Benzinga examined the prospects for many investorsâ favorite stocks over the last week â hereâs a look at some of our top stories. The U.S. stock market continued its upward momentum, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq marking their third consecutive week of gains, rising 0.96% and 3.34%, respectively, while the Dow edged down 0.6%. Technology and consumer discretionary sectors drove the rally, supported by strong performances from mega-cap tech names like Apple Inc. AAPL , Amazon.com Inc. AMZN , and Meta Platforms Inc. META . Novemberâs labor market data showed a notable rebound, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 227,000, surpassing expectations and significantly outpacing Octoberâs revised 36,000 figure. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan, improved to a seven-month high, despite heightened inflation concerns influencing some consumers to expedite purchases of durable goods. Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past weekâs most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look. The Bulls â âBig Short' Trader Danny Moses Gives Up On Shorting Tesla, Says It Is âVery Difficult To Short A Name That Is Not Trading On Fundamentalsâ ,â by Anan Ashraf , explains that Danny Moses , known from âThe Big Short,â stopped shorting Tesla Inc. TSLA , citing its stock's reliance on narrative-driven promises like autonomous driving rather than financial fundamentals. â Crypto Analyst Foresees Potential 212%-260% Upswing In Dogecoin's Value ,â by Aniket Verma , highlights an analystâs bullish projection for Dogecoin DOGE/USD , predicting a surge to $1.30-$1.50 as a key macro target, which would reflect a 212%-260% increase, citing historical patterns and market momentum. â GameStop Rockets As Roaring Kitty Returns To X: What Does His Tweet Signal Ahead Of Q3 Earnings? ,â by Chris Katje , reports a surge in GameStop Corp. GME stock following Roaring Kittyâs ( Keith Gill ) return to X (formerly Twitter), sparking investor speculation with cryptic posts tied to meme stock momentum ahead of the company's earnings. For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following: Michael Saylor Says Bitcoin Could Boost Microsoftâs Valuation By Nearly $5 Trillion And Add $584 To The Stock By 2034 Andrew Leftâs Citron Research Says Nvidia-Backed Nebius Is The Next âAI Wall Street Darlingâ â Stock Moves Up 14% JPMorgan Bets On Natural Gas For 2025: Upgrades ConocoPhillips, Lowers 3 Energy Stocks The Bears â Trumpâs Tariff Plan Risks Economic Pain For North America, Goldman Sachs Warns ,â by Piero Cingari , notes Goldman Sachsâ warning that Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports could shrink Canada's GDP by 4%, Mexico's by 3.5%, and the U.S.'s by 0.4%, hitting firms like General Motors Co. GM and spiking inflation. â Biden Targets China With New Chip Restrictions, Nvidia Slides ,â by Anusuya Lahiri , reports on the U.S. imposing stricter export controls on 140 Chinese semiconductor firms, including memory chip tools, impacting NVIDIA Corp. NVDA , Lam Research Corp. LRCX , and Applied Materials Inc. AMAT , as part of a national security strategy. â Peter Schiff Challenges Jim Cramerâs Bullish Bitcoin Take, Says Such Statements Are Made At Market Tops ,â by Aniket Verma , highlights Peter Schiffâs critique of Jim Cramerâs enthusiastic support for Bitcoin BTC/USD after it surpassed $100,000, calling such remarks indicative of a market peak, while Cramer defended Bitcoin as a portfolio hedge akin to gold. For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts: Shift4 Payments Stock Drops After CEO Jared Isaacmanâs NASA Nomination: Whatâs Going On? How A Potential Fallout Between Elon Musk And Trump Could Impact Tesla And SpaceX: Cathie Wood Weighs In Sony-Honda EV Dream Collides With Trump-Backed Policy Shift Reality Ahead Of 2026 US Launch Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following Benzinga on Twitter . Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney. This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
House rejects Democratic efforts to force release of Matt Gaetz ethics report
DA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump's hush money case while upholding convictionIF Christmas shopping seems like a chore, why not pop into one of Primarkâs Disney cafes for a festive pick-me-up? The budget retailer has revealed its Christmas menu which has launched, and it looks mouthwatering. 9 Primark has revealed its Christmas menu at its cafe, and it includes festive shakes Credit: Instagram/immersivecafeco 9 There are also cheese toasties available for shoppers Credit: Instagram/immersivecafeco After browsing for Christmas gifts or party outfits, why not sit down for one of their waffles or cheesy festive toasties. There is also a âselection of merry milkshakes and hot and cold drinks for everyone to enjoy.â A clip was posted on the Immersive Cafeâs Instagram page, after they decked out the Primark food spot for December. They wrote: âPOV: the Primark Disney CafeÌ Menu has dropped! More on Primark PRIMANIA Shoppers go wild for Primark's brand new stocking fillers at as little as ÂŁ1 âThe Primark Disney Christmas CafeÌs menu has dropped at both Merry Hill and Belfast and theyâve not held back on the magic! âFrom heartwarming waffles to cheesy festive toasties, a selection of merry milkshakes and hot and cold drinks for everyone to enjoy. âYou donât want to miss out on this festive treat!â If you canât make it to the Merry Hill or Belfast stores, panic not. Most read in Fabulous FACE OFF From Molly Mae to Maya Jama - why stars strip off for no face selfie trend ONE MAN'S TRASH I eat out of the bin & haven't bought food in 4 years - it's saved me ÂŁ16k MYSTIC MEG Fake cash enthusiasm can turn into the real deal RAGS TO RICHES My mum tried to kill me & I grew up in care - but now I'm worth ÂŁ500 MILLION Grinchâs lair Primark also has six cafe locations across the UK that are themed on The Grinch. The retailer has partnered with Dr Seuss to create a Grinchâs green lair with a limited-edition menu. First look inside new Grinch cafe opened at Glasgow Primark Primarkâs Grinch Cafes are sure to be a hit with fans of the furry character, with everything from green waffles and shakes to get in the anti-Christmas spirit. There are also festive toasties and hot drinks to warm even the frostiest of hearts . Customers can tuck into a variety of dishes including âHoliday Cheerâ waffles with ice cream, chocolate sauce, chocolate orange pieces and popping candy, tasty turkey , brie and cranberry toasties and special drinks like the âStrawberry Cindy-Lou Whoâ milkshake and a mince pie iced latte. The Grinch cafe is open in Primarkâs stores in Birmingham , Manchester Trafford, Manchester Market Street, Cardiff , Braehead and Edinburgh until the end of December. The furry green icon - played by Jim Carrey in the 2000 hit movie - has become a staple beloved character over the years, for both kids and adults alike. 9 There are a number of festive donuts available to tuck into as well Credit: Instagram/immersivecafeco 9 There are numerous drinks - both hot and cold - for Primark customers Credit: Instagram/immersivecafeco 9 The Disney cafes are at Merry Hill, Birmingham and Belfast Credit: Instagram/immersivecafeco After tucking into themed drinks and food, shoppers can then check out Primarkâs new Grinch-inspired range. Read more on the Scottish Sun POT SHOT Hendry lifts lid on feud with snooker icon as he admits ace gets under his skin TRAVEL CHAOS Trains CANCELLED and do not travel warning issued as Storm Darragh strikes From themed matching pjs for the whole family, to comfy slippers and even Grinch stockings, you can turn your home into a Who-ville haven this year. Shoppers are already going into a frenzy to pick up items from the collection based on the Christmas-hating Dr Seuss character. 9 Primark has also launched Grinch cafes in a number of its stores Credit: Primark 9 The Grinch cafes come with themed shakes and food Credit: Primark 9 The retailer has partnered with Dr Seuss to create six themed cafes in the UK Credit: Primark 9 There are even furry onesies for your little Grinches Credit: Instagram/Primark Primark's history PRIMARK first opened in 1969 as Pennies in Dublin, hoping to provide affordable fashion in Ireland. A Primark store officially opened as Primark in 1974 in Derby. The retailer now has 193 stores across the UK and 441 stores worldwide with a goal of running 530 stores by the end of 2026.
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Fox News Politics: A New Trump in TownSANTA CLARA â Brock Purdy is charged with distributing the ball to the 49ersâ still-plentiful array of offensive weapons. On Tuesday, he threw disgruntled wide receiver Deebo Samuel his full support. âI want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could,â Purdy said. âI want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things, and we all do in this building.â Thing is, Samuelâs sub-par production this season has mirrored the 49ersâ rocky road to a 6-7 record entering Thursday nightâs visit by the Rams (7-6). âNot struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!â Samuel wrote Monday in a since-deleted post on the social media platform X. The timing off that complaint was peculiar. The 49ers had just shaken a three-game losing streak with a 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears, a game Samuel acknowledged was their best offensive showing and most complementary outing. But the 49ers did so with minimal production again from Samuel, who had two catches for 22 yards and five carries for 13 yards. âYou read what you read. A little frustrated, for sure,â Samuel said Tuesday at his locker before practice. General manager John Lynch asked 49ers fans to give Samuel âsome grace,â and coach Kyle Shanahan also threw support behind Samuelâs gripes. âDeebo and I talk every day so I understand Deebo saying that,â Shanahan said. âDeebo wants to help us out, and the only way he is helping us is getting the ball more. And weâd like to get him the ball more.â Samuel, a two-time captain, has scored just two touchdowns (Week 1 run, Week 5 reception) after 12 last regular season; he had 14 in 2021. He missed the 49ersâ Week 3 loss in Los Angeles because of a calf injury. Three years removed from his All-Pro breakout season, Samuelâs production has taken a nosedive this season, even though he is getting the ball. His 72 touches (40 receptions for 533 yards, 32 carries for 92 yards) are second to only now-injured running back Jordan Masonâs 164. In an X post 10 minutes after complaining about his opportunities, Samuel wrote : âJust cause I voice my opinions donât mean Iâm hating on any of my teammates!!â Jauan Jennings (57 catches, 774 yards, six touchdowns) and tight end George Kittle (56-800-8) have seized more on their targets from Brock Purdy, while 2022-23 mainstays Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey have missed most of the season injured. âWeâd always love things to stay in-house,â Shanahan said. âItâs probably why I donât go on social media: Iâd get worked up if I was reading stuff all the time. Is it a distraction in our building? No.â âHeâs one of my best friends on this team. I absolutely love Deebo and what heâs done for me,â Purdy said. âHeâs right: heâs doing great right now with what we ask of him the offense. Heâs not struggling. Like Ricky (Pearsall) or Aiyuk last year a little bit, there are moments through a season where guys just donât get the ball, depending on defensive schemes and taking guys away.â Samuel has flourished in the 49ersâ rivalry against the Rams, including three years ago when his âwide backâ persona emerged as he scored on both a run and a reception to lead the victorious 49ers out of a 3-5 rut and toward the playoffs. That dual-threat duty is not such an inventive concept anymore, however. âTheyâre not surprised anymore,â Samuel said. âWeâve been doing it almost three years now, so youâve got a 50-50 chance whether Iâm in the backfield getting a handoff or anything along those lines. They have a glimpse of whatâs going on. ... Thereâs three or four (defenders awaiting) no matter who has the ball.â âDeebo has created such a high standard, the things heâs done, the innovation which weâve created things for Deebo. Thatâs part of the problem,â said Lynch, noting that multiple teams now deploy Samuel-esque, dual-threat players that no longer surprise defenses. â... That frustration mounts. But heâs made so many plays for us, I think we need to give this guy some grace and bring him along, because we need him the rest of the way,â Lynch added. âWe need him Thursday night. Deeboâs a big part of this team. Weâre alright. We can all learn from different situations and a lot of things in the world these days that you can get caught up in.â Some of Samuelâs most productive efforts this season have come as a kick returner (11 returns for 333 yards, including six returns in their Dec. 1 loss at Buffalo). âWeâve got a lot of big football to play and heâll be a big part of our season moving forward,â Lynch said. As for next season, Samuel carries a $16 million mark on the salary cap. The 49ers restructured his contract in March, so he would incur a $31.6 million hit if heâs released or traded before June 1; after that date, an exit would count $11 million in 2025 and $21 million in â26. GUERENDO IDLING Running back Isaac Guerendoâs foot sprain Sunday kept him out of Tuesdayâs light walkthrough and itâs uncertain whether heâll make a second straight start. Guerendo ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and he had 50 yards on two catches, before exiting and bequeathing the backfield to Patrick Taylor Jr. Guerendo got clocked at 20.2 mph on a 30-yard, second-quarter carry that was the NFLâs fastest by a running back in Week 14. GREENLAW UPDATE The 49ers remain reluctant to declare whether linebacker Dre Greenlaw will make his season debut Thursday night, the date pegged for his comeback from an Achilles tear in the Super Bowl. Shanahan said thereâs been no setback, that he merely wants to talk first to Greenlaw and see how the next two days go. OTHER INJURY UPDATES Defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique, hip) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) will officially miss the fourth week of practice, albeit this weekâs only consisting of Tuesdayâs walk-through that began at 5:10 p.m. Shanahan has not indicated whether theyâll miss a fourth straight game. While left guard Aaron Banks practiced for the first time since a Nov. 24 concussion in Green Bay, guard Ben Bartch (ankle) did not practice and is expected to go on Injured Reserve before Thursdayâs kickoff. Limited were defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, safety Malik Mustapha, and linebackers Dee Winters and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. HARGRAVE MOVEMENT Defensive tackle Javon Hargraveâs bloated contract was restructured to lessen the 49ersâ financial restraints next year. While that could stage his potential release after two seasons, as pointed out by OverTheCap.com, Hargrave is also more affordable to keep, seeing how his 2025 salary was chopped from $19.9 million to $2.1 million, and his salary cap mark fell from $28 million to $10.3 million. âThe plan for him is to be a Niner,â Shanahan said, deferring business matters to the front office staff. âThe mechanics of contract stuff, those are things I donât look into until after the offseason.â Hargrave, 31, has been on injured reserve since tearing a biceps in the Sept. 22 loss at Los Angeles. He made the Pro Bowl last season and totaled seven sacks in his first year with the 49ers. Jordan Elliott replaced him in this seasonâs lineup next to Maliek Collins, with rookie Evan Anderson, Kevin Givens, Kalia Davis and Khalil Davis also in the interior rotation.
Council will vote on a motion to further reduce the cost of a senior monthly pass as councillors meet Wednesday to approve the 2025 City of Ottawa budget. The motion moved by councillors Riley Brockington and supported by Jessica Bradley proposes to make the cost of a seniors' monthly pass increase from $49 to $58.25 per month starting in January 2025. City staff had previously proposed a 120 per cent increase in the cost for a pass in the 2025 draft budget, from $49 to $108, but public backlash led councillors to lessen the increase to $78.50 at the last Transit Commission meeting . The proposed rate for an adult monthly pass is $135 with the seniors price being a 57 per cent discount on the regular rate. The approximately $9 increase for seniors would align the cost with the price of an EquiPass, which provides discounted fares for low-income households. Transit Commission chair Glen Gower anticipates the motion will be supported by councillors. "Our big concern was we wanted to make sure that if there's lower income seniors out there, that they have access to a deeply discounted pass without having to go through a lot of bureaucracy," he told Newstalk 580 CFRA's Kristy Cameron on Tuesday afternoon. "This is the compromise that we've ended up with for tomorrow." The motion proposes paying for the discount with an offsetting of $820,000 to the transit capital reserve, budgeted at $63.5 million, and through an increase to the transit levy of 0.11 per cent, or about 94 cents per urban household. The proposal also calls for council to direct city staff to work with school boards and the Ministry of Education to explore the feasibility of the development of a U-Pass for students under 18-years-old, a program that provides discounted fares to post-secondary students. The city still plans eliminate free transit for 11- and 12-year-olds and will be doing away with discounted youth transit fare for 13- to 18-year-olds, requiring riders to get an adult transit fare. University students have raised concerns about the city's plans to increase the cost of the U-Pass five per cent in 2025, hiking the price from $229 to $240 a semester. Universities had said the proposal was a violation of their allowable increase of 2.5 per cent per year for the program. A motion by Coun. Menard at the last Transit Commission meeting to direct staff to enter into consultations with the four affected post-secondary institutions' administration and students was approved unanimously. Staff are directed to report back with results by the end of June 2025. The U-Pass would stay at the regular 2.5 per cent increase at the start of the spring semester but students are still set to see a 5 per cent increase at the start of the fall semester, according to Gower. OC Transpo faces a $120 million in its budget a year over the next three years. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe had previously said "tough decisions on how to fund transit" had to be made, including transit fare hikes and funding more efficiencies. The 2025 budget includes a $36 million placeholder for possible funding from upper levels of government for public transit. The budget includes across the board increases for transit, including a 5 per cent increase for the cost of a single adult ride. If approved, a single-ride adult fare would increase to $4.00, the fourth highest in the county. Councillors will meet Wednesday to approve the final $5 billion city budget, which is set to include a 3.9 per cent property tax increase for most residents. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Gift Wrapping Supplies You Should Order Before The Holidays 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap 23 Great Secret Santa Gifts Under $15 From Amazon Canada Home The Good Stuff: Our Favourite Christmas Lights For 2024 Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 26 Crowd-Pleasing Gifts For The Pickiest People On Your List The Best Gifts To Give Teachers Under $25 15 Amazon Canada Stocking Stuffers Under $10 That Everyone Will Love Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Canât Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier â And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday Ottawa Top Stories RAINFALL WARNING | Ottawa could receive up to 40 mm of rain Tuesday and Wednesday Council to vote on proposal to further reduce senior OC Transpo fares Ashcroft Homes receives court-ordered protection as it deals with $284 million in debt 111 tickets issued in first 8 days of winter no-stopping restrictions on street near Ottawa Hospital General Campus Here is where you can get up close to live butterflies in Ottawa Small businesses giving back in Leeds and Grenville with Giving Tree Campaign Threat near Parliament Hill deemed not suspicious Ottawa police arrest suspect in Mooney's Bay area shooting CTVNews.ca Top Stories UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: What are ghost guns and why are crime experts concerned? Luigi Mangione, the suspect charged with murder in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thomson allegedly had a homemade gun, known as a ghost gun, when police arrested him on Monday. Flair Airlines CFO Sumanth Rao charged with involuntary manslaughter after fatal crash in U.S. Flair Airlines' chief financial officer Sumanth Rao is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with a fatal crash involving an underage driver who had been drinking at his Atlanta-area home. DEVELOPING | Luigi Mangione shouts as he is led into courthouse where he contests extradition to N.Y. The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcareâs CEO struggled with deputies and shouted Tuesday while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonaldâs and charged with murder. What Canadian landlords are charging for rent, according to a just-released report A new report says average asking rents fell nationally on a year-over-year basis to $2,139 in November, marking a 15-month low. What did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa AmeÌrica, here's what search trends show Google released its annual âYear in Searchâ on Tuesday, rounding up the top trending queries entered into its namesake search engine in 2024 Some added sugar sources are worse than others for disease risk, study suggests Sugar isnât helpful when looking to reduce heart disease risk ââ but sweet drinks are the worst, according to a study. There are better sweet treats. Company ordered to refund B.C. Telus customer who accidentally sent it payments A B.C. Telus customer who mistakenly sent online banking payments to a company with a similar name will get refunded after a small claims decision handed down Monday. Jamie Foxx reveals he suffered a brain bleed and a stroke, says 'I donât remember 20 days' Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has opened up about the medical emergency he faced last year, revealing that he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke. Legal experts sound alarm on Legault's threat to use notwithstanding clause to ban public prayer Legal experts say the increasing tendency of provincial premiers to use the notwithstanding clause is a worrying trend that disregards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Atlantic Freezing rain warning issued in New Brunswick; rainy, windy weather expected Thursday A developing storm will move into Quebec late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing rain and strong southerly winds to the Maritimes. Nova Scotia passes motion to cut HST by one per cent next year Nova Scotia has passed a motion Tuesday to permanently reduce the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) next year. N.B. RCMP releases photo of 'vehicle of interest' in Chipman double-homicide case The New Brunswick RCMP has released a photo of a âvehicle of interestâ in connection to the deaths of two people in Chipman last month. Toronto 'We are a threat to the U.S.': Ford suggests reason for Trump's proposed tariffs Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of Ontarioâs manufacturing sector, suggesting that U.S. president-elect Donald Trumpâs promised tariffs may have something to do with him seeing the province as a âthreat.â Police in York Region arrest 17 suspects allegedly part of criminal network involved in GTA home invasions Police in York Region have arrested 17 people and seized $14 million worth of drugs in connection with a 'criminal network' allegedly actively planning home invasions, armed robberies and drug trafficking. Ontario doctor sees licence revoked for sexually abusing patients: disciplinary tribunal A disciplinary panel has revoked the licence of a family doctor in Hamilton, Ont. after they found he sexually assaulted two patients and repeatedly disregarded an order not be alone with patients without a monitor present. Montreal Legal experts sound alarm on Legault's threat to use notwithstanding clause to ban public prayer Legal experts say the increasing tendency of provincial premiers to use the notwithstanding clause is a worrying trend that disregards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Longueuil sets 2025 property tax hike at 3.2 per cent, higher than Montreal and Laval Longueuil residents will see a slightly smaller property tax increase in 2025, with the average rise set at 3.2 per cent compared to 2024. CTV News anchor Mutsumi Takahashi to be named Citizen of honour in Montreal Longtime CTV News anchor Mutsumi Takahashi is being named as a Citizen of honour by the City of Montreal. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. man on probation charged with intimate partner violence, firearms offences New details have emerged about a police standoff in northern Ontario that sent a school and day care into lockdown last month after police lay intimate partner violence-related charges. Sault suspect tied snowblower to truck bumper, arrested for impaired, weapons offences A suspended driver in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with more than a dozen offences after someone reported a pickup truck driving around with a snowblower tied to the bumper. Two charged with assault following downtown Sudbury altercation Two people from Greater Sudbury have been charged with assault, weapons and several other offences following an incident Tuesday morning in downtown Sudbury. Windsor Charges dropped, pleas accepted, trial confirmed in murder of UWindsor student on Walpole Island Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find disturbing. Readerâs discretion is advised. Stretching holiday budgets: How shoppers at Devonshire Mall are navigating inflation Despite a challenging year marked by inflation and rising costs, holiday shoppers at Windsor's Devonshire Mall pressed on Tuesday, determined to check some items off their gift list. Municipality of Lakeshore proposing six per cent tax increase The Municipality of Lakeshore is proposing a 6.29 per cent tax increase for next year. London Work underway to salvage Bayfield's historic Albion Hotel following roof collapse After removing the Albionâs damaged roof yesterday, crews from across Ontario were on Bayfieldâs Heritage Main Street today working toward protecting the exposed second floor. Fog advisory issued for London area, with snowsqualls on the way Environment Canada has issued a fog advisory for London, Parkhill, and eastern Middlesex County â that fog advisory sprawls through much of southern Ontario this afternoon and isnât expected to let up anytime soon. Pedestrian suffers life-threatening injuries in London crash Around 8 p.m., emergency crews responded to the intersection of Adelaide Street north and Huron Street for the crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Kitchener Waterloo Region mistakenly applied $13.7M discount to Amazon build in Blair The Region of Waterloo will not be able to demand $13.7 million from a developer after they said a discount was mistakenly issued for the development of an Amazon fulfillment centre. Petition seeks to save U of G greenhouse from demolition The fate of a historic greenhouse on the University of Guelph campus hangs in the balance. Canadian man sentenced to prison for embezzling US$1.4M U.S. authorities have sentenced a Canadian man to 20 months in prison for a US$1.4-million embezzlement scheme. Barrie Central Ont. auxiliary police officer credited with saving child's life at Santa parade An auxiliary South Simcoe police officer is credited with saving a childâs life during the Innisfil Santa Parade last month. Potential fire risks of everyday lithium-ion battery-powered devices Officials are sounding the alarm about potentially hazardous lithium-ion batteries found in most everyday devices. Essa Twp. couple accused of human trafficking face new charges An Essa Township couple in the midst of a human trafficking trial have been arrested and charged again, this time with allegedly breaching their bail terms. Winnipeg Nurses union worried about Manitoba health-care cuts The union representing nurses in Manitoba said a recent government directive to cut costs could have an impact on patient care in the province. Extreme cold warning issued in parts of southwestern Manitoba The extreme cold is starting to settle in parts of Manitoba. Doctors Manitoba warns of emergency room closures over holidays Doctors Manitoba is warning Manitobans that emergency rooms in rural and northern parts of the province might not be open when they need them. Calgary Several guns seized during searches of Calgary homes, vehicles: police A Calgary man is facing charges after police seized multiple guns during searches of vehicles and homes in south Calgary. Woman in life-threatening condition after being found on N.E. Calgary pathway A woman was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition after being found on the Nose Creek Pathway in northeast Calgary. 'Strong faith and strong beliefs': Calgarians remember former Bishop Fred Henry at memorial service Hundreds attended the funeral of former Calgary Bishop Fred Henry on Tuesday as many remembered his impactful contributions to the Catholic community, his comedic personality and his outspoken views. Edmonton Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct. Memorial to be held by first responders for Edmonton security guard slain on the job A group that represents first responders in Alberta says it plans to honour a security guard who was killed on the job in Edmonton last week. Man convicted in 2013 beating death of Ivan Stamp Edward Steven Robinson, 34, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday â more than 11 years after he beat Ivan Stamp to death in 2013. Regina 'Creatively incredible': Regina raised talent featured in 'Wicked' film A background dancer from Saskatchewan was featured in the movie adaptation of Wicked, which has seen significant success at the box office. 'Great for a child': Roughrider Foundation kicks off holiday fundraising campaign The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation kicked off their annual Rider Reading program Tuesday. Second ammonia leak delays reopening of Weyburn's Crescent Point Place and arena The City of Weyburn has revealed that Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena will remain closed â following a second ammonia leak in the facility's ice plant chiller. Saskatoon 'A pretty big hit': Sask. gun store loses $40K in inventory, following federal gun ban About $40,000 worth of guns have been removed from a Saskatoon store, following the latest federal ban. Sask. city councillor elected by 2-vote margin now faces sexual assault charge A North Battleford city councillor whose recent election victory was the subject of a recount is now facing criminal charges. Sask. couple struggles to pay for daughter's potentially lifesaving medication A Saskatchewan couple is hoping a last-resort medication can save their daughterâs life, but the treatment is expensive. Vancouver Stanley Park tree removal project to be ramped up and finished by March, say park board The Vancouver Park Board is speeding up its tree removal project to mitigate risks to public safety, after a particularly tempestuous autumn further damaged dead and dying trees in Stanley Park. Inmate hospitalized after assault at B.C. maximum-security prison An inmate at the only maximum-security federal prison in B.C. was hospitalized after being assaulted last week, according to officials. CBSA Pacific Region officers have seized more than 9,400 weapons so far this year Border officers in B.C. and the Yukon seized more than 9,400 weapons and related prohibited items during the first 10 months of the year, along with more than $1 million in cash and thousands of kilograms of illegal drugs. Vancouver Island Man in hospital, suspect at large after stabbing in Nanaimo, B.C. Mounties are investigating after a 50-year-old man was reportedly stabbed Tuesday morning at a park in Nanaimo, B.C. B.C. man decorates creative car with hand-painted designs and countless toys As Dennis Brandt turns the key on the lock attached to his steering wheel he starts laughing. âSeriously,â he says looking up at the collection of curiosities attached to the roof of his vehicle including a painted duck, skateboard, and pair of toy aircraft carriers. âWould anyone steal this car?!â B.C. Lions' Teuhema suspended for two games after positive drug test The CFL suspended defensive lineman Sione Teuhema of the B.C. Lions for two games Tuesday after he tested positive for a banned substance. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay ConnectedNEWS AT 9 ON NOWAurora City Council to vote on using grant money for laptop computers for police, fire departments
WASHINGTON â The House shut down Democrats' efforts Thursday to release the long-awaited ethics report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, pushing the fate of any resolution to the yearslong investigation of sexual misconduct allegations into further uncertainty. Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate Nov. 14 in Palm Beach, Fla. The nearly party-line votes came after Democrats had been pressing for the findings to be published even though the Florida Republican left Congress and withdrew as President-elect Donald Trumpâs nominee for attorney general. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., was the sole Republican to support the effort. Most Republicans have argued that any congressional probe into Gaetz ended when he resigned from the House. Speaker Mike Johnson also requested that the committee not publish its report, saying it would be a terrible precedent to set. While ethics reports have previously been released after a memberâs resignation, it is extremely rare. Shortly before the votes took place, Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., who introduced one of the bills to force the release, said that if Republicans reject the release, they will have âsucceeded in sweeping credible allegations of sexual misconduct under the rug.â Gaetz has repeatedly denied the claims. Earlier Thursday, the Ethics panel met to discuss the Gaetz report but made no decision, saying in a short statement that the matter is still being discussed. It's unclear now whether the document will ever see the light of day as lawmakers have only a few weeks left before a new session of Congress begins. It's the culmination of weeks of pressure on the Ethics committee's five Republicans and five Democrats who mostly work in secret as they investigate allegations of misconduct against lawmakers. The status of the Gaetz investigation became an open question last month when he abruptly resigned from Congress after Trump's announcement that he wanted his ally in the Cabinet. It is standard practice for the committee to end investigations when members of Congress depart, but the circumstances surrounding Gaetz were unusual, given his potential role in the new administration. Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., the committee chairman, said Wednesday that there is no longer the same urgency to release the report given that Gaetz has left Congress and stepped aside as Trump's choice to head the Justice Department. âIâve been steadfast about that. Heâs no longer a member. He is no longer going to be confirmed by the Senate because he withdrew his nomination to be the attorney general,â Guest said. The Gaetz report has also caused tensions between lawmakers on the bipartisan committee. Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the panel, publicly admonished Guest last month for mischaracterizing a previous meeting to the press. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and said last year that the Justice Departmentâs separate investigation against him into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls ended without federal charges. His onetime political ally Joel Greenberg, a fellow Republican who served as the tax collector in Floridaâs Seminole County, admitted as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in 2021 that he paid women and an underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The men were not identified in court documents when he pleaded guilty. Greenberg was sentenced in late 2022 to 11 years in prison. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. âHe will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,â Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a âcon man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channelâs âFox & Friends Weekendâ and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises â ranging from Russiaâs war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of âThe War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,â published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trumpâs legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-electâs hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state âopen for business.â Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trumpâs vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. âThere's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,â Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nationâs first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trumpâs campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. âThis election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,â he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Departmentâs workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workersâ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employerâs rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the âProtecting the Right to Organizeâ or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workersâ rights. The act would also weaken âright-to-workâ laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trumpâs first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person heâs yet selected for his administration, with âhelping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Countryâs most distressed communities.â Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of âThe Bottom Lineâ on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, âFox and Friends Weekendâ co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking â a key pillar of Trumpâs quest to achieve U.S. âenergy dominanceâ in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industryâs loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is âcollapsing under its own weight.â The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trumpâs first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trumpâs initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. Sheâs seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trumpâs transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trumpâs Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. âI know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,â Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. âI look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,â Trump said in a statement, calling him a âfearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americansâ who would ensure âthe Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.â Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administrationâs attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agencyâs footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reportersâ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , âWe will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.â âWe will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,â he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would âDrill, baby, drill,â referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin âwill ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.â Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCCâs general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on âFox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on âSaturday Night Live.â He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a âproven leader for common sense regulations.â In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. âHe believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,â Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. governmentâs crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated â Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Muskâs SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceXâs new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanikâs questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is âa strong warrior and loyal Patriotâ who âwill ensure the United Statesâ interests are advanced and defendedâ and âstrengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.â The choice of Whitaker as the nationâs representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. âIn my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,â Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. âHe did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.â Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. âHe loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,â Trump said in a statement. âMike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.â Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are Godâs chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff âis a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,â Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. âSteve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trumpâs top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that âbringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.â (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. âMike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,â Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!â Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trumpâs top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nationâs history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this countryâs ever seen.â Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's âzero toleranceâ policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long âhas worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.â Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trumpâs 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted âThe Dr. Oz Show,â a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new âDepartment of Government Efficiency" â which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym âDOGEâ is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House âadvice and guidanceâ and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to âdrive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.â He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will âpave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.â Russell Vought held the position during Trumpâs first presidency. After Trumpâs initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as ârenew a consensus of America as a nation under God.â Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trumpâs second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of âTrump's longest serving and most trusted aides,â was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committeeâs investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's âTrump can fix itâ slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldonâs opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nationâs most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the publicâs confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, âtherefore making it much better for American Workers.â Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.None
Cerity Partners LLC Boosts Holdings in AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR)Could Buying Rivian Stock Set You Up for Life?SHOPPERS could see an unexpected item in supermarkets this Christmas for the first time ever - and we've got the perfect festive recipe to celebrate it. Tesco, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencers earlier confirmed they will stock home-grown strawberries on their shelves this winter season. Strawberries are usually imported over winter due to economic and environmental reasons. But fruit suppliers have innovated new technology which will finally allow strawberries to be grown in the UK all year round. The Summer Berry Company, a supplier in West Sussex, will be growing the fruit 12 months a year and supplying supermarkets. This means that shoppers will be able to get their hands on the British strawberries this Christmas as an exciting new addition to their festive celebrations and desserts. Typically the British strawberry season runs from May to October, and are a familiar sight in summer commonly associated with the Wimbledon tennis tournament. And bosses at The Summer Berry Company have come up with a mouth-watering dessert that will be a showstopper for Christmas Dinner. They promise it will be "a beautiful centre piece to a party table and makes a lovely grazing platter". The pretty strawberry wreath takes just 20 minutes to prepare - and even better, there's no cooking involved. Most read in Fabulous All you need is 600g of strawberries and 80g of dark, milk and white chocolate. First up, melt the different chocolates in separate bowls by placing in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring and returning for repeat 30 seconds slots until smooth and glossy. Next, line a baking tray with parchment or a reusable silicon sheet and arrange a selection of decorations - chopped nuts, desiccated coconut and candied orange peel - in separate bowls or plates. Dip whole strawberries into melted chocolate then sprinkle over a decoration and set aside on the baking tray to set. The Summer Berry Company team say: "You can vary your combinations of chocolate and decorations however you fancy." The strawberries usually set at room temperature within 10 minutes but you can also store them in a cool place until ready to serve. Finally, arrange a rough ring of greenery on a large platter or board in a circular shape, pile on the strawberries, adding in extra bits of green herb to decorate. Then simply add a big bow somewhere on the wreath to finish the effect.