panaloka com HARRISBURG, Pa. – Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Recommended Videos Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last," Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania's highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. ___ Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter

Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with HezbollahDarius 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. Related Articles National Politics | Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference and classified documents cases against Trump National Politics | Donald Trump Jr. emerges as a political force of his own as he helps his father launch a second term National Politics | The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump’s promises on growth and inflation National Politics | What to know about Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary National Politics | After Trump’s Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles Oz may gain or lose financially from other Trump administration proposals. For example, as of 2022, Oz held investments worth as much as $6 million in fertility treatment providers. To counter fears that politicians who oppose abortion would ban in vitro fertilization, Trump floated during his campaign making in vitro fertilization treatment free. It’s unclear whether the government would pay for the services. 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.Percentages: FG 54.000, FT .714. 3-Point Goals: 8-20, .400 (L'Amoreaux 3-7, Andersen 2-6, Selimovic 2-2, Nicoletti Leite 1-2, J.Brown 0-2, McGruder 0-1) Blocked Shots: 3 (Coe 3) Turnovers: 17 (L'Amoreaux 4, Selimovic 4, J.Brown 3, Nicoletti Leite 2, Andersen 1, Beach 1, R.Brown 1, Team 1) Steals: 3 (Beach 1, J.Brown 1, Selimovic 1) Technical Fouls: None Percentages: FG 45.614, FT .667. 3-Point Goals: 7-26, .269 (Theuerkauf 2-8, Williams 2-4, Jones 1-5, Jordan 1-5, Andrews 1-1, Conley 0-1, Sørbye 0-2) Blocked Shots: None. Turnovers: 15 (Hinds 4, Cowles 3, Williams 3, Conley 2, Andrews 1, Jones 1, Team 1) Steals: 8 (Jones 3, Williams 3, Cowles 2) Technical Fouls: None A_788 Officials_Whitney Armstrong, Tom Danaher, Dee Kantner

Democrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contest

Vikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold's composure and confidenceArticle content Officers with Police said investigators “

Marco Silva has urged his ex-Arsenal stars to inspire Fulham to victory at Tottenham . Three points would see the Cottagers leapfrog their London counterparts in the table as Silva's side bid to bounce back from last weekend's shock home thrashing at the hands of Wolves . And the Fulham boss wants Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Alex Iwobi, all Gunners academy graduates, to make themselves heroes, stating: "I haven't spoken with Emile, Reiss or with Alex about this situation. "However, probably their feeling is going to be different about the game. The reaction towards them from the Tottenham fans is also probably going to be different than with me or Kenny Tete or Issa Diop. "If it can give them a different level of motivation, then it would be good for us. They are in Fulham now and they fight really hard for us. I know they are proud to be part of the club in this part of their careers." "If it can give them a different level of motivation, then it would be good for us. They are in Fulham now and they fight really hard for us. I know they are proud to be part of the club in this part of their careers." Ahead of the matchup, stubborn Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou boldly declared he is "not interested" in pragmatism after Tottenham threw away a late lead in their Europa League draw with Roma in midweek. Silva, however, revealed that while he has huge admiration for his opposite number, he had no choice but to evolve in order to make Fulham competitive again in the Premier League . The Portuguese said: "You adjust things, you are always trying to add things and in life, you can never stand still. "Yes, in some moments I know I like to play football and be on the front foot but sometimes it does depend on the opponent and whether the other team allows you to do it. "What I see from Ange is that you can always talk about the identity of the team. You can choose an idea but you have to convince the players. "I really respect him, I have my idea and identity and what I see from Tottenham is one clear idea from a very good manager and he goes with it until the end." Fulham will be without imperious centre-back Joachim Andersen this weekend after the Dane suffered a calf injury against Wolves. Harrison Reed, Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon are also sidelined. Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.My Turn: A line in the sand

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, November 27, launched its first and only regulated lottery operation, The Game LLC, offering a grand prize of Dirham 100 million (Rs 2,29,83,80,000) in its “Lucky Day” draw. The Game LLC, an Abu Dhabi-based operator, was licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in July of this year. The draw is open to UAE residents aged 18 and above, featuring a diverse range of games catering to a broad audience. Tickets are now available for purchase on the website , and the inaugural live draw will take place at 8:30 pm on December 14. The draws will be held every two weeks. The draw offers participants the chance to win life-changing amounts and a new form of entertainment that adheres to GCGRA’s strict regulatory frameworks. The initial draw will offer a grand prize of Dirham 100,000,000 (Lucky Day) and seven ‘Lucky Chance’ IDs each ensuring Dirham 100,000. In addition, participants can purchase scratch cards at Dirham 5 (Rs 114) with prizes ranging from Dirham 50,000 to Dirham 1,000,000. A post shared by The UAE Lottery (@theuaelottery) Tickets are priced at Dirham 50 (Rs 1,149) and participants are asked to select one number from 1 to 12, marked as the month, from a list of six numbers from 1 to 31. Match all six days and month numbers for the top prize, and match six days but not the month for a share of the second prize. The third prize is awarded to those who match five days and the month. The fourth prize is awarded for either five days and no month or four days and the month. A post shared by The UAE Lottery (@theuaelottery) Bishop Woosley, Director of Lottery Operations at The Game LLC, emphasized, “Our goal is to deliver thrilling experiences while encouraging responsible play. After undergoing GCGRA’s thorough evaluation, we remain dedicated to maintaining global standards, ensuring fairness and transparency in every aspect, from the drawing process to winner selection.” The digital platform provides a user-friendly interface for easy ticket purchase, results check, and winning tracking, ensuring a secure and responsible gaming experience.