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THE Department of Justice - Regional Prosecution Office Davao (DOJ RPO-Davao) said that there is a need to intensify information dissemination on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) amid the increasing number of cases in the region. Lawyer Janet Grace B. Dalisay-Fabrero, Davao regional prosecutor, said the number of VAWC cases their office received in 2023 was 454. She expressed concern over the increase in numbers for 2024, citing that the data they have as of the moment is only from the third quarter of 2024. “First to third quarter pa lang ng [of] 2024, we already have a total of 337 cases filed region-wide, so ibig sabihin [it means that] the struggle to really disseminate and educate the public about the need to be very conscious about this gender-based violence is a continuing effort,” she said during the Kapehan sa Davao on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. She said they were planning to end the campaign in 2030, however, the number of cases their office is handling is still rising. Lawyer Carla V. Gueverra, assistant state prosecutor of DOJ-Davao, said that at the national level, 13,682 VAWC cases were filed in 2023, while in the first quarter of 2024 alone, 7,394 cases have already been filed. “I think this shows the trending 2024 tumataas yung [it is increasing] number of reported cases which is I think is because of the information dissemination campaign conducted by our partners,” she said. Sherlyn S. Concubierta, regional women and solo parent focal of DSWD-Davao, said that their office has received around 30 walk-in clients from the first to the second semester of this year. She explained that these clients receive psychosocial interventions, such as counseling, referrals to Crisis Social Intervention depending on the clients' needs, and legal interventions. Meanwhile, Jeanette L. Ampog, executive director of Talikala, said that their office has received around 20 cases involving prostituted women, gender-based violence, abuse from partners, and abuse from customers of prostituted women. Lorna Mandin, head of Davao City's Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD), said that in Davao City alone, from 2014 to 2023, there have been around 17,748 VAWC cases. In 2023, there were around 2,797 cases, a significant increase compared to 2022, which had only 1,864 cases. “Daghan gyud ang naga-report [There is an increase in the reports] because services are available isa pod na siya [this is one of the reasons], information also in a way we believed is well disseminated,” she said. PMaj. Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO), said that they have conducted multiple information dissemination activities in barangays, specifically in schools, to raise awareness about what constitutes rape, and sexual abuse, and what to do if such an incident occurs, as most victims are often afraid of the perpetrator. “As soon as nangyari agad ang insidente i-report agad para mahuli agad natin ang suspects or suspect huwag natin paabutin ng buwan o ilang araw para po ma-inquest agad natin o diretso po natin makulong ang suspect at hindi na po siya makapagbiktima pa ng ibang babae (As soon as the incident happens, report it immediately so that we can apprehend the suspects right away. Don’t let it take months or days before reporting, so we can conduct the inquest and immediately jail the suspect, preventing them from victimizing other women),” she said. To further reduce gender-based violence and VAWC cases in the community, Mandin highlighted the importance of men’s participation in seminars. She emphasized that it would be a huge help if green jokes and name-calling were not excused, and by informing men that they should also advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment. She added that these issues are already integrated into some educational materials, such as books, addressing name-calling and green jokes as unacceptable. Mandin shared that in collaboration with Talikala and the Department of Education-Division of Davao City (DepEd-Davao), they have integrated concepts about VAWC and gender-based violence into the modules of grades four through junior high school. RGP

Home for the Holidays: Lost bulldog found in Natchez, reunited with Houston owner after a year

New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Aaron Rodgers “absolutely” will remain the team's starting quarterback and start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers, who turns 41 next Monday, has been hampered at times during the Jets' 3-8 start by various injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle and balky hamstring. Ulbrich said Monday the quarterback came back from the team's bye-week break ready to go. “All I can say, and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy, but he's better off today than he's been as of late,” Ulbrich said. "So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. “So, I'm excited about what that looks like.” NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed all but four snaps last season with a torn left Achilles tendon , has declined having medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue to play. “I have not been informed of that, either way,” Ulbrich said. Rodgers suffered what NFL Network reported was a “significant” hamstring injury against Denver in Week 4. He then sprained his left ankle against Minnesota in London a week later. The four-time MVP has not been able to consistently move around during games as he has in the past, when extending plays and making things happen on the run became such a big part of his game. Rodgers said leading into New York's 28-27 loss to Indianapolis last Sunday that it was the healthiest he felt in a while. But he struggled against the Colts, finishing 22 of 29 for 184 yards after a brutally slow start during which he went 9 of 13 for just 76 yards. The Athletic reported last week that owner Woody Johnson broached the idea during a meeting with the coaching staff of having the banged-up Rodgers sit after the Jets' loss to Denver in Week 4. With Rodgers' struggles and perhaps compromised health the past few games, a hot debate on social media and sports talk shows during the past week has been whether the quarterback should take a seat in favor of Tyrod Taylor. But when asked if there has been any talk of shutting down Rodgers, Ulbrich replied flatly: “There has not.” In a follow-up question, the interim coach was asked if Rodgers will, in fact, be the Jets' starting quarterback at home Sunday against the Seahawks. “Absolutely,” Ulbrich said. He added that he didn't feel the need to sit down with Rodgers and address all the reports and chatter outside the facility. “No, I feel like we are on the same page,” the coach said. Last week, Ulbrich said he and his staff would take “a deep dive” into what the team could do better after losing seven of its past eight and being on the verge of missing the postseason for the 14th consecutive year. Ulbrich opted not to make any changes to the coaching responsibilities of his staff and he will continue to run the defense as the coordinator. He also said there would not be any personnel changes coming out of the bye, barring injuries. “But definitely, we created a really clear vision of where we need to improve and found some things,” Ulbrich said. “Obviously, you find the things that you’re not doing well, you need to improve upon them, but then also found some some things that I think we can really build upon. So I was excited in both ways.” Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas last Tuesday, six weeks after he also dismissed coach Robert Saleh. On Monday, the team announced it would be assisted by The 33rd Team , a football media, analytics and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, in its searches for a general manager and coach. Ulbrich insisted that isn't creating an awkward situation for him, in particular, as he and his staff focus on the present while the organization begins planning for the future. “In all honesty, it’s not at all,” Ulbrich said. “My singular focus is just finishing the season off the right way, playing a brand of football we’re all proud of, myself included. And that starts with Seattle.” LB C.J. Mosley said he's “progressing” in his return from a herniated disk in his neck, but is still uncertain about his availability for Sunday. Mosley said Monday was the first time he put on a helmet since the injury occurred during pregame warmups against New England on Oct. 27. ... Ulbrich said the team is still evaluating LT Tyron Smith, who missed the game against Indianapolis with a neck ailment. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday. The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he injured the same knee that he hyperextended during the preseason in Wednesday night's loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

Why General Motors got the green light that Andretti did not

Celebrities can spark change when they speak up about their healthUnless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. 1. A set of cami bras for those days when you're lounging around the house but still want to keep the girls supported. Promising review: "Loved the five colors, very VERY comfortable and worth the price. The material is very soft, feels like you have nothing on. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product." — Amazon Customer Price: $25.99+ for a set of four (available in sizes S–3XL and in six color sets) If you like these, check out our picks for the best tank tops with built-in bras ! 2. A Maidenform convertible push-up bra that goes from strapless to secured in seconds. You'll get a lil' extra boost thanks to the push-up design and the monochrome colors make it the perfect pick under any outfit. Promising review: "Bought this to wear as a strapless to a wedding. I didn’t have to constantly pull it up, which has always been why I stay away from strapless. It was tight, and I did receive a size bigger than I ordered, so keep that in mind. Glad it was tight though!" — Kara Price: $17.76+ (available in sizes 34C–40DD and in two designs) 3. A seamless medium-low support workout bra so you can stay supported while still looking super cute. I honestly wouldn't blame you if you wore this cutie sans anything over the top of it (aka, as a shirt). Promising review: "I'm a 32DDD and it's so hard finding good sports bras. The cups add nice shape so I don't get an underboob look and it's so cute from the back!" — H Price: $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 14 colors and designs) You can also find this bra at #1 in our list of chic sports bras ! 4. A wire-free and bulge-free bra because bra bulge is the one thing that no one needs in their lives. Yes, it's a relief when you take off your bra at the end of the day, but what makes it even better is not having any indents on your skin. Promising review: "The product is exactly what was needed. It is soft and supportive. It doesn’t hide your shape and is not too tight. Soft material and Excellent fit." – Anna Price: $16.94 (available in sizes S–XXL and in four colors) 5. A padded push-up bra to add an entire cup size in an instant. Seem too good to be true? Just take a look at the almost 10,000 5-star ratings. Promising review: "For all my natural big-breasted sisters...get this bra!! This is by far one of the best bras I have ever owned. This bra is super comfortable and attractive. I totally recommend. Can't beat it for the price." — Amazon Customer Price: $29.99+ (available in sizes 32A–40DDD and in 16 colors) 6. A Hanes ComfortFlex foam bra so light and comfortable that you'll probably think, "did I remember to put a bra on today?" Promising review: "I hate bras. I find almost all of them TOTALLY uncomfortable no matter what...UNTIL NOW!!!!!!! THIS BRA IS THE BEST!!!! It's so comfy and I never have to adjust it because it's bothering me. Just enough padding that you don't see nipple bumps in a T-shirt. Sometimes I even continue to wear it after I get home from work, unlike others I would NEED to take off immediately the second I could. I will forget I'm wearing this!!! Highly recommend!!!" — Brandy Lunn Price: $12.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 7. A lace halter bralette , because nothing is fancier than a lacy bralette. This bb will look amazing with your shirt draped off your shoulder — why wouldn't you want to show it off? Promising review: "There’s a reason why this bra is is popular: it’s really cute and super comfortable. It doesn’t have any padding or much support but still held me well. " — Candy Price: $12.59+ (available in sizes S–XL and in eight colors) 8. A half-cup mesh bra to make you feel *so* good. This is the ideal bra to wear under your fancier clothes, but it's also comfy enough for every day. Promising review: "I am picky with bras and this really surprised me. It fits so well and makes the girls look amazing. I bought it in more colors. It runs true to size." — Kindle Customer Price: $25.99+ (available in sizes 32A–38DD and in 12 colors) 9. A padded bra top so you can wear your underwear as outerwear. Reviewers love this 2-in-1 so much, many say they often sleep in it. Promising review: "This got delivered less than 10 minutes ago and I’ve already purchased two more colors. This sports bra is so comfy and the perfect crop length for biker shorts or leggings. The material is high quality and super soft. I am a 34D wearing a medium and it’s the perfect amount of support for training. Might want something tighter or go down a size if you're a runner and don’t want anything to move. You need this in your closet!!" — Alyssa Price: $21.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 27 colors and styles) 10. A secure Glamorise front-closure bra , because who has time to contort themselves for 20 minutes each morning until they *finally* hook the back clasp? This game-changing bra also has an underwire that cradles your bust so the wire never touches your body. FYI, it is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member! Promising review: "I hate ordering bras online because I never know what size to order. I took a risk, thinking that I would just return it if it didn’t work. But this one did!! She holds the (big) girls in so well! There’s also that lift and separate action that I love so much! I highly recommend this very comfortable and beautiful bra!" — BSong Price: $47.20 (available in sizes 34B–50H and in 11 colors) 11. A vintage-inspired balconette underwire bra that'll be perfectly paired with your ever-growing collection of retro dresses (or by itself under a blazer 😉). Promising review: "Size 34FF fits great, although typically I wear a 34DDD in American sizes. I have narrow shoulders and a narrow back. Finally, not a minimizer, but a great-looking bra to make my beauty shine. It has just enough padding to be appropriate to wear with a T-shirt, not over-padded. Absolutely recommend this bra to those of us who are well-endowed!" – Lydia32 Price: $39+ (available in sizes 30D–44GG and in 12 colors) 12. An ultra-light smoothing bra because your bra showing through your top is not always the vibe. (Unless it is, you do you!) For around 20 bucks, you can't go wrong. Promising review: "I'm so glad I purchased this bra. It’s hard finding my size bra (34DD) in stores. It seems as if it’s nonexistent. I don’t feel like paying double the price at VS for my bra size (just to get a DD bra you have to pay $10 more...there isn’t $10 more worth of fabric so I don’t see the justification). The bra is very comfortable, buttery soft, and no boob spillage. Definitely would buy again. Just wish there were more color options." – MillB Price: $22.66+ (available in band sizes 34–42, cup sizes B–DD, and 12 colors) 13. A lightly padded satin bra with over 4K 5-star reviews and a comfortable, gorgeous design. FYI, bra is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member! Price: $53.99+ (available in sizes 34D–44DD and in 14 colors) 14. A darling Natori plunge contour bra that magically molds to your shape to give you the best fit yet. Promising review: "I now own this bra in three colors; it's that amazing. This bra looks and feels incredible; you scarcely feel it at all when it's on. It's invisible under nearly all clothing, as the lace at the top lies flat; to me, this is very important, as I hate seeing the tops of bra cups poking through the fabric of your shirt! Not a problem here. I wear this bra daily with confidence, and I can't recommend it highly enough." — Amanda H. Smith Get it from Amazon for $46.80+ (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes A–G, and dozens of colors). 15. An unlined Calvin Klein bra ~sheer~ to be your new favorite. It's super soft, comfortable, and will bring some designer goodness to your underwear drawer. Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for. I did not want any thick material, just the shaping from the underwire and a more natural feel and look beyond that. These bras have only sheer mesh material in the cup, and I love it. Super comfortable, make me feel like I look great. I ended up buying four more for this to be my go-to everyday bra. If you don’t want thick layers of fabric this bra is for you. Note on colors: 'nymph's thigh' is really closer to very light pink, and 'nude' is a darker tan. I only wish there was a white option for wearing under white layers. Other than that, this bra is a great, simple (and also sexy) product. If you are looking for thick padding, then this will not be what you want. The fit was perfect to my expectations (based off of my measurements)." — E N Allen Price: $9.45+ (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes A–DD, and in seven colors). 16. A Lilyette by Bali minimizer bra for compressing the girls and making them look smaller while still giving you a beautiful silhouette and a ton of support. This bra can reduce your bust projection up to 1.5 inches! Promising review: "Why did no one tell me the wonders of minimizing bras?!? But all is forgiven now that my 38DD otherwise unwieldy breasts are now properly contained! All my life, I've worn 'regular' bras, and all my life, they've wiggled, jiggled, pooched over the cups, and I've hated them. But now, I might be OK with a larger chest! This bra is phenomenal. I'm DD, sometimes DDD, and wearing regular bras correctly sized was horrible. Professional fittings, those $70 bras I'd still look jiggly in, and I'd still end up with boobage up out of the cup. Looked ridiculous. This bra nicely does whatever it does to push your breasts down enough that they don't pop out. But you don't look like you have smashed breasts or a uni-boob! They stay nicely separated; I've worn it several times and not once had spillage over. I'm ordering two more, pleased as punch. FINALLY, after over 25 years of bra wearing, found what I didn't know I was missing! I hope someone else is able to have the joy of nicely contained boobs!" — 3LittleFish Price: $21.99+ (available in band sizes 34–42, cup sizes C–DDD, and in eight colors). For more bust-reducing styles, take a look at our picks for the best minimizer bras . 17. A buttery soft wireless comfort bra that will become your new everyday go-to. Bras that feel like you're not wearing one? Sign me up. Promising review: "Absolutely love this bra! It's incredibly comfortable and offers great support without feeling restrictive. The fabric is soft and breathable, making it perfect for all-day wear. It fits true to size and provides a flattering shape. I’m so happy I found this, it’s now my go-to! Highly recommend!! Truly sooo Comfortable." — Gisele Marson Price: $16.99+ (available in band sizes 32–40, cup sizes A–D, and in 21 colors) 18. A floral lace bralette for a classically chic look that will enhance any outfit thanks to its incredible support and darling design. Promising review: "Love this bra! Sexy and comfortable. I ordered it in black but ordering other colors. My boyfriend loves this on me." — Rocio Andrade Price: $28.99+ (available in band sizes 32–44, cup sizes B–G, and in five colors) 19. An unlined lace bra that will keep everything right where you want it to be, but with ~elegance.~ Promising review: "To preface this, I NEVER go out of my way to leave reviews for things, but have to say this is one of the best bras I’ve ever put on my body! Being plus size, I’ve found that it’s always been hard to find something comfortable and cute for my size and I felt so much relief after putting this on. Finally a bra that lifts and supports the way it should and makes me feel confident. I’ll definitely be ordering more!! Not to mention it has a super thick strap and connector on the back that leaves that whole area looking seamless. No back fat spilling over whatsoever. 1000/10 recommend." — jessica Price: $24.99+ (available in band sizes 34–46, cup sizes C–I and in 14 colors) 20. A crisscross sports bra for jogging, dancing, boxing, or in the words of Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect , horizontal running (aka laying on your couch and binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession). Promising review: "I own a hundred sports bras and this one’s my favorite. Firstly, it is very easy to put on and remove and it looks really nice when paired with a pair of black leggings. They come padded, and I found them to provide good support during high-intensity exercises as well. The blue shade also looks very elegant. Overall great product." — AA Price: $12.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 21. A high-impact sports bra designed with strenuous activity in mind. It's made from a comfy four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric so you can stay supported and dry no matter what you're doing. Promising review: "Oh my, where to start!? It is very well made and comfortable to wear! I love that the padding is sewn in place, so you don’t have to worry about removing them or worse trying to get them back in place! It offers great support for running, but is cool and comfortable enough to just wear when you don’t feel like wearing a regular bra. This bra stays in place and holds *everything* in place as you run, exercise etc. and all at a great price. I highly recommend trying this sports bra!" — Tamara Price: $22.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 38 colors) 22. A full coverage bra that will give the twins the *ultimate lift* without an underwire. Promising review: " I have been buying this same style of bra since the 1990s and have never found a rival for attractiveness, coverage, comfort, and good fit. These bras also last for years and years when laundered in a bag on gentle cycle and hung dry. I added this bra to have another color in my collection and anticipate many years of good fit. Playtex 18 Hour bras are genuinely so comfortable you can wear them all day and night, if need be." — Susan L. Price: $12.99+ (available in band sizes 34–54, cup sizes B–G, 19 colors, and various sets of two) 23. A super sexy sheer bra for feeling like your best self. Best worn while listening to Taylor Swift's Vigilante Sh*t . Promising review: "Great quality. See-through material makes it very sexy. Comfortable." — Robin C Meade Price: $19.99+ (available in band sizes 34–44, cup sizes B–F, and in seven colors) 24. A Bali Breathe T-Shirt bra that holds the girls in place well enough for everyday wear but adds a sultry edge with a lace finish. I own a couple of these bras, and when I tell you they are my favorite bras EVER! I'm a DD cup, and they are so incredibly comfortable and supportive. Thanks to the lacey material, they also make me feel so good. Plus, they're WIRELESS!!! Promising review: "This bra has a beautiful style, a great fit with a very accurate sizing chart, and is very comfortable. I am buying another in a different color." — fbk Price: $25.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and in six colors) 25. A wire-free and seamless scallop-detail bra to add a fun and playful pop to your underwear drawer. Promising review: "As a petite woman with a larger bust, well-fitted and comfortable bras are hard to come by. This one is so comfortable and cute and I really like the way the clasps are sort of magnetic. It makes it easier to find the right hook while uncomfortably reaching your arms completely behind your back, lol." — Amber Way Price: $26.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 11 colors) 26. A longline bralette for those who are partial to a sexy lace number but don't want to compromise on comfort. Reviewers with *bustier* chests are fans, so know you don't have to settle for something drab just because you're a D+. Promising review: "The fit and support of this bralette for larger busts is so good! Fits true to size per the size chart and has great coverage. Will be getting other colors!" — Nat Price: $10.48+ (available in sizes S–XXL, 11 colors, and in two-packs and three-packs) Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — won matches in singles and doubles to lead defending champion Italy to a 2-1 comeback victory over Argentina on Thursday, earning a return trip to the semifinals. “I’m here trying to do the best I can in the singles,” Sinner said. “If they put me on the court in doubles, I’ll also try my best.” On Saturday, Italy will face Australia in a rematch of last year's final, but this time it will only be for a chance to play for the championship. earlier Thursday to reach the final four at the team competition for the third consecutive year. The other semifinal, to be contested Friday, is the Netherlands against Germany. The Dutch in the quarterfinals earlier in the week, sending the into retirement. Italy fell behind 1-0 in the quarterfinals when Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1 on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martina Carpena in southern Spain. But then in stepped Sinner, whose season already includes two Grand Slam trophies — at the Australian Open and — plus the title at the in Turin, Italy. First he overwhelmed Sebastián Báez 6-2, 6-1. Then Sinner teamed with 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the deciding doubles match to win 6-4, 7-5 against Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez. “He carried me today,” Sinner said about Berrettini. After arriving late to Malaga from Turin, Sinner did not get a chance to practice on the Davis Cup competition court before taking on Báez and stretching his streak to 22 sets won in a row. “In three minutes, he was perfectly comfortable on court,” Italy captain Filippo Volandri said. “He’s a special one.” Volandri swapped out his original doubles team, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, for Sinner and Berrettini, and the change paid dividends. Australia, the Davis Cup runner-up the last two years, advanced when and Jordan Thompson beat the 6-4, 6-4 in that quarterfinal's deciding doubles match. The Shelton-Paul substitution for Paris Olympics silver medalists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram was announced about 15 minutes before the doubles match began. Ebden and John Peers beat Krajicek and Ram in the Summer Games final in August. The Australians broke once in each set of the doubles. In the second, they stole one of Shelton’s service games on the fourth break opportunity when Ebden’s overhead smash made it 5-4. Thompson then served out the victory, closing it with a service winner before chest-bumping Ebden. made his Davis Cup debut earlier Thursday in singles against 77th-ranked Thanasi Kokkinakis, who emerged from a tight-as-can-be tiebreaker by saving four match points and eventually converting his seventh to win 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (14). , the U.S. Open runner-up, then pulled the Americans even with a far more straightforward victory over No. 9 , 6-3, 6-4. When their match finally ended, on a backhand by Shelton that landed long, Kokkinakis dropped onto his back and pounded his chest. After he rose, he threw a ball into the stands, then walked over to Australia’s sideline, spiked his racket and yelled, before hugging captain Lleyton Hewitt. “I don’t know if I’ve been that pumped up in my life. I wanted that for my team,” said Kokkinakis, who won the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title with Nick Kyrgios. “It could have gone either way, but I kept my nerve.” AP tennis:

Panos Panay Hands Out 2024 Kindle Paperwhite From Free Banana StallMeet the Teacher: Even the biggest ‘math hater’ has fun in this Grass Lake classroom

INDIANA, Pa. and CINCINNATI, Oh., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Commonwealth Financial Corporation ("First Commonwealth") FCF , the holding company for First Commonwealth Bank, and CenterGroup Financial, Inc. ("CenterGroup"), the holding company for CenterBank, today jointly announced the signing of an Agreement and Plan of Merger ("Agreement") providing for the merger of CenterGroup with and into First Commonwealth in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $54.6 million in the aggregate, based upon the closing stock price of First Commonwealth as of December 17, 2024. Following the merger of CenterGroup with and into First Commonwealth, CenterBank will merge with and into First Commonwealth Bank. The business combination will significantly increase First Commonwealth's presence in the Cincinnati market, adding approximately $348.4 million of total assets 1 , 3 branch locations, a loan production office and a mortgage office to First Commonwealth's Cincinnati franchise. The transaction helps further First Commonwealth's commercially focused strategy within the Cincinnati market by adding a customer base that is 65% business. Under the terms of the Agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, CenterGroup shareholders will be entitled to receive a fixed exchange ratio of 6.10 shares of First Commonwealth common stock for each CenterGroup common share. The merger is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025, subject to certain closing conditions, including approval by CenterGroup shareholders and customary bank regulatory approvals. "We are pleased to welcome CenterBank into our organization, further expanding our commercial franchise within the attractive Cincinnati market. We have known the CenterBank team for a long time and believe their customer-focused, commercially oriented business model is a strong cultural alignment and augments our existing Cincinnati growth plans," said Mike Price, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Commonwealth. "The expansion of our branch network within greater Cincinnati allows us to attract additional talent, create meaningful customer relationships and deepen our penetration within the market." "We are excited to partner with First Commonwealth's growing and profitable franchise and believe the cultural alignment between our organizations is the ideal next chapter for CenterBank's customers, employees and shareholders. We have admired First Commonwealth's business and reputation within this market and are excited to be a part of its further expansion in Cincinnati. This combination also adds expanded banking products to our organization resulting in an enhanced experience for our customers, employees and community," said Stewart Greenlee, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterGroup. Excluding certain one-time merger charges, the transaction is expected to be approximately 2% accretive to First Commonwealth's earnings in 2025, and approximately 3% accretive to earnings in 2026 once anticipated cost savings are fully phased in. Estimated tangible book value dilution is expected to be less than 2%, including the impact of estimated one-time charges. Advisors Raymond James & Associates, Inc. is serving as financial advisor and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP is serving as legal counsel to First Commonwealth. Janney Montgomery Scott is serving as financial advisor and Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP is serving as legal counsel to CenterGroup. About First Commonwealth Financial Corporation First Commonwealth Financial Corporation FCF , headquartered in Indiana, Pennsylvania, is a financial services Company with 125 community banking offices in 30 counties throughout western and central Pennsylvania and throughout Ohio, as well as commercial lending operations in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Canton, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company also operates mortgage offices in Wexford, Pennsylvania, as well as Hudson and Lewis Center, Ohio. First Commonwealth provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking, mortgage, equipment finance, wealth management and insurance products and services through its subsidiaries First Commonwealth Bank and First Commonwealth Insurance Agency. For more information about First Commonwealth or to open an account today, please visit www.fcbanking.com . About CenterGroup Financial Corporation CenterGroup's wholly owned subsidiary, CenterBank, founded in 2000, was built upon an old concept: community banking. CenterBank knows its customers on a first name basis, keeps an open-door policy, and works hard to find common sense solutions for its customers. Specific product sets have been developed for deposits, residential mortgages and full-service banking to owner-managed businesses in the Greater Cincinnati market. CenterBank specializes, and that gives it the opportunity to deliver best in class service to its specific customer niche while effectively managing operating risk. CenterBank has sought to maximize growth within the constraints of acceptable profitability and capital levels to ensure stable and positive regulatory ratings. To learn more about CenterGroup and CenterBank please visit www.center.bank . Forward-looking Statements: This joint press release of First Commonwealth and CenterGroup contains "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, relating to present or future trends or factors affecting the banking industry and, specifically, the financial operations, markets and products of First Commonwealth and CenterGroup. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "believe", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "outlook", "estimate", "forecast", "will", "should", "project", "goal", and other similar words and expressions. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. In addition to factors previously disclosed in First Commonwealth reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those identified elsewhere in this press release, the following factors among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward- looking statements or historical performance: ability to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner and without significant expense or other burdens; ability to meet other closing conditions to the merger, including approval by CenterGroup shareholders; delay in closing the merger; difficulties and delays in integrating the businesses of CenterGroup and First Commonwealth or fully realizing cost savings and other benefits; business disruption following the merger; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of First Commonwealth products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize anticipated cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and the actions and policies of the federal and state bank regulatory authorities and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms. First Commonwealth and CenterGroup undertake no obligation to revise these forward-looking statements or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. CONTACT Media Relations: Ron Wahl Communications and Media Relations Phone: 724-463-6806 E-mail: RWahl@fcbanking.com Investor Relations: Ryan M. Thomas Vice President / Finance and Investor Relations Phone: 724-463-1690 E-mail: RThomas1@fcbanking.com An investor presentation accompanying this release is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/2a211734-7811-4664-bb65-4a4f56ab1be8 1 As of September 30, 2024 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Editas Medicine Downgraded: Analyst Sees Limited Near-Term CatalystsPassword sharing is common for older adults — but it can open the door to financial abuse

ST. PAUL — A planned lottery to give some would-be cannabis business owners a licensing head start won’t go forward early this week after a judge halted the process Monday. Ramsey County District Court Judge Stephen Smith sided with a group of applicants who had been denied access to the social equity pre-approval lottery. They sued over a process they argued had lacked clear criteria and that left no room for appeals. “There’s no lottery tomorrow,” Smith ruled toward the end of an hourlong online hearing. He said the state was free to file an appeal. Ahead of the hearing, officials with the Office of Cannabis Management warned that the lottery might not happen at all if it was postponed given the cost and logistics of putting it on. Attorney David Asp, who represented some of the applicants, told Smith that the lottery was rushed and that people who were denied entry deserved a chance to contest their disqualification. “The state doesn’t dispute that our client will suffer irreparable harm if this order isn’t entered. That’s usually one of the main issues in an injunction, but it’s not a dispute here. Our clients will be harmed. As I said, more than $1,000,” Asp said. “The harm on the OCM side is entirely of their own making.” The Office of Cannabis Management had defended its process, saying they were attempting to root out applicants who were looking for a quick profit instead of actually moving to set up legitimate businesses. Officials with the regulatory agency said that some applications appeared to have been put in on behalf of other entrepreneurs trying to get a foothold in Minnesota’s nascent market. “The Legislature chose for this pre-approval process to be an efficient and expedient one, and part of that is evidenced by the fact that there is no appeals provided for for the pre-approval process, whereas in the final license approval process, there is an availability for reconsideration,” said the agency’s attorney, Ryan Petty. “So a major factor of this is the Legislature’s decision to make this process efficient and expedient so that the social equity applicants can get that head start.” There were more than 1,500 applicants for this stage of the licensing process, the agency said. The lottery was to narrow that down to 282. When the judge asked Petty about the timeline, including the lottery being scheduled shortly after denial letters went out, Petty said the selection process involved several moving parts. “There wasn’t any hiding the ball here. There wasn’t any attempt to restrict the ability of applicants to challenge their denials,” he said. State lawmakers legalized cannabis for adult recreational use in 2023, but the setup of a retail marketplace has been slow. No licenses have been issued for commercial growers or sellers ahead of what is expected to be an early 2025 launch. People can grow their own marijuana and give away small quantities. American Indian tribes have also opened their own stores, but those sales are limited to reservation land. The social equity lottery is intended to give a leg up to people who live in high-poverty areas, those harmed by the war on drugs, and military veterans. ______________________________________________________

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. Related Articles National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration National Politics | Expecting challenges, blue states vow to create ‘firewall’ of abortion protections National Politics | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.

Drama surrounds final three F1 races of seasonA BRITISH track cyclist has been slammed by Australia for switching allegiances – and keeping the controversial move a secret. Matthew Richardson won three medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics – sprint silver, Keirin silver and team sprint bronze – in the green and gold colours of Australia. Yet following the event, he transferred over to Team GB and was even involved in the UCI Track Champions League over the weekend in France. Richardson was born in Maidstone and moved with his family to Perth aged nine. But he is the partner of British cycling speed queen Emma Finucane. However, AusCycling conducted a “thorough investigation” of Richardson’s actions, claiming he “acted in a way which conflicted with the values” of the Australian national team and “the broader cycling community”. READ MORE SPORT NEWS Their review claims Richardson asked the UCI, the world cycling body, to delay official disclosure of his nationality change until after the Olympics – a request supported by British Cycling. They allege he “withheld news of his decision from AusCycling, his teammates, and key stakeholders” prior to travelling to the French capital. And AusCycling has also accused Richardson of asking to take their “property” post-Games – “a custom bike, cockpit and Olympic race” suit – as he moved to the Manchester cycling HQ. The Aussies say this “represented an unacceptable risk to AusCycling’s intellectual property”. Most read in Cycling CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS AusCycling conclude that Richardson will not be eligible to rejoin the Australian cycling team at any point in the future and is prohibited from using any of their resources. Sprinter Richardson, 25, will hope to compete for Britain throughout 2025 and ultimately qualify for the country of his birth at the LA 2028 Olympics. The prospect of imposing a two-year non-competition ban – as outlined in Richardson’s athlete’s membership agreement – was deemed legally unenforceable. British Cycling declined to comment when approached by SunSport.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi was hospitalized and undergoing medical evaluation Friday after sustaining an undisclosed injury during a European trip with a congressional delegation. It wasn’t immediately clear what type of injury the former House Speaker suffered or how serious her condition is, although she was said to be continuing to work from the hospital. A spokesperson said the 84-year-old California Democrat is “currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals.” “Pelosi sustained an injury during an official engagement and was admitted to the hospital for evaluation,” Ian Krager, the spokesman, said in a statement. Pelosi traveled to Luxembourg with a bipartisan congressional delegation to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s Battle of the Bulge , a key turning point in the fight against the Nazis. “(Pelosi) regrets that she is unable to attend ... engagements to honor the courage of our service members during one of the greatest acts of American heroism in our nation’s history,” Krager added. Despite her advanced age, Pelosi appears to be in good health and has suffered few known major medical scares. She recently won reelection to a 20th term representing San Francisco’s deep-blue 11th congressional district. Pelosi has remained a major political force in the Democratic Party even after handing the Democratic baton in the House to Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries , who recently won a second two-year term as minority leader. She was credited with bulldozing President Biden into dropping his reelection bid after a dismal performance in a debate with President-elect Trump. The two Democratic allies admit they haven’t spoken since, a sign of continuing friction. ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

NEW YORK (AP) — A shoplifting ring that stole nearly $2 million in clothes and beauty products from Macy’s and other well-known stores in the U.S. and then resold them in New York City and the Dominican Republic has been busted, law enforcement officials announced Tuesday. Five New Yorkers have been charged with felony possession of stolen property, conspiracy and other related crimes, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. The bust served as a reminder to shoppers as the holiday shopping season kicks off in earnest with Black Friday this week to make sure they are supporting legitimate establishments, she said. “When a deal seems too good to be true, I guarantee you, it’s too good to be true,” Katz said. Nationally, businesses lose roughly $100 billion and the average family pays $500 more a year because of the impact of organized retail theft, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who joined the district attorney and other law enforcement officials in Queens. The Democrat said the arrests also marked the first time anyone has been charged under a new criminal statute of fostering the sale of stolen goods that she recently signed into law to help crack down on retail theft. “This is real simple. We’ve had enough with criminals preying on our citizens,” Hochul said. “We are sick and tired of our citizens feeling they’re vulnerable to random crimes on the streets or these sophisticated organized crime rings. And we are coming after you.” Katz, the district attorney, said the group stole high-end makeup, perfume, beauty products, designer clothing and accessories from stores ranging from Macy’s to Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Sephora and Ulta Beauty over a roughly two-year period. The group’s leaders, married couple Cristopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista, directed shoplifting crews to steal specific merchandise as they hit multiple stores in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and elsewhere along the East Coast, she said. They also paid truck drivers to divert products bound for retailers from manufacturer warehouses directly to locations under their control. The group, operating out of a home in Queens, then resold the merchandise online as well as at a brick-and-mortar boutique called Yvelisse Fashion in Santiago, a city in the Dominican Republic. Vince Scala, a lawyer for the couple and two of the other defendants, said his clients pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Saturday. They were released pending their next court date in January. “The charges are only a couple of days old, and I have not seen a single piece of evidence, discovery or police reports,” he said. “I look forward to reviewing the case at the appropriate time.” Tuesday’s announcement is part of a broader push from Hochul to counter Republican criticisms that Democrats in New York are soft on public safety issues, an issue that hurt her party in the 2022 midterm elections and has remained a consistent talking point for the GOP. Earlier this year, Hochul signed off on a handful of policies aimed at cracking down on retail theft, including increased criminal penalties for assaulting retail workers, new funding for law enforcement teams dedicated to retail theft and tax credits for businesses to install security cameras. She also approved policies that allow prosecutors to combine the value of stolen goods when filing larceny charges and made it easier to criminally charge third-party sellers of stolen goods. Retail theft has also been a concern elsewhere. Videos of brazen shoplifting crews rampaging through stores have been widely shared on social media, fueling widespread frustration that retail crime is rampant and unpunished. Earlier this month, California voters overwhelmingly passed a tough-on-crime ballot measure that makes shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders again. The measure partly rolled back a progressive law passed by voters a decade ago downgrading several nonviolent crimes to misdemeanors, including theft under $950 in value. Associated Press reporter Anthony Izaguirre in Albany contributed to this story. Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo .