Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It’s a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It’s all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person’s response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn’t happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It’s not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn’t respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I’m hoping it’s slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers for plot points, cameos and the ending of “Wicked,” now playing in theaters, as well as minor spoilers for the “Wicked” stage show. It’s time to rejoicify! It’s been 21 years since the smash hit musical “Wicked” premiered on Broadway, and fans can finally watch the tale of two witches (at least, the first half of it) on the big screen in a larger-than-life film adaptation from director Jon M. Chu for Universal. The “Wicked” movie, which stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, is chock full of thrillifying nods to its many pieces of source material — and makes some notable changes from the stage version. “Wicked: Part 2,” which will cover the events of Act 2 from the original musical, opens on Nov. 21, 2025. For the uninitiated, the Tony-winning 2003 Broadway show starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” which in turn is based on the 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum and its 1939 Technicolor film adaptation starring Judy Garland. With over 120 years of related lore to soak up, you’ll be forgiven for missing a few of the more confusifying Ozmopolitan allusions in the “Wicked” film — and there are many. Below, Variety’ s resident Ozians break down all the biggest easter eggs, cameos, references to “The Wizard of Oz” and changes from the beloved Broadway musical. The Universal Pictures logo has been replaced with a vintage version of the globe, reminiscent of the 1939 iteration—the year “The Wizard of Oz” premiered. As the camera pans over Oz before “No One Mourns the Wicked,” audiences see Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow easing on down the Yellow Brick Road. Will “Part 2” tie back the classic “Wizard of Oz” story more overtly than the musical? In an overhead shot of Munchkinland, over 9 million tulips bloom across the fields of Oz, planted in a rainbow pattern as a tribute to the iconic song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” As the children of Munchkinland frolic through the flower-filled fields, they celebrate the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West. A group of them ring bells and clang pots in celebration, playing the familiar, triumphant tune: “Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead.” When Elphaba is born, she’s thrust into the arms of her kind-hearted nanny, Dulcibear, who isn’t in the stage musical at all. Dulcibear, played by Tony nominated Sharon D. Clarke, becomes one of the few folks who treats Elphaba with respect as she grows up, underscoring the film’s theme that animals are a crucial (and misunderstood) part of society. The stage version doesn’t dive into Elphaba’s childhood, but the film fills in the backstory. We see her powers emerge at birth, levitating objects (including a mystical bottle of green elixir) even as a newborn. The film also shows the bullying she faced over her green skin, which sparked magical outbursts — like shooting rocks at the kids who tormented her. The Wizard of Oz is famous for traveling by hot air balloon, a detail that’s even documented in Elphaba’s children’s book about his origins. Balloons pop up all over the film — carved into Shiz’s facade beside the Wizard’s face, used to deliver invitations to meet the Wizard, emblazoned on souvenir stickers, adorning buildings in the Emerald City and even as a possible escape vehicle in the finale. L. Frank Baum, who penned “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” book series, inspired Elphaba’s name in the “Wicked” novel by Gregory Maguire. Say “L.F. Baum” slowly. Sounds like “El-pha-ba!” Her last name, Thropp, is only mentioned once on stage, but gets brought up far more in the movie: the Wizard even addresses his non-transferrable invitation to “Elphaba Thropp.” The film’s title card, which appears at the end of “No One Mourns the Wicked,” is designed in the style of “The Wizard of Oz’s” classic, curly script. The penultimate song of Act 2, “For Good,” sees Glinda and Elphaba reflecting on their friendship. The orchestration is subtly woven throughout the movie during moments of truth or genuine connection, including when Glinda longingly recounts her and Elphaba’s origin stories during “No One Mourns the Wicked.” The tune reappears during “Dancing Through Life” when Galinda and Elphaba connect on the dance floor – their first moment of true friendship. It even shows up during “Popular,” on the train heading to the Emerald City and during “Defying Gravity.” Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East), receives a pair of bejeweled silver shoes — the same ones Dorothy will eventually wear. Costume designer Paul Tazewell added a tornado shape to the heel, as a clever nod to the original twister that brought Dorothy from Kansas to Oz. Elphaba’s younger sister sports striped socks under her heels, a reference to her fate as the Wicked Witch of the East. Galinda’s parents are only referenced in the stage musical, but never actually appear. In the film, the Upper Uplands see Galinda off as she arrives for her first day at Shiz. Galinda’s mother is even played by Alice Fearn, who formerly played Elphaba in the West End production of “Wicked.” Galinda’s Shiz pals Pfannee and ShenShen are in the original musical, but have a much smaller role. The film sees Bowen Yang (playing a gender-swapped Pfannee) and Bronwyn James following Galinda around like lost puppies, providing comedic color commentary (usually at Elphaba’s expense). The stage show sees Elphaba arrive at Shiz as a student. In the film, however, she’s only there alongside her father to watch over her sister Nessarose as she starts at Shiz. After a magical mishap, though, Madame Morrible insists that Elphaba enrolls as a student herself. In both iterations, Elphaba makes a scene as she magically takes control of Nessarose’s wheelchair on orientation day at Shiz. On stage, Madame Morrible announces to everyone that she’s impressed by Elphaba’s powers and will write to the Wizard on her behalf. In the film, Madame Morrible takes credit for Elphaba’s show of power (likely to gain her trust), instead speaking with Elphaba about magic in private. Madame Morrible’s magical specialty is controlling the weather (including tornadoes). In honor of her stormy powers, hair and makeup designer Frances Hannon shaped her hairstyles to resemble swirling clouds. In a fit of rage, Elphaba wreaks havoc in the Shiz courtyard, knocking down a portrait of the Wizard. As it cracks and falls, an older emblem of the former animal leaders of Oz is revealed. Once powerful and significant, they have since been erased and replaced by the Wizard’s rule. The stage musical merely alludes to Elphaba’s powers, but they are in full force in the expanded land of Oz. She uses magic to crack a window in her and Galinda’s dorm room, practices levitation with Madame Morrible, can fly through the air during “The Wizard and I,” sends rocks at children as a child and experiences multiple visions of the future. Miss Cottle, a new character introduced in the film, is an administrative staff member at Shiz University played by Broadway alum and “Greatest Showman” standout Keala Settle. Miss Cottle yells “Not to fret – just a slight gulch !” when surprised by Elphaba’s arrival at Shiz. The exclamation is a subtle nod to the name of the original “Wizard of Oz” Wicked Witch – Almira Gulch. Blink and you might miss it: when students are reading their dorm assignments at Shiz, a familiar name appears. Ama Clutch is assigned as Galinda’s suite neighbor — a nod to the original “Wicked” novel, where she serves as Galinda’s school chaperone. She isn’t mentioned in the stage show. While Elphaba is running through a field singing “The Wizard and I,” she leaps into the air with a rainbow in the background as a nod to Judy Garland’s famous song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” There’s even a flock of bluebirds, a direct nod to the famous lyric: “Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly.” In addition to seeing the rainbow on screen, fans can also hear it. During the “Unlimited” lyric in “The Wizard and I,” the orchestration of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” can be heard underneath Cynthia Erivo’s vocals. When Galinda and Elphaba write home to complain about their new roommate, they slip in some new lyrics from the original soundtrack in their letters to their parents. Galinda makes the keen observation that her parents can’t respond immediately, given that it’s a letter, for example. During “What Is This Feeling?” there’s a combat lesson —potentially foreshadowing the later altercation in the musical, when Galinda uses her wand as a spinning baton in a catfight with Elphaba. Madame Morrible and Elphaba spend more one-on-one time together than in the stage iteration, working to refine Elphaba’s magic skills in preparation to impress the Wizard. Morrible encourages her to learn how to harness her emotions to gain better control of her powers. There are several nods to the Wicked Witch of the West that “Wizard of Oz” fans will recognize, including the shadowed fingers as Elphaba attempts to conjure her power in a session with Madame Morrible, a tribute to Margaret Hamilton’s iconic portrayal of the Wicked Witch in the original “Wizard of Oz.” Dr. Dillamond is the only animal on staff at Shiz in the stage show (he calls himself “the token goat”), but the film sees him meeting with animal colleagues to discuss their treatment and the disquieting rumors that animals are losing their abilities to speak. Elphaba has the power to see the future. She sings, “I’ve just had a vision, almost like a prophecy... a celebration throughout Oz that’s all to do with me.” At first, she thinks it’s a good omen, but it actually foreshadows the Munchkins celebrating her death in “No One Mourns the Wicked.” She also has other visions, like one of Dr. Dillamond trapped in a cage. During Fiyero’s entrance, he meets Elphaba in the forest rather than with a group of classmates at Shiz. Fans of the musical may recognize Elphaba’s insult— “Get stuffed”— as subtle foreshadowing to his fate in the second act. Fiyero – who typically makes his entrance passed out in a carriage on stage – swaps his footman (and Parent Trap-inspired goodbye handshake) for a noble steed. In fact, the horse used in the production was the same animal actor that Jonathan Bailey worked with in “Bridgerton.” Production designer Nathan Crowley created the elaborate library (or “book place,” as Galinda would call it) with rotating circular shelves. The ladders were designed to move separately from the wheels, allowing the letters “O” and “Z” to form at different points during the choreography. When Fieryo is looking for somewhere to corrupt his peers, he looks to the Ozdust ballroom. The lyrics and dialogue in which he suggests the location differs in the movie, both in location (moved to a different verse) and content (Galinda explains that the Ozdust is more of a scandal-odious night club than a student hang). There’s also extended orchestrations and additional choreography. As Fieryo taps his toes through the dance number, take a look at the books he walks on—they’re real Shiz course texts and Ozian spell books, each one carefully designed in detail by the production team. During “Dancing Through Life,” Fieryo observes Galinda off to the side in a foreshadowing pose—body slouched, arms extended—a subtle hint at his future in the musical. There are two subtle nods to Boq’s metal future during “Dancing Through Life”: Galinda places his red handkerchief over his heart, and Boq remarks that he “cries a lot,” foreshadowing the behavior of a certain heartless character in “The Wizard of Oz.” The expanded world of Oz (and not limited by stage set changes) lets Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero lead a group of students to the hidden Ozdust ballroom via boat and waterways —something that’s never seen in the stage production. The increased animal presence in the film extends to the Ozdust ballroom, a speakeasy-style venue where animals lead the house band. A pair of bejeweled red heels makes an appearance when Galinda gives outfit suggestions to Elphaba during “Popular,” as a wink to Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.” They’re even clicked three times! Ariana Grande adds a fresh spin at the end of “Popular,” opting up and changing the key not once, but twice with two additional “La La, La La” sections before the grand finale. Dr. Dillamond reveals in an early scene that he’s particularly fond of poppies. “Wizard of Oz” fans will remember the crucial role the flowers play in the film, lulling Dorothy and the gang to sleep as they venture through a poppy field. After Dr. Dillamond is removed from his post at Shiz, a human professor brings a caged lion cub into his classroom, expressing his intent to prevent the animal from ever speaking. Elphaba magically distracts her peers, allowing her to escape with Fiyero and the cub. On stage, the students are forced into a fitful dance, while the film adaptation shows Elphaba floating Dillamond’s poppies around the room, causing her classmates to fall asleep (except Fiyero, who, like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz,” stays awake). During their escape, Elphaba and Fiyero hop on bikes, with the newly-rescued lion cub tucked in a basket. This is a nod to Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz,” where she rides her bike with Toto in a basket as Almira Gulch in Kansas. As they pedal away, the Wicked Witch’s famous theme song plays in the background. Madame Morrible shields Elphaba from the rain with an umbrella before using her magic to clear the skies. But before doing so, she tells Elphaba, “We mustn’t let you get wet”—a nod to the Wicked Witch of the West’s famous weakness when Dorothy throws a bucket of water on her. The Wizard of Oz has his own unique form of invitation: by balloon. Elphaba receives a personalized summons from the Wizard in the shape of a mini hot air balloon, along with a non-transferable paper invite. Born Oscar Diggs, the Wizard of Oz is from Omaha, Nebraska, according to L. Frank Baum’s original novels. The film includes several nods to Omaha, like a label on the mini balloon invitation, a chant of “Oh-ma-ha, Oh-ma-ha” from the Wizomania hologram, and even luggage in the attic labeled with the city’s name during the finale “Defying Gravity.” Elphaba and Nessarose’s father is absent in the musical after dropping them off at school. However, in the film, the Governor of Munchkinland returns to see his eldest daughter off to the Emerald City and also meets his youngest daughter’s new boyfriend, Boq. As Elphaba and Glinda are momentarily separated at the train station and on the platform, the orchestration of “No One Mourns the Wicked” hums underneath. The two are – momentarily – separated and alone. Composer Stephen Schwartz added new music for the film, including an extended introduction to “One Short Day,” featuring musical trills as Elphaba and Glinda approach the Emerald City via train. Waterways and balloons aren’t the only ways to travel around Oz. The Emerald City train, designed to embody “fantastical technology,” was practically built at 106 feet long, 58 tons, and over 16 feet tall. Broadway’s original Glinda and Elphaba make a cameo during “One Short Day” as performers who tell the story behind the Wizard. Both actors were initially hesitant to appear for fear of distracting from Grande and Erivo’s moment, but producer Marc Platt convinced them that the film wouldn’t be the same without honoring their legacy. Menzel busts out her signature “Defying Gravity” riff during the song and Chenoweth recreates iconic Glinda wand manerisms. The Wizomania Choir is joined by the Emerald City Players, led by Chenoweth and Menzel, in new lyrics for “One Short Day.” Composer Stephen Schwartz wrote an additional verse for the Emerald City anthem, extending the stage’s mini “Wizomania” play with a more detailed backstory for the Wizard. This new version explains how people believed he was a savior, destined to fulfill a prophecy as a “magical wise one.” When in reality, he was just a guy who chanted “Omaha.” Composer Stephen Schwartz cameos as the Oz soldier who allows Elphaba and Glinda into the Wizard’s palace at the end of “One Short Day.” The musical’s book writer Winnie Holzman also appears in the Emerald City during “One Short Day,” touting the Wizard’s ability to read the Grimmerie. When composing “Wicked,” Schwartz included musical easter eggs to the “Wizard of Oz” score – including the tune of “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” within the score of “One Short Day.” In “The Wizard of Oz,” the Wizard famously tells everyone to “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” This version nods to that line with a new scene, where the Wizard dances behind a curtain while showing Elphaba and Glinda his vision for Oz’s future. Trying to bond with the witches, the Wizard shows them a diorama of the city and even asks for their input on what color to make his brand-new brick road. The Wizard’s pre-Oz persona makes a few appearances in the palace attic, including a sign promoting the magician “Oscar Diggs” and a trunk from his old magic act. In a departure from the stage show, Elphaba and Glinda attempt to escape the palace through the ceiling by the Wizard’s hot air balloon. When that fails, Elphaba resorts to enchanting a flying broom. Fans of the musical will recognize the iconic moment in “Defying Gravity” when Elphaba lifts into the air on her broom, her black cape sprawling across the stage. The film honors this moment by lifting Cynthia Erivo in a similar pose, filling the frame with her black fabric as she soars high above the guards of Oz. As Elphaba rises above the Wizard’s guards during “Defying Gravity,” their lyrics differ depending on the medium. In the stage show, they shout “Get her!” while in the film adaptation, they chant “Kill her!” An extra vocal section is added at the climax of “Defying Gravity,” with Erivo belting “Unlimited!” as the audience sees how folks throughout Oz react to Madame Morrible’s declaration that Elphaba is a Wicked Witch. In act two of the musical, it’s revealed that Elphaba and Nessarose’s father dies of shame. However, in the final scene of part one, we see him collapse upon hearing the public declaration of his eldest daughter’s wickedness. Along with Elphaba’s father, we also see the responses from her peers at Shiz when Elphaba is declared public enemy no. 1. Fiyero flees the scene, while Boq looks up in fear and shock as chaos erupts at school. “Wicked: Part One” wraps right after “Defying Gravity,” just like the stage musical’s first act. “To Be Continued” appears in the same font as the “Wizard of Oz” title, but this time in color, signaling a full immersion into the world of Oz. The “Wicked” movie is significantly longer than the stage musical. The entire Broadway show is 2 hours and 45 minutes long (including a 15-minute intermission), while the first “Wicked” film alone clocks in at 2 hours and 40 minutes – with an entire second act to cover in the sequel. But we’re not complaining — more “Wicked” is always a good thing.
GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell tripped, spraining his wrist and sustaining “a minor cut to the face,” his office said in a statement. CNN's Manu Raju reports.REBEKAH Vardy has hit back at Iain Lee after he made a series of claims about their time together on I'm A Celebrity. The TV star and Sun columnist has rubbished former radio host Iain's claims she 'bullied' him in the jungle, leading to him to quit the industry for good. Iain, 51 , said he was subjected to multiple foul-mouthed exchanges from Vardy, 42 , during their stint Down Under in 2017. He told MailOnline : "When I was on the show, she bullied me and led a clique that picked on me. There were two occasions when I wanted to get out, it was so toxic and dark in there. I thought: 'I can’t be with these people.' I don’t watch the show now because of what I experienced." However, mum-of-five Becky has hit back in defence, by publishing their private WhatsApp conversations after they left the jungle. In the messages, which she posted to Instagram, she offered him supportive words of encouragement as he struggled following jungle life. Iain told Becky in their exchange that he didn't think she was a bully, adding: "I have no bad feelings towards you. You're pretty amazing." Becky also said she had "no bad feelings" towards Iain. In another screenshot, the star confronted Iain over his previous comments about her and how she had threatened to 'sue' him. Replying, Iain said "I'm sorry about this" before deleting his tweets about her and offered Becky a 'Twitter apology'. She also pleaded with him: "You know you are lying about things... You are inciting bullying this has to stop I have all the messages between us that contradict your ridiculous claims." Iain added to the MailOnline: "My experience in the jungle led me to change career and become a counsellor. I started seeing a great therapist and work through what happened to me. "When I came out of the show I was not all right. It sent me into a spiral of depression and anxiety. It really upset me." Meanwhile, Becky, who is The Sun's I'm A Celebrity columnist said how this year's show needs more drama and entertainment. She said: "Barry’s still being a true gent offering to run Danny a bath. "He’s just so sweet and he’s definitely providing the entertainment at the minute talking about his boxing career and his boxing knowledge. "Who knows? Maybe he could set up a ring in the camp and get them all fighting?" i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A 65-year-old Oakland County woman “could hardly sleep” because she couldn’t believe she won a $123,884 prize from the Michigan Lottery. The lucky player, who decided to stay anonymous, was selected in a random drawing on Nov. 21 to win the BIG CA$H second chance jackpot prize, according to Michigan Lottery officials. The woman earned entries into the drawing by playing eligible games on the Michigan Lottery’s website. “When I saw the email from the Lottery that said I’d won a $123,884 BIG CA$H second chance jackpot, I didn’t believe it at first,” said the player. “It was exciting and nerve-racking calling the Lottery office to confirm it was real. I could hardly sleep that night because I was in such disbelief!” The player recently claimed her prize and says that with her winnings she plans to complete some home improvements and then save the rest. Part of each purchase of select online instant games funds a progressive jackpot. Players get one entry for every $.50 wagered while playing eligible games. Entries are only valid for the period in which they were earned. After the entry period closes, a jackpot winner is selected from all the entries received that month. Here are the jackpots players have won over the last 12 months: The next drawing is happening on Dec. 10.
By Lawrence Delevingne (Reuters) -Stocks in the U.S. and Europe were mixed on Monday, while the dollar gained versus the euro, amid political turmoil in France and positive signals for the U.S. economy. French equities finished little changed in choppy trading after politicians there planned a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, a move likely to cause the French government to collapse this week. Broader European shares pulled back on the news but still finished the day up 0.66% on the day. In the U.S., data showed manufacturing contracted at a moderate pace in November, with orders growing for the first time in eight months and factories facing significantly lower prices for inputs. More economic data is expected this week, including the key monthly jobs report on Friday. Wall Street stocks were mixed, with a boost from technology shares such as Facebook parent Meta Platforms and Amazon.com Inc, which gained 3.2% and 1.4%, respectively, although Intel fell 0.5% after the faltering American chipmaker announced CEO Pat Gelsinger’s retirement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.29% to 44,782, the S&P 500 rose 0.24% to 6,047 and the Nasdaq Composite rose about 1% to 19,403. “We are seeing a bit of a reversal of the last few weeks with tech leadership returning and rallies in financials and cyclicals pausing,” John Belton, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds in New York, said in an email. Belton added that data points released over the weekend suggested Black Friday spending was above expectations, with particular strength seen in e-commerce sales. The euro sank around 0.75% to $1.0498, as the dollar got a boost over the weekend as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump warned BRICS emerging nations against trying to replace the greenback with any other currency. The euro has lost 14% over three months, partly on concern the euro zone economy might need deeper interest rate cuts than expected from the European Central Bank. [EMRG/FRX] Amid the political drama in France, the risk premium that investors demand to hold French government debt jumped. The gap between France and Germany’s 10-year bond yields – a measure of French borrowing costs compared with the euro zone benchmark – rose about 7 basis points to 87 bps, although it remained below last week’s 12-year high of 90 bps . “Heightened political uncertainty could also play a role at the margin in keeping alive market expectations for larger 50 bps ECB rate cut this month although the hard economic data is not fully supportive,” MUFG currency strategist Lee Hardman said. Global stocks edged higher, leaving the MSCI All-World index up about 0.3%. DOLLAR, U.S. BOND YIELDS FIRM The Federal Reserve is in focus and Friday’s monthly payrolls report could be the deciding factor when policymakers consider whether to cut rates again on Dec. 18. A number of Fed officials are due to speak this week, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday. Traders put the odds of a quarter-point reduction at about 60%. Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on Monday he was inclined to cut the benchmark interest rate as monetary policy remained restrictive enough to keep putting downward pressure on inflation, while the labor market was roughly in balance, something the Fed wants to maintain. In Treasury markets, the yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes was flat on the day at 4.194%. That has left the dollar index, which measures the currency against six others, up 0.33% at 106.39, having gained 1.8% in November. In Asia, mainland Chinese shares closed up 0.8%, following a robust reading in a private manufacturing survey on Monday. The yen, meanwhile, was steady near Friday’s six-week high of 149.47. Gold slipped 0.6% to $2,637 an ounce, under pressure from the strong dollar, after sliding more than 3% in November, its worst monthly performance since September 2023. [GOL/] Oil prices were steady, as optimism around strong factory activity in China was largely offset by concerns the Fed will not cut U.S. rates again at its December meeting. [O/R] In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin fell 1.88% to $95,619.00. (Reporting by Lawrence Delevingne in Boston and Amanda Cooper in London. Additional reporting by Kevin Buckland in Tokyo and Ankur Banerjee in Singapore; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Ed Osmond, Jan Harvey, Alexander Smith, Gareth Jones, Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. 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Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative is building a the Abdul Samad Rabiu Centre for Corrosion Research at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources The Vice Chancellor of the University mentioned that the center will contribute to local and international industries across the country He said the center will empower researchers with technology for preventing corrosion, strengthen oil and gas industry practices PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you! Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market. The Abdul Samad Rabiu Centre for Corrosion Research at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, is now under development thanks to the efforts of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa). The university is receiving a N250 million grant to build this center as part of ASR Africa's Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), which helps the nation's higher education institutions raise the caliber of their educational offerings. Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa, reaffirmed the dedication of Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, to giving back to the African continent and leaving a lasting impression in the education sector during the groundbreaking ceremony. Read also Non-oil export in focus as Peterside is unveiled as keynote speaker at MAN 36th AGM PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow According to a release, he added that the university was chosen because of the high caliber of its educational offerings and its noteworthy contributions to oil and gas industry research and development. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, the university's vice chancellor, expressed the institution's sincere appreciation to the chairman of the ASR Africa and BUA group for his kind donation of N250 million to establish the Abdul Samad Rabiu Center for Corrosion Research. According to the Vice Chancellor's speech, the center will boost oil and gas sector practices, give students access to state-of-the-art training possibilities, and equip researchers with corrosion prevention technologies. He said in a ThisDay report that the center will support both domestic and foreign businesses, establishing Nigeria as a pioneer in tackling the world's corrosion problems. In his words, “ASR Africa’s investment represents a remarkable commitment to advancing scientific research, supporting technological innovation, and addressing critical challenges within the oil and gas sector.” Read also BREAKING: FG sacks Nnamdi Azikwe University's VC, gives reason The chairman of the BUA Group, an African philanthropist and businessman, is the creator of ASR Africa. ASR Africa was founded in 2021 and offers locally developed, impact-based, and sustainable solutions to developmental problems affecting social, educational, and health development in Africa. Billionaire's company set to build new facility Legit.ng reported that one of the top producers of food in Nigeria, BUA Foods Plc, has partnered with IMAS, a well-known Turkish manufacturer of flour milling equipment, to construct four cutting-edge wheat and flour milling facilities with a combined daily milling capacity of 3200 tonnes. After making its debut on the Nigerian exchange (NGX), BUA Foods has made a strategic plan to expand into new markets, which includes this game-changing move. It is anticipated that the new factories will increase manufacturing capacity and supply more high-quality products, helping Nigeria handle its food difficulties. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ngAMESBURY, Mass. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Provident Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq:PVBC), the holding company for BankProv (the "Bank"), today announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a new stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to 883,366 shares of its common stock, or approximately five percent of the current outstanding shares. The repurchase program was adopted following the receipt of non-objection from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston . The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Repurchases will be made at management's discretion at prices management considers to be attractive and in the best interests of both the Company and its stockholders, subject to the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company's financial performance. Open market purchases will be conducted in accordance with the limitations set forth in Rule 10b -18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements. The repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, and other factors deemed appropriate. These factors may also affect the timing and amount of share repurchases. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase any particular number of shares. About Provident Bancorp, Inc. Provident Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:PVBC) is the holding company for BankProv, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts . With retail branches in the Seacoast Region of Northeastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire , as well as commercial banking offices in the Manchester / Concord market in Central New Hampshire , BankProv delivers a unique combination of traditional banking services and innovative financial solutions to its markets. Founded in Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1828, BankProv holds the honor of being the 10th oldest bank in the nation. The Bank insures 100% of deposits through a combination of insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). For more information, visit bankprov.com . Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements, such as statements of the Company's or the Bank's plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as, "expects," "subject," "believe," "will," "intends," "may," "will be" or "would." These statements are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which are beyond the Company's or the Bank's control), and actual results may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements (which reflect management's analysis of factors only as of the date on which they are given). These factors include: general economic conditions; interest rates; inflation; levels of unemployment; legislative, regulatory and accounting changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank; deposit flows; our ability to access cost-effective funding; changes in liquidity, including the size and composition of our deposit portfolio and the percentage of uninsured deposits in the portfolio; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; competition; our ability to successfully shift the balance sheet to that of a traditional community bank; real estate values in the market area; loan demand; the adequacy of our level and methodology for calculating our allowance for credit losses; changes in the quality of our loan and securities portfolios; the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans; our ability to retain key employees; failures or breaches of our IT systems, including cyberattacks; the failure to maintain current technologies; the ability of the Company or the Bank to effectively manage its growth; global and national war and terrorism; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or any other pandemic on our operations and financial results and those of our customers; and results of regulatory examinations, among other factors. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents that the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual and Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Investor contact: Joseph Reilly President and Chief Executive Officer Provident Bancorp, Inc. jreilly@bankprov.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/provident-bancorp-inc-adopts-stock-repurchase-program-302320082.html SOURCE Provident Bancorp, Inc.
Share Tweet Share Share Email The traditional methods of investment analysis are no longer sufficient to maintain a competitive edge. Gone are the days when investors relied solely on earnings reports, balance sheets, and historical price trends to make their decisions. The emergence of alternative data is revolutionizing how investment strategies are formulated. By leveraging unconventional data sources, investors can gain deeper insights, uncover hidden opportunities, and predict market movements with greater accuracy. What is Alternative Data? Alternative data refers to non-traditional datasets that are not typically part of mainstream financial analysis. Unlike conventional financial metrics derived from company reports or market data, alternative data sources provide unique insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and economic activity. These datasets can originate from a variety of unconventional sources, including satellite imagery, social media activity, web scraping, credit card transactions, and even geolocation data from mobile devices. The defining characteristic of alternative data is its ability to offer a real-time or near-real-time view of trends, often before they are reflected in traditional metrics. This timeliness makes it a valuable asset for investors looking to stay ahead in competitive markets. Why is Alternative Data Important for Investment Analysis? Enhanced Decision-Making: Alternative data provides a more comprehensive view of market dynamics, enabling investors to make informed decisions. For example, analyzing satellite images of retail parking lots can offer early indications of a company’s quarterly performance before earnings reports are published. Competitive Advantage: Information asymmetry can drive market success, alternative data gives investors an edge over those relying solely on traditional metrics. Predictive Insights: Unlike historical data, which only shows past performance, alternative data can be predictive. Social media sentiment analysis, for example, can indicate potential market trends or consumer sentiment shifts. Diversification of Analysis: By combining traditional metrics with alternative data, investors can diversify their analytical approach, reducing the risk of relying on a single source of truth. Key Sources of Alternative Data Social Media and Online Activity: Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn are treasure troves of real-time consumer sentiment and market trends. By analyzing posts, likes, and shares, investors can gauge public opinion about companies, products, or sectors. Web Scraping: Scraping e-commerce websites for product pricing, inventory levels, and customer reviews can provide insights into retail trends and consumer demand. Geospatial Data: Satellite imagery can track everything from agricultural yields to construction activity, providing real-time indicators of economic activity. Credit Card and Transaction Data: Aggregated and anonymized credit card transaction data reveals consumer spending patterns, offering a direct look into economic health and individual company performance. App Usage and Mobile Data: Data from mobile devices, including app downloads and usage patterns, can highlight emerging trends in technology adoption and consumer preferences. Weather Data: For industries like agriculture, energy, and retail, weather data can be a critical indicator of potential market shifts. For example, unseasonal weather can significantly impact crop yields or consumer purchasing behavior. Applications of Alternative Data in Investment Analysis Equity Research: Alternative data helps analysts assess company performance in real-time. For example, tracking online mentions and reviews of a product can signal its market reception. Macroeconomic Analysis: By aggregating data from multiple sources, investors can gauge macroeconomic indicators such as unemployment trends, retail sales, or industrial production. Risk Management: Alternative data can help identify potential risks that may not be visible through traditional metrics. For instance, monitoring public sentiment during a crisis can provide early warnings about potential market disruptions. Algorithmic Trading: High-frequency trading algorithms often rely on alternative data to identify market inefficiencies and execute trades based on real-time trends. Sustainable and ESG Investing: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investors can use alternative data such as satellite imagery to monitor deforestation or social media sentiment to evaluate a company’s reputation. Challenges and Ethical Considerations While alternative data offers numerous benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges: Data Quality and Reliability: Not all alternative data sources are accurate or reliable. Ensuring data integrity is crucial for meaningful analysis. High Costs: Accessing and processing alternative data can be expensive, creating a barrier for smaller investors. Regulatory Compliance: The use of alternative data must comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR or CCPA. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties. Ethical Concerns: The collection and use of certain types of alternative data, such as geolocation or social media data, may raise privacy concerns. Investors must navigate the ethical implications of their data practices. Complexity in Analysis: Analyzing unstructured data from diverse sources requires advanced tools and expertise in machine learning and data science. Tools and Technologies Enabling Alternative Data Analysis Big Data Platforms: Tools like Hadoop and Spark allow for the storage and processing of large datasets. Machine Learning Algorithms: AI-powered algorithms help analyze patterns and trends within unstructured data. Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP techniques are essential for extracting insights from text-based data such as social media posts or news articles. Cloud Computing: Cloud platforms enable scalable data processing, making it easier to handle vast amounts of alternative data. The Future of Alternative Data in Investment The scope and application of alternative data in investment analysis are expected to grow. Emerging technologies like blockchain could provide new, verifiable datasets, while advancements in AI may enable even more s ophisticated analysis. Furthermore, as data becomes more accessible, smaller investors may also begin to leverage alternative data, democratizing its benefits. Conclusion The use of alternative data in investment analysis marks a significant shift in how financial markets are understood and navigated. By moving beyond traditional metrics, investors can gain a more nuanced understanding of market dynamics, identify opportunities early, and mitigate risks effectively. However, the adoption of alternative data comes with challenges that must be addressed through robust data governance, ethical considerations, and advanced analytical tools. Alternative data will undoubtedly play an increasingly central role in shaping the strategies of tomorrow’s investors. 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JD Martin is awarded new territory beginning December 1st, 2024. CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JD Martin is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Dialight , the global leader in industrial LED lighting technology, into North and South Carolina . This growth strengthens JD Martin's commitment to delivering industry-leading lighting solutions across the Southeast. JD Martin has been a trusted partner for Dialight in multiple territories, and this latest expansion enables the company to extend its reach, bringing Dialight's innovative and energy-efficient LED lighting products to distributors, contractors, and end users in these rapidly growing markets. "We are excited to expand our partnership with Dialigh t into the Carolinas," said Lance Holmes , JD Martin RVP of the Carolinas and Virginia . " Dialight's unmatched LED lighting solutions align perfectly with the needs of our customers in these regions who are prioritizing safety, energy efficiency, and operational reliability. We look forward to continuing to drive value and growth for our partners." Dialight's industrial and hazardous location lighting solutions are renowned for their durability, sustainability, and performance in even the most challenging environments. By combining JD Martin's proven market expertise with Dialight's cutting-edge technology, businesses across the Carolinas will benefit from exceptional service and product availability. To learn more about Dialight's industrial LED lighting products, visit www.dialight.com . About JD Martin JD Martin is a premier electrical manufacturer representative agency, serving 17 states with an extensive portfolio of solutions, including lighting, wire, cable, and EV infrastructure products. With a strong focus on customer service and expertise, JD Martin partners with industry leaders to deliver innovative electrical solutions to distributors, contractors, and end users. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jd-martin-expands-representation-of-dialight-into-north-and-south-carolina-302337510.html SOURCE JD Martin Co.
Premiers to meet with Trudeau Wednesday about trade and tariffs, Ford saysElections Alberta has released the official results of the by-election in Lethbridge-West. Voters took to the polls on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, to decide the riding’s next MLA. Advance voting was held the week prior. The agency has confirmed that a total of 13,615 people voted in the by-election for a voter turnout of 36 per cent. That compares to the general provincial election in 2023, which saw a turnout of 61.5 per cent, or 22,547 ballots cast. Elections Alberta says the Alberta NDP’s Rob Miyashiro won the race with 7,238 votes, or 53.3 per cent. The United Conservative Party’s John Middleton-Hope was in second place with 6,093 votes, or 44.9 per cent. Layton Veverka with the Alberta Party secured 237 votes, or 1.7 per cent. Nearly half (49 per cent) of ballots were cast during advance voting while 40.8 per cent were submitted on the general election day. Approximately 7.7 per cent voted by special ballot and 2.5 per cent took part in a mobile voting opportunity. The mobile voting opportunities were for people in supportive living and long-term care facilities, hospitals and treatment centres, emergency shelters, and community support centres. Elections Alberta did not state when the official swearing-in ceremony for Miyashiro would take place. For more information about the Lethbridge-West by-election, visit elections.ab.ca, email info@elections.ab.ca , call 1.877.422.VOTE (8683), or visit @ElectionsAB on social media. Please note that Elections Alberta’s offices will be closed until January 2, 2025. READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now — If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com .Delta Capital Partners Welcomes Accomplished Professionals to C-Suite
Top 25 College Hoops Picks Against the Spread – Sunday, November 24
JuJu Watkins and No. 3 USC can't hold back No. 6 Notre Dame in first loss
By Ross Cristantiello Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson returned to work Monday, three days after she was arrested on public corruption charges by federal authorities. The embattled councilor led a hearing on how to redress historic racial harms , ignoring calls for her resignation . At the same time, potential challengers for Fernandes Anderson’s seat are ramping up their campaigns. Fernandes Anderson appeared virtually in her role as chair of the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity, and Immigrant Advancement. Councilors Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn, who both urged Fernandes Anderson to resign after she was arrested, participated in the hearing. There was no mention of Fernandes Anderson’s arrest or the charges against her during the meeting. Murphy thanked her for “gathering” the attendees and advocating for her district. Fernandes Anderson represents District 7, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway, and part of the South End. Prosecutors say she orchestrated a kickback scheme involving a family member who was also hired as a staffer within her office. Fernandes Anderson did not disclose that this staffer was a family member, but issued them a $13,000 bonus with the agreement that $7,000 would be secretly handed back to the councilor, who was struggling financially in early 2023. The handoff of that cash payment occurred in a City Hall bathroom last year, according to federal authorities. She briefly appeared in federal court Friday, entering a not guilty plea before being released on conditions that include regular reporting to probation officials, staying in Massachusetts, surrendering her passport, and staying away from any witnesses. News broke early last week that Fernandes Anderson was being investigated by federal law enforcement, but the specifics were not made public until Friday. She appeared at a City Council hearing last week before being arrested, telling reporters that she had no plans to resign . Over the weekend, Fernandes Anderson continued to post on social media about regular council business. She has limited which Facebook users can comment on these posts. Mayor Michelle Wu, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Councilor Sharon Durkan, and Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata have all called for Fernandes Anderson’s resignation, alongside Murphy and Flynn. The full City Council is scheduled to meet in person on Wednesday. Fernandes Anderson was initially elected in 2021, and won reelection last year. She is up for reelection again next year, and already appears to have a few challengers. Said Ahmed , a track coach who cofounded the Boston United Track and Cross Country Club, a free youth track program, announced his intent to run for City Council on Dec. 4. Ahmed, who also ran track professionally and worked within Boston Public Schools, wrote about his desire to take “bold action” in a series of social media posts. “I’ve dedicated my life to empowering Boston’s youth. My work in education and athletics has always been about creating opportunities, and I believe we can transform our schools and neighborhoods to support every student and family,” he wrote. Ahmed filed paperwork with the state in October about running for City Council, but did not begin publicizing his campaign until last week. This delay was to solidify his platform and perfect his website and was unrelated to the scandal involving Fernandes Anderson, Ahmed told the Boston Herald . The other candidate is Said Abdikarim, The Dorchester Reporter reported in October. Abdikarim volunteered to work on the campaigns of former District 7 Councilor Tito Jackson, Mayor Wu, the late Mayor Tom Menino, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Abdikarim has worked at the at the nonprofit African Community Economic Development of New England, and the Islamic Society of Boston, per the Reporter . He ran for an at-large City Council seat in 2021. Ross Cristantiello Ross Cristantiello, a general assignment news reporter for Boston.com since 2022, covers local politics, crime, the environment, and more. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.Hospital Staff See UHC CEO Shooting as Wake-Up Call for Violence ReformNone