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In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was sponsored by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. Some health groups , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don't change their clocks at all.Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time

You have a parade of options to watch “America’s New Year Celebration” which of course is the 136th Rose Parade and 111th Rose Bowl game. The parade kicks off at 8 a.m. PST Wednesday, Jan. 1, and will be broadcast on ABC, NBC, KTLA Channel 5, Hallmark Channel, RFD-TV and Univision. You can stream the parade on Fubo, PTT Studio, Pluto TV, DirectTV, Hulu+, Live TV, Peacock, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Following the Rose Parade, the 111th Rose Bowl game between the Oregon Ducks and either Ohio State or Tennessee will start at 1 p.m. PST, only on ESPN. Rose Parade 2025: Your guide to every float, band and equestrian unit, in order The Rose Parade airs in many countries worldwide, showing live in Armenia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Armed Forces Network. Other broadcasts air in more than 170 other countries. According to the Tournament of Roses, which produces the duo of New Year events, more than 45 million viewers catch the spectacle on TV nationally while a live audience of more than 700,000 line the 5.5-mile route along Colorado Boulevard in person. If you have a hankering for a deeper dive, the Tournament of Roses YouTube channel includes videos on the history of the parade, highlights from this year’s events, replays of livestreams and more. Related Articles

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Coreline Soft is rapidly expanding its reach in medical research and clinical settings with its AI-based medical imaging solution, the AVIEW product line, as global interest in AI healthcare technology rises. As of 2024, the number of cumulative research publications utilizing AVIEW has reached 296, showing a remarkable increase compared to the previous year. Stringent research and validation are essential for the successful adoption and application of AI-based medical solutions in clinical practice. Scholarly publications serve as critical evidence of a technology's reliability and efficiency, playing a decisive role in its adoption by medical professionals and researchers. Coreline Soft’s AVIEW product line offers 3D CT image analysis solutions. AVIEW LCS Plus, which can simultaneously screen for the "BIG 3" in lung cancer screening (lung cancer, emphysema, and coronary artery calcification), supports large-scale data analysis and precise nodule detection. It reduces diagnostic variability among medical professionals and is currently supplied to lung cancer screening programs in South Korea, Europe, Germany, Italy, and more. AVIEW CHEST is a combination medical device that analyzes lung and cardiovascular diseases with a single CT scan. Combining multiple devices into one, this system delivers comprehensive functionalities. Included in AVIEW CHEST are Coreline Soft's pre-approved products like AVIEW (COPD, CAC, Lung Texture), AVIEW Aortalab, and AVIEW LungCAD. AVIEW CHEST automates CT image analysis, leveraging a deep learning-based network structure to automate segmentation, measurement, and analysis of anatomical structures and pathologies. It detects abnormalities like lung nodules and masses and includes an automatic aorta segmentation function. Lee Jae-yeon, head of Coreline Soft's research team, stated, "Achieving 296 research publications as of December 2024 is not just a number; it demonstrates the credible and efficient position of medical AI," adding, "As a company trusted by researchers and clinicians, we will continue to strive to provide innovative solutions." Coreline Soft is also smoothly expanding into the major medical market in the United States. In the first half of this year, it sold AVIEW LCS Plus, a simultaneous chest disease diagnostics product for early detection of lung cancer, emphysema, and coronary artery calcification, to UMass Memorial Medical Center, one of the top 5 hospitals in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, it also sold three major products to Temple University Hospital's Temple Lung Center, a leader in lung disease treatment. The company is expanding its collaboration from radiology departments to key opinion leaders in pulmonology, showing meaningful results. The partnership with UMass Memorial Medical Center is particularly significant, as UMass uses Coreline Soft’s key product packages (AVIEW LCS, AVIEW CAC, AVIEW COPD). James Lee, head of North American operations, commented, "UMass values the viewer functionality of AVIEW, including how easily radiologists can modify AI results when necessary and is very satisfied with the streamlined workflow environment that AVIEW provides." Additionally, Coreline Soft is expanding its technology beyond comprehensive analyses of thoracic CT scans to include areas like brain, abdominal, and spinal CT, broadening its applications to cover conditions such as brain hemorrhage, cerebrovascular examinations, fatty liver quantification, body fat assessment, and spinal stenosis diagnostics.

Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving timeAston Villa had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 0-0 with Juventus in the Champions League. Morgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MyYL5Vdy3r — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OkcWHB7YIk — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024 Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.None

On Tuesday, the government introduced a constitutional amendment bill in the Lok Sabha to synchronise national and state elections in India under the concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE). To explore its feasibility, the government had established a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to examine the scope of ONOE, the constitutional amendments required, and the steps to implement this vision. While the concept may appear efficient at first glance, a closer examination reveals significant practical, logistical, and democratic concerns. Supporters of ONOE argue that it will reduce the financial cost of conducting frequent elections, free political parties from a perpetual election mode, and allow them to focus on governance. These arguments, however, crumble under scrutiny. When the numbers are analysed, the actual financial savings are minimal. Critics also point out that the real issue lies in the recent trend of national leaders and Delhi-based politicians devoting significant time and energy to state election campaigns. If the concern is that frequent state elections hamper governance, the solution is simpler than synchronising elections: state elections should primarily be fought by state party units, while national leaders focus on governing the country. Unfortunately, India’s increasingly centralised and presidential style of campaigning makes this solution unlikely. The logistical challenge of holding simultaneous elections across the entire country is staggering. Even state elections currently occur in multiple phases for security and administrative reasons. Coordinating both national and state elections would exacerbate these difficulties. A more critical issue lies in the incompatibility of a rigid election schedule with the principles of parliamentary democracy. India’s constitution demands that a government must always enjoy the confidence of the House. If a government loses this confidence, it must resign and seek a fresh mandate. While simultaneous elections were the norm in the 1950s, the system was disrupted when Article 356 was used to impose President’s Rule in states under exceptional circumstances. Synchronising elections today would require undermining this fundamental principle of parliamentary democracy. Even if national and state elections are synchronised for one cycle, the system will collapse the moment a government falls prematurely. Two proposed solutions to this problem create more harm than good: 1. Imposing President’s Rule: If a state government falls, the state would remain under President’s Rule until the next synchronised election cycle, potentially for years. This undermines federalism and denies the people their right to elect a new government. 2. Shortened Assembly Terms: Fresh elections would be held in the affected state, but the new assembly would serve only until the next synchronised election. This creates instability and undermines the very justification for reducing election costs and campaigning fatigue. These solutions also increase the likelihood of political manoeuvring to avoid the fall of a government, even if it has lost the House’s confidence. Despite the Tenth Schedule’s anti-defection provisions, ‘horse-trading’ has remained rampant, with politicians exploiting loopholes and judicial intervention to retain power. ONOE also poses a fundamental threat to Indian federalism. Indian federalism is not just a matter of administrative convenience but a recognition of linguistic, cultural, and ethnic aspirations. State-level democracies allow regional issues, identities, and demands to be represented effectively. Synchronising elections risks blurring these distinct arenas of democracy. State-level issues may be subsumed by national narratives, diluting regional voices. This undermines federalism’s role as a check on the concentration of power at the centre. The federal structure, supported by the Rajya Sabha and plural democratic contests at the state level, prevents the centralisation of authority. ONOE risks eroding this balance and creating a system where power becomes dangerously concentrated. Elections are the primary means of public participation in India’s constitutional framework. Unlike other constitutions that guarantee public participation in lawmaking or provide tools like the right to recall, the Indian system relies almost entirely on elections to hold representatives accountable. Frequent elections, therefore, allow for regular public engagement and debate. Simultaneous elections would shrink this space for participation without offering any alternative mechanisms to deepen democracy. The public’s ability to hold governments accountable would be reduced, weakening India’s democratic fabric. In conclusion, the administrative benefits of ONOE are overstated at best and illusory at worst. Meanwhile, the costs are substantial, both in terms of implementation and the principles it compromises. ONOE undermines federalism, weakens parliamentary democracy, and reduces opportunities for public participation. The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ is fundamentally flawed, impractical, and carries significant risks to India’s democratic and federal structure. For these reasons, it is an idea that should remain in the realm of discussion, not implementation.

By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .

GE Aerospace declares $0.28 dividend goes ex dividend tomarrowOne of Australia's governments is considering the idea of a minister for as a new . or signup to continue reading NSW is conducting a state inquiry into as it has become a public health issue following the pandemic. Groundswell Foundation chairman Martin Blake said the impacts of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes or having six alcoholic drinks per day. "Loneliness has a measurable economic impact - in Australia, the healthcare costs associated with loneliness are estimated at up to $2.7 billion each year in a 2021 report from Curtin University," he said. A - filed for the inquiry - suggested Australia appoint a minister for social connectedness, similar to Japan and the UK's ministers for loneliness, to help raise the topic as a priority issue. Part of the isolation is not knowing how to get help. More than 130 submissions were submitted for the inquiry from organisations including , , , and . VIEW Club's submission said women in its clubs report lower levels of depression and anxiety. "The strong social ties formed within these clubs contribute to better physical health, lowering the risk of chronic diseases and easing the overall burden on healthcare systems," it said. State mental health minister Rose Jackson said besides being an emotional experience, loneliness has profound impacts on people's mental and physical health. "While some people call loneliness the silent epidemic, it doesn't have to be suffered in silence. If you are experiencing loneliness, please speak up and reach out," she said. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare analysis of (HILDA) data showed in 2022, one in six people aged 55-64, and in 65+ felt lonely. Councillor Drew Staunton is a volunteer facilitator of Chatty Cafe, a charity-based initiative that aims to increase social interactions between people in communities. While he was undecided about whether a dedicated Loneliness Minister might help, he did call for more funding to promote and advertise existing services that connect people. "I think part of the isolation is not knowing how to get help," he said. He hosts a table at a cafe inside the Upper Coomera Centre on the Gold Coast each Thursday at 10am for about an hour, where anyone can sit and chat with others. Mr Staunton said people who are socially isolated, feel bewildered, or have experienced loss, can go along for a "good chat with some lightheartedness [and] try and make some friendships." "There's a lot of gratitude and a lot of relief that they can come and just have a chat with someone ...[about] what's happening for them," he said. Mr Staunton said the benefit of being in a group scenario was potentially meeting someone and befriending them. "That can be one of the major factors on recovery and getting better... or feeling normal, when someone else has been through something similar and they've come out the other side, and they're OK and they can empathise with you," he said. Mr Staunton said the modern means of communication didn't help mature Australians with loneliness and social isolation. "Back in their heyday, things were different and it's social media and everything has changed so much now," he said. "Sometimes it's hard to articulate and move forward if you're not familiar with that sort of technology." While some people call loneliness the silent epidemic, it doesn't have to be suffered in silence. Bobby Blake, 66, of Upper Coomera, is a full-time carer to her partner, who lives with dementia. She goes to Drew's Chatty Cafe as an opportunity to mingle and relax with others. "It can be quite difficult to get out about and socialise, so something like the Chatty Cafe is a good platform to meet people," she said. "It's good to talk to people... if you've had an awful week or whatever, you can talk about things. "It's good knowing that people are willing to listen and hearing your story." Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement

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MacKenzie Scott continues to make medical debt relief a priority in her mysterious giving. This week, Undue Medical Debt, formerly RIP Medical Debt, announced it had received a rare third gift — $50 million — from the billionaire philanthropist, signaling her satisfaction with the group’s efforts to purchase medical debt in bulk from hospitals and debt collectors. Scott has donated a total of $130 million to the organization since 2020. Medical debt is increasing despite most of the U.S. population having some form of medical insurance. Nearly 100 million people are unable to pay their medical bills, according to Third Way, a left-leaning national think tank. Overall, Americans owe about $220 billion in medical debt, with historically disadvantaged groups shouldering the bulk of the burden. Lower-income people, people with disabilities, middle-aged adults, Black people, the uninsured, and people living in rural areas are among the groups most likely to be affected by medical debt, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation . Undue Medical Debt buys debt at a discounted price, estimating that it erases about $100 in debt for each $1 donated. The group also collaborates with policymakers to encourage the adoption of measures to curb what people owe for medical care. Scott first gave Undue Medical Debt a $50 million donation in 2020, followed by a $30 million donation in 2022. With that money, the group has relieved nearly $15 billion in debt for more than 9 million people, CEO Allison Sesso said. That’s a significant leap from the $1 billion in debt relieved from 2014 to 2019, she noted. “I’m frankly astounded by this most recent gift from MacKenzie Scott and feel proud to be a steward of these funds as we continue the essential work of dismantling the yoke of medical debt that’s burdening far too many families in this country,” said Sesso. The continued funding has allowed Sesso “to not have to worry about my next dollar,” she said, and “think more strategically about the narrative around medical debt — she has helped us push that conversation.” Undue Medical Debt was started in 2014 by two former debt collection executives, Jerry Ashton and Craig Antico, who were inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement’s advocacy for debt relief. Growth initially was slow. But with Scott’s gifts, the nonprofit has been able to staff up, produce more research, and develop relationships with policymakers who have pushed for changes to hospital billing practices to relieve debt and prevent people from accumulating it in the first place, Sesso said. Undue Medical Debt’s public policy arm has worked with lawmakers in North Carolina, which in July became the first state to offer additional Medicaid payments to hospitals that agree to adopt debt relief measures, she said. The policy change followed the publication of a 2023 report from Duke University, which found that one in five families in the state had been forced into collections proceedings because of medical debt. Since 2020, the organization’s staff has grown from three to about 40, Sesso said. Those hires included an anthropologist who collects stories from people set back by medical debt to inform the group’s research and advocacy work. Scott’s gifts also have helped improve Undue Medical Debt’s technology to identify people eligible for debt relief and to find hospitals from which it can purchase medical debt, among other things, Sesso said. “This coming year, because of this MacKenzie Scott grant, we’ll be able to add more people, making sure that we can support that growth on an ongoing basis,” Sesso said. Few organizations have received more than one gift from Scott. Other multi-grant recipients include Blue Meridian, an intermediary group that has directed billions of dollars to nonprofits around the world, and GiveDirectly, which provides no-strings-attached cash payments to low-income people globally. GiveDirectly has received $125 million from Scott since 2020. Blue Meridian has not disclosed amounts for the four gifts it’s received since 2019. Scott’s contributions to those two organizations were for specific causes like GiveDirectly’s U.S. poverty relief fund, said Christina Im, a senior research analyst at the Center for Effective Philanthropy. In the case of Undue Medical Debt, the timing of Scott’s first gifts in 2020 and 2022 seemed to correspond with COVID-relief efforts, she said. Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is worth an estimated $32 billion but provides few details about her grantmaking decisions. Without further information, it’s hard to know what prompted this third donation to Undue Medical Debt, but Scott has said in public statements that she wants to help those who are most in need and bear the brunt of societal ills, said Elisha Smith Arrillaga, the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s vice president for research. “I have not seen a lot of other folks funding in this area,” Smith Arrillaga added. Scott’s latest gift to Undue Medical Debt comes amid national debates about medical insurance and the cost of medical treatments. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan has heightened these conversations, with some lionizing the man who allegedly committed the crime. “That’s no way to get change, full stop,” Sesso said in reference to Thompson’s murder. “But I think the anger around insurance companies and having access to care is very clear.” The U.S. has one of the most expensive health care systems in the world. And the amount of medical debt carried by individuals seems to be increasing, noted Adam Searing, a public interest attorney and associate professor at Georgetown University, where he focuses on Medicaid and other health coverage programs. Searing previously served for 17 years as director of the Health Access Coalition at the nonprofit North Carolina Justice Center, advocating for the uninsured and underinsured. During that time, he heard from people losing their homes due to liens from hospitals. Sometimes those liens could be delayed, but it still meant that the debtors couldn’t pass those homes along to their children or grandchildren, he said. “Those stories stuck with me,” he said. “It really has an impact on families.” Relieving debt allows people to get their lives back on track and become financially secure after a major illness or series of expensive bills, Searing said. For philanthropists, it’s also a cause that is largely nonpartisan. Scott shining a spotlight on the issue is undoubtedly “a good thing,” he said. “I think it will have a big effect.” Stephanie Beasley is a senior writer at the Chronicle of Philanthropy. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .

(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .