To become a “Dividend Aristocrat,” a dividend-paying company must accomplish an incredible feat: consistently increase shareholder dividends every year for at least 20 consecutive years.
Companies with this kind of track record tend to attract a lot of investor attention —
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-dividend-aristocrats-where-analysts-see-capital-gains-22
For the first time in history, the United States has fallen out of the Top 10 on the Henley Passport Index. This marks a significant shift in global travel rankings, reflecting changes in visa-free access and international mobility. The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, is closely watched as an indicator of a country’s travel freedom and global standing.
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5559801-us-falls-out-of-top-10-in-passport-power-rankings/
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) made Democrats an offer he thought they couldn’t refuse on Thursday, October 16, to end the government shutdown. But as it turns out, they could – and did – refuse it.
In another bill, Republicans offered payment for troops and other federal workers, but Democrats said it was full of “poison pills.” Now Thune says the White House seems willing to roll back some of the steps it took during the shutdown, so long as Democrats agree to reopen the government. But will they?
### An Obamacare Shutdown
Read any left-wing news outlet, and it will tell you the shutdown is all about Obamacare. If Republicans and President Donald Trump would just agree to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year, then Democrats would agree to pass funding to reopen the government.
Is it true? Maybe – but there have been other demands as well, so perhaps not. Still, Sen. Thune decided to dangle that carrot Thursday morning, saying that once the shutdown is over, he’ll call a vote on a bill to extend the ACA subsidies. He just needs another five to side with the GOP and those already backing the stopgap funding bill to keep the government running through November 21.
How’s that for an offer Democrats can’t refuse? Not a very good one, apparently.
“I trust no Republican’s word as long as Donald Trump is saying he refuses to extend health care tax subsidies,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) told reporters. “As much as I respect Leader Thune, he can’t vouch for the House or the White House.”
And, as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stands his ground on not passing a new resolution and as the president sticks to his position on the issue, that seems to be a sticking point for many Democrats.
“When the shutdown was just starting, we requested that,” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) told MSNBC on Thursday. “That’s been almost three weeks ago, and they wouldn’t do it, wouldn’t do it, wouldn’t do it. And now he has moved but everybody else has moved, too.”
So much for that carrot.
### White House Flexibility, Senate Stiffness
Sen. Thune also vaguely suggested on Thursday that the president might be willing to roll back some of his administration’s actions during the shutdown. When asked what, specifically, he thought the president might be willing to walk back, Thune admitted he didn’t know – but he did say some furloughed or unpaid federal workers could get their jobs back.
In the House, however, some Democrats now demand the administration undo the entire mass firing as a condition to ending the shutdown – an ask that will almost certainly be rejected as simply too much.
Also too much, apparently, was the GOP bill, already passed by the House, to keep the military funded through the shutdown. As Sen. Blumenthal put it, “I will vote yes on a military appropriations bill to pay our men and women in uniform, but if it has all of the House poison pills, no.”
The House-approved bill would fund the military through the shutdown, but it also ends assistance to Ukraine, reduces vaccine requirements, and limits service members’ access to abortions. To the left, those are poison pills, one and all – and the vote failed 50-44 on Thursday, with three Democrats joining most (but not all) Republicans on the “aye” side.
### The Impasse and Its Consequences
As the shutdown wears on, Republicans seem more inclined to offer – or, at least, dangle as bait – concessions to the left. But Democrats seem to be sticking to that all-or-nothing position.
And as America waits to see who wins this nationwide game of congressional chicken, the list of consequences grows.
Should the shutdown extend into November, for example, the US Department of Agriculture has announced it will cease funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), long known as Food Stamps to many.
How long until one side buckles – and what price will Americans have to pay for it?
https://www.libertynation.com/republicans-rush-to-end-shutdown-but-democrats-arent-playing-ball/
Two proposed charter amendments aimed at altering the qualifications for key Hawaii County department heads have failed to pass the full County Council. The defeat shelves changes that some officials argued might have helped with recruitment for hard-to-fill leadership roles.
**Bill 64: Public Works Director Qualifications**
Bill 64 sought to ease the qualifications for the director of Public Works by requiring a bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, business, public administration, or a related field, along with at least two years of experience in public works or a related discipline. Currently, the Public Works director is required to be a licensed professional engineer.
The bill also proposed that the deputy director be a licensed professional engineer responsible for overseeing engineering duties. However, the measure fell short on October 8, receiving only four votes in favor—two short of the six required to pass.
Neil Azevedo currently serves as the acting director of Public Works, filling the vacancy left by Hugh Ono, who retired in March. A permanent replacement has yet to be found.
**Councilmember Concerns**
During the Council meeting, differing viewpoints emerged:
– Councilmember Dennis Onishi questioned the practicality of the proposal, stating, “We’re having a hard time finding a director with a license… how are we going to find a deputy at a lower pay with a license?”
– Councilmember Heather Kimball criticized the county’s recruitment efforts for the deputy position, saying, “If the entire intent of this is to respond to the challenges of finding a person to fulfill this position… I do not think substantial efforts have been made to actually find this person.” She added, “I have done some digging and this has not nearly been advertised to the extent that you would expect.”
Kimball also raised concerns about the Council potentially exceeding the time frame set by the County Charter for appointing a new director. She warned, “We are in… the equivalent of a constitutional crisis, a charter crisis, if you will, because we are actively in violation of the charter as it stands. That becomes a legal issue, and we certainly wouldn’t want it to come to that, because that doesn’t present a desirable outcome for anyone.”
Councilmember Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder highlighted engineering oversights under former Public Works Director Ikaika Rodenhurst, a licensed engineer who was sworn in early 2021 and left in 2022. Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder noted, “One piece of very compelling testimony I found very concerning… was from our failed director of Public Works, Mr. Rodenhurst, who also spoke on behalf of the engineering society and spoke to the effect that Bill 64, if passed, would be a public safety concern. I found this paradoxical.”
**Mayor’s Statement**
Mayor Kimo Alameda issued a statement Monday addressing the issue:
“Currently, the County Charter requires the Public Works director to be a registered professional engineer, which unfortunately restricts the pool of applicants. In addition to education, there are other qualifications that should be considered when choosing someone to run a department, such as an individual’s practical experience and leadership abilities.”
“I believe the public deserves a say on whether the existing requirement is truly necessary, and it is disappointing that a majority of the Council members chose not to place this decision before them,” Alameda said. “Still, I hope that this conversation continues and that we can find opportunities to apply a more common-sense approach to our hiring practices.”
**Bill 72: Environmental Management Director Qualifications**
Meanwhile, Bill 72 proposed new qualifications for the director of Environmental Management, including five years of experience in relevant fields. However, it also failed on second reading, receiving only five votes—falling short of the two-thirds majority required.
—
With these charter amendment measures stalled, the challenge of filling critical leadership roles in Hawaii County’s departments remains unresolved, leaving officials and residents alike awaiting further discussions and solutions.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/17/hawaii-news/hawaii-island-lawmakers-reject-effort-to-ease-qualifications-for-key-post/
These are the salad days for the Dallas Cowboys with wide receiver George Pickens. Everything is going great. Pickens, in his first season with the Cowboys after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, has been lighting up opposing defenses.
Through six games, Pickens leads the NFL with six receiving touchdowns and ranks fourth in the league with 525 receiving yards. He’s coming off a bravura performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, where he had nine receptions for 168 yards and one touchdown—his second game with over 130 receiving yards this season.
### Pickens Tries to Deflect Blame to Steelers
“That’s been such a vastly different Pickens experience than the Cowboys appear to be having,” Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney wrote on October 16. “Pickens has repeatedly talked about the closeness of the team and the wide receiver room. And his teammates and coaches have pointed out how much fun he is to have around in the locker room. He insists he was the same way with the Steelers, but that there were elements in the organization that sought to damage his image.”
So, what conspiracy or cabal sought to take down Pickens? That part isn’t totally clear.
“Especially off the cameras,” Pickens said. “I mean, I can’t record myself. Definitely, people can put stuff out there that can tarnish your image but I always feel like I was having fun.”
For several reasons, those are some wild things for Pickens to say. That begins with the fact that anyone with a smartphone knows you can record yourself, and ends with the idea that anyone but Pickens himself, all on his own, tarnished his image.
### Steelers’ Christmas Day Nightmare With Pickens
Imagine this: you’re an NFL team getting ready to play on Christmas Day, at home. Not only that, but you’ll be playing in front of tens of millions of people. At home, tens of millions will watch you in the first NFL regular-season games to stream on Netflix. And you’re doing it all against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
That was the situation the Steelers found themselves in on Christmas Day in 2024. And in the time they should have been the most laser-focused and dialed in in the hours leading up to kickoff, they found themselves dealing with a much different issue—that their star player, Pickens, was nowhere to be found.
“After the Steelers’ Week 13 win in Cincinnati, during which Pickens was flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct, the coach said the wideout needed to ‘grow up,’” The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo wrote in January 2025. “Pickens sat out the next two games with a hamstring injury. When he was finally healthy, how did he respond? By showing up late for the Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Coach Mike Tomlin asks players to report to games at least two hours before kickoff. On December 25, Pickens walked through the media entrance just an hour and 25 minutes before kickoff—after inactive players were announced.
—
George Pickens is undoubtedly thriving with the Dallas Cowboys, but his past in Pittsburgh is shrouded in controversy and missed opportunities. Only time will tell how his career continues to unfold.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/george-pickens-own-worst-enemy/
That should be all the information you need to solve for the group that hosts an annual Mind Games board game competition crossword clue!
If you’re working on this puzzle, be sure to check out more clues and answers on our Crossword Answers page for additional help.
The post **Group that hosts an annual Mind Games board game competition | LA Times Crossword Clue** appeared first on Try Hard Guides.
https://tryhardguides.com/group-that-hosts-an-annual-mind-games-board-game-competition-crossword-clue/
That should be all the information you need to solve the “Bygone Apple gadgets” crossword clue!
Be sure to check out more clues on our Crossword Answers page for additional help and resources.
The post **Bygone Apple gadgets LA Times Crossword Clue** appeared first on *Try Hard Guides*.
https://tryhardguides.com/bygone-apple-gadgets-crossword-clue/
Kalmar Oyj julkaisee tammi–syyskuun 2025 osavuosikatsauksen 31.10.2025 noin klo 9.00. Raportti on saatavilla julkaisun jälkeen osoitteessa www.kalmar.fi.
Kansainvälinen puhelinkonferenssi analyytikoille, sijoittajille ja toimittajille järjestetään julkaisupäivänä klo 10.00. Tilaisuus on englanninkielinen. Raportin esittelevät Kalmarin toimitusjohtaja Sami Niiranen sekä talous- ja rahoitusjohtaja Sakari Ahdekivi.
Esitysmateriaali on saatavilla osoitteessa www.kalmar.fi viimeistään klo 10.00 mennessä.
Puhelinkonferenssiin osallistuvien tulee rekisteröityä tilaisuuteen tämän linkin kautta. Rekisteröitymisen jälkeen osallistuja saa konferenssin puhelinnumeron sekä konferenssitunnuksen osallistumista varten. Konferenssin aikana on mahdollisuus esittää kysymyksiä. Tilaisuutta voi myös seurata osoitteessa.
Tilaisuus nauhoitetaan, ja tallenne on saatavilla Kalmarin verkkosivuilla myöhemmin samana päivänä.
Huomioithan, että osallistumalla puhelinkonferenssiin hyväksyt, että Kalmar kerää sinusta henkilökohtaisia tietoja, kuten nimen ja yritystiedot.
Muistutamme myös, että voit tilata Kalmarin pörssi- ja lehdistötiedotteita tämän linkin kautta tai Kalmarin internet-sivuilla www.kalmar.fi.
Lisätietoja:
– Carina Geber-Teir, sijoittajasuhde-, markkinointi- ja viestintäjohtaja, puh. 040 502 4697
– Camilla Maikola, sijoittajasuhdepäällikkö, puh. 050 442 7900
**Kalmar lyhyesti**
Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) liikuttaa hyödykkeitä kriittisissä toimitusketjuissa maailmanlaajuisesti, ja sen visiona on olla edelläkävijä kestävän materiaalien käsittelyn laitteissa ja palveluissa.
Kalmar toimii maailmanlaajuisesti yli 120 maassa ja työllistää noin 5 200 henkilöä. Kalmarin pääkonttori sijaitsee Helsingissä, Suomessa.
Vuonna 2024 yhtiön liikevaihto oli yhteensä noin 1,7 miljardia euroa.
Lisätietoja: www.kalmar.fi
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/17/3168461/0/fi/Kalmar-julkaisee-tammi-syyskuun-2025-osavuosikatsauksen-perjantaina-31-10-2025.html
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday in North Philadelphia to mark the beginning of construction on new apartments designed to support people exiting homelessness. The new facility, named House of Grace, is located at 1315 W. Hunting Park Ave. It will feature 45 efficiency apartments, including 11 accessible units.
This development is the latest housing project from Project HOME, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Philadelphians to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty through housing.
“As we break ground today, we are not just building a structure, we are building on that legacy, on that vision,” said Project HOME CEO Donna Bullock. “We are building the future we want to live in, one where every person has a place to call home at Project HOME. We say it often, we say it proudly, and we say it with deep conviction. None of us is home until all of us are home.”
Bullock was joined by Mayor Cherelle Parker, state Sen. Sharif Street, Michael Young (president and CEO of Temple University Health), and Mark Schwartz (vice chair of the Board of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, or PHFA) for the ceremonial groundbreaking.
The development is expected to open next year.
Funding and Support
Mark Schwartz announced $16.7 million in funding for the health and housing programs at the new facility. This includes $1.6 million in low-income housing credits, which helped generate $15 million in equity from partner Citizens Bank. Additionally, PHFA and Schwartz will provide $1.85 million in tax credits for Project HOME’s next project, marking a record tax credit donation.
Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized her belief in taking a “holistic, comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness” and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders. She also reiterated her administration’s ambitious goal through the H.O.M.E. initiative to create and preserve 30,000 housing units in the city. “One housing unit at a time — that’s how we are going to get to 30,000,” Parker said.
State Senator Sharif Street, who is running for Congress, highlighted the importance of housing citing, “Housing equals dignity. Surroundings matter and having a place to live. Is it warm? Is it dry? Are you safe? Do you have a place to eat? These things matter.”
Voices from the Community
Nephali Andujar, a resident at Project HOME’s Inn of Amazing Mercy in Kensington, spoke about the impact of the organization’s work. “My father always told me that there are three things a person needs in life. You can’t do anything without housing. You need a place to stay. You need food and you need love,” he said.
“All of that I found here at Project HOME,” Andujar added. “When you help one person, it affects many people. By helping me, they have helped my family. No more sleepless nights. My daughter is 14. Now she’s proud of me. People who have known me during those dark days, and they see me now, for them is an inspiration.”
For more information, contact:
sstone@phillytrib.com
215-893-5781
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/local-leaders-break-ground-on-new-apartments-in-north-philly-for-people-exiting-homelessness/article_3305cd00-8887-47b6-831b-d09f2409a9c9.html
Tether Seeks Board Control at Juventus Following 10.7% Stake Investment
Tether, the issuer behind the stablecoin USDT, is making a strategic move into the world of football by seeking board control at Juventus FC. Earlier this year, Tether invested a 10.7% stake in the Italian football club and now aims to increase its influence by nominating two executives to join Juventus’ board of directors.
### Strategic Investment and Board Nominations
In February and April 2024, Tether acquired a significant 10.7% share in Juventus, signaling its strong interest in the football industry. Since the investment, the company has actively engaged with fans to gather insights and concerns about the club’s management. Emphasizing the need for improved governance and stronger minority representation, Tether has nominated Zachary Lyons, its Deputy Chief Investment Officer, and Francesco Garino, a medical doctor and Juventus supporter, to join the club’s board.
These nominations are set to be voted on during the Juventus shareholder meeting scheduled for November 7, 2024. With this initiative, Tether aims to influence the future direction and governance of the club.
### Focus on Corporate Governance and Transparency
Tether’s push for enhanced corporate governance at Juventus comes amidst a period of leadership instability. In November 2022, Juventus experienced a major upheaval when its entire board resigned following allegations of financial fraud related to players’ salaries. Several executives, including former chairman Andrea Agnelli, faced legal consequences, prompting significant changes in the club’s leadership.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, highlighted the company’s commitment to bringing “best-in-class corporate governance” to Juventus. By nominating professionals from diverse backgrounds, Tether seeks to strengthen the club’s management and establish better decision-making processes moving forward.
### Expanding Influence Beyond Football
While Tether’s core business centers around stablecoins, the company has been actively diversifying its investments across various industries. Apart from Juventus, Tether has invested $775 million in Rumble, a video-sharing platform. Additionally, the company has shown interest in artificial intelligence by proposing a joint acquisition of Northern Data, a firm specializing in AI infrastructure.
These strategic investments demonstrate Tether’s broader ambition to build a significant presence beyond the cryptocurrency market, expanding its footprint into traditional sectors such as sports and technology.
### The Road Ahead for Juventus and Tether
The upcoming Juventus shareholder meeting will be a pivotal moment for both the club and Tether. Approval of Tether’s board nominations could lead to a considerable shift in Juventus’ governance structure. With Tether’s involvement, the club may see new leadership dynamics aimed at restoring its reputation and ensuring greater transparency after recent scandals.
As Juventus navigates these changes, Tether’s role could become instrumental in shaping the club’s future trajectory both on and off the field.
https://coincentral.com/tether-nominates-executives-to-juventus-board-after-investment-in-club/
