into the skillet and scramble. Serve egg scramble with 1 orange. 1 can vegetable soup (preferably low-sodium) mixed with 2/3 cup canned, drained and rinsed chickpeas. Heat 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and add 4 ounces of peeled and deveined shrimp and 1/2 tablespoon taco mix. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through. Meanwhile, mix 1/2 tablespoon taco mix with 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt. Serve shrimp over 1/2 cup cooked brown rice with 1/4 avocado, diced, chopped lettuce, salsa and the yogurt mixture. 1/2 cucumber, sliced, served with 1 ounce cheddar cheese This meal plan comes from the and amounts to 1,247 calories. It doesn’t meet the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin E (it hits 80%), vitamin B2 (96%), vitamin B6 (94%), calcium (68%), iron (63%) and zinc (73%). 1 medium slice whole-wheat bread with 2 teaspoons regular jelly; 1/2 cup shredded wheat cereal with 1 cup 1% milk; 3/4 cup orange juice and 1 cup coffee. 2 medium slices whole-wheat bread, 2 ounces unseasoned, lean roast beef, 1 lettuce leaf, 3 medium tomato slices and 1 teaspoon low-calorie mayonnaise; 1 medium and 1 glass of water. 2 ounces salmon cooked with 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 3/4 medium baked with 1 teaspoon margarine; 1/2 cup green beans seasoned with margarine; carrots; 1 small white dinner roll; unsweetened iced tea and water. 2 1/2 cups popcorn with 3/4 teaspoon margarine. As a registered dietitian, I would discourage most people from following a 1,200 calorie diet plan. It’s not necessary to restrict your food intake to this degree, even when trying to lose weight or get healthier. A plan like this is hard to maintain over time, and any short-term benefit you experience is likely to be canceled out if you aren’t able to sustain the weight loss. Studies show that losing just 5% of your weight can lead to major health benefits, including improving blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Finally, while you do need to cut calories to lose weight, you don’t need to count them, particularly if you focus on some other factors. Some of the for example, involve estimating and counting portions, but not calories. Here’s some simple advice to try: It’s easier to fill up on whole foods, such as chicken, fish, both starchy and non-starchy veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Eating a veggie-rich meal helps you feel full, which can reduce overeating. If you consume , one of the best things you can do is to swap them for unsweetened versions. Take note of food labels to shop for less-sweetened packaged food. When you want to treat yourself, do it mindfully. Think of splurges on a scale of so-so to totally worth it. Go for ones that are totally worth it to maximize your enjoyment and minimize eating less satisfying foods. A 1,200-calorie meal plan doesn’t teach you how to handle free samples at the grocery store or events like parties and happy hours. It also won’t help you pinpoint when you’re eating out of boredom or stress. Developing the tools to navigate these types of challenges can help you manage your weight — and your health — without going on a very low 1,200-calorie meal plan. , MS, RD, is a nutrition and wellness expert, author and columnist. Her latest book is " ." You can follow Samantha's practical balanced eating advice on Instagram at .

The Miller Beach Tourism Bureau has installed maps around the lakefront Miller section of Gary highlighting local merchants, including at the new South Shore Line Station. It also established the visitmillerbeachgary.com website with a directory of local businesses and detailed guide to the Indiana Dunes National Park, Lake Michigan and other attractions. It is further launching a social media presence on Instagram and Facebook that showcases the area's natural beauty and role as the western gateway to the Indiana Dunes. Small businesses owners came together to form the Miller Beach Tourism Bureau group, which landed grant funding from the Knight Foundation and Legacy Foundation to promote Miller Beach as an ecotourism destination. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts The graphic designer Brianna Schwab designed the Miller Beach business district map sign, which has been installed on Lake Street and the South Shore Miller Park. A new highway exit sign also was added on Dunes Highway. New wayfinding signs were put in to guide visitors to Marquette Park and the newly reopened Douglas Nature Center, which is part of the Indiana Dunes National Park and a trailhead for the Miller Woods. Brochures, a detailed downtown map and tear sheets were distributed to local businesses to help guide people to businesses like Indie Indie Bang Bang, Tiny's Coffee Bar and the Miller School Shops & Spaces. "We are so very grateful to NICTD for fabricating and installing this sign," said Peggy Blackwell, President of the Miller Beach Tourism Bureau. "Miller Beach is a hyperconnected destination. In just 50 minutes from Millennium Station in downtown Chicago, visitors can disembark with a bike and ride to Lake Michigan in just 20 minutes. Along the way, they’ll find charming restaurants, unique shops, and key points of the Indiana Dunes National Park, including the Douglas Nature Center. This sign will help guide visitors from the train station to all of these amazing places." For more information, visit visitmillerbeachgary.com .Seagate Technology Holdings PLC stock outperforms competitors on strong trading dayMARTIN KEOWN TALKS TACTICS: Tottenham's flying full back Pedro Porro will be a handful for shaky Man City as Pep Guardiola's men bid to end four-game losing streak Pedro Porro can be the difference maker for Spurs against Man City on Saturday Pep Guardiola's City will look to end their four-game losing streak Will Ruben Amorim be Man United's saviour? LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Available wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes every Monday and Thursday By MARTIN KEOWN Published: 17:32 EST, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 17:48 EST, 22 November 2024 e-mail View comments Losing is an occupational hazard if you’re most clubs, but not Manchester City . For them, it’s almost an annual event, so rare is it for them to lose one game of football, let alone four in a row. At Arsenal , we went through long periods without losing. You play in a very proud manner, with that feeling of being unbeatable energising and enveloping everyone. Yet I would be lying if I said we did not wonder what would happen if and when that bubble were to burst. Arsene Wenger even used to ask me how I thought the team might respond once we were beaten. Pep Guardiola faced that very problem over the last month as City became the talk of the Premier League for all the wrong reasons. Who knows, maybe the noise around Guardiola possibly leaving amid their 115 charges was unsettling, but all that uncertainty vanished overnight with his signing of a new two-year contract. Now what they need is to follow that up with a home win over Tottenham . Pedro Porro's relentless crossing ability from right back may prove to be a handful for Man City Pep Guardiola will look to snap his side's four game losing streak at home on Saturday evening Looking at the brave way Ange Postecoglou’s team play, City will be asked questions on Saturday evening. What Tottenham will offer is more balls into the box than anyone they have faced. Nobody in the Premier League has produced a higher number of crosses than Spurs’ 275 this season, with Pedro Porro responsible for 76 of those as the full back flies down the right wing to allow Brennan Johnson to move inside. When you look back at the goals conceded by City this could pose a problem, as there are some serious issues which need solving. Take Fulham’s second goal at the Etihad last month, for example. The visitors are moving the ball from side to side at the back, but then one punched pass takes them through two lines of City’s defensive shield and into a pocket of space behind their Rodri-less midfield. Fulham work it wide to Reiss Nelson on the right with zero pressure on them. The cross comes in from Nelson and City’s marking is non-existent. John Stones will know he should have been tight to Rodrigo Muniz as Fulham’s striker is on his own with time to control the ball and finish. City weathered that late storm to keep their 3-2 lead, but they have also conceded goals from crosses to Arsenal, Wolves and Bournemouth. City have had disruption in their defence, with Guardiola fielding six different back fours in 11 Premier League games. That said, equally concerning for Guardiola is how City have conceded in flurries in their last couple of defeats — two goals in five minutes to Brighton and three in 11 to Sporting Lisbon — which perhaps suggests a lack of leadership and character. Guardiola's side may face on onslaught of crosses from Spurs, who lead the league in this stat When you concede, you need to come together as a group, not allow your opponents to gain confidence and energy from grabbing that first goal. It would be ridiculous for anyone to write off City. They’re still in all the fights which they have won before, for the Premier League, for the Champions League and so on. This is fixable, of course it is. Guardiola is the professor of football in today’s game. His back is against the wall as he feels others are celebrating their four-defeat slump. But you can bet he will come out swinging like the serial winner he is. Tottenham Hotspur Pep Guardiola Manchester City Share or comment on this article: MARTIN KEOWN TALKS TACTICS: Tottenham's flying full back Pedro Porro will be a handful for shaky Man City as Pep Guardiola's men bid to end four-game losing streak e-mail Add comment

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”NEW YORK — A gunman killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, setting off a massive search for the fleeing assailant hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police had not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting “does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows someone emerging from behind a parked car, pointing a gun at Thompson’s back, then firing multiple times from several feet away. The gunman continues firing, interrupted by a brief gun jam, as Thompson stumbles forward and falls to the sidewalk. He shooter then walks past Thompson and out of the frame. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Thompson was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf, Tisch said. The shooter, who wore a jacket, face mask and large backpack, fled through Midtown on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, police said. The assailant remained at large Wednesday afternoon, sparking a search that included police drones, helicopters and dogs. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the insurer’s Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., said in a statement. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.” Police issued a poster showing a surveillance image of the man pointing what appeared to be a gun and another image that appeared to show the same person on a bicycle. Minutes before the shooting, he stopped at a nearby Starbucks, according to additional surveillance photos released by police on Wednesday afternoon. They offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. The killing shook a part of New York City that’s normally quiet at that hour, happening about four blocks from where tens of thousands of people were set to gather for Wednesday night’s tree lighting. Police promised extra security for the event. The hotel is also a short walk from other tourist sites, including the Museum of Modern Art and Radio City Music Hall, and is often dense with office workers and visitors on weekday mornings. Many security cameras are nearby. “We’re encouraging New Yorkers to go about their daily lives and their daily business but to be alert,” NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. They were also searching Thompson’s hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Kenny said. Police said the e-bike that the shooter used to ride into Central Park came from the city’s bike-share program, CitiBike. A spokesperson for Lyft, which operates the program, said police had not yet contacted the company. Health care giant UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the company’s direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompson’s death. “I’m afraid that we — some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” a company official told attendees, according to a transcript. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today. ... I’m sure you’ll understand.” Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.” “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.

Stock up on these popular board games for your next get-togetherKendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”

None

Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time

Letter: Homeless people can't even find a mangerRepublican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the amount of energy it would use — and whether it could lead to higher energy bills in the future. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states seeking to lure big tech firms in need of energy-intensive data centers with tax credits and other incentives. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utilities providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15 year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, who represents northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisianians and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated from Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96

Mumbai: The chief of the Maharashtra unit of the Samajwadi Party Abu Asim Azmi on Saturday announced his party’s withdrawal from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in the state over a post by a close aide of ally Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s and a related newspaper advertisment hailing the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992. The move by the Samajwadi Party(SP), which has two members in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, is seen as another sign of the growing discontent among regional parties within the opposition INDIA bloc of which the Congress is a leading constituent. Hours after Azmi’s announcement to pull out of the MVA alliance, another SP leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand appeared to distance the party’s national leadership from the remarks of the chief of its Maharashtra unit. Chaand said the SP’s national leadership will take a decision on continuance of the SP in the MVA. While the impact of the SP’s exit is expected to be minimal for the MVA, which was routed in the recent assembly elections securing only 50 out of 288 seats at stake, the NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar sought to play down Azmi’s announcement, saying the SP’s central leadership is firm on opposition unity. The main constituents of the MVA are the Congress, the Shiv Sena faction headed by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and the NCP(SP). Political analysts feel that while the SP’s exit is unlikely to harm the MVA directly due to its limited presence in the state, it could be a strategic move ahead of upcoming civic body elections. The announcement of the SP withdrawal was made by Azmi, who is also an MLA, after a local newspaper published an advertisement congratulating those involved in the Babri Masjid demolition on a disputed site in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on December 6, 1992. Additionally, a post by a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray, MLC Milind Narvekar, celebrated the act further aggravating tensions between the SP and the MVA partners. Narvekar also posted a photo of the demolition of the mosque accompanied by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s quote “I am proud of those who did this”. “An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished Babri masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition of the mosque,” Azmi said. “We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Yadav,” Azmi told PTI. Expressing his displeasure, Azmi said, “If anyone in the MVA speaks such language, what is the difference between the BJP and them? Why should we stay with them?” He criticised the reopening of old wounds, emphasising that no one has been held accountable for the mosque’s demolition. “The Congress has to decide whether it can ally with someone who speaks like this”. SP leader Chaand later said that SP’s national leadership will decide on his party’s alliance with others. “Abu Asim Azmi is a senior leader of Samajwadi Party in Maharashtra, but it is upon the national leadership to decide about party’s alliance with others. Abu Asim Azmi has said something, but the national leadership of the party will decide about it,” Chaand told PTI Videos. Chhand further said the INDIA bloc should remain united to take on the BJP. Azmi also said there was no coordination with parties like the SP during the Maharashtra assembly polls. The SP had contested eight seats and won two and had a friendly contest on six. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav responded to Azmi’s criticism, questioning the SP’s realisation of Shiv Sena’s stance after 32 years. He also accused the SP of leaning toward the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition. In response to the SP’s exit, senior Congress leader Nitin Raut said, “We will discuss with the Samajwadi Party about its decision and understand what the problem is.” The move by the SP highlights the broader tensions within the national INDIA bloc, which has been witnessing increasing dissatisfaction from various regional parties in the country. This also follows recent comments from West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, who has expressed her intent to take a more prominent role within the alliance amid the recent electoral setbacks for the Congress in several states including Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and now Maharashtra.Rams’ Jordan Whittington providing a spark at kick returnerWhitehorse Canada Games Centre ice rinks closed due to issue with compressor