President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. While immigration officials have used the tech for years, an October letter from the Department of Homeland Security obtained exclusively by The Associated Press details how those tools — some of them powered by AI — help make life-altering decisions for immigrants, including whether they should be detained or surveilled. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency's supervision. The letter, sent by DHS Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Eric Hysen to the immigrant rights group Just Futures Law, revealed that the score calculates the potential risk that an immigrant — with a pending case — will fail to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The algorithm relies on several factors, he said, including an immigrant’s number of violations and length of time in the program, and whether the person has a travel document. Hysen wrote that ICE officers consider the score, among other information, when making decisions about an immigrant’s case. “The Hurricane Score does not make decisions on detention, deportation, or surveillance; instead, it is used to inform human decision-making,” Hysen wrote. Also included in the government’s tool kit is a mobile app called SmartLINK that uses facial matching and can track an immigrant’s specific location. Nearly 200,000 people without legal status who are in removal proceedings are enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, under which certain immigrants can live in the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending. In exchange, SmartLINK and GPS trackers used by ICE rigorously surveil them and their movements. The phone application draws on facial matching technology and geolocation data, which has been used before to find and arrest those using the app. Just Futures Law wrote to Hysen earlier this year, questioning the fairness of using an algorithm to assess whether someone is a flight risk and raising concerns over how much data SmartLINK collects. Such AI systems, which score or screen people, are used widely but remain largely unregulated even though some have been found to discriminate on race, gender or other protected traits. DHS said in an email that it is committed to ensuring that its use of AI is transparent and safeguards privacy and civil rights while avoiding biases. The agency said it is working to implement the Biden administration’s requirements on using AI, but Hysen said in his letter that security officials may waive those requirements for certain uses. Trump has publicly vowed to repeal Biden's AI policy when he returns to the White House in January. “DHS uses AI to assist our personnel in their work, but DHS does not use the outputs of AI systems as the sole basis for any law enforcement action or denial of benefits,” a spokesperson for DHS told the AP . Trump has not revealed how he plans to carry out his promised deportation of an estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally. Although he has proposed invoking wartime powers, as well as military involvement, the plan would face major logistical challenges — such as where to keep those who have been detained and how to find people spread across the country — that AI-powered surveillance tools could potentially address. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, did not answer questions about how they plan to use DHS’ tech, but said in a statement that “President Trump will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation” in American history. Over 100 civil society groups sent a letter on Friday urging the Office of Management and Budget to require DHS to comply with the Biden administration’s guidelines. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Just Futures Law’s executive director, Paromita Shah, said if immigrants are scored as flight risks, they are more likely to remain in detention, "limiting their ability to prepare a defense in their case in immigration court, which is already difficult enough as it is.” SmartLINK, part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, is run by BI Inc., a subsidiary of the private prison company The GEO Group. The GEO Group also contracts with ICE to run detention centers. ICE is tight-lipped about how it uses SmartLINK’s location feature to find and arrest immigrants. Still, public records show that during Trump’s first term in 2018, Manassas, Virginia-based employees of BI Inc. relayed immigrants’ GPS locations to federal authorities, who then arrested over 40 people. In a report last year to address privacy issues and concerns, DHS said that the mobile app includes security features that “prohibit access to information on the participant’s mobile device, with the exception of location data points when the app is open.” But the report notes that there remains a risk that data collected from people "may be misused for unauthorized persistent monitoring.” Such information could also be stored in other ICE and DHS databases and used for other DHS mission purposes, the report said. On investor calls earlier this month, private prison companies were clear-eyed about the opportunities ahead. The GEO Group’s executive chairman George Christopher Zoley said that he expects the incoming Trump administration to “take a much more aggressive approach regarding border security as well as interior enforcement and to request additional funding from Congress to achieve these goals.” “In GEO’s ISAP program, we can scale up from the present 182,500 participants to several hundreds of thousands, or even millions of participants,” Zoley said. That same day, the head of another private prison company told investors he would be watching closely to see how the new administration may change immigrant monitoring programs. “It’s an opportunity for multiple vendors to engage ICE about the program going forward and think about creative and innovative solutions to not only get better outcomes, but also scale up the program as necessary,” Damon Hininger, CEO of the private prison company CoreCivic Inc. said on an earnings call. GEO did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement, CoreCivic said that it has played “a valued but limited role in America’s immigration system” for both Democrats and Republicans for over 40 years.ST. PAUL — St. Paul-based Bremer Bank is being acquired by Old National Bank, which has headquarters in Evansville, Indiana, in a transaction valued at $1.4 billion in cash and stock. The deal, which still requires regulatory approval and approval by Bremer shareholders, would combine Bremer’s $16.2 billion in assets with Old National’s nearly $54 billion to create a bank with more than $70 billion in total assets. ADVERTISEMENT “This partnership represents an outstanding fit between two highly compatible, relationship- and community-focused banks,” Old National Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan said in a joint announcement released Monday, Nov. 25. Ryan said what has made Bremer Bank a leading institution since 1943 aligns closely with the “strategic priorities and cultural principles that have guided Old National’s success for 190 years: a strong deposit franchise, a diversified loan portfolio accentuated by exceptional credit quality, and a passion for investing in and strengthening communities.” “For more than 80 years, we’ve been honored to carry out the legacy of our founder, Otto Bremer,” said Jeanne Crain, president and CEO of Bremer. “When our majority shareholder, the Otto Bremer Trust, reaffirmed its interest in selling Bremer Bank, we appreciated the opportunity to identify a partner through a collaborative process to ensure the best possible outcome for our customers, employees, and our communities. With Old National, we have confidence we found a great fit,” Crain said as part of the joint announcement. The Otto Bremer Trust, a majority owner of Bremer Bank, is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul. Since the trust’s inception in 1944, it has made more than $1.1 billion in grants and program-related investments to more than 4,200 organizations. Once the merger is complete, the trust will have an approximate 11% ownership stake in Old National Bank and a trustee of the Otto Bremer Trust will join the Old National board of directors. ADVERTISEMENT The Otto Bremer Trust stated as part of the joint announcement: “All of us at the Otto Bremer Trust are excited that the Bremer Bank legacy of investing in people, places and opportunities continues with one of the most community-minded banks in the nation. This partnership expands the scope of what can be accomplished for and within our communities — civically, socially and economically.” Once the deal is finalized, Old National will become the third-largest bank in the Twin Cities, and the partnership will expand Old National’s reach into several other markets throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. The deal affects 48 Bremer Bank branches in Minnesota and 14 in North Dakota, including six locations in Grand Forks and seven in the Fargo region.jili super ace download 。

Targeting Accuracy And Precision Will Remain A Key Focus As Adsgram Evolves, Says Vadim SterlinIn conclusion, Zelensky reiterated the importance of upholding democratic values and norms in the face of challenges. He emphasized the need for leaders to respect the will of the people, adhere to the rule of law, and uphold the principles of democracy in order to safeguard the future of democratic governance. As the world continues to grapple with threats to democracy, Zelensky's words serve as a reminder of the importance of defending democratic ideals and working together to uphold the integrity of electoral processes.

Jeju Air shares slump to record low after deadly plane crash

CLASS ACTION NOTICE: Berger Montague Advises Evolv Technologies (NASDAQ: EVLV) Investors to Inquire About a Securities Fraud Class Action

This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here . > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are U.S. government shutdown suspended The U.S. government narrowly avoided a shutdown after President Joe Biden signed a stopgap government funding bill on Saturday. President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk thwarted an initial, negotiated funding plan Wednesday by harshly criticizing its provisions, and specifically insisted on suspending the U.S. debt limit for two years. Slight chill in price increases U.S. headline inflation in November rose just 0.1% from October , according to the personal consumption expenditures price index. On an annual basis, prices increased 2.4%. Both readings were 10 basis points lower than expected. Core inflation also came in 10 basis points below forecast. The PCE is the U.S. Federal Reserve's preferred gauge of inflation. Markets in the U.S. bounced On Friday, the S&P 500 rose 1.09%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.18% and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.03%. But all indexes fell on the week . The pan-European Stoxx 600 fell 0.88% to end the week 1.9% lower . Novo Nordisk shares plunged 17.8% after the Danish pharmaceutical company reported disappointing trial results for a new weight loss drug. CEOs see the door Blue-chip companies, such as Boeing , Intel and Starbucks , announced changes in their chief executive officers this year. They're not alone. There were 327 CEO departures in U.S. public companies this year through November, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. That's the highest level since the firm started tracking data in 2010. [PRO] Will Rudolph's red nose outshine Santa? After a few rocky weeks of trading, stocks are poised to end December in the red. But the Santa Claus rally , traditionally occurring on the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the next, could reignite seasonal cheer. In data going back to 1969, the S&P has added 1.3% on average, according to the Stock Trader's Almanac. Money Report Asia markets begin Christmas week higher; Nissan-Honda merger deal in focus How Gen X and millennials are changing the face of the traditional family office as they inherit over $80 trillion Stocks sold off on Wednesday after the Fed indicated it sees two quarter-point rate cuts in the year ahead, fewer than the four previously projected. "We have been moving sideways on 12-month inflation," said Fed Chair Jerome Powell at his news conference. But November's PCE came in cooler than expected. "Sticky inflation appeared to be a little less stuck this morning," said Chris Larkin, managing director of trading and investing at E-Trade Morgan Stanley. The Fed has emphasized again and again that it's "data-dependent." Would the Fed, then, have presented the world with a slightly different dot plot, if they'd had the chance to review the PCE data first? Giving slight credence to that train of thought, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee told CNBC's Steve Liesman he's hopeful November's inflation reading "suggests that the couple of months of firming were more of a bump than a change in path." In other words, the economy is "still on path to get to 2%," said Goolsbee. Then again, Powell said in July that the central bank would be "data dependent, but not data-point dependent" in determining when to cut rates. Even if November's PCE index did signal inflation returning to its downward trajectory, one month's data wouldn't have shifted the dots around. Perhaps two consecutive months of cooler reading might have? Those questions are rhetorical. Conditional questions are unanswerable, especially in markets. But in their indeterminacy and circuitous nature, they highlight the fact that trying to time or game the market, especially in volatile times like these, might not be the best idea. Instead, dig deep into the fundamentals — earnings, cash flow, future income — which sway stocks even as inflation and interest rates rise and fall. Remember the days when inflation reports and Fed meetings were just another day in markets? (Not a rhetorical question.) — CNBC's Jesse Pound, Brian Evans and Sean Conlon contributed to this report. Also on CNBC In search of certainty, markets find volatility instead More certainty of increased volatility Thwarted expectations of more Fed cuts hammered marketsNew Delhi, December 30 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a three-day official visit to the State of Qatar from December 30, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday. The MEA in an official statement said that during his visit, the EAM would meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The visit also aims to review various aspects of bilateral relations between India and Qatar with discussion on key areas, which include political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, and people-to-people relations. "EAM's visit will enable both sides to review various aspects of bilateral relations, including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, and people-to-people, as well as the regional and international issues of mutual interest," the MEA said. EAM Jaishankar will depart from Qatar on January 1. 'Deeply Saddened by Tragic Airplane Crash': Jaishankar Offers Condolences to South Korea. India and Qatar share warm and friendly relations, marked by regular high-level interactions to further strengthen their partnership. Their most recent interaction occurred during EAM Jaishankar's official tour to Qatar and Bahrain from December 6 to 9. During the visit, he met Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, and Minister of State, Ahmed Al Sayed, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. In late October, the two countries held the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations. Both sides comprehensively reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Qatar bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, trade, investment, energy, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. Discussions also explored avenues to deepen the relationship in areas such as renewable energy, fintech, start-ups, and technology. They exchanged perspectives on important regional and global issues of mutual interest, as noted by the MEA in a press statement. India Can Never Permit Others to Have Veto on Its Choices, Says EAM S Jaishankar. Earlier, on September 9, EAM Jaishankar met Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Saudi Arabia to discuss advancing bilateral ties. According to the MEA, cooperation between India and Qatar has been steadily growing within an excellent framework provided by their historically close ties and regular, substantive engagement at the highest levels of government. The large, diverse, and accomplished Indian community in Qatar significantly contributes to the country's progress while nurturing the bonds of deep-rooted friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).Liverpool take advantage of 'crisis' with hopes to land five-goal Belgian in bargain deal - TEAMtalk

Novo Nordisk, Super Micro Computer And Arm Are Among Top Large Cap Losers Last Week (December 16-20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?Chennai: Tamil actor Vijay, who is also the president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, has written a handwritten letter to the "sisters of Tamil Nadu" in the wake of sexual assault on a student on the Anna University campus. The actor-politician has promised to stand with the women of the state as their "brother" and help "create a safe Tamil Nadu". "Please don't worry about anything and focus on your studies," he said in the note. The sexual assualt of a 19-year-old girl student of Anna University on Christmas Eve has triggered political storm in the state. While the suspect, a 37-year old man selling biryani, was promptly arrested for the crime, opposition parties, including the AIADMK have alleged that the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated under the DMK government. In the letter, the 50-year-old TVK leader targeted the ruling DMK government for the surge in crime against women in the state. "As your brother, I'm deeply saddened by the crimes committed (i including at educational institutions) against the women and girl children of this State on a daily basis. Who should we demand your safety from? Asking those who govern us is of no use," he said. "I'll stand with you in all situations as your brother. So please don't worry about anything and focus on your studies. We will create a safe Tamil Nadu," the note further said. Last week, Vijay, while expressing profound shock and distress over the heinous incident, had emphasised the imperative need for swift and decisive action to safeguard the rights and dignity of the survivor. "The news of a student being subjected to sexual assault within the sacred precincts of an educational institution is utterly reprehensible and heart-wrenching," he said in a statement. While acknowledging the swift arrest of the accused by the police, Vijay appealed to the state government to ensure that justice is served without delay. "It is essential that the government treats this case with the gravity it deserves and metes out punishment that fits the crime, serving as a deterrent to potential perpetrators," he asserted. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, who is the chancellor of Anna University, has on Saturday directed the varsity officials to ensure the safety and security of students in the wake of sexual assault on a student on the campus. The safety and well-being of the students were non-negotiable, he said, according to a release from the Raj Bhavan. Also, he advised the students and their parents not to panic. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.Looking ahead, the debate surrounding "moderately loose" monetary policy is likely to intensify as central banks grapple with the complexities of a post-pandemic recovery and evolving economic landscape. While the adoption of such a policy stance may provide a temporary boost to growth and inflation, it also poses significant risks in terms of financial stability and long-term sustainability. As policymakers navigate these challenges, striking the right balance between supporting economic recovery and safeguarding against potential risks will be paramount in shaping the future of monetary policy.

President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. While immigration officials have used the tech for years, an October letter from the Department of Homeland Security obtained exclusively by The Associated Press details how those tools — some of them powered by AI — help make life-altering decisions for immigrants, including whether they should be detained or surveilled. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency's supervision. The letter, sent by DHS Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Eric Hysen to the immigrant rights group Just Futures Law, revealed that the score calculates the potential risk that an immigrant — with a pending case — will fail to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The algorithm relies on several factors, he said, including an immigrant’s number of violations and length of time in the program, and whether the person has a travel document. Hysen wrote that ICE officers consider the score, among other information, when making decisions about an immigrant’s case. “The Hurricane Score does not make decisions on detention, deportation, or surveillance; instead, it is used to inform human decision-making,” Hysen wrote. Also included in the government’s tool kit is a mobile app called SmartLINK that uses facial matching and can track an immigrant’s specific location. Nearly 200,000 people without legal status who are in removal proceedings are enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, under which certain immigrants can live in the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending. In exchange, SmartLINK and GPS trackers used by ICE rigorously surveil them and their movements. The phone application draws on facial matching technology and geolocation data, which has been used before to find and arrest those using the app. Just Futures Law wrote to Hysen earlier this year, questioning the fairness of using an algorithm to assess whether someone is a flight risk and raising concerns over how much data SmartLINK collects. Such AI systems, which score or screen people, are used widely but remain largely unregulated even though some have been found to discriminate on race, gender or other protected traits. DHS said in an email that it is committed to ensuring that its use of AI is transparent and safeguards privacy and civil rights while avoiding biases. The agency said it is working to implement the Biden administration’s requirements on using AI , but Hysen said in his letter that security officials may waive those requirements for certain uses. Trump has publicly vowed to repeal Biden's AI policy when he returns to the White House in January. “DHS uses AI to assist our personnel in their work, but DHS does not use the outputs of AI systems as the sole basis for any law enforcement action or denial of benefits,” a spokesperson for DHS told the AP. Trump has not revealed how he plans to carry out his promised deportation of an estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally. Although he has proposed invoking wartime powers, as well as military involvement, the plan would face major logistical challenges — such as where to keep those who have been detained and how to find people spread across the country — that AI-powered surveillance tools could potentially address. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, did not answer questions about how they plan to use DHS’ tech, but said in a statement that “President Trump will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation” in American history. Over 100 civil society groups sent a letter on Friday urging the Office of Management and Budget to require DHS to comply with the Biden administration’s guidelines. OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Just Futures Law’s executive director, Paromita Shah, said if immigrants are scored as flight risks, they are more likely to remain in detention, "limiting their ability to prepare a defense in their case in immigration court, which is already difficult enough as it is.” SmartLINK, part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, is run by BI Inc., a subsidiary of the private prison company The GEO Group. The GEO Group also contracts with ICE to run detention centers. ICE is tight-lipped about how it uses SmartLINK’s location feature to find and arrest immigrants. Still, public records show that during Trump’s first term in 2018, Manassas, Virginia-based employees of BI Inc. relayed immigrants’ GPS locations to federal authorities, who then arrested over 40 people. In a report last year to address privacy issues and concerns, DHS said that the mobile app includes security features that “prohibit access to information on the participant’s mobile device, with the exception of location data points when the app is open.” But the report notes that there remains a risk that data collected from people "may be misused for unauthorized persistent monitoring.” Such information could also be stored in other ICE and DHS databases and used for other DHS mission purposes, the report said. On investor calls earlier this month, private prison companies were clear-eyed about the opportunities ahead. The GEO Group’s executive chairman George Christopher Zoley said that he expects the incoming Trump administration to “take a much more aggressive approach regarding border security as well as interior enforcement and to request additional funding from Congress to achieve these goals.” “In GEO’s ISAP program, we can scale up from the present 182,500 participants to several hundreds of thousands, or even millions of participants,” Zoley said. That same day, the head of another private prison company told investors he would be watching closely to see how the new administration may change immigrant monitoring programs. “It’s an opportunity for multiple vendors to engage ICE about the program going forward and think about creative and innovative solutions to not only get better outcomes, but also scale up the program as necessary,” Damon Hininger, CEO of the private prison company CoreCivic Inc. said on an earnings call. GEO did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement, CoreCivic said that it has played “a valued but limited role in America’s immigration system” for both Democrats and Republicans for over 40 years.76ers' star Paul George sidelined the next 2 games with bone bruise in left knee

Revealed: The Green gardening trends that will grow on you in 2025 By LIZ HULL FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 00:43, 30 December 2024 | Updated: 00:53, 30 December 2024 e-mail View comments Tearing up your front lawn and its flower beds in favour of a gravel garden with low-maintenance grasses might not seem that appealing. But homeowners are expected to make changes like this next year as more of us install electric vehicle charging points, experts say. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) predicts a number of other eco-minded gardening trends for 2025, some of which will help us cope with extreme conditions caused by climate change . This includes 'sponge city' planting – where gardens are created in urban spaces to protect against heavy rain and flooding – as well as more green roofs and walls to help cool buildings and improve air quality. The predictions, based on input from gardeners, experts and growers, also include a move away from traditional bedding plants towards less thirsty varieties that can cope with prolonged dry spells in summer. Pictured: The eco-friendly changes you can make to your garden in 2025 Salvias, heather and dahlias, all of which are drought-tolerant, were particularly popular in 2024. Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturist, said: 'The electric vehicle revolution could usher in significant changes to what front gardens look like, while city centres could be punctuated by many more growing spaces that serve the dual purpose of providing refuge for people and wildlife but also all-important flood proofing capabilities.' Mr Barter said that thoughtful positioning of car charging points should not necessarily reduce the attractiveness of front gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) predicts a number of other eco-minded gardening trends for 2025 (stock image) Where the soil allows, planting magnolia or crab apple trees, evergreen laurel hedges or hardy geraniums for groundcover in unused corners can help soak up excess rainfall, tackle dust and pollution, help wildlife and support wellbeing, he added. For example, in clay soils, well-positioned planting areas can gather rainwater run-off and reduce or slow flooding. 'Clever siting of charging points to allow easy access should not mean front garden planting is neglected,' he said. Share or comment on this article: Revealed: The Green gardening trends that will grow on you in 2025 e-mail Add commentThe New York Yankees have agreed to sign left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million dollar contract -- the largest ever for a left-handed hurler, MLB.com reported Tuesday. The reported deal would be the fourth-largest for any pitcher, a list led by the Los Angeles Dodgers' 10-year, $700 million contract with Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. Fried would join right-hander Gerrit Cole in a formidable Yankees rotation. He had an 11-10 record with the Atlanta Braves last season with a 3.25 earned run average in 29 starts. Fried gave up 146 hits and 57 walks with 166 strikeouts for the Braves and tied the Major League Baseball lead with two complete games. The Yankees' reported signing of Fried comes after the club missed out on Dominican superstar Juan Soto, who entered free agency after playing for the Yankees last year but is reportedly headed to the New York Mets on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal. bb/js © Agence France-Presse

Je'Shawn Stevenson scores 23 to lead Cleveland State over Midway University 116-60Share Tweet Share Share Email Financial security becomes increasingly important as individuals enter their senior years. Aging often comes with unique challenges, such as reduced income, rising healthcare costs, and the need for long-term care. However, there are many tools and strategies available to help seniors achieve financial stability. This article explores effective solutions to secure financial well-being during the golden years . Understanding the Financial Challenges of Aging Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the common financial obstacles seniors face. These include: Reduced Income: Retirement often means living on a fixed income from pensions, Social Security, or retirement savings. Increased Healthcare Costs: Aging is often accompanied by medical expenses, including medications, treatments, and possibly long-term care. Longevity Risk: With increased life expectancy, many seniors risk outliving their savings. Inflation: The rising cost of goods and services can erode purchasing power over time. Unexpected Expenses: Emergencies, home repairs, or health crises can significantly strain finances. Being aware of these challenges is the first step toward finding effective financial solutions. Creating a Comprehensive Budget A well-planned budget is the cornerstone of financial security for seniors. It helps track income, expenses, and savings. Here’s how to create an effective budget: Assess Income Sources Identify all sources of income, including: Social Security benefits Pension payments Investment income Annuities Part-time employment (if applicable) Track Expenses Categorize expenses into fixed (e.g., rent or mortgage, utilities) and variable (e.g., groceries, entertainment). This helps prioritize spending and identify areas for cost-cutting. Plan for Emergencies Allocate a portion of income to an emergency fund. Experts recommend having at least three to six months’ worth of expenses saved. This buffer can help cover unexpected costs without jeopardizing other financial goals. Leveraging Government Programs Government programs provide vital support to seniors. Some key programs include: Social Security Benefits Social Security remains a primary income source for many retirees. Seniors can maximize benefits by delaying claims until full retirement age or later, if possible. Understanding the nuances of Social Security, such as spousal and survivor benefits, can also help maximize income. Medicare and Medicaid These programs help cover healthcare costs. While Medicare is available to most seniors, Medicaid offers additional support for low-income individuals needing long-term care. Supplemental plans like Medicare Advantage or Medigap can further reduce out-of-pocket costs. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP provides food assistance, helping seniors afford nutritious meals without compromising other essential expenses. Local social service offices can assist with applications and eligibility requirements. Exploring Investment Options Investments can play a crucial role in maintaining financial security during retirement. However, seniors should adopt a conservative approach to reduce risk. Diversify Your Portfolio A well-diversified portfolio minimizes risk while ensuring steady returns. Consider a mix of: Bonds: Low-risk and reliable income sources. Dividend-paying stocks: Provide regular income. Mutual funds: Offer diversification and professional management. Real estate investment trusts (REITs): Provide income from property investments without direct ownership. Utilize Annuities Annuities provide guaranteed income for life or a specified period. They are particularly useful for seniors concerned about outliving their savings. Options like immediate, deferred, and fixed annuities can be tailored to individual needs. Safe Withdrawal Rate Adopting a safe withdrawal rate, such as the 4% rule, ensures that retirees do not deplete their savings too quickly. Adjusting withdrawals based on market performance adds an extra layer of security. Long-Term Care Planning Planning for long-term care is critical to avoid financial strain. Options include: Long-Term Care Insurance This insurance helps cover costs associated with assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care. Purchasing a policy earlier in life reduces premiums and increases coverage options. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) HSAs allow individuals to save for healthcare expenses tax-free. Seniors can use these funds to pay for medical needs during retirement. Contributions made during working years can grow significantly over time. Reverse Mortgages A reverse mortgage enables seniors to convert home equity into cash while continuing to live in their homes. This option suits those with significant home equity but limited liquid assets. However, it’s essential to understand the terms and risks involved . Debt Management Strategies Managing debt is essential for financial stability. Seniors should prioritize paying off high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, to free up income for essential needs. Consolidate Debt Debt consolidation simplifies repayment by combining multiple debts into a single, lower-interest loan. This approach reduces monthly payments and overall interest costs. Seek Professional Guidance Financial advisors can provide tailored strategies to manage and reduce debt effectively. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies also offer free or low-cost services. Embracing Technology for Financial Management Technology offers seniors innovative ways to manage finances. Digital tools and apps simplify budgeting, bill payments, and investments. Budgeting Apps Apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need A Budget) help seniors track expenses, set financial goals, and monitor spending habits. These tools provide real-time insights into financial health. Online Banking Most banks offer online platforms for easy access to account balances, bill payments, and transaction histories. Features like automated payments and fraud alerts enhance security and convenience. Robo-Advisors Robo-advisors provide automated investment management, making investing accessible and affordable for seniors. They use algorithms to recommend portfolios based on risk tolerance and financial goals. The Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning ensures that seniors’ assets are distributed according to their wishes. Key components include: Drafting a Will A will outlines how assets should be distributed after death. Without one, state laws determine asset distribution, which may not align with personal preferences. Establishing a Trust Trusts provide greater control over asset distribution and can reduce estate taxes. They also protect assets from probate, ensuring a smoother transfer to beneficiaries. Designating Power of Attorney A power of attorney authorizes a trusted individual to make financial or medical decisions on behalf of the senior if they become incapacitated. Advance directives, like living wills, further clarify healthcare preferences. Community Resources and Support Local communities often provide resources to help seniors manage finances. Examples include: Senior centers offering financial literacy workshops. Nonprofits providing free or low-cost financial counseling. Local banks with programs tailored to senior citizens. Community groups that connect seniors with trusted advisors and support networks. Maintaining a Frugal Lifestyle Adopting a frugal lifestyle can stretch retirement savings further. Simple tips include: Shopping during sales or using coupons. Downsizing to a smaller home. Using public transportation instead of owning a car. Cooking at home rather than dining out. Staying Informed and Proactive Financial security requires staying informed about changes in policies, market conditions, and available resources. Regularly reviewing and adjusting financial plans ensures alignment with current needs and goals. Education, whether through online resources or workshops, empowers seniors to make informed decisions. Conclusion Achieving financial security in aging is possible with the right tools and strategies. By budgeting, leveraging government programs, exploring investment options, and planning for long-term care, seniors can navigate their financial future confidently. Additionally, embracing technology, reducing debt, and seeking professional guidance further enhance financial well-being. With proactive planning and informed decisions , the golden years can truly be a time of peace and financial stability. Related Items: Financial Security in Aging , Medicare and Medicaid , Patriarchal & Senior Financial Solutions Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsThe sparring during question period in the legislature is largely driven by Opposition MLAs grilling government ministers, and with the B.C. Conservative party's rapid rise to Official Opposition, its MLAs will now get to set the tone. But even before his first legislative session begins, some of the heat is instead on Leader John Rustad for some of his choices appointing critics to their Opposition portfolios. Rustad is also on the defensive as the governing party reacts to the news that two of Rustad's MLAs will keep their seats on local councils, essentially doing two jobs. Anna Kindy, a Campbell River-based physician and addictions specialist, has been tapped to be the party's health critic. WATCH: CBC reporter Katie de Rosa on what the critics are saying: Members of newly appointed B.C. Conservative Party shadow cabinet drawing criticism 17 hours ago Duration 2:31 B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad has released his shadow cabinet -- the critics that will grill ministers during question period. As Katie DeRosa reports, some of the appointments are drawing criticism. The NDP pounced on the appointment, pointing out Kindy has opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates. "She's somebody who is a vaccine-skeptic who has previously spread misinformation about vaccines. She's donated to the Freedom convoy," said Amna Shah, the NDP MLA for Surrey City Centre. Kindy argues she's not anti-vaxx but believes people should not lose their jobs if they choose not to get a medical procedure. "I believe in bodily autonomy," she said. "I think the Freedom Convoy came as a pushback to mandates that were actually in some sense unreasonable. Do I regret doing this? No, I don't." Kindy objects to the NDP characterizing her as far right, saying the governing party is using the term to divide people. "In terms of my association with the far right, it's ridiculous," she said. "I'm not right-wing. I'm not left-wing. I'm just who I am. I look at every issue for itself. I think labels are dangerous." B.C. premier's new cabinet brings an end to stand-alone mental health and addictions ministry "Voters are tired of the rhetoric," Kindy says, adding it distracts from the real issues like persistent emergency room closures and unacceptable cancer wait times. "When you look at someone who is on the wait list for cancer surgery for months, they don't want to hear rhetoric; they want solutions," she said. Rustad sending a message, poli-sci prof says UBC political scientist Stewart Prest says Rustad is sending a statement with his critics' picks. "So essentially, Mr. Rustad, with these appointments, is saying that the party is going to welcome a broad array of people on the right side of the political spectrum," Prest said. Rustad has also created a new portfolio called parental rights and sports, to be led by Mandeep Dhaliwal. The parental rights movement has opposed sexual orientation and gender identity policies, or SOGI, in schools. SOGI 123 is not a curriculum but provides guides and resources to help teachers address discrimination and bullying, create supportive and inclusive environments for 2SLGBTQ+ students and acknowledge varying genders and sexual orientations. The B.C. Conservatives campaigned on ending SOGI in schools, saying parents should have more of a say in what's taught to their children. B.C. Conservatives' education platform includes ending SOGI 123 How turfing SOGI and banning books became part of B.C.'s election "It's one of the issues why the [former] education minister [Rachna Singh] was defeated by Mandeep Dhaliwal in Surrey [North]," Rustad says. In April, Rustad proposed a private members bill that would force publicly funded sports teams to use "biological sex" to classify participants, effectively banning transgender athletes. The bill was quickly voted down. MLAs as councillors Meanwhile, Rustad is also facing criticism this week for allowing two B.C. Conservative MLAs to keep their local government positions The new MLA for Langley Walnut Grove, Misty Van Popta, will stay on as a councillor in Langley Township. Misty Van Popta, a Township of Langley councillor, appears with B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad in October 2024. Van Popta won the provincial riding of Langley-Walnut Grove but says she will remain on Langley council. (Misty Van Popta/Instagram) Korky Neufeld was elected for the BC Conservatives in Abbotsford West and will stay on as a school board trustee in Abbotsford. The NDP and the Canadian Taxpayers Association's B.C. branch say taxpayers should not be paying the same politicians twice. Darlene Ratchford is an NDP MLA who resigned from her council position in Esquimalt. "Being an MLA is a full-time job. It's double dipping. It's not right," Ratchford says. Rustad says he would have preferred that the MLAs resign from their local roles. "If they do want to stay on local government, ultimately it's their decision to do that." Rustad says he's recommended that the two MLAs donate the salaries from their local government positions. CBC News asked Neufeld and Van Poptka if they intend to do that but has not yet heard back.

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LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.In recent news, Tencent Video has implemented new restrictions on the number of devices that a member can log in to simultaneously. This move has stirred up controversy and garnered mixed reactions from subscribers. Meanwhile, video streaming service Aiyouteng has also announced plans to crack down on account sharing in order to protect the rights of content creators.

A look at some of the latest stock recommendations by analysts. These stocks are expected to return between 22% and 56% as per analysts’ price targets. Genesys International BROKERAGE: ELARA Price Target: Rs 1,350 CMP: Rs 878 Upside: 56% Initiate with buy; price target refl ects robust potential in the high-growth geospatial segment Positioned to capitalise on India’s projected Rs 293-billion geospatial market by 2030; order book at Rs 3.9 billion Risks include high working capital days, dependency on government projects, and customer concentration Awfis Space Solutions BROKERAGE: IIFL SECURITIES Price Target: Rs 980 CMP: Rs 719 Upside: 36% Initiate with buy; only listed pure play on the flexible workspaces segment Company may turn profi table in FY25; profi t after tax seen doubling on a compounded basis over three years Over FY25-27, seat additions could grow at 30% on a compounded basis, outpacing industry growth estimates at 15% Emcure Pharmaceuticals Stock Trading Renko Chart Patterns Made Easy By - Kaushik Akiwatkar, Derivative Trader and Investor View Program Stock Trading Derivative Analytics Made Easy By - Vivek Bajaj, Co Founder- Stockedge and Elearnmarkets View Program Stock Trading Macroeconomics Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading Technical Analysis Demystified: A Complete Guide to Trading By - Kunal Patel, Options Trader, Instructor View Program Stock Trading Options Trading Course For Beginners By - Chetan Panchamia, Options Trader View Program Stock Trading Stock Investing Made Easy: Beginner's Stock Market Investment Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Advanced Strategies in Stock Market Mastery By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading Heikin Ashi Trading Tactics: Master the Art of Trading By - Dinesh Nagpal, Full Time Trader, Ichimoku & Trading Psychology Expert View Program Stock Trading Stock Valuation Made Easy By - Rounak Gouti, Investment commentary writer, Experience in equity research View Program Stock Trading Options Trading Made Easy: Options Trading Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading Markets 102: Mastering Sentiment Indicators for Swing and Positional Trading By - Rohit Srivastava, Founder- Indiacharts.com View Program Stock Trading Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By - Dinesh Nagpal, Full Time Trader, Ichimoku & Trading Psychology Expert View Program Stock Trading Technical Trading Made Easy: Online Certification Course By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Technical Analysis for Everyone - Technical Analysis Course By - Abhijit Paul, Technical Research Head, Fund Manager- ICICI Securities View Program Stock Trading Mastering Options Selling: Advanced Strategies for Success By - CA Manish Singh, Chartered Accountant, Professional Equity and Derivative Trader View Program BROKERAGE: KOTAK INSTITUTIONAL Price Target: Rs 1,680 CMP: Rs 1,374 Upside: 22% Post recent correction, upgrade the stock to 'buy' from 'add' Among a few major Indian pharma players, with no meaningful direct US generics exposure, lending greater earnings stability Improved productivity and higher utilisation of the new facilities to drive robust 29% Earnings Per Share growth on a compounded basis over FY24-27 (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )

Kevane Grant Thornton focuses on the development of emerging professionsMaurid Polytechnic offers clarifications on Public health programmeSamsung Electronics announced on December 29 that it has added a new “Home Appliance QR Mode” to its AI-powered visual assistance app “Sullivan Plus.” (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics) SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electronics announced on December 29 that it has added a new “Home Appliance QR Mode” to its AI-powered visual assistance app “Sullivan Plus,” making it easier for users to locate QR codes on Samsung home appliances. Sullivan Plus, developed by startup TUAT, is a service for visually impaired users that describes images and reads text aloud. The app is currently used in more than 200 countries. When users scan their surroundings using the camera in Home Appliance QR Mode, the app automatically recognizes nearby appliances and provides voice guidance in 32 languages to help locate QR codes on the devices. The new feature can identify and distinguish among 5,895 models across 12 product categories, including refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and air purifiers released by Samsung from 2022 through September of this year, using trained data. “We plan to continuously expand the supported languages and products to make Home Appliance QR Mode available to more users,” said Lee Bo-na, vice president of Samsung’s Digital Appliances Business. “We will continue our efforts to improve the accessibility of each product so that everyone can conveniently use Samsung Electronics’ home appliances.” Samsung Electronics plans to showcase various accessibility features available on its home appliances at CES 2025, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics show, to be held in Las Vegas next January. Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)