digital circus ragatha

digital circus ragatha By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission . He will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars’ worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior . Ferguson is already one of the FTC’s five commissioners, which is currently made up of three Democrats and two Republicans. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” Related Articles National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television National Politics | What will happen to Social Security under Trump’s tax plan? National Politics | Republican-led states are rolling out plans that could aid Trump’s mass deportation effort The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement. The new chair is expected to appoint new directors of the FTC’s antitrust and consumer protection divisions. “These changes likely will make the FTC more favorable to business than it has been in recent years, though the extent to which is to be determined,” wrote Anthony DiResta, a consumer protection attorney at Holland & Knight, in a recent analysis . Deals that were blocked by the Biden administration could find new life with Trump in command. For example, the new leadership could be more open to a proposed merger between the country’s two biggest supermarket chains, Kroger and Albertsons, which forged a $24.6 billion deal to combine in 2022. Two judges halted the merger Tuesday night. The FTC had filed a lawsuit in federal court earlier this year to block the merger, claiming the deal would eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower wages for workers. The two companies say a merger would help them lower prices and compete against bigger rivals like Walmart. One of the judges said the FTC had shown it was likely to prevail in the administrative hearing. Yet given the widespread public concern over high grocery prices, the Trump administration may not fully abandon the FTC’s efforts to block the deal, some experts have said. And the FTC may continue to scrutinize Big Tech firms for any anticompetitive behavior. Many Republican politicians have accused firms such as Meta of censoring conservative views, and some officials in Trump’s orbit, most notably Vice President-elect JD Vance, have previously expressed support for Khan’s scrutiny of Big Tech firms. In addition to Fergson, Trump also announced Tuesday that he had selected Jacob Helberg as the next undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment.Two of Victoria's biggest regional health services have seen their WorkCover premiums double in 2023-24, in a year when hospitals to stay afloat. or signup to continue reading Bendigo Health suffered a 122 per cent surge in its premium, while Grampians Health saw an 83 per cent spike. South West Healthcare also saw its premium rise 95 per cent. But several other large services had much smaller increases, with Goulburn Valley Health's premiums rising 23 per cent, Northeast Health Wangaratta 30 per cent, and Albury Wodonga Health 26 per cent. The increase across the state hospital system was 51 per cent, or $84 million, for the year. ACM asked Bendigo Health, Grampians Health and South West Healthcare to explain the spike at their services and what was being done to address it, but they all declined to comment. ACM understands burnout and occupational violence claims may be playing a role, with several services recording a spike in incidents. The state government struck a deal in March 2024 to freeze remuneration under the WorkCover scheme and make certain mental health claims much more difficult. The government said this would make the "fundamentally broken" scheme "sustainable", but any benefits wouldn't be reflected in the 2023-24 figures. Bendigo Health recorded the biggest percentage increase of any large or medium health service in the state. Its premium jumped from $3.5 million in 2022-23 to $7.8 million in 2023-24, a rise of 121.7 per cent. Grampians Health's surge was smaller in percentage terms, at 82.7, but the dollar figure was much larger, jumping from $7.3 million to $13.4 million in 2023-24. For health services that both recorded operating deficits in the tens of millions, as well as requiring bailouts of $46 million and $75 million respectively, the added insurance pressure hurt their bottom line. South West Healthcare also recorded a 95.4 per cent jump, with its premium rising from $1.46 million to $2.85 million in 2023-24. ACM asked all three services whether it had raised the significant premium increases with the state government during recent negotiations over hospital budgets, but all three declined to respond. Some smaller services like Portland District Health also saw their premiums double. It is unclear why these services all recorded roughly 100 per cent jumps, while Goulburn Valley, Northeast, and Albury Wodonga Health all saw rises of 25 to 30 per cent. Opposition WorkCover spokeswoman Cindy McLeish said the blowout in premiums had because of extra pressure it put on hospital budgets. "Hospitals have been under enormous pressure having to find the additional money on top of increased costs, the threat of amalgamations, budget cuts, and now have had another blow to their finances, all of which will have a worsening impact on patient care," Ms McLeish said. South West Coast Liberal MP Roma Britnell blamed government mismanagement of the scheme for the premium rises. "The Allan Labor Government's mismanagement of WorkCover means Victorian health services pay higher premiums and less towards the essential services they should be providing," Ms Britnell said. "[It] is robbing Peter to pay Paul, to attempt to prop up their complete and utter financial mismanagement." Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell said Bendigo Health could ill afford the extra cost. "Bendigo Health is already struggling to cover their escalating costs, and had a $16m deficit in 2023-24," Ms Lovell said. "Labor cannot manage money and Victorians patients are paying the price." But the government said the surging costs were partly due to an increase in WorkCover premium rates. The rates changed to 1.8 per cent of remuneration in the 2023-24 financial year. The previous rate of 1.272 per cent had been maintained since 2015 and had not increased since 2001. The 1.8 per cent figure is now frozen, and combined with the other changes from March that make many mental health claims ineligible, the government said pressure on the scheme should fall. "Only Labor invests in our health system," a government spokesperson said. "The only political party that cuts and closes hospitals is the Liberal Party." Some health services are concerned a surge in occupational violence incidents may be pushing premiums up. Bendigo Health saw its reported occupational violence incidents jump by 100, from 389 in 2022-23 to 489 in 2023-24. But its incidents per full-time equivalent staff (FTE) was still relatively low at 14.5, compared to some other services. South West Healthcare's figure was 22 incidents per FTE, while Grampians Health was 24 per FTE. The small Heywood Rural Health recorded a figure of 57 incidents per FTE. It also saw its WorkCover premium jump 135 per cent, from $77,000 to $181,000, a huge jump for a small service. Correspondent covering key issues across regional Victoria, based in Melbourne. Correspondent covering key issues across regional Victoria, based in Melbourne. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan

Being the national currency of the Philippines the value and fluctuations of the currency depend on many economic and political situations. This is a great knowledge for forex traders interested in the peso’s fluctuations and how to use them for their benefit. Thai Baht for example has little step in forex market except for emerging markets trade which involves Philippine peso. The Philippine Peso is among the most convertible currencies in Southeast Asia and widely quoted with reference to US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR) and Japanese Yen (JPY). Although not as liquid as major global currencies, its value can move big time due to the Philippines’ economic links with regional and global markets. For traders, that’s a good thing. Its volatility can be a short-term profit opportunity and its link to the country’s growing economy is a long-term attraction. The Philippine Peso is influenced by a mix of local and global factors. From economic policies to global trends, these are the elements that shape the peso’s performance in the forex market. Knowing these can help traders anticipate and make better decisions. Overseas Workers (OFWs) are the backbone of the economy, sending billions of dollars back home every year. These remittances generate a regular consumption which increases especially during occasions such as the christmas season and the opening of classes. According to the research, BSP is one of the tools that, if well managed, can help in stabilizing peso. Interest rates, rate of inflation and monetary policies have influences over the position of the currency in the forex market. The Philippine balances of trade is negative ; the country exports lesser than what it imports. This has resulted into a less supply for pesos specifically because more of the foreign currency is required in the payment of imports. They hold that election or any political event can lead to political risk and hence high volatility for the peso. These changes are eyed by forex traders because they can cause a great deal of movement in the currencies. Philippine Peso has been found to generally move along with other currencies of the Southeast Asia region. The peso and its counterparts tend to decline during global shocks or when a particular region plunges. That is why the peso is a perfect marker for a forex trader interested in the Southeast Asian region. The Philippine Peso has its own opportunities for forex traders especially those who know its patterns and market drivers. Whether seasonal, economic or regional, these opportunities allow traders to ride the peso’s movements and diversify their trades. The peso is sensitive to economic and political changes so there’s profit potential in the short term. It moves a lot so if you understand how it behaves you can trade it. Trading the peso with other ASEAN currencies can diversify your portfolio. It moves with regional events so it’s broader opportunities. Trading the Philippine Peso can be profitable but it has its risks . Market volatility, limited liquidity and external pressures can be a challenge for traders. Knowing these risks is key to developing a strategy to minimize losses while navigating the forex market. Compared to major currencies like USD or EUR, the peso is less liquid. This means wider spreads so trading costs higher for you. The peso widely relies on the US dollar and foreign exchange. It means it can have access to external shocks such as increase in oil prices or fluctuation in the American monetary policies. Follow remittance reports, inflation rates and policy of the BSP. They can be your reference to the direction of the peso in the forex market. Peso has trends so chart analysis is going to be effective. This you can use to establish your entry and exit points. There other factors which could impact peso for instance, the US interest rate or oil prices. Commodities trading explained for forex in the Philippines highlights how fluctuations in commodity prices, such as crude oil or agricultural exports, can impact the peso’s strength against major currencies. Knowing when you are in a bear market assists you in being prepared, make the necessary change and work towards a solution . While often considered a purely domestic currency, the Philippine peso is a dynamic actor in the forex space, affected by and affecting the flow of currencies elicited by remittances, trade balance and regional trends. In fact, there are significant benefits for traders who successfully identify what influences the peso as well as reduce possible risks. Through tracking the economic signals and occurrences in certain realm, forex traders can capitalize in the peso for short term or long term.

The opinions expressed below are Jon Keller's, not those of WBZ, CBS News or Paramount Global. BOSTON - The election and the changing of power could be big topics at this year's holiday celebrations. But how do you keep the political drama from poisoning important relationships? Most want to avoid political talk Many of us are on edge these days, and politics has a way of pushing us over that edge. In a pre-Thanksgiving CBS News/YouGov poll , 71% said they would try to avoid talking about politics over the holiday. "It makes sense that people are feeling a lot of feels right now," said Marblehead-based etiquette expert Jodi R.R. Smith, of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, who suggests political discussions should be avoided if you're sure they're going to be toxic. But, "We are allowed to talk about politics. If we stop talking about it, we can never come together on anything. The question is: Is this the time and place?" How to avoid politics at holiday events Smith advised planners of a fall wedding to insert language in the invitation and program politely requesting that differences be set aside to focus on the couple, and it worked. But Boston etiquette expert Roseanne Thomas, of Protocol Advisors, suggested you have the right to reject unwanted political talk. "You don't have to get involved if you don't want to. If you do, you listen respectfully; you kind of let them know that you've heard what they said; if you want to share your opinions, you do, but otherwise, you say 'OK, that's interesting,' and you move on," she said. Her getaway line and Smith's are notably similar. "'That's interesting, but do you know what I find fascinating?' And you can take the conversation, and move it somewhere else altogether," said Smith. And if guests persist in talking politics? "'If you'll excuse me,' and remove yourself from the situation," Smith said. The experts say you always want to take the high road, even if that means politely walking away from a conversation or avoiding the gathering altogether. Send cookies and your regrets, advised Smith, and consider reconnecting when things cool down. But, Thomas observed, political nerves are more frayed than ever, and people need to remember one thing before they engage: You are not going to change Uncle Bob's or Cousin Jane's mind over the egg nog. Jon Keller is the political analyst for WBZ-TV News. His "Keller @ Large" reports on a wide range of topics are regularly featured during WBZ News at 5 and 6 p.m.Hampers packed for women and children in need this ChristmasSirius XM Holdings Inc. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors

CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 23 points as Central Arkansas beat UNC Asheville 92-83 in double overtime on Sunday. Jordan Morris made two free throws with one second left for UNC Asheville (2-3) to force overtime tied at 71. Fletcher Abee's 3-pointer with 33 seconds left in the first overtime tied the game at 79 and led to the second extra period. Michael Evbagharu's layup gave Central Arkansas (2-4) the lead in the second OT and Cato followed with a 3-pointer as the Bears outscored the Bulldogs 21-12 to pull out the victory. Cato added nine rebounds for the Bears. Layne Taylor totaled 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Brayden Fagbemi pitched in with 19 points, seven assists and five steals. The Bulldogs (2-3) were led by Fletcher Abee, who recorded 27 points. UNC Asheville also got 17 points from Josh Banks. Toyaz Solomon finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .SM Mall of Asia’s IMAX with Laser opens with “Moana 2” as inaugural film

Late kickoff return TDs by Turpin and Thomas spark the Cowboys as they end their 5-game skid

Do you know what Edmund Burke, a very wise man, once said? “The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.” In other words, older people in charge should listen carefully to what younger people are saying. Right now, in China, that’s becoming more important than ever. In recent weeks, young people in China have been making headlines. First, thousands of students hopped on their bikes and rode more than 30 miles from one city to another just to enjoy a delicious soup-dumpling breakfast. At first, the government thought it was a fun activity, but then they got nervous and stopped the rides. Then, something sad and scary happened: on a college campus, eight people were killed, and 17 were hurt by someone who was upset about failing exams and struggling with internships. Why does this matter so much to China’s leaders? Because young people are powerful. When the economy is tough, and they feel frustrated, they don’t stay quiet. Remember in 2022, when young Chinese people held up blank sheets of paper to protest strict COVID-19 rules? They didn’t even need words to make a big impact—those protests made the government change its rules. This isn’t just a China thing. Around the world, young people have often been the ones to spark big changes. They tore down the Berlin Wall, fought for freedom in Ukraine, and made their voices heard in protests against the Vietnam War. So, what should China’s leaders do? They should pay attention. What makes young people happy? What stresses them out? Is it the pressure of school and exams? Or the way social media shows a distorted view of life? Understanding young people is crucial. Whether it’s art like Banksy’s or music like Sidhu Moose Wala’s, the things that inspire youth matter. Leaders need to listen, connect, and support them—not shut them down. After all, the future belongs to the young, doesn’t it?

Sports Technology Market to grow by USD 37.85 Billion (2024-2028), driven by the rise in sports tech events, Report highlights market evolution powered by AI - Technavio

Sixers' Jared McCain partners with Instagram in campaign to combat sextortion

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Marcus Adams Jr.'s 25 points helped CSU Northridge defeat Utah Tech 89-79 on Sunday night at the Stew Morrill Classic. Adams added five rebounds for the Matadors (4-1). Keonte Jones added 23 points while shooting 8 of 15 from the field and 5 for 10 from the line while they also had nine rebounds and three blocks. Scotty Washington had 19 points and went 7 of 14 from the field (3 for 6 from 3-point range). The Trailblazers (1-5) were led by Hakim Byrd, who posted 23 points. Utah Tech also got 15 points from Noa Gonsalves. Samuel Ariyibi finished with 14 points and three blocks. The Matadors play Denver and Utah Tech takes on Montana when the event wraps up on Monday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .'We switched off': Jets need to nail big moments, says Stanton

CNBC Daily Open: Small- and mid-caps outperformed last weekAlbanese must lead like Labor heroes Evatt and Hawke on antisemitism

8 Thanksgiving mistakes: Frozen or overcooked turkey, too many sides and other common holiday miscues