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NoneIn celebration of the announcement of St. Maarten's first elevated sports complex, featuring two pickleball courts, two tennis courts and a padel court, Vie L'Ven launches a limited-edition pickleball paddle with Helios, inspired by the island's vibrant culture. TORONTO , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vie L'Ven Resort & Residences —a luxurious 280-room resort and residences that promises to redefine island living on the shores of Indigo Bay, St. Maarten has revealed an exciting new addition to its sports and activities offerings: the uniquely designed multi-sports court experience offering panoramic views of Indigo Bay and untouched natural reserves. The hotel and residences slated for opening in 2028, will feature two pickleball courts, two tennis courts, and a padel court that are set to transform the concept of sports facilities in the Caribbean . To celebrate the reveal, Vie L'Ven has partnered with Helios, the premium pickleball paddle brand, to create a bespoke, limited-edition pickleball paddle. The custom design paddles exclusive to Vie L'Ven, inspired by the vibrant culture and dynamic energy of St. Maarten , are crafted with carbon surface technology. The paddles are available in a limited quantity for purchase at the Vie L'Ven presentation gallery or included with a purchase of a unit. Explore the renderings and image of the custom paddle . Beyond its new courts, Vie L'Ven's residences are available with an array of spacious one to four-bedroom layouts, spanning from approximately 620 to over 2,003 square feet (58 to over 186 square meters) and lock-off options expanding up to 1,895 square feet (176 square meters). The property features the pinnacle of luxury amenities including a beach club with reserved cabanas and personalized butler service, a dedicated Les Clefs d'Or concierge team, three distinct pools including an adults-only offerings,on-beach water sports, an on-property private yacht dock, 30,000 square foot destination spa, children's playroom and childcare services and a nature reserve. Leading the culinary vision at Vie L'Ven and reinforcing its dedication to exceptional gastronomy, Chef Alain Ducasse—celebrated for his remarkable twenty-one Michelin stars and prestigious three-star rating—will introduce his first dining concept in the Caribbean . Drawing from the island's diverse cultural heritage and vibrant flavors, Chef Ducasse's innovative menu will be inspired by St. Maarten's natural bounty. His signature restaurant and bar will serve as the centerpiece, complemented by two additional distinct dining experiences on the property. Vie L'Ven is the vision of Altree Developments , a leader in the international real estate landscape, rooted in a 70-year multi-generational family legacy in the development industry. Committed to redefining Caribbean luxury, the concept for Vie L'Ven has been brought to life by renowned partners Studio Munge , HKS Architects and Leading Hotels of The World , all of who have been recognized globally for their dedication to creating world-class properties. Vie L'Ven's residences, with sales being led by St. Maarten Sotheby's International Realty , are in high demand. With limited availability remaining, prices have increased and are now in the $900 ,000s (USD) with additional upward price adjustments anticipated. As an added incentive, purchase a suite between December 4th, 2024 , and January 15th, 2025 , and enjoy one year free of Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, along with $10,000 in Resort Credits* for sumptuous dining and rejuvenating spa treatments. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are Artist's Concept. E & O.E. *Incentives are limited time only and subject to select suites. Incentives are subject to change without notice. See a Sales Representative for further details. Explore a virtual tour of the Orient Suite and the Rouge Suites to envision your oasis at Vie L'Ven. Be the first to receive the latest updates by registering at vielven.com . For sales inquiries contact +1-721-544-1545 or visit vielven.com or the presentation gallery on Indigo Bay Boulevard in Indigo Bay, St. Maarten . About Altree Developments Altree Developments is a leader in the international real estate landscape, rooted in a 70-year multi-generational family legacy in the development industry. Under the visionary leadership of Zev Mandelbaum , Altree is redefining urban living by transforming strategic residential and commercial sites into leading destinations. With an admirable portfolio that includes ultra-luxury condominiums and expansive master-planned communities, Altree's influence stretches across some of the most coveted addresses in Canada , America, and now, St. Maarten . Driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation and luxury, Altree's projects are designed to stand the test of time, offering unparalleled value, and shaping the future of urban living. For more information, visit altreedevelopments.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Goldstein ashleyg@alabgroup.com 917.890.7940 Ashley Orfus Ashley@alabgroup.com 917.232.7349 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-st-maartens-new-sports-landmark-vie-lvens-multi-court-with-panoramic-views-of-indigo-bay-and-limited-edition-pickleball-paddle-302337595.html SOURCE Vie L'Ven

A big shopping deadline is drawing near for some people, and it has nothing to do with the holidays. Millions of people use flexible spending accounts to help pay for health care, and some may lose money left in those accounts if they don’t spend it by year’s end. There are many ways to spend that use-it-or-use it balance __ think raiding the local drugstore __ but it’s important to understand FSA rules before going on a shopping spree. Here are some things to consider. FSAs let you set aside money from your paycheck before taxes to cover a wide range of medical expenses like copays, deductibles, eyeglasses and other supplies. They are set up through your employer, and individuals can set aside up to $3,300 in these accounts. Figuring out the right amount to set aside can be tricky because it involves forecasting how much care you might need. And you have to use the money by a certain point or you lose it. They can vary by employer or plan administrator. In some cases, you may have to spend the money by Dec. 31 or you will lose it. But many plans offer a grace period in the new year to let people use their remaining funds or they allow participants to carry over some of the leftover balance. “Make sure you understand the clock and the rules,” said David Feinberg of Justworks, a technology company that helps small businesses with benefits. There are limits. The IRS, for instance, limits the balance carried over to $660 for 2025. Any amounts over that could be lost if they are still in your account by the plan deadline. Think of medical expenses not covered by insurance. The IRS keeps a huge list of eligible expenses for both FSAs and health savings accounts. But companies can limit the expenses they’ll reimburse, so employees should check with their employers. Eligible expenses can include travel costs to the doctor’s office, eyeglasses, bandages, sunscreen, condoms and tampons. FSA dollars may even be used to cover things like gym memberships or electric massagers if you have a doctor’s note stating that they are medically necessary. But they don’t cover things like health insurance premiums or certain cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. Do you have any receipts from health care you could submit, like the copayment for a doctor’s office visit? That would qualify. Some plan administrators watch for stockpiling. Don’t buy a crate of aspirin to use up your balance. Limit purchases to about a year’s supply. Items can be bought in stores or online. Health savings accounts, or HSAs, also allow you to set aside money before taxes. The difference is that you won't lose the balance, you can keep the account if you leave your job, and some plans let you invest the money. HSAs can only be paired with high-deductible insurance plans. Account holders can contribute several thousand dollars each year, depending on the type of coverage they have. FSAs work with more types of coverage. And the help they offer can be more immediate. The money you decide to set aside over the course of the year is available right away. That can help people facing a big medical expense like a surgery at the start of a year, said Nicky Brown of Health Equity, which manages about 3 million FSAs. ____ 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. Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.

Jammu, Dec 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the Annual Day function of Jammu Sanskriti School “Karmanya-The Power of Good Deeds”, at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, Jammu University. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to the school management, teachers and students on its annual day. Over the years, many eminent teachers and educationists have contributed to high reputation the Jammu Sanskriti School enjoys today. It is an occasion to remember all of them with gratitude, he said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the prime objective of school education is to ignite the intellectual capacity of children. “The future of a nation is decided in school campus. The overall goal of our education system is to provide unique opportunity to every unique personality so that they can create something new and contribute to nation building with their unique talent,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the role of teachers and educational institutions in developing a conducive environment to boost the confidence of the students and motivate them to continue their quest to learn new skills. “In today’s era of rapid change, when new technological advancements are taking place every day, only one skill will be relevant in the future and that is – Lifelong Learning Skill,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He observed that the primary and secondary education is an interesting phase of positive change in a student’s life. He said, this is the time when knowledge and influence around affects his mind and body. Whatever a child learns in this impressionable age stays for long years. It is during this period when a child develops instincts to make decisions and the sense of understanding between good and bad, right and wrong. Our focus should be to develop primary and secondary education as per the needs of the modern world, he added. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor gave seven resolutions to the educational institutions across the UT of J&K to adopt new technologies in education, focus on both knowledge and values and to stimulate students’ intellectual capacity. “The first resolution is to make the digital learning system interactive and encourage children to actively participate in the learning process. We must focus on one-to-one mentoring instead of information delivery, and offer field experience to students outside the classroom. Teachers must share their life experiences with the students, encourage them for data interpretation and problem solving, and provide them with the freedom to explore new ideas. Our focus should also be on project-based learning so that children develop the ability to use their skills in different situations. The seventh resolution is to ensure regular training and capacity building of teachers and provide them the opportunity to learn new things continuously,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor further impressed upon the youth to imbibe the ideals of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. National Education Policy 2020 is a great opportunity for you. Kindle the curiosity within you and discover new frontiers in real life through independent thinking, creativity and problem solving, he said. The Lieutenant Governor felicitated the students who excelled in academics and diverse fields. He also released the latest edition of school magazine. Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu; Sh Harpreet Singh, Chairman, Jammu Sanskriti School; Ms. Rohini Aima, Principal of the school, teachers, students and parents were present. Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, heads of various institutions and senior officials of Civil and Police Administration were also present on the occasion.ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abacus Life, Inc. (“Abacus” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ABL), a pioneering alternative asset manager specializing in longevity and actuarial technology, today announced the closing of its oversubscribed underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, consisting of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock sold by the Company and 2,500,000 shares of common stock sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the “Selling Stockholders”) at the public offering price of $8.00 per share. The gross proceeds raised in the offering, before underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of the offering, were approximately $100 million, of which approximately $80 million was raised in the primary offering by the Company and approximately $20 million was paid in connection with the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders. Abacus intends to use net proceeds that it receives for its operations, including the purchase of life settlement policies, to support its overall business strategy, for working capital purposes, and for general corporate purposes, which may include funding previously announced and future acquisitions and repayment and refinancing of its indebtedness. Abacus did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the Selling Stockholders. Piper Sandler & Co., TD Securities (USA) LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc. and SG Americas Securities, LLC acted as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters for the offering. The registration statements on Form S-3 relating to this offering were declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 14, 2024. Final prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectuses relating to and describing the terms of the offering were filed with the SEC on November 25, 2024 and may be obtained from: Piper Sandler & Co. by mail at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10020 or by email at prospectus@psc.com; TD Securities (USA) LLC by mail at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, by telephone at (855) 495-9846 or by email at TD.ECM_Prospectus@tdsecurities.com; KKR Capital Markets LLC by mail at 30 Hudson Yards, 75th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Prospectus Delivery; B. Riley Securities, Inc. by mail at 1300 17th Street North, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by email at prospectuses@brileyfin.com; SG Americas Securities, LLC by mail at 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167 or by email at us-ny-prospectus@sgcib.com; or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares of the Company’s common stock or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of such shares of common stock or any other securities in any state or other 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 other jurisdiction. About Abacus Abacus is a pioneering global alternative asset manager and market maker specializing in uncorrelated financial products. The Company leverages its longevity data and actuarial technology to purchase life insurance policies from consumers seeking liquidity. This creates a high-return asset class uncorrelated to market fluctuations for institutional investors. With nearly $3 billion in assets under management, including pending acquisitions, Abacus is the only publicly traded global alternative asset manager focused on lifespan-based financial products. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this press release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Abacus. Forward-looking information includes but is not limited to statements regarding the proposed offering, including the expected closing of the proposed offering; Abacus’s financial and operational outlook; Abacus’s operational and financial strategies, including planned growth initiatives and the benefits thereof, Abacus’s ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” ”intend,” “anticipate,” “goals,” “prospects,” “will,” “would,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions). While Abacus believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the fact that Abacus’s loss reserves are bases on estimates and may be inadequate to cover its actual losses; the failure to properly price Abacus’s insurance policies; the geographic concentration of Abacus’s business; the cyclical nature of Abacus’s industry; the impact of regulation on Abacus’s business; the effects of competition on Abacus’s business; the failure of Abacus’s relationships with independent agencies; the failure to meet Abacus’s investment objectives; the inability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; the effects of acts of terrorism; and the effectiveness of Abacus’s control environment, including the identification of control deficiencies. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties set forth in documents filed by Abacus with the SEC from time to time, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent periodic reports. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Abacus cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Abacus assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Abacus does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Contacts: Robert Phillips – SVP Investor Relations rob@abacuslife.com (321) 290-1198 David Jackson – IR/Capital Markets Associate djackson@abacuslife.com (321) 299-0716 Abacus Life Public Relations press@abacuslife.comBy Ja'han Jones Having thrown their support to Donald Trump during this election cycle, MAGA podcasters and other content creators from the Trump-adjacent ecosystem are preparing to step up to help prop up Trump’s second administration. That support can be seen as analogous to state-run media: They’ll be propagandists who act as an extension of the Trump administration’s communications efforts. And it looks like they’re primed to get more access to their MAGA “daddy” than ever before. In recent weeks, pro-Trump podcasters Joe Rogan and Adin Ross , who both endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential bid, have claimed they’ve had conversations with Team Trump about interviews with the president-elect next year. And these claims come as Donald Trump Jr. has suggested that the White House welcome more MAGA podcasters into the briefing room. During an appearance with far-right podcaster Michael Knowles last week, Trump Jr. claimed he and the president-elect have discussed potentially replacing some traditional media outlets with MAGA-friendly influencers. This idea has, understandably, worried some members of the press . There’s plenty of reason for the broader public to be concerned, as well. Over the past year, I’ve covered Trump’s use of right-wing podcasters and other influencers to boost his public image . Even if one assumes the podcasters that Team Trump wants to platform intend to act as neutral, apolitical arbiters of fact who want to serve the public (which I don’t), a recent U.N. study found a majority of influencers lack basic fact-checking. It’s hard to argue that this change is likely to produce anything but a flood of posts and podcasts echoing pro-Trump talking points. It seems MAGA world wants its own ecosystem of like-minded influencers, not unlike what Russian President Vladimir Putin has created for himself. Or the propaganda network Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán advised Republicans to develop . Team Trump’s pivot to influencers is one more reason for Americans to improve their information diet by tuning in to organizations that specialize in identifying misinformation and manipulative propaganda. All signs suggest we should expect a deluge after Trump returns to office. Ja'han Jones is The ReidOut Blog writer. He's a futurist and multimedia producer focused on culture and politics. His previous projects include "Black Hair Defined" and the "Black Obituary Project."

We’ve got our Chelsea back – Enzo Maresca loving chants from fans after winGeode Capital Management LLC Purchases 45,754 Shares of National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:EYE)

Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | Tech review: Earbuds and phones for those on your holiday list Business | How’s the market? Rules for homebuyers are changing Business | The year in money: inflation eased, optimism ticked upward Business | Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen’s friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish Business | Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systems Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Rutgers looks to pick up steam in clash vs. Seton HallWASHINGTON , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, December 4 , Dr. Jennifer Bauwens , Family Research Council's Director of the Center for Family Studies, spoke at a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, in support of Tennessee's Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). SB 1 is a commonsense protection for minors from "gender transition" procedures that often result in sterilization and life-long medicalization . Dr. Bauwens has a Ph.D. from New York University and has worked extensively as a researcher and a clinician providing trauma-focused treatment to children in foster-care and adults who have experienced interpersonal and collective traumas. In her role at FRC, she researches and advocates for policies that will best serve the health and well-being of families and communities. She has also testified before Congress regarding "gender transition" procedures. Bauwens stated, in part: "I've spent my career protecting vulnerable and abused children. Today, I stand with all of you to continue the important fight for the safety and well-being of hurting children. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive safe, effective, and loving care when they are in pain. "Unfortunately, some in my profession have set aside everything we know about child development, neurology, and trauma and have instead prioritized ideology over the tenets of good practice. "These individuals willfully ignore good research--which has been funded by our own government--that clearly shows that children lack the developmental capacity and judgment to understand the long-term consequences of altering or removing their healthy body parts. "The fact is, 'gender-affirming care' is the most physiologically invasive practice within the entire mental health field. No other practice used to treat a mental health condition has proven to be this intrusive, since the lobotomy. Despite this reality, 'gender-affirming care' has been permitted across our country, even though it has been shown to be harmful. These procedures should've never been tried on a single child. "Our children and families have been lied to. My profession has told children that all their problems will go away if they deny their biology and try to live as someone else. "For those who have already been harmed, I pray for you to be healed from the destruction caused by these procedures. I pray for you to be healed from the lies that you were told by professionals in my field who made you believe that 'gender-affirming care' would make your pain stop. I also pray for those who genuinely believe that 'gender-affirming care' is good. We care about you enough to tell you the truth. We will continue to pray and fight for you, too, that you would receive true healing and be able to enjoy who God created you to be," Bauwens concluded. FRC, which worked with on-the-ground allies in Arkansas to pass the first such bill in the nation in 2021, submitted an amicus brief in this case, demonstrating that the American medical societies who support gender transition procedures on minors are motivated by politics and ideology. The amicus brief demonstrates that medical societies are recklessly ignoring the data, citing only a handful of slipshod studies that failed to control for relevant variables or to reach statistically or clinically significant results. Meanwhile, medical societies in Western Europe continue to put the brakes on performing experimental "gender transition" procedures on minors. To read FRC and the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE)'s joint publication, The Trans Youth Phenomenon: Critiques & Hard Questions: https://www.frc.org/booklet/the-trans-youth-phenomenon-critiques-hard-questions To watch Dr. Bauwens' speech, please download the Stand Firm app at the Apple or Google Play Stores. To read Bauwens' full speech, please see: https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=LK24L09&f=LK24L09 SOURCE Family Research CouncilKSU wrests Cusat students’ union after 30 years

WARWICK, R.I. , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As travelers gear up for the busy holiday season, navigating the unpredictable flight landscape will be more crucial than ever. New data analyzed by InsureMyTrip researchers reveals which U.S. airports have experienced the highest (and lowest) percentage of delays and cancellations in 2024. Whether you're visiting family across the country or jetting off for a winter vacation, knowing which airports to avoid could save you time and frustration during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. San Francisco and Buffalo: Travel Hotspots with the Most Disruptions San Francisco International (SFO) takes the top spot for the highest percentage of delayed flights this year, with 37.18% of flights delayed between January and June 2024 . Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) saw the highest percentage of cancellations, with 2.74% of flights scrapped. Holiday Travel to Florida and Texas ? Expect Delays Several airports in popular holiday destinations like Florida and Texas consistently appeared on the list of top airports for delays. Travelers flying through Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), or Tampa (TPA) in Florida , or Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Austin-Bergstrom (AUS), and San Antonio (SAT) in Texas , should brace for potential delays this holiday season. Double Trouble in San Francisco and Miami Both San Francisco International (SFO) and Miami International (MIA) made the top 10 lists for both delays and cancellations, signaling operational challenges that could cause headaches for holiday travelers through the end of the year. Weather Woes Could Hamper Holiday Plans With weather-related delays on the rise, travelers flying through Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), and Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) should keep an eye on the forecast when making holiday travel plans. These airports experienced the highest percentages of weather-related delays. Lowest Percentage of Delays and Cancellations: Where to Fly for a Stress-Free Holiday On a brighter note, Salt Lake City (SLC), Atlanta (ATL), Boise (BOI), and San Jose Mineta International (SJC) were among the airports with the lowest percentage of delays and cancellations — offering smoother travel experiences for those looking to avoid holiday headaches. Find the latest airport delay and cancellation data HERE . The Importance of Travel Insurance During the Holiday Rush As airports become busier during the holidays and flight delays and cancellations become more frequent, the protection offered by travel insurance becomes even more essential. A policy may allow travelers to secure reimbursement for non-refundable trip components such as hotel bookings, tours, concert tickets, cruises, and transportation arrangements (like car rentals) that may be impacted by a flight delay or cancellation. A Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy, for example, can provide coverage for unexpected disruptions, including weather-related and other delays, trip cancellation, missed connections, lost/delayed baggage, along with emergency medical and 24-hour assistance. Bottomline: As the holiday season approaches, this data offers a timely reminder for travelers to book strategically, stay informed about potential delays, and have backup plans in place when navigating through busy airports. Media Contact: Meghan Kayata Press@insuremytrip.com Methodology Rankings were based on the flight delay and cancellation rates per airport between January and June 2024 . Sources include InsureMyTrip and The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). BTS tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers. About InsureMyTrip You like options. We do too. It's simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise. InsureMyTrip is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holiday-travel-alert-airports-with-highest-percentage-of-delays-and-cancellations-in-2024-302323118.html SOURCE InsureMyTrip © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.None

DFA: No need to cancel South Korea trips; just be cautioushe last appearance of in 2024 begins on Tuesday, November 26, where according to astrology, many people will be able to feel the effects and find explanations about their mood and even the strategy to follow in the realization of procedures and agreements. will be present until Sunday, December 15, when the planet will move from degree 22 to degree 6 in the sign of Sagittarius, but it is an optical illusion in which it seems that circulates in the opposite direction in its orbit. Astrologically, is a planet that is attributed with an energy that affects individuals, so during these days it is associated with effects related to communication, travel and technology, and it is also recommended to take advantage of its energy to reflect on the past. will occur under the influence of the sign of Sagittarius, which symbolizes a dispute between logic and spirituality, while generating doubts between beliefs and the decisions we make. Another situation that can arise during this season is that everything goes slower, so it is advisable to avoid making big decisions until the influence ends, because it is a period associated with confusion and delays in important matters. Signs most affected during Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius The signs with the greatest influence from this movement are:

Illinois Boys High School Basketball Poll

WASHINGTON , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, December 4 , Dr. Jennifer Bauwens , Family Research Council's Director of the Center for Family Studies, spoke at a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, in support of Tennessee's Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). SB 1 is a commonsense protection for minors from "gender transition" procedures that often result in sterilization and life-long medicalization . Dr. Bauwens has a Ph.D. from New York University and has worked extensively as a researcher and a clinician providing trauma-focused treatment to children in foster-care and adults who have experienced interpersonal and collective traumas. In her role at FRC, she researches and advocates for policies that will best serve the health and well-being of families and communities. She has also testified before Congress regarding "gender transition" procedures. Bauwens stated, in part: "I've spent my career protecting vulnerable and abused children. Today, I stand with all of you to continue the important fight for the safety and well-being of hurting children. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive safe, effective, and loving care when they are in pain. "Unfortunately, some in my profession have set aside everything we know about child development, neurology, and trauma and have instead prioritized ideology over the tenets of good practice. "These individuals willfully ignore good research--which has been funded by our own government--that clearly shows that children lack the developmental capacity and judgment to understand the long-term consequences of altering or removing their healthy body parts. "The fact is, 'gender-affirming care' is the most physiologically invasive practice within the entire mental health field. No other practice used to treat a mental health condition has proven to be this intrusive, since the lobotomy. Despite this reality, 'gender-affirming care' has been permitted across our country, even though it has been shown to be harmful. These procedures should've never been tried on a single child. "Our children and families have been lied to. My profession has told children that all their problems will go away if they deny their biology and try to live as someone else. "For those who have already been harmed, I pray for you to be healed from the destruction caused by these procedures. I pray for you to be healed from the lies that you were told by professionals in my field who made you believe that 'gender-affirming care' would make your pain stop. I also pray for those who genuinely believe that 'gender-affirming care' is good. We care about you enough to tell you the truth. We will continue to pray and fight for you, too, that you would receive true healing and be able to enjoy who God created you to be," Bauwens concluded. FRC, which worked with on-the-ground allies in Arkansas to pass the first such bill in the nation in 2021, submitted an amicus brief in this case, demonstrating that the American medical societies who support gender transition procedures on minors are motivated by politics and ideology. The amicus brief demonstrates that medical societies are recklessly ignoring the data, citing only a handful of slipshod studies that failed to control for relevant variables or to reach statistically or clinically significant results. Meanwhile, medical societies in Western Europe continue to put the brakes on performing experimental "gender transition" procedures on minors. To read FRC and the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE)'s joint publication, The Trans Youth Phenomenon: Critiques & Hard Questions: https://www.frc.org/booklet/the-trans-youth-phenomenon-critiques-hard-questions To watch Dr. Bauwens' speech, please download the Stand Firm app at the Apple or Google Play Stores. To read Bauwens' full speech, please see: https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=LK24L09&f=LK24L09 SOURCE Family Research CouncilAn activist has taken measures into her own hands after Transport for London (TfL) bosses banned adverts in support of farmers on the London Underground as they deemed them “too political”. TfL and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have been criticised for perceived double standards after adverts in support of assisted dying were allowed to be put up across the network in the lead up to a vote on the matter in the House of Commons. The National Farmers Union (NFU) had been due to spend £40,000 on posters around Westminster station with a "Stop The Family Farm Tax" campaign to hopefully keep the issue in the minds of MPs when they return to Parliament on January 6. But Transport for London (TfL) , who report to Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan, have banned the ads. The unnamed activist accused Khan of “trying to silence the farmers” as she took to placing homemade posters in stations and on trains herself. In a video she said: “We disagree with you Sadiq, we think this is a really important subject and we believe that the people have the right to know.” The government has come under pressure since announcing in the October budget that farmers exemption from paying inheritance tax on their estate would be stopped for properties valued at more than £3 million. In November, thousands of farmers took to Westminster to call for the government to reverse the decision which the NFU claims will lead to family farms being sold off to large corporations due to their inability to pay the tax. The activist added: “Apparently, the inheritance tax which our farmers are facing is ‘too political’ but it affects everybody, absolutely everyone. No farmers, no food. “According to Mr Khan, these are far too political but not as political as the assisted dying bill which were allowed to be used throughout the underground.” A female activist is sticking news articles and campaign slogans that are pro-farmers on the London tube in protest against Sadiq Khan’s biased ban. https://t.co/xab4Mz89eo pic.twitter.com/rVe0Og9Lz4 Victoria Atkins , Tory rural affairs spokesman, told the Mail "Labour know they're in the wrong" and that they were "trying to silence those who are pointing this out to their MPs". She said: 'It may be news to the Labour mayor, but Londoners and commuters eat food. They will be hit by higher food prices and weakened food security once Labour's Family Farm Tax and National Insurance hikes take their toll on British farms." TfL said the adverts for assisted dying put up by campaign group Dignity in Dying were compliant with its advertising policy but that it had not allowed the NFU adverts because they "contains imagery and illustrations which are politically controversial" and "promotes a party political cause or electioneering". A spokesman for the NFU said: "We were surprised and disappointed that TfL refused to allow us to advertise this campaign on behalf of Britain's farmers, especially given all the campaigns from other groups they have allowed. "It makes no sense, even within their own rules."

BioLife Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLFS) Shares Bought by Geode Capital Management LLCTORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, secured approval from EASA authority, Argentina, Japan, and India for its improved empennage on select Robinson helicopter models. This follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) prior approval of the same configuration for the R66 in 2023 and R44 and R22 in 2024. The new empennage includes a symmetrical horizontal stabilizer and tailcone. In addition to previously announced approvals, the new empennage is now standard on: Since securing approval from the FAA, the company has delivered nearly 700 retrofit kits, in addition to about 250 new production aircraft with the new empennage. Robinson Helicopter is currently offering a retrofit kit for existing R44 and R66 aircraft at a discounted rate of $3,600 USD and R22 aircraft at $4,850 USD through the end of December 2025. Horizontal stabilizers can be purchased through authorized dealers, service centers, or by calling Robinson Helicopter customer service. The symmetrical horizontal stabilizer is a key improvement that enhances the safety and performance of Robinson helicopters. By improving roll stability, particularly during high-speed flights, it contributes to a smoother and safer flight experience. Additionally, the symmetrical stabilizer helps reduce the right-rolling tendency when the aircraft is operated outside of the approved flight envelope. “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to continuous safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction around the world,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “This certification is a testament to our team’s tireless pursuit in enhancing the Robinson flying experience and setting new standards for safety and performance in the industry.” About Robinson Helicopter Company For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com . Contact: Robyn E. Eagles Robyn.eagles@robinsonheli.com 323-547-5102 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97e6f39f-6622-4025-bce0-525932cca657 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03fc0ff4-fd26-4c7b-a23d-41f34c25d5a0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be56e968-42b5-41df-b62a-a17690dc55f0