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fb 777 casino This week, the superannuation industry gathered for its annual talkfest, and while these events can feel like an insider’s game, this year was different – everyday people were the real winners. The Albanese government announced some long-overdue reforms to the retirement phase of super – and the industry rallied around retirement for once. Together, the interest in, and the changes being made might actually make your life easier as you approach retirement. The changes announced this week could be good news for the size of your super balance. Credit: Simon Letch If you’re thinking, t his sounds like industry talk, not my problem , let me stop you right there. These changes are aimed squarely at solving real retirement problems for everyday Australians like you – problems you might not even realise can be fixed. For those approaching retirement in the next 10 years, there are three important shifts. Loading 1. There will be changes to the retirement products offered by super funds Let’s be honest: most Australians today won’t retire with millions in super. For the majority, it’s about piecing together enough for a comfortable life, with the pension often the largest income layer. But the media still frames retirement as a “wealth management” problem – something reserved for the super-rich. The reality? Retirement isn’t about managing millions, it’s about managing enough . That’s where the reforms announced this week get interesting. One of the government’s key focuses is making an emerging category called lifetime income streams part of everyday retirees lives – a way to turn part of your super into a steady, guaranteed paycheck for life. For people worried about outliving their savings or being too exposed to the stock market, this could be a game-changer.Texas' abortion pill lawsuit against New York doctor marks new challenge to interstate telemedicine Texas has sued a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a Texas woman via telemedicine. It appears to be the first challenge in the U.S. to a state shield law that's intended to protect prescribers in Democratic-controlled states from being punished by states with abortion bans. Prescriptions like these, made online and over the phone, are a key reason that the number of abortions has increased across the U.S. even after state bans started taking effect. Most abortions in the U.S. involve pills rather than procedures. Anti-abortion groups are increasingly focusing on the rise of pills. Thousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. US military flies American released from Syrian prison to Jordan, officials say WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has brought an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to two U.S. officials, who said Friday that Travis Timmerman has been flown to Jordan on a U.S. military helicopter. The 29-year-old Timmerman told The Associated Press earlier Friday he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. Paula Abdul settles lawsuit alleging sexual assault by 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paula Abdul and former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe have agreed to settle a lawsuit in which she alleged he sexually assaulted her in the early 2000s when she was a judge on the show. Abdul filed a notice of settlement of the case in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday. The lawsuit filed nearly a year ago had also accused Lythgoe of sexually assaulting Abdul after she left “American Idol” and became a judge on Lythgoe’s other competition show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Lythgoe said at the time that he was “shocked and saddened” by the allegations, which he called “an appalling smear.” Yankees get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. The Yankees also will send more than $1 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams and his signature “Airbender” changeup are eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28. Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings.Today in Apple history: iPhone comes to the world’s biggest carrier

Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil insists he is happy to look fans in the face and take the criticism which comes his way after his team were jeered off after losing 4-0 to Everton at Goodison Park. It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”

National Drug Authority closes 900 drug outlets

Nene Boussekine helps her brother Jodie Hopkins, 2, down the stage of the Oroville Convention Center after receiving a gift from Santa, played by Daniel Mata, at the Annual Oroville Community Christmas Dinner in Oroville, California on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (Molly Myers/Enterprise-Record) Teddi Hunter eats with her daughter Amy Chadwick, 16, at the Oroville Convention Center at the Annual Oroville Community Christmas Dinner in Oroville, California on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (Molly Myers/Enterprise-Record) Attendees wait in the rain at the Oroville Convention Center for the Annual Oroville Community Christmas Dinner in Oroville, California on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (Molly Myers/Enterprise-Record) Nene Boussekine helps her brother Jodie Hopkins, 2, down the stage of the Oroville Convention Center after receiving a gift from Santa, played by Daniel Mata, at the Annual Oroville Community Christmas Dinner in Oroville, California on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (Molly Myers/Enterprise-Record) Dozens of volunteers came together on Saturday at the Oroville Convention Center to serve the Annual Oroville Community Christmas Dinner.

AP News Summary at 4:47 p.m. ESTIs 50 the new 30? Or is 80 the new 60? If you’re Bryan Johnson’s penis, 47 is the new 18. The Californian tech millionaire’s quest to defy ageing has so far cost more than $US4 million and led him to swallow 111 pills every day, have dinner at 11am, practise his daily Kegels, undergo medical procedures including human growth hormone therapy, testosterone therapy, light therapy and blood transfusions, and sleep with “ a tiny jetpack attached to his penis ” to monitor his nighttime erections. His return on investment has given him, he says, the bones of a 30-year-old, the heart of a 37-year-old and “the erection of an 18-year-old”, whatever that means. Johnson’s obsession is emblematic of a broader interest in biological age: the heath metric du jour for those chasing the fountain of youth. Turning back the biological clock? Bryan Johnson. Credit: Bloomberg Businessweek “It’s a number that we all can relate to,” says nutritionist and exercise scientist Amelia Phillips, whose programs focus on healthy ageing. “And so if you are being told that you’re biologically younger or the opposite, it has quite a strong emotional response.” We all know people who appear and act younger or older than their years. But, what does biological age really mean? How is it measured? To what extent can it be reversed? And what can it really tell us about the state of our bodies and our health? What is biological age, and how is it measured? While chronological age measures how long we’ve been alive, biological age refers to the accumulated damage to various cells that results from genetics, lifestyle, nutrition and the presence of diseases or medical conditions. Its definition remains vague : “Biological age is a concept used loosely and with little objectivity to describe a shortfall between a population cohort average life expectancy and the perceived life expectancy of an individual of the same age.” In other words, the idea is based on averages across certain populations at certain ages, not on accurately assessing individuals. Also, there is no universal way of measuring it. There are different tests using different metrics – including inflammation, DNA methylation to assess epigenetic changes, online calculators or markers of BMI or cholesterol – to calculate our so-called biological age. Depending on the test and how it is interpreted, you could be given an entirely different age each time. And only looking at one or two metrics gives a limited snapshot of our overall health, says molecular biologist Dr Tina Bianco-Miotto, of the University of Adelaide. Biological age refers to the accumulated damage to various cells that results from genetics, lifestyle, nutrition and the presence of diseases or medical conditions. Credit: Marija Ercegovac For instance, if you take a test that only measures markers of inflammation, which are associated with ageing, it doesn’t take into consideration your lifestyle, genetics, family history, environment or other factors that can also contribute to your health and ageing at a cellular level. “What if you’ve decreased your inflammation but increased your oxidative stress?” asks Bianco-Miotto. “When you’re only testing one component, you get an unfair picture.” And, says Phillips, the tests don’t differentiate between inflammation from an infection or chronic inflammation, which lingers for months or years and can cause collateral damage to organs and tissues throughout the body resulting in premature ageing and, potentially, a range of illness. Another concern is the lack of transparency about how companies are making their calculations, says Dr Carissa Bonner, a behavioural scientist at the University of Sydney, who calls them “black box algorithms”. Given “we’re nowhere near” personalised nutrition, Bianco-Miotto wonders how companies claim they can predict your biological age (and the best diet for your body) based on your DNA. “If it’s a company looking to make money from follow-up services, they have an incentive for you to think you have a health problem,” Bonner says. “You also need to be careful about who owns the data you provide to these companies and where your personal health information might end up. Read the fine print.” What can biological age tell us? Professor Luigi Fontana, scientific director of the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, says the various tests currently on the market are not accurate. However, he adds that in the next five or 10 years, they may be. So, is there any benefit to getting your biological age tested? It depends. “It’s that kind of snapshot in time, and it is a peek under the hood, but it is an important piece of a broader puzzle,” says Phillips. “It really becomes helpful if you are tracking over time where it’s like, ‘I’ve gone and made these couple of lifestyle tweaks, and I’ve retested, and I can see those markers have normalised.’” Having feedback that reinforces positive lifestyle changes can be highly motivating, Phillips says. “I guess it can create consistency and adherence to programs because they’re seeing that these small changes are actually making a difference.” Bianco-Miotto agrees that if it motivates behaviour change, there is some value, though there is little evidence that these tests do that. And although many decisions in our lives are dictated by chronological age, including fertility and when we have important health checks, the science is not yet there to personalise these based on biological age. “Although some people may want to be younger, there is no changing how old we actually are,” Bonner says. “The short answer is your chronological age is probably a more reliable indicator of health risks than current measures of biological age.” She adds that there is interesting research emerging in biological ageing, by measuring telomere length, for instance, but the technology is not quite there yet. “You don’t really need an expensive test to tell you whether your lifestyle is healthy or not, and tests to assess your risk of specific diseases based on blood markers should be guided by a health professional,” Bonner says. “So the best place to start is your GP.” ‘Although some people may want to be younger, there is no changing how old we actually are.’ Can we slow, or reverse, our biological age? Fontana says there is no doubt we can slow down biological ageing. But it’s by doing things much less exciting than jetpacks, transfusions or experimental therapies – it’s by exercising regularly (a mix of training strength, speed, stability and aerobic efficiency ), quitting smoking, focusing on cultivating and maintaining quality relationships, drinking less, prioritising sleep, having sex, managing stress and exposure to the sun, as well as eating a little less and consuming a Mediterranean-style diet of mostly plants, good fats and minimally processed foods. By changing our behaviour, we can alter the activity of our genes. For instance, people who smoke have lower DNA methylation levels (where a chemical group is added to the DNA, changing the gene’s behaviour) in certain genes than non-smokers. By quitting smoking, the changes ultimately reverse . Biological ageing can be slowed down, mainly by committing to healthy habits. Credit: iStock Longevity researchers are working on reversing age at a biological level, by tinkering with gene expression, but it remains fraught with issues. Some experts believe that if and when they fine-tune the approach it will more likely be used to treat certain health problems, rather than turning back time in our whole body. As for Bryan Johnston, Bianco-Miotto reminds that genetics is at play as much as his behaviours: “If 100 people did exactly what he did, we wouldn’t all get the same answers.” A good life is as important as the youthful life, she adds. “If you want to spend all day, every day focused on that aspect of ageing and restricting what you eat and exercising, you probably would be considered younger, but it wouldn’t be sustainable for the majority of us.” And, there is no scientific evidence so far that we can reverse biological age, Fontana says: “It’s a marketing strategy.” Johnson, he suggests, has an ego as sizeable as his bank account, and his outlandish and highly publicised pursuit has been a “very well-crafted strategy to sell something”. Indeed, this year Johnson announced he was launching “the most nutritious program in history”. For US$121 ($182) you can buy a pack of Blueprint “Super Veggie ready-to-mix spread”, which contains carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and some mixed mushrooms and cocoa powder. Or for US$92 you can buy a couple of bottles of extra virgin olive oil. It might not reverse your age, but it could well set your savings back several years. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.