Howard L. Petterson, Author at Talad tool

13 Jan

In Taiwan, Voters Choose President as China Tensions Loom

Howard L. PettersonNews

The Taiwanese politician Lai Ching-te has for years been reviled by China’s Communist Party as a dangerous foe who, by its account, could drag the two sides into a war by pressing for full independence for his island democracy. Right up to Saturday, when millions of Taiwanese voted for their next president, an official Beijing news outlet warned that Mr. Lai could take Taiwan “on a path of no return.”Yet, despite China’s months of menacing warnings of a “war or peace” choice for Taiwan’s voters, Mr. Lai was elected president.Mr. Lai, currently Taiwan’s vice president, secured 40 percent of the…

13 Jan

Federal Scientists Recommend Easing Restrictions on Marijuana

Howard L. PettersonHealth

Marijuana is neither as risky nor as prone to abuse as other tightly controlled substances and has potential medical benefits, and therefore should be removed from the nation’s most restrictive category of drugs, federal scientists have concluded.The recommendations are contained in a 250-page scientific review provided to Matthew Zorn, a Texas lawyer who sued Health and Human Services officials for its release and published it online on Friday night. An H.H.S. official confirmed the authenticity of the document.The records shed light for the first time on the thinking of federal health officials who are pondering a momentous change. The agencies…

13 Jan

Alabama hires Washington’s Kalen DeBoer to replace Nick Saban as coach

Howard L. PettersonNews

By Christopher Kamrani, Bruce Feldman, Kennington Smith III and Chris VanniniThe man chosen to succeed the greatest college football coach in the history of the sport is from rural South Dakota, who certainly some Crimson Tide fanatics have never heard of. At least until the last 72 hours.Kalen DeBoer, known within the industry as both a program builder and excavator, told his staff at Washington he’s accepting an offer from Alabama for Nick Saban’s former coaching job, team sources confirmed Friday. DeBoer met with his Washington team Friday afternoon to explain why he’s making the move, the sources said.News of…

13 Jan

Microsoft Tops Apple to Become Most Valuable Public Company

Howard L. PettersonNews

For more than a decade, Apple was the stock market’s undisputed king. It first overtook Exxon Mobil as the world’s most valuable public company in 2011 and held the title almost without interruption.But a transfer of power has begun.On Friday, Microsoft surpassed Apple, claiming the crown after its market value surged by more than $1 trillion over the past year. Microsoft finished the day at $2.89 trillion, higher than Apple’s $2.87 trillion, according to Bloomberg.The change is part of a reordering of the stock market that was set in motion by the advent of generative artificial intelligence. The technology, which…

13 Jan

Some Student Loan Borrowers May Be Eligible for Forgiveness Sooner

Howard L. PettersonNews

Federal student loan borrowers who initially took out smaller loan amounts may be eligible for debt cancellation sooner than they anticipated.Starting in February, people enrolled in the Biden administration’s new income-driven repayment plan known as SAVE who originally borrowed $12,000 or less for college and have made at least 10 years of qualifying monthly payments will immediately have any remaining debt wiped out, Education Department officials said on Friday.The SAVE plan, which reduces payments for millions of borrowers, opened for enrollment last August. But some of its benefits, like the shortened path to forgiveness, were not set to take effect…

13 Jan

Investments in Panama: apartments for investors from Latvia

Howard L. PettersonNews

In the dynamic Panamanian real estate market, Armonía Cinta Costera stands out as a project that redefines the experience of living in the city. This development offers a unique proposal focused on comfort, versatility, and accessibility, with apartments that adapt to the preferences of investors from Latvia. Inspired by the amenities offered by its convenient location in Panama, Armonía Cinta Costera guarantees a lifestyle tailored to its residents. Armonía: a unique real estate project in Panama's coastline Armonía Cinta Costera stands as an imposing and attractive project on the urban skyline, offering a unique proposal that goes beyond simple apartments.…

12 Jan

Best countries for surrogacy if you live in Quebec

Howard L. PettersonHealth

Choosing surrogacy is a decision fraught with challenges for couples in Quebec. It's widely acknowledged that embarking on this life-changing journey can be a strenuous and demanding process, one that rigorously tests the resilience and determination of aspiring parents. Hence, apart from mustering strength, love, and patience to confront the potential obstacles along the way, it is equally important to be financially prepared for the entirety of the surrogacy process. It is understandable that surrogacy entails significant expenses, regardless of the selected destination. However, many intended parents are eager to explore avenues for potential cost savings along their surrogacy journey.…

12 Jan

Mexican Whiskey Is on the Rise, Powered by Ancient Corn

Howard L. PettersonNews

Of the 59 varieties of native corn in Mexico, nal t’eel is one of the oldest, having emerged in the Yucatán Peninsula some 4,000 years ago. It grows quickly, largely unbothered by heavy rains or drought — so robust that the Mayans called it “rooster corn.”Like almost all of Mexico’s indigenous corn varieties, nal t’eel in recent decades has faced a seemingly unbeatable threat: high-yield hybrids, developed primarily in the United States and favored for their efficiency, though rarely their flavor. Fields once dotted with a rainbow of heirloom ears are now awash in wan yellows and whites.But in 2020…

12 Jan

What Happens When There Is No Food: Experts Say Severe Malnutrition Could Set in Swiftly in Gaza

Howard L. PettersonHealth

A panel of experts affiliated with the United Nations has warned that the population of the Gaza Strip is at imminent risk of famine, with more than 90 percent of its 2.2 million people facing “acute food insecurity” and a quarter of the population experiencing “catastrophic levels of hunger.”Even before the war between Israel and Hamas, nearly 70 percent of Gazans were dependent on humanitarian assistance for food because the territory has been under Israeli and Egyptian blockade since 2007. Now, only 20 to 30 percent of what people there need is being permitted over the border into Gaza, according…

12 Jan

Special report: Maddy Cusack – why her family want a new investigation into her death

Howard L. PettersonNews

It is the heartbreaking story of a talented and popular footballer, her tragic death and the investigation into a family’s complaints about what they believe caused her emotional anguish.Maddy Cusack’s death in September sent shockwaves throughout the sport and plunged Sheffield United into a state of mourning for their longest-serving player. As her parents, David and Deborah, tried to get through their first Christmas without their eldest daughter, fans launched a petition to retire her No 8 shirt as a permanent tribute.“She fell in love with Sheffield United, the fans and the city of Sheffield,” Deborah told a memorial service…