The five-part series will debut globally on December 10, following elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. A trailer for the series titled Polo, executive produced by Harry and Meghan, was released on Thursday, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the “fast-paced and glamorous world of polo”. In a statement, Harry said: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour. “We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.” It has been produced by the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions, having previously released three documentaries with Netflix as part of a multimillion-pound deal with the streaming giant. Heart Of Invictus, which aired last August, followed a group of service members on their road to the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style sporting competition set up by Harry in 2014 for injured and sick military personnel and veterans. Netflix also released the documentary series Live To Lead and the controversial six-part Harry & Meghan documentary in December 2022. Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties.Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The place for a ladle is on the pot The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. Houseplants don't get much easier than this The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Making your own (plant-based) milk If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.
Marvel Rivals players who thought they escaped Overwatch’s dominating Hanzo meta have realized it’s been repackaged as Hawkeye. One shots are back on the table, and players aren’t happy. For years, Overwatch players resented the overpowering qualities of heroes like Hanzo and Widowmaker. Between balance updates and other tweaks, the two snipers often frustrated players with their pinpoint accuracy, too-large projectiles, and one-shot kills . Now another long-range character in a different hero shooter is similarly wrecking havoc – Marvel Rivals’ Hawkeye. This version of Hawkeye has already come under fire due to the sheer amount of damage he deals. As such, Overwatch veterans fear the Marvel Rivals developers haven’t learned from the former’s shortcomings. Marvel Rivals players dub Hawkeye “Hanzo on steroids” Calls for NetEase to nerf the bow-wielding vigilante won’t cease. “Please nerf this character. He makes the game miserable to play,” wrote one person in a Reddit post . Elsewhere, another user said Hawkeye makes matches “1,000,000,000x less fun.” For many, Hawkeye’s gameplay-related problems are numerous. One-shot kills, oversized projectiles, and an insanely quick fire rate count as but a few. With these in mind, players have likened him to “original Hanzo from OW.” It’s “pretty absurd how good he is even with mediocre aim,” a user lamented in one thread. Others pointed out that, akin to Widowmaker and Hanzo, Hawkeye will continue to make Marvel Rivals less fun so long as “long range 1 shots are a thing.” Another frustrated plalyer chimed in to add, “Had the problem with Overwatch’s Hanzo, his one-shots always felt BS. Low skill, low risk, high reward is how it seems making deaths feel unjust and unfair.” Related: Interestingly, a mid-September 2024 update gave Hanzo back his ability to one-shot kill OW2 heroes. The change came several months after Season 9 nerfs that players labeled “soulless.” Reason suggests Hawkeye will experience similar ups and downs throughout Marvel Rivals’ life cycle. But since NetEase has yet to address the ongoing complaints, there’s no telling when players can expect balance updates to tweak his weapons and abilities.A seminar hosted by Ganado Advocates and Zampa Debattista highlighted the unique challenges facing Maltese family businesses. Findings from a misco survey presented at the forum revealed that family businesses account for 70% of Malta’s 75,000 businesses and that while half of them have expanded internationally, another 66% intend to do so in the future. However, for those uninterested in global expansion, reasons include retirement, market focus on Malta, or lack of resources. A first panel highlighted four core challenges facing these companies: talent shortages at all levels, technological adaptation, access to finance, and competitive pressure from international corporations. Talent shortages were particularly concerning, as several business owners reported difficulty attracting the skills necessary for sustaining growth. The panellists argued that inadequate talent limits a company’s ability to innovate and expand, especially as industries evolve and demand new expertise. This challenge is exacerbated by older family members who sometimes resist change, favouring tradition over innovation - a mindset that can hinder progress in dynamic markets. Adding to these hurdles, family businesses also face intense competition from global players entering Malta’s markets, putting pressure on local companies to adopt technology and streamline their operations. For these family-owned firms, evolving business practices isn’t optional; it’s critical to survival. Panellists emphasized that achieving resilience in the face of such competition requires financial flexibility and strategic foresight. As the panel’s experts pointed out, flexibility in financial planning is crucial to safeguarding family businesses however, unlike large corporations with more diversified resources, family-owned firms remain vulnerable to economic fluctuations and inflation. Adopting flexible financial models will allow family businesses to better withstand market shifts and invest in growth. An essential component of this growth involves training the younger generation, which many Maltese family businesses have started prioritizing. By equipping younger family members with skills in modern governance and technology, companies create a stronger succession pipeline, ensuring that new leaders can navigate future challenges and keep pace with the rapidly changing business environment. One major theme in the seminar was the potential for family businesses to grow by acquisition – a move that, while complex, can deliver significant benefits. However, the panellists stressed the importance of having a clear strategy and vision in place when pursuing this route. Growth through acquisition can be an effective way to shield profits from inflation, but only if it’s approached with a well-defined plan that targets gaps in existing operations. Speakers also noted that successful acquisitions require family businesses to identify and address operational shortcomings. By strategically selecting businesses that complement or fill these gaps, family firms can expand their market presence and bolster profitability. The experts cautioned attendees to be wary of acquisitions where “bad chemistry,” a lack of compromise, or an absence of growth potential could create difficulties in integration and limit long-term benefits. A session on business valuation revealed that one of the more delicate aspects of managing a family firm involves understanding its true market worth. Family members can sometimes assign an emotional value to the business that doesn’t align with its intrinsic value, making it challenging to determine an objective price. Valuations should be based on actual performance and potential for growth, not familial attachment. Key elements of a successful valuation include ensuring that governance structures are in place, operational issues are managed, and necessary documentation is complete. These measures not only enhance the business’s credibility but also make it more attractive to potential buyers or investors. Increased value due to rigorous operational practices often justifies a higher price, positioning the company favourably within the market. The seminar also explored the trends shaping family businesses in Malta and beyond, with a clear focus on the impact of technology and generational change. The younger generation of business leaders is entering these companies with a greater understanding of technology and corporate governance, and they are more willing to adopt practices that enhance agility and scalability. Matthew Bezzina, CEO of eCabs, was featured in a one-on-one interview where he shared insights on the importance of technology in family businesses. Bezzina explained that, for eCabs, building a scalable tech platform has been essential to adapting in a fast-paced industry. Despite challenges posed by Malta’s regulatory framework, which Bezzina described as “reactive,” eCabs has managed to innovate, recently positioning its tech platform for international expansion. His perspective resonated with many attendees, as he illustrated how technological agility can help family businesses stay competitive, particularly when expanding beyond Malta. His remarks underscored the seminar’s focus on adaptability and the importance of embracing innovation to meet global demands. Survey results presented by Ilaria Zammit of misco indicated that family businesses in Malta are increasingly looking beyond domestic borders. While 47% of survey respondents reported having already internationalized, a further 66% expressed intentions to expand abroad. Those who were less inclined to consider international growth cited reasons like impending retirement, a focus on local markets, and a lack of viable opportunities. The survey results also revealed a cautious optimism about international expansion, with many family business owners open to scaling operations when the circumstances align with their business strategy. Panellists noted that internationalization can not only increase revenue streams but also create a buffer against local market fluctuations, making it an attractive prospect for growth-minded family firms. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.
None17 years after I gave blood an unexpected email changed my life
Avior Wealth Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF ( BATS:BBJP – Free Report ) by 11.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 2,190 shares of the company’s stock after selling 289 shares during the quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF were worth $130,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its stake in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF by 125.2% during the second quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 678 shares of the company’s stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 377 shares in the last quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC grew its stake in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF by 84.4% in the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 1,088 shares of the company’s stock valued at $61,000 after buying an additional 498 shares during the period. Marquette Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $65,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $72,000. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF by 147.6% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,362 shares of the company’s stock worth $77,000 after acquiring an additional 812 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF Stock Performance BATS BBJP opened at $56.31 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $57.58 and its 200 day moving average price is $57.10. The company has a market capitalization of $11.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.74 and a beta of 0.77. About JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF The JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF (BBJP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index of Japanese large- and mid-cap stocks. BBJP was launched on Jun 15, 2018 and is managed by JPMorgan Chase. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBJP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF ( BATS:BBJP – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
This is CNBC's live blog covering Asia-Pacific markets. Asia-Pacific markets were poised to open mixed after Wall Street rally stalled overnight even as inflation data came in line with expectations. The U.S. personal consumption expenditure price index, or PCE, rose 2.3% on an annualized basis , accelerating from 2.1% in September. The so-called core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, climbed 2.8% in the 12 months through October, up from 2.7% in the previous month. Both matched the expectations from economists polled by Reuters, according to LSEG data. The Bank of Korea is expected to hold its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.25% when its monetary policy committee meets later in the day, according to a Reuters poll of economists. The central bank will also announce updated economic growth and inflation forecasts. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 started the day up 0.5%. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a softer open for the market, with the futures contract in Chicago at 37,945 and its counterpart in Osaka at 37,930 compared to the previous close of 38,134.97. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures were at 19,618, higher than the HSI's last close of 19,603.13. Overnight in the U.S., declines in big technology names pulled markets lower in a thin trading session. Chipmaking powerhouse Nvidia lost more than 1%, while Meta Platforms slid 0.8%. Dell and HP dropped more than 12% and 11%, respectively, following weak earnings forecasts. The S&P 500 declined 0.38% to 5,998.74, snapping a seven-day winning streak. The Nasdaq Composite lost 0.6% to end at 19,060.48. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 138.25 points, or 0.31%, to finish at 44,722.06, reversing course gaining more than 140 points. The U.S. market will be closed on Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday. — CNBC's Alex Harring and Sean Conlon contributed to this report. CNBC Pro: 5 tech stocks in supply chain management could benefit from Trump's tariffs, Redburn Atlantic says President-elect Donald Trump's proposed steep tariffs on imports could create winners in the stock market — particularly among companies that help businesses manage their supply chains, according to Redburn Atlantic. These tech stocks have outperformed during "periods of supply chain uncertainty," the Redburn analyst said citing 2018-2019 trade tensions between the U.S. and China. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Ganesh Rao CNBC Pro: U.S. stocks too expensive? Morningstar's top exec reveals where he's investing instead Attractive returns and a breadth of opportunities are among the reasons the U.S. market historically reigned supreme among investors. However, one market watcher considers U.S. stocks expensive and is now seeking opportunities in other markets that are cheaper. "We believe markets outside the U.S. are more attractive than the U.S. largely from a valuation perspective," Kunal Kapoor, chief executive officer at Morningstar said, revealing markets with "attractive pockets" of opportunity. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Amala BalakrishnerGame-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more
Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more
The opposition People’s National Party’s (PNP) victories in the Aenon Town and Morant Bay divisions have delivered a blow to the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) just 72 hours before its final conference ahead of the next parliamentary election. Nonetheless, the JLP is revelling in its triumph in the by-elections for the constituencies of Trelawny Southern and St Andrew North Western. In Aenon Town in Clarendon Northern, the PNP’s Delroy Dawson, a two-time councillor who the JLP’s Majorie McLeod defeated in February this year, regained the seat for the party, finishing ahead of JLP candidate Suzette Barton by 56 votes, according to the preliminary results from the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ). McLeod’s death in September triggered the by-election. The voter turnout in Aenon Town was 46.7 per cent, higher than the 29.6 per cent national turnout for the municipal elections in February. Those results were followed by the final count in Morant Bay, St Thomas Eastern, where the PNP’s Yvonne Rosemarie Shaw defeated the JLP’s Winston Downie by 118 votes, polling 2,096 to his 1,978. The victory is the seventh for Shaw, a former mayor who has represented both major political parties. The voter turnout was 37 per cent in the division consistently won by the PNP. SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT The win for the PNP comes against the backdrop of significant development in St Thomas in recent years by the Holness administration, which includes the St Thomas leg of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project and the construction of the $6-billion Morant Bay Urban Centre. PNP President Mark Golding said the party had done the work on the ground to secure the victories, calling it a good day for democracy in Jamaica. “What this win reflects is that with the benefit of the popular support that we have nationally and the strength of our organisation on the ground and as a united political movement under my leadership, we are unstoppable,” Golding said in Aenon Town. He accused the JLP of conducting questionable activities in the division, which general secretary of the party Dr Horace Chang has dismissed as mischief. Golding lamented the absence of a political ombudsman to examine what he described as political misconduct. Further, he insisted that Prime Minister Andrew Holness announce a date for the general election due next September, arguing that the country needs a change in direction. That aside, former House Speaker Marisa Dalrymple Philibert dismissed former JLP Councillor Lloyd Gillings, securing 4,146 votes to his 1,434 in Trelawny Southern. Gillings contested as an independent candidate. The PNP did not field a candidate for the by-election. The victory for Dalrymple Philibert means a fifth term in Gordon House following her resignation in September 2023 over an unfavourable Integrity Commission report. It also validates the JLP’s decision to reselect Dalrymple Philibert as its candidate amid raised eyebrows in some quarters, and a desire by JLP protestors weeks ago to have her return. The voter turnout in Trelawny Southern was 22.2 per cent. Similarly, the JLP’s Duane Smith trounced independent candidate and former House Speaker Carl Marshall, albeit in a low-voting by-election, by 1,752 votes in St Andrew North Western. Smith tallied 1,863 votes to the 111 votes secured by Marshall, a former member of parliament who ran on a PNP ticket. The voter turnout was 6.2 per cent. Former PNP candidate Rohan Banks, who was expected to contest the election as an independent, withdrew a day before. He told The Gleaner that he had a conversation with Marshall and both agreed that it was best that only one of them moved forward. The PNP did not contest the by-election. Yesterday, Smith said he was satisfied with the victory and getting 95 per cent of the votes. “The turnout was low but as mentioned several times, it was expected to be low because people in North West St Andrew don’t take by-elections that are being uncontested by any main opposition party seriously,” he said. ‘GAME OF CHANCE’ Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Holness told The Gleaner that he has been speaking about improving the level of representation the party gives to the people, noting that it starts with candidate selection and candidate training. He said the JLP will invest heavily in its representatives’ standard setting. This, he said, will include a code of conduct and technology to improve connection with voters. Holness said he expected to win all four by-elections but noted that elections are a “game of chance”. “There is still a certain variability, uncertainty in outcomes but you mitigate that by first of all selecting good candidates. “We also ensure victory by having good organisation and what we have seen with the Jamaica Labour Party over the last 10 years is that our ability to organise has improved significantly. And I think we are essentially seeing that in the last couple of months that the party is organising and these by-elections are like the heats,” the JLP leader said. editorial@gleanerjm.com
With over 20 years of expertise, 76 clinics worldwide, and a team of more than 200 doctors, Thérapie Clinic is renowned for delivering exceptional results using state-of-the-art technology. Here’s a quick look at some of their most sought-after treatments now on offer during their biggest sale of the year. Laser Hair Removal Say goodbye to the hassle of shaving, waxing, and ingrown hairs. As Europe’s No.1 laser hair removal provider, Thérapie Clinic uses medical-grade technology to achieve up to 90% permanent hair reduction for all skin types. Even better, their cool-air system ensures treatments are virtually pain-free. This Black Friday, enjoy up to 70% off and get summer-ready early. Doctor-Led Cosmetic Injections From anti-wrinkle injections to dermal fillers and collagen-boosting Polynucleotides, Thérapie Clinic offers solutions tailored to enhance your natural beauty. These treatments, trusted by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, are now available in a special 3-for-2 offer. Potenza RF Microneedling Dubbed the “non-surgical facelift,” Potenza combines microneedling with advanced radiofrequency to tighten and rejuvenate skin at a cellular level. Loved by A-listers, this transformative treatment is now up to 30% off. Don’t miss your chance to shine—shop Thérapie Clinic’s Black Friday Sale today! www.therapieclinic.com
Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. And this wasn't on a whim: He knows how to play and even brought his own chess set. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. People began showing up almost immediately. Washington Square Park is a known spot for chess in New York — Bobby Fischer among others have famously played there, and it's been used for multiple movie scenes featuring the game. Wembanyama was there for an hour in the rain, from about 10-11 a.m. He played four games, winning two and losing two — he told Bleacher Report afterward that both of the losses were to professional chess players — before departing to catch the Spurs' flight. Wembanyama had been trying to get somewhere to play chess for the bulk of the team's time in New York — the Spurs played the Knicks on Christmas and won at Brooklyn on Friday night. The schedule never aligned, until Saturday morning. And even with bad weather, he bundled up to make it happen. He posed for photos with a couple of dozen people who showed up, braving a morning of cold rain to play chess with one of the NBA's biggest stars. “We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner,” he wrote on social media after his chess trip was over. Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, his second in the NBA after winning rookie of the year last season. The Spurs play at Minnesota on Sunday.
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks were struggling a week ago, coming off their bye having lost five of their last six games. That included a gut-punch overtime defeat at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 3. The outlook for the last-place Seahawks (5-5) was beginning to look grim. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with Hezbollah
Our computer model projects a victory for the Houston Texans when they play the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. ET — for more information regarding the spread, over/under and final score, continue reading. Looking for NFL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live. The Texans are putting up 23.5 points per game on offense (14th in NFL), and they rank 11th on the other side of the ball with 21.5 points allowed per game. The Titans have been excelling on the defensive side of the ball, allowing only 278 total yards per contest (second-best). On offense, they rank 25th by accumulating 295.4 total yards per game. BetMGM is one of the most trusted Sportsbooks in the nation. Start with as little as $1 and place your bets today . Ready to make your pick? Head to BetMGM using our link and start betting today. Watch this game on Paramount+ (Regional restrictions may apply) Rep your favorite NFL players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. Catch every NFL touchdown with NFL RedZone on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .
Darius Tahir | (TNS) KFF Health News President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to run the sprawling government agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplace — celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz — recently held broad investments in health care, tech, and food companies that would pose significant conflicts of interest. Oz’s holdings, some shared with family, included a stake in UnitedHealth Group worth as much as $600,000, as well as shares of pharmaceutical firms and tech companies with business in the health care sector, such as Amazon. Collectively, Oz’s investments total tens of millions of dollars, according to financial disclosures he filed during his failed 2022 run for a Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat. Trump said Tuesday he would nominate Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency’s scope is huge: CMS oversees coverage for more than 160 million Americans, nearly half the population. Medicare alone accounts for approximately $1 trillion in annual spending, with over 67 million enrollees. UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest health care companies in the nation and arguably the most important business partner of CMS, through which it is the leading provider of commercial health plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. UnitedHealth also offers managed-care plans under Medicaid, the joint state-federal program for low-income people, and sells plans on government-run marketplaces set up via the Affordable Care Act. Oz also had smaller stakes in CVS Health, which now includes the insurer Aetna, and in the insurer Cigna. It’s not clear if Oz, a heart surgeon by training, still holds investments in health care companies, or if he would divest his shares or otherwise seek to mitigate conflicts of interest should he be confirmed by the Senate. Reached by phone on Wednesday, he said he was in a Zoom meeting and declined to comment. An assistant did not reply to an email message with detailed questions. “It’s obvious that over the years he’s cultivated an interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the insurance industry,” said Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a watchdog group. “That raises a question of whether he can be trusted to act on behalf of the American people.” (The publisher of KFF Health News, David Rousseau, is on the CSPI board .) Oz used his TikTok page on multiple occasions in November to praise Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including their efforts to take on the “illness-industrial complex,” and he slammed “so-called experts like the big medical societies” for dishing out what he called bad nutritional advice. Oz’s positions on health policy have been chameleonic; in 2010, he cut an ad urging Californians to sign up for insurance under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, telling viewers they had a “historic opportunity.” Oz’s 2022 financial disclosures show that the television star invested a substantial part of his wealth in health care and food firms. Were he confirmed to run CMS, his job would involve interacting with giants of the industry that have contributed to his wealth. Given the breadth of his investments, it would be difficult for Oz to recuse himself from matters affecting his assets, if he still holds them. “He could spend his time in a rocking chair” if that happened, Lurie said. In the past, nominees for government positions with similar potential conflicts of interest have chosen to sell the assets or otherwise divest themselves. For instance, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Attorney General Merrick Garland agreed to divest their holdings in relevant, publicly traded companies when they joined the Biden administration. Trump, however, declined in his first term to relinquish control of his own companies and other assets while in office, and he isn’t expected to do so in his second term. He has not publicly indicated concern about his subordinates’ financial holdings. CMS’ main job is to administer Medicare. About half of new enrollees now choose Medicare Advantage, in which commercial insurers provide their health coverage, instead of the traditional, government-run program, according to an analysis from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Proponents of Medicare Advantage say the private plans offer more compelling services than the government and better manage the costs of care. Critics note that Medicare Advantage plans have a long history of costing taxpayers more than the traditional program. UnitedHealth, CVS, and Cigna are all substantial players in the Medicare Advantage market. It’s not always a good relationship with the government. The Department of Justice filed a 2017 complaint against UnitedHealth alleging the company used false information to inflate charges to the government. The case is ongoing. Oz is an enthusiastic proponent of Medicare Advantage. In 2020, he proposed offering Medicare Advantage to all; during his Senate run, he offered a more general pledge to expand those plans. After Trump announced Oz’s nomination for CMS, Jeffrey Singer, a senior fellow at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, said he was “uncertain about Dr. Oz’s familiarity with health care financing and economics.” Singer said Oz’s Medicare Advantage proposal could require large new taxes — perhaps a 20% payroll tax — to implement. Oz has gotten a mixed reception from elsewhere in Washington. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, the Democrat who defeated Oz in 2022, signaled he’d potentially support his appointment to CMS. “If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude,” he said on the social platform X. Oz’s investments in companies doing business with the federal government don’t end with big insurers. He and his family also hold hospital stocks, according to his 2022 disclosure, as well as a stake in Amazon worth as much as nearly $2.4 million. (Candidates for federal office are required to disclose a broad range of values for their holdings, not a specific figure.) Amazon operates an internet pharmacy, and the company announced in June that its subscription service is available to Medicare enrollees. It also owns a primary care service , One Medical, that accepts Medicare and “select” Medicare Advantage plans. Oz was also directly invested in several large pharmaceutical companies and, through investments in venture capital funds, indirectly invested in other biotech and vaccine firms. Big Pharma has been a frequent target of criticism and sometimes conspiracy theories from Trump and his allies. Kennedy, whom Trump has said he’ll nominate to be Health and Human Services secretary, is a longtime anti-vaccine activist. During the Biden administration, Congress gave Medicare authority to negotiate with drug companies over their prices. CMS initially selected 10 drugs. Those drugs collectively accounted for $50.5 billion in spending between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, under Medicare’s Part D prescription drug benefit. At least four of those 10 medications are manufactured by companies in which Oz held stock, worth as much as about $50,000. 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In his TikTok videos from earlier in November, Oz echoed attacks on the food industry by Kennedy and other figures in his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. They blame processed foods and underregulation of the industry for the poor health of many Americans, concerns shared by many Democrats and more mainstream experts. But in 2022, Oz owned stakes worth as much as $80,000 in Domino’s Pizza, Pepsi, and US Foods, as well as more substantial investments in other parts of the food chain, including cattle; Oz reported investments worth as much as $5.5 million in a farm and livestock, as well as a stake in a dairy-free milk startup. He was also indirectly invested in the restaurant chain Epic Burger. One of his largest investments was in the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain Wawa, which sells fast food and all manner of ultra-processed snacks. Oz and his wife reported a stake in the company, beloved by many Pennsylvanians, worth as much as $30 million. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.This assurance comes after a recent week-long shortage ofZambezi Lager in Bulawayo, whichsparked concerns among consumers about potential supply constraints during theholiday period. Delta has addressed the issue and confirmed that adequatecapacity is in place to ensure a smooth supply of its products throughout thefestive season. A snap survey in some of the big supermarkets in the cityshowed that the popular green-bottled lager was missing from the refrigerators,with the situation the same in most sports bars in the city centre and westernareas. In one of the supermarkets, the refrigerators were packed with importedbeer and a few local lagers like Pilsner and Black Label Cans. A manager at one of the visited supermarkets in the citysaid they have been having headaches with getting Zambezi supplies from thebrewer for weeks now and have had to bear the brunt of customers who arebeginning to suspect that the scarcity was deliberate. “We have not been getting supplies from Delta, who seem tohave nothing in stock and this has been for a while now. Some customers haveeven accused us of hoarding the product in anticipation of a price increase,which naturally is not true,” said the manager, who asked not to be named as heis not allowed to talk to the press. A bartender at a city sports bar along George SilundikaStreet said they only had Zambezi cans but in small quantities. “We have been struggling to replenish our stocks,particularly Zambezi quarts, with the available type being the cans but insmall quantities. Most of our customers do not like cans but had to take themas they have no choice,” she said. Another bartender at a popular drinking joint in Entumbanesuburb echoed similar sentiments. An imbiber, Vusumuzi Mangena, said he had a miserableweekend last week when he could not find his favourite lager at his usualdrinking spot, leaving him with no option but to try a different lager, which,however, was not to his satisfaction. “I describe myself as a Zambezi addict and a loyal patron,so it wasn’t a great experience when I couldn’t find it at my usual place ofenjoyment. We now fear that our festive season may not be so festive thistime,” said Mangena. Chronicle
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