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Shares of Kovitz Core Equity ETF ( NYSEARCA:EQTY – Get Free Report ) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Friday . Approximately 79,605 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 62% from the previous session’s volume of 49,051 shares.The stock last traded at $23.99 and had previously closed at $24.26. Kovitz Core Equity ETF Stock Down 1.2 % The stock’s fifty day moving average is $24.10 and its 200-day moving average is $22.91. The stock has a market cap of $1.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.36 and a beta of 1.00. Kovitz Core Equity ETF Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) The Kovitz Core Equity ETF (EQTY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is a narrow, core equity portfolio of companies believed by the adviser to be high quality and undervalued. The actively managed fund invests in large- and mid-cap companies around the globe. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kovitz Core Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kovitz Core Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Tech tip: How to get started with BlueskyThe Arizona Cardinals were rested, relatively healthy and had been playing some of their best football in years. That's why Sunday's sobering 16-6 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks was so surprising. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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Pep Guardiola denies rumours of a rift with Kevin De BruyneNVR Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitorsDr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs: Prioritising Quality Service, Impacting Humanity Dr. Seinye O.B. LULU-BRIGGS, Chairman/Chief Executive of Moni Pulo Limited (MPL), is not only an insightful and innovative businesswoman but also a leader whose milk of human kindness is ceaselessly flowing to the less-privileged and people of diverse ethnic groups and creeds. She has since 2019 been overseeing the activities of MPL, one of Nigeria’s most successful pioneer indigenous oil and gas exploration and production companies. Before rising to the head of her company, she was, since 2005, the Executive Vice Chairman, supporting the chairman to manage government relations, compliance and sustainability, as well as strategy and operations, which functioned at their peak, thereby created value to all stakeholders. She also led MPL in the acquisition and signing of production sharing contracts with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for three additional oil and gas blocks. In line with MPL’s commitment to clean energy and to reduce the flaring of gas in Nigeria, she is leading a gas commercialisation project to bring MPL’s over 1TCF proven gas reserves in OML 114 to the market. Dr. Lulu-Briggs has invested immensely in youth and women owned micro, small and medium businesses, aside having served on several boards like Oasis Insurance, Flex and Transcorp PLC, among others, she serves as chairman of the fund for global Alliance of NGOs, CSOs of South South Cooperation (ANCSSC), The indefatigable and bighearted manager of resources is the Founder/Chairman of O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, a leading NGO with a mission to enhance the wellbeing of the less-privileged through interventions in elder care, health, education, economic empowerment, water and sanitation, agriculture and humanitarian services. An ordained minister of Chapel of God International Worship Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the multitasking boardroom czar has introduced the high-mindedness of her faith in her business and making the care for humanity her top priority. Revealing reasons for her passion in business and humanity, she said: “The passion that ignited my career as a businesswoman is rooted in my commitment to serve humanity — an approach I call ‘business for ministry.’ For me, succeeding in business goes hand in hand with honouring my faith, addressing unmet needs and uplifting the under-served in our communities. This drive stems from my upbringing. My parents, Ernest Francis and Darling Briggs, were both teachers with a deep commitment to service. My father became the first African principal of Kalabari National College. Our home in Port Harcourt was always open to those in need, reflecting my parents’ generosity and large hearts. “My mother eventually became a successful businesswoman. From my parents, I learned that success is meant to be shared and that every step forward should benefit others. They instilled in us a deep love for God, the importance of honesty, hard work, constructive thinking and optimism. Remembering her childhood years, the MPL CEO, disclosed that the Nigerian Civil War profoundly shaped her outlook in life, adding that her family was forced to return to their hometowns — Buguma and Abonnema —where, as a girl she became responsible for Nene, her grandmother. According to her, that experience taught her time management, discipline and respect for elders, stressing that it reinforced her Kalabari culture’s emphasis on public service. These values were also played up at Holy Rosary College, Port Harcourt, where she had her secondary school education. “Through evangelical work with fellow church members, my passion for community service grew, inspiring me to put faith into action in all aspects of my life,” she continued, “this drive was further shaped by my husband, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, now of blessed memory. He was a distinguished elder statesman, outstanding businessman and legendary philanthropist. His philosophy of using business to serve humanity, especially the most vulnerable, aligned perfectly with mine. Together, we believed that successful businesses should uplift communities, foster progress and inspire hope, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria. The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, which I established in 2001 to honour, give structure to and sustain his giving.” On the innovations that have sustained her businesses, she said technology has increasingly driven impactful innovation across all business sectors and with her background in ICT, she has consistently leveraged it to enhance business operations. She said, “By the time the pandemic began, all my businesses had already gone digital, significantly boosting our operational efficiencies. This preparedness allowed us to transit seamlessly to remote work during the lockdown, maintaining productivity without disruption. In manufacturing, at Moni Pulo data-driven decision-making (DDDM) has transformed our approach in oil and gas exploration and production, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks and costs. When we undertook the drilling of three exploration wells in 2018 and the two infill wells in 2019, data-driven insights played a critical role in the success of the projects. DDDM has also enabled real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, minimising downtime, optimising resource allocation and improving overall productivity. “Our commitment to data-driven safety protocols is equally impactful. Our exemplary safety record of achieving five million man-hours without lost-time injuries (as of September 2022) is a testament to our proactive approach to safety. By using data to anticipate and mitigate potential hazards, we maintain a safe and productive working environment, reflecting our commitment to industry-leading safety standards. “At La Sien Bottling Company, the manufacturer of La Sien Water, one of the Niger Delta’s most popular water brands, we deploy advanced technology to remain competitive. Our state-of-the-art facility in Port Harcourt, which operates an automated water production line at a capacity of 26,500 bottles per hour, complies with NAFDAC and SON water bottling standards. A new state-of-the-art plant with 45,000 bottles per hour is nearing completion. This high-tech setup gives us a competitive edge, enabling the team to uphold world-class operational standards, while consistently delivering quality,” she disclosed. Speaking about what government can do to accelerate economic growth and create wealth, Lulu-Briggs disclosed that inconsistent and insufficient electric power is a major challenge to many companies, saying manufacturers generating their own power contributes significantly to the increase in overhead costs and eroded the global competitiveness of locally produced goods. To overcome this challenge, she called on government to designate industrial zones as special energy-use areas to accelerate power development, and to prioritize the use of natural gas which is abundantly available in Nigeria. Others she noted included protection for indigenous companies, enhancing ease of doing business, reduction of interest rate on loans to businesspeople, granting tax relief or deductions for manufacturers and strengthening the ‘Made in Nigeria’ campaign. Noting that doing this, would further promote Nigerian products domestically and internationally. Commenting on philanthropy, the boardroom leader said: “The indomitable spirit of the Nigerian entrepreneurs will always throw up leaders who give back significantly to uplift communities and our citizens. Therefore, I believe we would only witness more and more community spirited CEOs emerging in the marketplace.” Never tried of learning, Lulu-Briggs has received executive training at Harvard Business School and she continues to routinely attend local and international training to up her knowledge in order to keep abreast of the latest trends in business. Her headgear is fully decorated with awards and laurels from different institutions within the country and across the globe. A fellow of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria, Dr Lulu-Briggs is also a member of the Institute of Data Processing and Management, London. Not ending there, the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, in 2015 honoured her with a Doctor of Science degree in recognition of her business acumen and philanthropy. Earlier this year she was honoured with the 2024 Special African Business Leadership Commendation Award and inducted into the prestigious African Business Leadership Council by the UK-based African Leadership Organization. She has also received several business awards including the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development’s Global Inspirational Leader award; the Africa-Middle East-Asia Amazons Global Inspirational Leadership award; Special Legislative Commendation by the Georgia State General Assembly award. Others are: National Network Newspapers, 2024 Woman of the Year; African Leadership Organisation award; UK, Special African Business Leadership Commendation award; African Women Lawyers Special Recognition; BusinessDay: Outstanding Woman of the Year award; Silverbird Group: Extraordinary Achievement award; Rotary Club International Paul Harris Fellow; Fellow, Baptist College of Theology, Obinze; Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Leadership award; Kalabari Icons award, among many others. How unwavering commitment to professionalism, innovation, integrity, drive UM Nigeria’s excellence, success, by Fayemi She is a combination of brawn, beauty and brain. Bimpe Fayemi, an astute media strategist with over 15 years’ experience in strategic and disruptive marketing communications, as well as brand investments, began her career as a Media Executive at the prestigious creative agency STB McCann, where she managed media planning and buying for high-profile clients including UBA PLC, British Airways, UNICEF, Kaneka Corporation Japan. Bimpe’s expertise spans various leadership roles and currently she is the Managing Director/CEO, Universal McCann Nigeria – an affiliate of IPG Mediabrands and a global leader in Advertising, with 18,000 Media and Marketing Specialists across 130 countries. Since her career at Universal McCann, she has been instrumental in expanding the agency’s client base, setting strategic goals, and overseeing financial performance to ensure profitability and growth. Under her sterling leadership, she has managed prominent global and local accounts, delivering tailored media strategies that have significantly impacted the brands’ success in the Nigerian market and beyond. Known for her decisive leadership style, Bimpe’s ability to foster innovation within her teams and strategic approach to decision-making, is exceptional. These have all contributed to her success in growing the agency’s portfolio and influence across West Africa. Having in view an MBA at the Metropolitan School of Business and Management UK, Bimpe Fayemi continues to build on her extensive media expertise and business acumen and has thus been recognised by The Guardian as one of “Integrity-Driven Fifty (50) Female Achievers In Corporate Nigeria”. While responding to the issue of patriarchy whereby most women are said to be unjustly treated in terms of individual rights and benefits, the astute media strategist said “Regarding gender dynamics, I have not felt a distinct pressure from working in a male-dominated field. The advertising industry in Nigeria has evolved, with more women occupying prominent leadership roles due to their track record of excellence. This shift has fostered a more inclusive environment, one where leadership is increasingly based on merit and results. However, I acknowledge that as a woman, I had to prove that my experience and skills qualified me for this role. My leadership style is centered around empowering my team members. I believe in giving them the autonomy to take charge of their work, avoiding micromanagement, and ensuring that they receive credit for their achievements. This approach not only fosters growth but also instils a sense of ownership and pride among my team. By lifting them up, I believe we create a stronger, more unified team capable of overcoming challenges together. I am proud to be part of an industry that is gradually recognizing the contributions of women and fostering pathways for their growth. It’s inspiring to witness and contribute to this progress, and I’m committed to continuing to support and mentor others, especially young women entering this field. However, in the last few months as CEO of Universal McCann Nigeria, my primary challenge has stemmed from the economic downturn, which has impacted advertising budgets across the industry. This financial strain has required a shift in strategies to maintain client relationships and demonstrate value, even as budgets tighten. Navigating this situation has called for adaptability and resilience, for me and my team.” Highlighting Universal McCann’s set objectives, milestones, innovation and other remarkable achievements, she noted that “As the CEO of Universal McCann Nigeria, I am proud to lead an agency with a bold vision that puts people first while adapting to the dynamic shifts in our industry. Our primary focus is empowering brands to reach their full growth potential, which we achieve by leveraging patterns and embracing a people-first approach in this new era of intelligence. At UM, we believe that media is interdependent and ever-present. This understanding helps us unlock our clients’ full potential by fostering strategic connectivity that enables human ingenuity to harness the power of AI, focusing on efficacy as much as efficiency. One of our greatest recent accomplishments has been the successful launch of Spotify and Amazon Prime Video in the Nigerian market, both of which were strategically executed with deep local insights. Our Breathe of Life campaign, which drove tremendous awareness for the movie, is a personal highlight and has garnered multiple awards at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewer’s Awards. These milestones reinforce UM Nigeria’s capability to drive impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences while setting benchmarks for excellence in the industry. In terms of economic contributions to national development, UM Nigeria is committed to fostering the growth of Nigerian brands. Recognising the resilience of the “Naija spirit,” we see immense potential for these brands to gain international recognition. This focus is part of our commitment to national development. Additionally, as part of our corporate responsibility, we support educational initiatives for underprivileged children through partnerships with select NGOs, contributing to societal progress by fostering education. Meanwhile, Innovation is at the heart of our strategy. Through IPG Mediabrands’ proprietary tool, Growth Accelerator, we bring the power of tailored, data-driven media strategies to our clients. This tool, customised to the Nigerian market through local research, enables us to make precise and impactful decisions in planning, buying, and executing media strategies. We maintain our competitive edge through innovations like these, and they are a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement.” Speaking further on the level of professionalism and integrity involved in handling Universal McCann’s business operations, she affirmed that “At Universal McCann (UM), our commitment to professionalism and integrity is foundational to everything we do. We firmly believe that values shape behavior and drive performance, and this ethos resonates through our strong community and culture of care. Our core values—Respect for All, Accountability to Excellence, Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Collaboration Through Trust, and Responsibility to our Communities and Our Future—guide us in every client engagement, every campaign, and every internal decision. These values aren’t just statements; they’re standards we hold ourselves accountable to across all operations. Professionalism at UM extends to our investment in talent development. Our team is the lifeblood of the agency, and we prioritize their growth through continuous, industry-specific training programs as well as diverse opportunities to support a balanced work-life dynamic. Certifications, like the ARCON certificate, are a minimum requirement for joining the team, and our investment in learning never stops there. By equipping our people with the latest knowledge and resources, we empower them to lead with confidence and integrity. Integrity is at the heart of UM’s approach to client relationships. We pride ourselves on being “the big boutique”: we leverage our global reach while delivering a uniquely tailored, client-focused approach. For us, transparency and honesty are essential; one of our core principles is simply to “Never lie to a client.” This commitment has allowed us to foster long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Our clients know that they can rely on us for straightforward guidance, consistent accountability, and a dedication to doing what’s right.” Olufunke Okoro: Award-Winning Leader in Procurement and Merchandising Olufunke Okoro is a distinguished figure in the procurement and merchandising industry, celebrated for her exceptional expertise, innovative approach and leadership. With over 15 years of experience in sourcing and procurement, she has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of projects for clients across the globe. Her expertise spans a wide range of procurement in manufacturing, energy, agriculture, construction and oil and gas industries showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge in the field, and solidifying her status as an award-winning industry leader. Olufunke’s academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. This foundation in psychology has been instrumental in her career, allowing her to understand clients’ needs and foster meaningful relationships with suppliers. She later pursued a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Middlesex University Business School UK, equipping her with strategic insights that enhance her procurement practices. As the Managing Director of Dumare Ltd, Olufunke has built the company into a leading procurement firm that has carved a niche as the go-to company for major players such as NNPC, Total Energies, Zenith, UBA, Oando, Stanbic IBTC, MTN, 9Mobile, ATC Nigeria, Pernod Ricard, Bank of Industry, and KPMG amongst others. Her ability to forge strong partnerships with these organisations is a testament to her strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. Olufunke’s procurement capabilities extend beyond mere transactions; she is known for her innovative approach to sourcing that emphasises quality, efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven strategies, she has optimised supply chains and reduced costs for her clients, ensuring they receive the best value for their investments. Her dedication to ethical sourcing practices has positioned her as a thought leader in the industry, advocating for responsibility and transparency in procurement. In addition to her operational achievements, Olufunke is passionate about mentorship and empowering the next generation of procurement professionals. She actively engages in training programmes and workshops, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire others. Her commitment to fostering talent within the industry has cultivated a new wave of skilled professionals who are eager to learn from her expertise. Olufunke is a Fellow of the Chartered institute of logistics and supply chain management and Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, and she sits on a few company boards. Isi Igenegba: On A Mission To Reshape Africa’s Energy Sector, Empower Women, Impact Communities Isi Igenegba is the co-founder and Director, Human Resource Management and Administration of Strom Global Services Ltd. Aside this, the workaholic business head is also the founder and lead coach, Isi Benedicta Institute; Global Lead, Mantle of Deborah; Convener, The Builders’ Summit; Director of Strategy, METSCO, Africa; and Lead, A Million Women Africa. Beyond her organisational and leadership acumen, innovative business head is committed to environmental sustainability, spearheading initiatives that support the restoration and remediation of polluted communities across Africa. As the Director of Strategy, METSCO Africa, she has been instrumental in guiding the company through strategic initiatives that focus on providing cutting-edge energy solutions across Africa. Her role involves overseeing the development of long-term strategies, streamlining business processes and ensuring the alignment of METSCO’s operations with its goals in the energy sector. Isi’s contributions have helped the engineering company to become a leading electrical outfit, procurement and construction (EPC) company in Africa, especially in the field of electrical distribution, transmission and generation. Successful in the corporate world, Isi realised that true transformation in both business and society requires visionary leadership and effective change management. Motivated by a desire to empower others, in 2020, the dynamic administrator founded the Isi Benedicta Institute, a platform dedicated to leadership development, change management and personal effectiveness. Through this initiative, she has made a profound impact on hundreds of people across Africa and beyond. The institute’s mission is to provide professionals and organisations with tools, strategies and mindset needed to achieve transformative success. Through the Builders’ Summit, a bespoke leadership mastermind, Isi Igenegba has in four years brought together over 2,000 leaders, entrepreneurs and executives in Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. The summit provides a unique platform for cross-border networking, leadership training and the exchange of innovative ideas. As head, Mantle of Deborah Conferences, Isi has directly impacted over 7,000 women across 15 African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, among others. The conferences focus on equipping women with the skills to excel in leadership roles, empowering them to become influential decision-makers in their industries. Participants are in diverse businesses, calling the shots and positively impacting their communities. Always willing to share her knowledge, the innovative leaders on October 12, 2024 through “A Million Women” rallied thousands of women from 40 African countries for the first edition of A Million Women’s Day of Prayer. The event brought together diverse women’s groups to unite in prayer, reflect on their countries and solidarity for the transformation of Africa. The prayer meeting did not only provided a spiritual platform for women, but also encouraged them to engage in collaborative efforts to foster peace, prosperity and growth in their communities. Isi heading this initiative is a testament to her dedication at advancing women’s roles in Africa’s development and also her commitment to fostering unity and collective action among women across the continent. Her works with Mantle of Deborah and Isi Benedicta Institute have in no little ways touched individuals from over 40 countries across Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East for good. Her programmes have helped organisations enhance their operational efficiency, implement sustainable growth strategies and led with a vision focused on long-term impact. The boardroom tigress envisions a future where leaders across Africa and beyond are equipped with the tools, mindset and resources to drive meaningful and sustainable change. Founding Strom Global Services Ltd., Lagos, Nigeria, in 2015, the company has since grown to register its presence in Canada and Texas, USA. Through effective and efficient leadership, the company has being able to provide offshore and onshore support for efficient maritime operations, which has enabled the company to achieve annual turnover exceeding $5 million, reflecting consistent business growth. Apart from this, the company is also helping clients to optimise performance through skill-building programmes and collaborative business efforts. Aligning with Nigeria’s federal power roadmap to support national development, the company is known for delivering high-quality and innovative energy solutions. Established alliances with world-class manufacturers and industry leaders to enhance service delivery, METSCO have successfully executed numerous projects, including the installation and commissioning of heavy power equipment for various clients. It has helped clients optimise their energy systems through tailored consultancy and advanced technical solutions. I STRIVE TO REACH NEW MILESTONES WITH EVERY OPPORTUNITY I GET-NWABUOGO MBANEME, HEAD, PRODUCTION, MAY & BAKER Plc A very cerebral woman, Dr Mrs Nwabuogo Mbaneme is an egghead who holds a Ph.D in Pharmaceutics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her research interests are in the areas of pharmaceutical bioequivalence studies, drug development and regulatory pharmacy. Not only is she an academic, she is equally a certified supply chain analyst and in a bid to improve the dynamics of supply chain in medicine production and distribution, she underwent training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, obtaining high passing grades in five supply chain courses. In terms of professional experience, her career cuts across various sections both locally and internationally in capacities that encompass quality management system, pharmacovigilance, research and drug development, production, community and regulatory pharmacy. She is today the Head of Production for the foremost pharmaceutical firm in Nigeria, May & Baker Plc. QUE: Can we have an insight into your background? ANS: I am happily married with children and hold a bachelor degree, B. Pharm, from University of Lagos. Masters, M.Pharm, degree specializing in Technology of Formulation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Another Masters degree in Drug Development and Regulatory Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan. Also, PDDDP degree in Drug Discovery, Development and Production from Howard University Washington D.C USA and Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy, Tanzania, with best result in the practical exams at the UNIDO sponsored, Regulatory /Quality Compliance & Seminar & Directed Readings Advanced Training. Demonstrating a relentless intent for learning and my strong passion to create new science and increase global access to affordable good quality medicines, I gained a Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D, in Pharmaceutics from the University of Nigeria. I am a certified supply chain analyst, CSCA, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. I also trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, obtaining high passing grades in five supply chain courses (CTL.SC0x – CTL.SC4x) in a bid to improve the dynamics of supply chain in medicine production and distribution. QUE: Can you take us through your career trajectory? ANS: My professional experience spans various sections locally and internationally in capacities that encompass quality management system, pharmacovigilance, research & drug development/production, community and regulatory pharmacy. My research areas of interest are pharmaceutical bioequivalence studies, drug development and regulatory pharmacy. I am an active member of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group-Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, PMG-MAN, where i served as a member of the Industry Capacity Data Collection Committee for Nigeria, member of Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, PCN, International Supply Chain Education Alliance, ISCEA, Association of Lady Pharmacists, ALPS, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, NAIP, and Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRC. I am currently the Head, Production of May & Baker Nigeria Plc. Prior to my appointment here, I worked with NEMEL Pharmaceuticals as Head, Quality Management System, QMS, & Pharmacovigilance. I also worked together with CHI Pharmaceuticals team to achieve a WHO current Good Manufacturing Certification. I also worked as Head of Production & Regulatory in A.C Drugs, Enugu. I also had a brief experience in hospital pharmacy at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu. I had my community pharmacist working experience with Caarale Pharmacy, Lagos. QUE: Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career? ANS: In my personal life, my mother Pastor Clementine Ricketts, and my husband, Uche Mbaneme have both been the most influential people. In my career, Professor Joseph Fortunak, Prof. K. C. Ofokansi and Prof. E. C. Ibezim have been God’s instrument to guide me professionally. QUE: Can you recall some memorable experiences that you have had in the course of your professional journey? ANS: I remember when we were working towards achieving the WHO prequalification for CHI Pharmaceuticals, I learnt a phrase that has helped me in life and my career as a pharmacist. “A chain is as strong as its weakest link”. This symbolizes that team work and dedication allow people learn from one another to improve efficiency and productivity leading to an expanded sense of accomplishment. This became my slogan everywhere I had a chance to work or head a team because developing teamwork skills is worth everyone’s investment, not just the leader. QUE: What are the challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey and how have you been able to tackle them? ANS: The pharmaceutical industry is driven by innovation, with new discoveries and technologies constantly reshaping the world, thus the knowledge requirements in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals are quite extensive. Firstly, I stay up to date with the current practices, so instead of letting challenges discourage me, I acknowledge and recognize them. Then I reframe them as learning opportunities to improve the quality of health and life of people. I strongly believe that “without continual growth and progress such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning”. This ideology is what fueled my inner drive to constantly strive to reach new milestones with every opportunity I get. QUE: What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals? ANS: For aspiring female professionals, have it in mind that being a female should never stop you from achieving anything you want in life. You should know what exactly you like about the profession you choose in life and pray to GOD for guidance. Do a career research because it will guide you in the long run and most importantly save you from getting into a career that you will dislike for the rest of your life. If you can do industrial training, do it and learn as much as you can. This will help you to discover your passion and work in it. There are many aspects of many professions, for example, in pharmacy, there is hospital, community, manufacturing, regulatory, wholesalers / distributors and the academia. When you choose your career, make sure this is what excites you and will make you want to show up at work every day. Then you could pick a mentor early in life and take it one step at a time. Extracurricular activities is also another great part of life that will boost your academic performance, develop your unique skills and personality. You don’t have to do anything and everything underneath the sun, just pick a few things that really showcases who you truly are and follow your dreams.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defense. Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballDr. Mehmet Oz at a rally during his 2022 Senate campaign. Jacqueline Larma/AP Some 15 percent of Americans are enrolled in Medicare Part D, which covers outpatient prescription drug costs for older adults and other qualifying individuals, providing nearly $140 billion a year in support to about 50 million people. But the program is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services—which President-elect Donald Trump has nominated celebrity physician Mehmet Oz to lead. It’s questionable how a man infamous for promoting questionable supplements , who has commented that there’s no right to health for people who can’t afford it, will help lead and provide government health insurance in the United States. On his show, the cardiothoracic surgeon has mounted attacks on medications that Part D covers, such as antidepressants, claiming that they do not work for most patients (the evidence is against him) . Given his history, it makes sense that Oz would be part of Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” cohort, which does seem fairly anti-science : Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s attacks on vaccines , for instance, also conveniently ignore that measles and polio can cause lifelong health conditions. Medicare Part D currently covers the costs of all recommended vaccines. But what kind of damage could Oz do from his new post? Will he be able to cut medications that actually help people manage chronic health conditions—conditions that people who qualify for Medicare are more likely to have? The short answer is no. At least not on his own. Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of health nonprofit KFF ‘s program on Medicare policy, explains that the range of medications covered by Medicare Part D is specified in the Social Security Act . “Generally speaking, Medicare Part D covers drugs and vaccines that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration,” Cubanski told Mother Jones . “The law specifically excludes some types of drugs from coverage under Part D, including drugs used for weight loss or cosmetic purposes.” So dubious supplements that Oz promoted on his show could not readily be added to the list, nor could he easily remove actual medication. “Congress would need to change the law in order to change what drugs Medicare Part D covers,” Cubanski said. “An agency official acting under their own authority can’t do that.” There is still the possibility that some aspects of Medicare Part D could change through a regulatory process, says University of Pennsylvania health law and policy professor Allison Hoffman, but that too is a rigorous procedure—and attacking Medicare would also be a risky political move. “Medicare Part D was passed during a Republican administration and with Republican control in Congress, with Democratic support,” Hoffman said. “Trump knows to tread carefully in this space because Medicare is a widely popular program and the Part D program has really created a lot of financial security for people.” But if Republicans do, as they have pledged, go after the Inflation Reduction Act, which helped fund and improve Medicare affordability, Part D isn’t necessarily in the clear. The IRA instituted a new $2,000-a-year cap on out-of-pocket spending costs for prescriptions—still a lot for many older Medicare patients, and for qualifying younger disabled people, but an extremely short-lived protection if it’s immediately overturned by the GOP. And while Oz on his own can’t screw up Medicare Part D too badly, there’s no guarantee he’ll let it work smoothly, either. In practice, the plans are administered by private insurance companies, which can choose which pharmacies to work with and even which medications to cover. Federal health reforms like the Affordable Care Act have focused in part on making it harder for insurers to weasel out of providing care—not a likely priority for Trump’s health officials. If someone on Medicare needs to start a new medication, they could meet with a rude awakening. “That would require them to either switch to a different drug in the class, or switch plans during the next open enrollment period,” says Julie Donohue, chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Health Policy and Management. Such limitations in Part D—and related programs, like private-insurer-run Medicare Advantage plans —illustrate the consistent failures of privatizing Medicare, something Oz nevertheless pushed for more of during his unsuccessful 2022 Senate campaign. With the chaos and uncertainty that’s marked Trump’s White House nominations—like former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrawing on Thursday from consideration to be his Attorney General—Hoffman also cautions us to “wait to see if people are confirmed,” rather than immediately panicking about “our imagination of what these policies might be.”

South Africa reiterates call for global action to secure Palestine's freedom

Former President Jimmy Carter's net worth revealed as longest-living U.S. president dies in hospiceNone

Bad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in peril

US stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what's already been a stellar year so far. On the losing end of Wall Street was US Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan's Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains, and US national security. Earlier this year, President Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk's multibillion-dollar pay package. Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed US employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier, the reports. The value of the South Korean won sank against the dollar after its president declared martial law and then later said he'll lift it. (More stories.)Celebrations and taking stock as ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel takes hold

Published 4:08 pm Thursday, November 21, 2024 By Data Skrive Top-25 teams will take the court across four games on Friday’s college basketball schedule. That includes the Oklahoma Sooners playing the UNLV Rebels at Thomas & Mack Center. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.Wisconsin faces its first losing season in 23 years and the end of a bowl streak when the Badgers host arch-rival Minnesota on Friday in the annual Big Ten battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe. Minnesota (6-5, 4-4) lost to No. 4 Penn State 26-25. Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) lost its fourth straight, 44-25, at Nebraska in a game that was not as close as the score. "Well 1890 is the first time we played this football team coming up and this is what it's all about," Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said of the rivalry. "And you wouldn't want to have it any other way, being able to end the season with one of your biggest rivals. I know our guys will be ready to go, ready to play." Wisconsin has 22 consecutive winning seasons since going 5-7 under Barry Alvarez in 2001, the longest active streak among Power 4 teams. The Badgers also have played in a bowl game in each of the last 22 seasons, the longest active streak in the Big Ten and third-longest in FBS. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell is more concerned with the rivalry game than the winning season and bowl streaks. "I'm not downplaying it, I'm not saying it's not important, I'm not saying it's another thing that's on our plate," Fickell said Monday. "But when it gets down to this last week, it's about one thing, it's about the rivalry. It's about preparing to play in the most important game of the year." The Gophers have dropped their last two games after winning four in a row. Minnesota averages 26.6 points per game, while allowing 18.5, 15th-best in the country. Max Brosmer has completed 67 percent of his passes for 221 per game with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Daniel Jackson is the top target with 69 catches for 802 yards and three scores, and Darius Taylor is the top rusher with 730 yards at 4.8 per carry with nine touchdowns. One week after leading Oregon after three quarters, the Wisconsin defense was shredded for 473 yards and five touchdowns by Nebraska. Braedyn Locke, who took over at quarterback when Tyler Van Dyke suffered an early season-ending knee injury, has thrown at least one interception in eight consecutive games. Locke has completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 180.6 yards per game, with 12 touchdowns and 10 picks. Tawee Walker is the leading rusher with 828 yards at 4.7 per carry with 10 touchdowns. He has failed to reach 60 yards in three of the last four games. Former Wisconsin and NFL standout JJ Watt posted on social media his assessment - and frustration - with the Badgers after the Nebraska game. "Losing happens, it's part of the game. Hearing announcers talk about how much tougher and more physical Nebraska & Iowa are while getting blown out ... that's the issue," Watt wrote on X. "We are Wisconsin. Physicality, running game, great O-Line and great defense. That is our identity." Wisconsin defeated the Gophers 28-14 last after Minnesota had won the previous two meetings. The Badgers have won 7 of the last 10 and lead the storied series 63-62-8. --Field Level MediaTeachers union launches postelection fear campaign

CONCORD — N.H. Attorney General John Formella, who previously served as Gov. Chris Sununu’s legal counsel, should be disqualified from a high stakes criminal case brought against a sitting Supreme Court justice, defense attorneys argued Monday. They contend that Sununu will be a key witness in the case against Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, should it go to trial, and that Formella’s ties to Sununu present a conflict of interest. Sununu appointed Hantz Marconi to the state Supreme Court in 2017. She’s now accused of attempting to sway him into intervening in an ongoing investigation into her husband, Geno Marconi, the state ports director. During a hearing Monday, Richard Guerriero, Hantz Marconi’s lawyer, said that the attorney general cannot be impartial and fair, given his past work representing Sununu as his personal attorney and then serving as his attorney general. “His personal interests are directly tied to this very powerful and important witness,” Guerriero told the court. Guerriero argued that if the indictments aren’t dismissed, a special prosecutor should take over the case, to avoid a real or perceived conflict of interest. State prosecutors told Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Martin Honigberg that the case should proceed, arguing that Hantz Marconi’s claims that Formella cannot oversee the state Department of Justice and bring a legal case against her would set an unworkable precedent. “What the defense is asking for in this case is immunity,” said Joe Fincham, an assistant attorney general for the state. “That if you commit a crime in front of the governor, or any other high ranking client of the Attorney General, you are immune from prosecution in the state of New Hampshire.” The state also noted in legal filings that Sununu will leave office and return to being a private citizen starting in January, well before Hantz Marconi’s case would go to trial. Hantz Marconi was in the courtroom Monday, but did not address the court. She declined questions from reporters after the hearing. She waived her arraignment and entered a “not guilty” plea to the charges against her: two counts of improper influence, a felony, and five additional misdemeanors including criminal solicitation and obstructing government administration. Honigberg did not make an immediate ruling on her lawyer’s request to either dismiss the indictments or bar the Department of Justice from prosecuting the case. Accusations, questions Hantz Marconi was indicted in October on allegations that she attempted to improperly influence an investigation into her husband when she met privately with Sununu and his personal attorney. The justice allegedly told Sununu during that June meeting that there was no merit to the allegations against her husband, Geno Marconi, and that her forced recusal from a majority of cases was harming the functioning of the state Supreme Court. A day after the indictments against Hantz Marconi were released, Geno Marconi was indicted by a Rockingham County grand jury for allegedly obtaining and disclosing confidential records involving Neil Levesque, who serves on the Pease Development Authority’s board of directors and is also the head of the Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. (The PDA board oversees the Division of Ports and Harbors, where Marconi has worked since 1995.) Marconi allegedly shared those records with a co-defendant, Bradley Cook, who served alongside Marconi on a port advisory committee. It isn’t clear what records Marconi allegedly obtained and shared or what he planned to do with those documents. Marconi entered a “not guilty” plea last week, with a trial possible next year. Cook also waived his arraignment last week. Key witnesses Lawyers for Hantz Marconi stressed repeatedly during Monday’s hearing that Sununu would be a “key witness” in her trial, as the governor and his legal counsel Rudy Ogden were the only people present during her June meeting with Sununu in the governor’s office. Before Sununu appointed him to lead the Department of Justice, Formella served as his legal counsel. It isn’t clear if Sununu himself alerted prosecutors about his meeting with Hantz Marconi, or if that information was shared by Ogden. It also isn’t known if the initial concerns about the meeting were made directly to Formella or someone else in his office. According to charging documents, Hantz Marconi is also accused of improperly contacting Steve Duprey, the chair of the Pease Development Authority, in April, shortly after her husband was placed on administrative leave with no explanation. (Duprey is a member of NHPR’s Board of Directors, but has no influence over the station’s coverage.) N.H. Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald could also be forced to testify should the case go to trial. Hantz Marconi has said she mentioned to MacDonald the idea of a meeting with Sununu, and that MacDonald told her he had no concerns about it. Lawyers for Hantz Marconi filed arguments alleging that Hantz Marconi’s meeting with Sununu was legal under her constitutionally protected free speech rights. Her alleged statements about the investigation hampering her work on the Supreme Court should also be protected under judicial immunity, they argued. Hantz Marconi was forced to recuse herself from all cases involving the Attorney General’s office beginning earlier this summer, after it became clear her husband was under investigation. In July, she was placed on administrative leave from the bench. Following the release of indictments in October, Hantz Marconi’s law license was temporarily suspended.The Arizona Cardinals were rested, relatively healthy and had been playing some of their best football in years. That's why Sunday's was so surprising. “Frustrating day offensively, especially the way we’ve been playing to come out here and lay an egg and get physically dominated in a sense,” quarterback Kyler Murray said. The Cardinals (6-5) had their four-game winning streak snapped. Murray completed 24 of 37 passes for 285 yards, but made a brutal mistake, throwing an interception that was returned 69 yards by Seattle's Coby Bryant. The running game never got going, gaining just 49 yards. James Conner, the team's leading rusher, had just 8 yards on seven attempts. “There were a lot of things where it felt like the flow of things just wasn’t in our favor,” receiver Michael Wilson said. "Some games go like that. And then we didn’t execute enough to make up for the game sort of not going our way.” Arizona's still in decent playoff position, tied with the Seahawks on top of the NFC West with six games to play. But after all the good news and winning over the past month, Sunday's loss was humbling. “We’re going to learn a lot from this game,” Gannon said. Arizona's defense continued its remarkable midseason turnaround, giving the team every opportunity to win Sunday. The front seven doesn't have any stars, but continues to cobble together a respectable pass rush. The Cardinals finished with five sacks, all by different players. Second-year cornerback Garrett Williams intercepted a pass by Geno Smith on the first play of the fourth quarter, briefly giving the Cardinals some momentum as they tried to fight back. Williams — a third-round pick out of Syracuse in 2023 — is growing into a steady starting corner that the Cardinals have missed for years. “I thought that they hung in there and battled, forced a bunch of punts, kept points off the board,” Gannon said. “I thought the interception by Garrett was fantastic, kept us in the game there, kept points off the board. We made some mistakes. We made some mistakes, starting with me.” The Cardinals aren't going to win many games with a rushing performance like Sunday's. Conner, held to a season low in yards rushing, did have 41 yards receiving. Rookie Trey Benson had four carries for 18 yards, while Emari Demercado broke a 14-yard gain. Getting Conner going is key. Arizona has a 5-1 record this season when he has at least 100 total yards from scrimmage. Gannon said falling into an early hole affected some of the things the Cardinals could do, particularly in the second half. “I thought there was plays there, but again, where you get down in that game, you’re not really playing normal ball there for a good chunk of the game,” Gannon said. “So we’ve got to do a better job earlier in the game to make sure we’re not playing left-handed.” Fourth-year edge rusher Zaven Collins isn't necessarily the star fans hoped for when he was selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 draft, but he has quietly had a productive season leading the team's no-name front seven. Collins picked up his fourth sack of the season Sunday and put consistent pressure on Smith. Murray's still having a great season, but the quarterback's MVP credentials took a hit with Sunday's mediocre performance. He played pretty well at times, but the interception that turned into a pick-6 was a backbreaker. The sixth-year quarterback had largely avoided those types of plays this season, which is a big reason they're in the playoff hunt. “Can't give them seven points, especially when our defense is playing the way that they’re playing,” Murray said. “I feel like if I don’t do that, we’re in the game four quarters because that’s the way it was trending.” The Cardinals came out of Sunday's game fairly healthy. Gannon said starting safety Jalen Thompson (ankle) should be back at practice Wednesday. He missed the last two games. 12 and 133 — Tight end Trey McBride continued his breakout season with a career-high 12 catches for 133 yards. The Cardinals have another difficult road game against the Vikings (9-2) on Sunday. AP NFL: