Photos: Scenes from a South Dakota stunner as No. 1-ranked Bison lose latePIANA TECHNOLOGY'S ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) REPORT UNDERSCORES ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of guest commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• When my son Alec passed away after rationing his insulin, my world shattered. Alec, like many people with diabetes, found himself stuck in a cycle of soaring insulin prices. With insurance, he was paying hundreds of dollars monthly for insulin. Without insurance, the cost of that monthly supply jumped to $1,300. The sky-high price forced Alec to stretch out his doses, and less than a week later, he died from diabetic ketoacidosis. Tragically, Alec wasn’t alone. As I shared his story with local news stations and reached out through social media, I was flooded with responses from others in similar situations — people rationing insulin, resorting to desperate measures to survive. I learned of individuals traveling to Canada or Mexico to buy insulin more affordably or meeting strangers in back alleys to exchange lifesaving supplies. It was a heartbreaking realization: Alec’s death was part of a much larger crisis. When state Sen. Erin Murphy, herself a nurse, heard Alec’s story, she reached out. She wanted to help, and together we discussed the importance of an emergency insulin affordability program that could prevent future deaths due to rationing. In testimony before Minnesota’s Health and Human Services Committee, I shared Alec’s story, and the support was overwhelming. Sen. Michael Howard also stepped forward, motivated to make a difference as he ran for office. Working alongside Gov. Tim Walz, they championed what would become the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, turning a vision into reality. The legislation established the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program, which has since provided relief to countless Minnesotans. The program allows individuals in need of insulin to access a 30-day emergency supply through their pharmacy and, more importantly, gives them a path to longer-term assistance. The continuing-need branch of the program allows eligible Minnesotans who cannot afford their insulin on an ongoing basis to receive a 90-day supply for no more than $50. As we approach the new year, the need for this program is particularly high. Individuals with high-deductible health insurance plans may face hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed insulin in the first several months of the year. The Insulin Safety Net Program can be a lifeline, helping them afford insulin before they meet their deductible. Additionally, many Minnesotans are traveling to see loved ones during the holidays and battling extreme weather, creating more possibilities for a vial to be left at home, spoil in excessive cold or shatter while on the go. The urgent-need program offers a life-saving option in potential emergency situations. We’ve made significant strides in Minnesota, but no one should have to cross state lines or choose between survival and financial ruin for a medication they depend on daily. Access to insulin should never be a privilege — it must be a guarantee. We need to honor the life Alec lived and ensure the pain of our loss drives meaningful, lasting change for everyone who relies on insulin. Minnesotans have access to an innovative solution, and it’s up to all of us to ensure the program reaches those who need it most. This holiday season, take a moment to share this vital resource with friends, family and neighbors. Ask if they are familiar with the Insulin Safety Net Program and encourage them to spread the word. Every conversation has the potential to create change and, ultimately, save a life. Together, we can make access to insulin a reality for all. Nicole Smith-Holt lives in the Minneapolis area and is a mother of four. She became a policy advocate for insulin access and affordability after the death of her son Alec in 2017. She serves as a co-chair of the Minnesota Advisory Task Force on Lowering Pharmaceutical Drug Prices and is part of the Founder’s Council for United States of Care.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City’s players were booed by their own fans Tuesday after blowing a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League to extend their winless run to six games. Jeers rang around the Etihad Stadium after the final whistle of a dramatic 3-3 draw. After five-straight losses in all competitions, City looked to be cruising to victory after going three up inside 50 minutes. But Feyenoord mounted an improbable comeback and leveled the game in the 89th minute to leave the home crowd stunned. While the worst losing streak of Guardiola’s managerial career was brought to an end, his wait for a first win since Oct. 26 goes on. Erling Haaland had scored twice, with Ilkay Gundogan also on target to put City in control. But goals from Anis Hadj Moussa in the 75th, Santiago Gimenez in the 82nd and David Hancko in the 89th turned the game on its head. City’s players, including Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol and Haaland looked visibly frustrated as they left the field to cheers of the delirious traveling Dutch fans in the away section of the stadium. City plays Premier League leader Liverpool on Sunday — defeat would leave it 11 points adrift of its title rival. ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer:Elon Musk backs far-right AfD in German op-edLions CBs Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. out vs. Colts
December 30 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder run their winning streak to 11 games with a 130-106 home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. The loss snapped the Grizzlies' two-game winning streak and was just their fourth in 18 games. The Thunder had a season-high 35 assists, led by eight from Jalen Williams. Without Ja Morant, who sustained a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in Friday's win over New Orleans, and several other key players, Memphis didn't have an answer for the Western Conference-leading Thunder. The Grizzlies also were without Zach Edey (concussion) and Brandon Clarke (right knee soreness). While Memphis was without plenty of production, Oklahoma City's Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace returned after missing Saturday's win in Charlotte. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Oklahoma City missed its first five shots and had two turnovers in the first three minutes before Gilgeous-Alexander got going. After falling behind 9-0, Oklahoma City took over. Gilgeous-Alexander made his first six shots, extending into the second quarter, and the Thunder led by as much as 29 in the first half. Gilgeous-Alexander kept his foot on the pedal deep into the second half, even with the game well under control. In the final seconds of the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander jogged to halfcourt, crossing with about three seconds left. Then Gilgeous-Alexander blew past Luke Kennard to get to the bucket, finishing with a scooping layup as Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped his direction too late to contest the shot. It was Gilgeous-Alexander's 17th game with at least 30 points this season. Gilgeous-Alexander finished 14 of 19 from the floor -- 13 of 14 inside the arc -- as Oklahoma City outscored Memphis in the paint 56-36 for the game. Oklahoma City scored 33 points off Memphis' 21 turnovers. The Grizzlies shot a season-low 38.1 percent from the floor, with starters Jaylen Wells and Jackson combining to shoot just 5 of 29. Desmond Bane led Memphis with 22 points. Six other Oklahoma City scorers joined Gilgeous-Alexander in double figures, including 17 points off the bench from Ajay Mitchell and 16 from Aaron Wiggins. --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabWhich way? Mike Tomlin's Steelers teams often go on late-season runs — good and bad
Sophia Romine’s wonderful goal from nearly 30 yards out propelled the Gophers women’s soccer team into the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament on Friday. Down 1-0 at halftime, sixth-seeded Minnesota staked a two-goal comeback to beat third-seeded South Carolina 2-1 in a second-round match in Chapel Hill, N.C. Minnesota (14-4-3) will play either No. 2 North Carolina or Santa Clara at 4 p.m. Sunday. Head coach Erin Chastain has brought the Gophers back to the third round of the national tourney for the first time since coach Mikki Denney Wright did it in 2010. The U’s comeback Friday included a penalty kick goal from captain Sophia Boman in the 57th minute. The PK was earned by a foul on leading scorer Khyah Harper in the box. Boman’s confident PK rippled the back of the net to make it 1-1. Romine, a graduate transfer from Wisconsin, has started every game for Minnesota this season. It was her fifth goal of the season. Related Articles
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Q. My husband recently retired from a high-level position. He has things to do but nothing seems to rekindle his spark. I think he is going through a mid-life crisis in later life. Is there such a thing? M.N. What you are describing might be called a late-life crisis . Such a crisis is described by Richard Leider and David Shapiro in their book, “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? The Path of Purposeful Aging” (2021, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.). Here are some signs the authors identify: experiencing dissatisfaction, a loss of identity, an expectations gap and the feeling that life has peaked. Some also may believe life is a downhill journey. It’s having a feeling of being irrelevant. And it’s not just a guy thing. Both men and women are likely to experience it equally. Several events can cause a crisis in later life. Among them is the death of a loved one, an illness, money problems or no longer being able to walk the usual number of miles or having difficulty with poses in a yoga class. It also could be just boredom, doing the same thing day after day. Then there is retirement , which also can be a cause. For many, the loss of the work role can leave a huge gap in the reason to get up in the morning. For many, work is more than just a paycheck . It can provide a sense of purpose, social connection, structure for the day and knowing someone or some entity expects something from us. In a sense, it’s knowing we are needed. But other causes can cause a crisis in addition to the loss of the work role. For example, being out of touch with current technology, feeling unemployable and invisible in social situations or the marketplace. How do individuals know if they are experiencing a late-life crisis? Here are several questions that can serve as a clue, suggested by Leider and Shapiro. One key to avoiding or managing a late-life crisis is to not go it alone. “Isolation is fatal,” write Lieder and Shapiro. This makes me want to share examples from a recent discussion, not necessarily of a crisis, but increased awareness of the question of “who am I now and who do I want to be?” This discussion took place at a meeting with a group of women who are not going it alone. The group was made up of retired career women who are part of Renewment , a small grassroots movement that supports and inspires career women from work to retirement and beyond. Most were not going through a crisis, yet raised questions that indicated there are issues that may not reach the crisis level, yet still are important. For example, a retired successful entrepreneur asked the question, “Am I doing as much as I am capable of? Do I want to have an impact on a small or large scale?” A recent widow said, “Being a widow is not where I wanted to be at this time in my life; it’s not my identity. I feel so fragmented exploring who I am.” Another added, “I continue to be so hard on myself; always feeling I should do more; I am busy but not happy.” These same women and others in the group shared tips on avoiding problems that could lead to a late-life crisis. A therapist has emerged as an artist in New York and another was deeply involved in the election. A retired professor is traveling to Cuba and a former teacher launched a foundation. They have engagements that reflect a passion and sense of purpose. That’s the topic for next week. A point to remember: No one gets through this life alone. As Leider and Shapiro warn against isolation, remember that finding friends, colleagues, counselors or family members to talk about what’s going on can help avoid a crisis. Stay well everyone and as always, be kind. Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com . Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity
Northland Power Inc. (NPIFF) To Go Ex-Dividend on December 31stMI5 has been forced to “pare back” its focus on counterterrorism to deal with the growing threat posed by Russia and other hostile states. Ken McCallum, the director-general of MI5, said that Britain was facing a generational challenge as it attempted to deal with “grander and more sophisticated attacks” from aggressive states. He said that the attacks included sabotage, arson and assassinations on British soil. McCallum said that the UK only had “finite” resources to deal with those threats and that he had been forced to make “uncomfortable choices” on where to focus the service’s efforts. He said: “We now face much, much more aggression from nation states. In effect, we had the 20 to 30-year holiday from that kind of big player, sophisticated states in serious conflict with each other. It’s back, I’m afraid.