Trump’s promises to conservatives raise fears of more book bans in USFrom smallest to largest, every donation to the Campership Fund comes from the heart and helps kids

After maths, CBSE to bring 2-tier system for science, social science76ers' star Paul George sidelined the next 2 games with bone bruise in left knee

Mother who hid her baby in a drawer for years jailed

Penn St. 67, Georgia 47

Child Welfare Agencies Tackle Software Selection Challenges with New Framework

A governing committee led by Haryana chief secretary Vivek Joshi has approved the draft detailed project report (DPR) for Haryana clean air project for sustainable development. An official spokesperson said the initiative funded by the World Bank is aimed to combat air pollution and promote sustainable development in the state. The project is set for implementation over six years (2024-25–2029-30), with ₹ 3,600 crore allocated for its first phase. The spokesperson said the project adopted a phased approach to address emissions across multiple sectors. In the first phase, Gurugram and Faridabad will be the primary focus areas, targeting institutional strengthening, agriculture, and household emissions. Priority clusters across the state will be identified to implement proposed interventions aimed at reducing pollution in agriculture and household sectors. During a meeting, the chief secretary stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination and timely execution to ensure the project’s success. Environment, forests and wildlife additional chief secretary Anand Mohan Saran said the detailed discussions were held with senior officials from each department during the preparation of the project report. A series of meetings were conducted to finalise interventions for the project, along with extensive field visits and stakeholder consultations to identify challenges in implementing the proposed measures across sectors. The first phase included strategies to reduce emissions through a combination of policy measures, technological interventions, and capacity-building programmes.

Erythromelalgia Treatment Market which was USD 1.28 Billion in 2022 is expected to reach USD 1.68 Billion by 2030 and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 3.50% 11-21-2024 09:06 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Private Ltd / PR Agency: Data Bridge Market Research "Global Erythromelalgia Treatment Market, By Type (Primary Erythromelalgia, Secondary Erythromelalgia), Treatment (Medication, Surgery), Drugs (Lidocaine, Capsaicin, Diclofenac, Brimonidine, Misoprostol and Others), Route of Administration (Oral, Topical), End-Users (Hospitals, Homecare, Specialty Clinics, Others), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies and Others) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the Global Erythromelalgia Treatment Market which was USD 1.28 Billion in 2022 is expected to reach USD 1.68 Billion by 2030 and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 3.50% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2030 Explore Further Details about This Research Erythromelalgia Treatment Market Share Report https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-erythromelalgia-treatment-market **Market Analysis of Retargeting Software Market in 2021 and 2029** **Segments:** - In 2021, the retargeting software market witnessed significant growth due to the increasing adoption of digital marketing strategies by businesses across various industries. The focus on personalized marketing and customer engagement drove the demand for retargeting software solutions to improve conversion rates and drive sales. The market segment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also showed strong growth as these businesses sought to leverage retargeting tools to compete with larger players in the market. - Looking ahead to 2029, the retargeting software market is projected to experience robust growth fueled by advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, which will enable more sophisticated targeting and personalization capabilities. Additionally, the rising trend of omnichannel marketing and the increasing use of data analytics for customer insights will drive the demand for advanced retargeting software solutions that offer seamless integration and automation. **Market Players:** - Some of the key players in the retargeting software market in 2021 included AdRoll Group, Criteo, Google LLC, Facebook, Inc., and ReTargeter. These companies dominated the market with their comprehensive retargeting software offerings that catered to the diverse needs of businesses in different industries. They focused on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions to strengthen their market presence and gain a competitive edge. - Looking towards 2029, new players such as Retargeting.biz, Perfect Audience, and Outbrain are expected to emerge as significant contenders in the retargeting software market. These companies are anticipated to leverage emerging technologies and data-driven strategies to provide more advanced retargeting solutions that deliver higher ROI for businesses. The market landscape is likely to become more competitive as players invest in R&D for developing more tailored and efficient retargeting software solutions to meet evolving customer demands and market trends. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/globalThe retargeting software market in 2021 experienced a significant surge in growth driven by the widespread adoption of digital marketing strategies by businesses across various sectors. The emphasis on personalized marketing and enhancing customer engagement propelled the demand for retargeting software solutions aimed at improving conversion rates and boosting sales. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were particularly active in embracing retargeting tools to level the playing field with larger competitors and enhance their market presence. This trend highlighted the increasing recognition among businesses of all sizes regarding the importance of leveraging retargeting technology to stay competitive in the digital landscape. Looking forward to 2029, the retargeting software market is poised for substantial growth, primarily propelled by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These innovations will enable companies to deploy more sophisticated targeting and personalization strategies, thus enhancing the effectiveness of retargeting campaigns. Additionally, the growing trend of omnichannel marketing and the expanding reliance on data analytics for obtaining valuable customer insights will further drive the demand for advanced retargeting software solutions. These solutions are expected to offer seamless integration capabilities and automation features to streamline marketing efforts and optimize campaign performance. In terms of market players, while established companies like AdRoll Group, Criteo, Google LLC, Facebook, Inc., and ReTargeter dominated the retargeting software market in 2021, new contenders are projected to emerge as significant players by 2029. Companies such as Retargeting.biz, Perfect Audience, and Outbrain are anticipated to leverage emerging technologies and data-driven strategies to offer more sophisticated retargeting solutions that deliver enhanced return on investment for businesses. This evolving landscape signifies a shift towards increased competition as market players invest in research and development to create tailored and efficient retargeting software solutions that align with changing customer preferences and market dynamics. The market is expected to witness a proliferation of innovative offerings aimed at enabling businesses to maximize the impact of their retargeting efforts and achieve higher levels of success in their marketing endeavors**Market Players:** - Abmo (US) - OptiMonk (Hungary) - SteelHouse (US) - HOCKEYCURVE GROWTH SOLUTIONS PVT LTD (India) - Justuno, Inc (US) - Criteo (France) - PixelMe (France) - Inuvo, Inc. (US) - NextRoll, Inc (US) - Perfect Audience (US) - Match2One AB. (Sweden) - Marin Software. (UD) - Alphonso Inc. (US) - RTB House (Poland) - Laserfiche (US) - Fabricated Software (US) - Office Gemini (US) - Open Document Management System (Spain) - Mastercontrol (US) - Lucion Technologies (US) - Ideagen (UK) - LSSP (UK) - Docpoint Solutions (US) - Ademero (US) - Zoho (India) The retargeting software market witnessed substantial growth in 2021 fueled by the increasing adoption of digital marketing strategies across industries. Businesses focused on personalized marketing and customer engagement, boosting the demand for retargeting solutions to enhance conversion rates and drive sales. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly embraced retargeting tools to compete with larger players, underscoring the importance of technology for maintaining competitiveness. As we look towards 2029, the market is expected to experience significant expansion driven by advancements in technologies like Table Of Content 1 Introduction 1.1 Objectives Of The Study 1.2 Erythromelalgia Treatment Market Definition 1.3 Overview 1.4 Limitations 1.5 Markets Covered 2 Erythromelalgia Treatment Market Segmentation 2.1 Erythromelalgia Treatment Market Covered 2.2 Geographical Scope 2.3 Years Considered For The Study 2.4 Currency And Pricing 2.5 Dbmr Tripod Data Validation Model 2.6 Multivariate Modeling 2.7 Primary Interviews With Key Opinion Leaders 2.8 Dbmr Erythromelalgia Treatment Market Position Grid 2.9 Dbmr Vendor Share Analysis 2.1 Secondary Sources 2.11 Assumptions 3 Executive Summary............. Browse Related Reports: "https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/eye-tracking-market-redefining-research.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/fwaas-market-elevating-network-security.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/head-lice-treatment-market-innovations.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/indoor-farming-technology-market.html Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. This release was published on openPR.NEW YORK — Several of President-elect Donald Trump 's Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and "swatting attacks," Trump's transition said Wednesday. "Last night and this morning, several of President Trump's Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks "ranged from bomb threats to 'swatting.' In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action." President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Swatting entails generating an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The FBI said in a statement that it is "aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement." Among those targeted was New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Her office said that, Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," her office said in a statement. "We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff's office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it "received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz's supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9 a.m. this morning." While a family member resides at the address, they said "former Congressman Gaetz is NOT a resident. "The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results." Gaetz was Trump's initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by unusual violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The U.S. Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump 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. “He 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,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con 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 Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” 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 — ranging from Russia’s 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 “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” 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 Trump’s 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-elect’s 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 “open for business.” 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 Trump’s 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. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and . 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 . 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 nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This 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,” 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 Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” 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 Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” 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 “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” 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 — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” 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 Trump’s 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 Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s 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 Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s 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, 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 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. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” 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. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. to serve as his pick to lead the . 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 , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” 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 “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will 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.” 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 FCC’s 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 “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a 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. Stefanik’s 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. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He 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.” 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. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” 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 God’s 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 “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve 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 Trump’s 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 “bringing 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.” (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. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” 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 , 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, with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s 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 country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” 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 “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” 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 “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” 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 “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s 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. Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” 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 committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. 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 “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. 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. McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” 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. 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 public’s 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, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” 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. Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker contributed to this report from Washington. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spokespersons from , co-founders of and Canada’s largest online donation and fundraising platform, are available for media interviews to discuss GivingTuesday, which takes place this year on December 3rd. As many Canadians continue to struggle under financial pressure and are turning to charities to meet essential needs, CanadaHelps is highlighting how communities can unite this giving season by engaging in generosity. As the world’s largest generosity movement, celebrates and encourages all forms of giving, including donating, volunteering, performing acts of kindness, and more. More than $13.6 million was donated within 24 hours via CanadaHelps.org to support registered charities on GivingTuesday in 2023. This year, the organization is aiming to surpass last year’s total. The holiday season is a critical fundraising time for charities with approximately 40% of annual donations being made in the final two months of the year on CanadaHelps.org. The generosity shown on GivingTuesday and throughout the rest of the year sustains the vital work of charities year-round. Generosity is especially critical given the record-breaking use of food banks reported across the country as Canadians struggle under financial pressures and turn to charities for daily essentials including food and shelter. Spokespeople can speak to findings from with insights on Canadians turning to charities for support, including: Spokespeople can highlight a variety of easy ways Canadians can participate in GivingTuesday, including donating to a favourite charity or cause, volunteering, fundraising, setting up a monthly donation, purchasing (as holiday season gifts and stocking stuffers), performing acts of kindness, and so much more. Like so many small businesses that rely on postal service to deliver packages, many charities rely on direct mail which represents a critical portion of their annual revenue. With the Canada Post strike, many charities are concerned that they will be forgotten among supporters who would normally mail in a cheque at the end of the year. Spokespeople can speak to the impact of the labour dispute on Canada’s charitable sector, can share examples of charities in select cities that are affected, and offer alternatives to traditional mail for giving. While the arts and culture sector provides significant personal and cultural benefits to Canadians, according to , only 6% of the population says they prioritize arts and culture charities as important causes they support. Spokespeople can speak to the unique benefits of arts and culture organizations in uniting people, some of the challenges facing these charities, and highlight examples of the impact of specific arts charities in communities across Canada. As Canadians search for the perfect gift to give this holiday season, spokespeople can discuss the variety of giving options for all budgets that can make a vital impact on charities and the communities that rely on them. Spokespeople can speak to creative ways that parents can use GivingTuesday to engage children in giving while also learning about specific causes of interest and impact. Companies across the country are embracing GivingTuesday as a way to make a positive impact. Spokespeople can highlight how businesses are supporting charities, how it benefits their organizations, and provide examples of how select companies are supporting this day of generosity. Spokespeople can speak to strategic ways of giving and using charitable tax benefits to receive up to 49% of their contribution back as a tax credit. They can also discuss how monthly donations and donations of securities are strategic ways to give and how these methods grew 11% and 32% respectively on CanadaHelps in 2023 compared to the prior year. For 11 consecutive years, fewer Canadians have been engaging in charitable giving. Canada Revenue Agency tax filer data shows donation rates declined from 23.4 percent in 2010 to 17.7 percent in 2021 (among those Canadians claiming tax receipts). Spokespeople can speak to popular causes Canadians are supporting, ways Canadians are giving, and how we can reverse declines in the number of Canadians who give. Canadians are increasingly disconnected and have shrinking social networks, which is correlated with lower rates of giving. Recent global data also highlighted how Canada is the second most polarized nation when it comes to giving, only behind Great Britain.* Spokespeople are available to speak to these trends and how generosity can unite communities this holiday season. GivingTuesday has global roots and has made a local impact. Launched in 2012 in the United States as a response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday and brought to Canada in 2013 by CanadaHelps, GivingTuesday is now celebrated in more than 90 countries. In Canada, an estimated six million Canadians have participated in GivingTuesday. CanadaHelps is Canada’s largest online donation and fundraising platform, and a charity advancing philanthropy through technology. For Canadians, CanadaHelps.org is a safe and trusted destination for discovering and supporting any charity in Canada. CanadaHelps also develops affordable fundraising technology used by more than 30,000 charities, and provides free training and education so all charities can increase their impact and succeed in the digital age. Since 2000, more than 4.8 million people have donated upwards of $3.2 billion through CanadaHelps. Connect with CanadaHelps on , , , and .

Colimerio has 15, Queens defeats VMI 81-78Trump’s next HUD secretary would have a lot to do to address the history of racist housing policy – and Trump’s own comments and history suggest that’s unlikely

Jefferies on tanker stocks following U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exportsRuth Icenogle McCann, retired real estate broker, died peacefully on November 25, 2024, in Statesboro, Georgia, where she was under the care of Regency SouthernCare Hospice at Willow Pond Assisted Living and Suites. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 28, 1931, to parents, Inez Allen Icenogle and Karl Luster Icenogle Sr. Ruth grew up in Buckhead and was an active member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. Upon graduating from North Fulton High School in Atlanta, she attended and later graduated from Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1951 with a degree in religion. She began her early career as a church administrative secretary before taking a position with an Atlanta law firm as a legal secretary. This sparked her interest in the law, and she attended Emory University School of Law in the evening as one of few women at that time. After a year, she determined balancing the schedule of work and law school to be too difficult. However, she did discover a keen interest in real estate law, which would guide her future professional career. Ruth met Robert Russell "Bob" McCann of Atlanta at a dance at the Piedmont Driving Club, when he literally “swept her off her feet.” They married six months later on June 23, 1956. Within the first four years of marriage, they had three children, and Ruth became a busy stay-at-home mother. It was during this time in 1957 that she and her husband moved to Avondale Estates, Georgia, where she would spend the next 64 years as an active member of her community. She was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish Church, Decatur, where she was in Daughters of the King. Due to health reasons, she moved to Statesboro in 2021 to live closer to her daughter. Ruth was most widely known in Atlanta as one of the formative women realtors, serving DeKalb County over her 40-year career, starting out as a saleswoman and later sales manager of Walter Scott Realty, Decatur. She later established Ruth McCann Realty in Avondale Estates in order to concentrate on her community and the surrounding areas. Her distinguished career included: DeKalb Young Council of Realtors, board of directors of the Metro Listing Service, president of the Certified Residential Specialists Diamond Chapter, president of Certified Residential Brokers, recipient of the Georgia Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation Life Membership Award, president of the DeKalb Board of Realtors, Baron DeKalb Award recipient from the DeKalb Board, DeKalb Board of Realtors “Realtor of the Year,” Metro Listing Service Outstanding Achievement Award, National Association of Realtors, member of Who’s Who of American Women, graduate of the Georgia Realtors Institute and Real Estate Brokerage program, founder and president of the Women’s Council of Realtors, regional vice president of the Women’s Council of Realtors and she was a life member of the DeKalb Board of Realtors’ Million Dollar Club. She received the prestigious Mary Nelson Realtor Spirit Award from the DeKalb Board of Realtors in 1996. Ruth believed in professional standards of excellence and did all she could to promote a growing industry and home ownership for all people. Ruth served on the DeKalb County Young Life Committee when her daughters were active in the ministry in high school. She became an alumna initiate of Zeta Tau Alpha’s Zeta Xi Chapter at Georgia Southern University, joining her mother, daughter and granddaughter as a ZTA. She was a member of the Atlanta Alpha Alumnae Chapter of ZTA. As a retiree, she joined the Decatur Rotary Club and enjoyed staying abreast of economic development in her beloved Decatur and Avondale Estates. She was a member of the Avondale Community Club, Avon Garden Club of Avondale Estates, the Avondale Woman’s Club and the Druid Hills Golf Club in Decatur, as well as served as the Georgia president of the Magnolia Chapter of the American Cut Glass Association. Ruth took active interest in business, politics, gardening and genealogy. She loved to travel intercontinentally and abroad. Her love of people, knowing “their story,” and making connections was evident to all she met. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Karl Luster Icenogle Jr.; and her son, Robert Russell McCann Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Alice McCann (Harry) Mathews, Statesboro; and Carole McCann (Mike) Ketterbaugh, Macon; her grandchildren, Ruth Lovett McMullen, Milledgeville; Harry “Smith” (Sage) Mathews Jr., Savannah; William “Robert” (Holly) Lovett, Decatur; Allen McCann Mathews, Statesboro; Pratt Edward (Sally) Mathews, Statesboro; and six great-grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews and their families. A special appreciation goes to the staff of Willow Pond Assisted Living and Suites and her caregiver, Gertrude Brown, for providing a loving and safe home these last three years. A celebration of life service will be held at Holy Trinity Parish Episcopal Church, Decatur, on Thursday, December 12th, at 2 p.m. Ash scattering will be in the Holy Trinity Parish Episcopal Church’s Memorial Garden. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Parish Episcopal Church, 515 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030; or Young Life at giving.younglife.org, Macon Area – GA160 or Statesboro Area – GA173. Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com. Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements. Statesboro Herald, December 3, 2024 Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.

Following on with some more crime news, a 23-year-old man has been arrested after threatening a driver with a knife, stealing their car and then leading police on a high-speed chase through multiple suburbs. Armadale detectives have charged the man from Harrisdale, who is due to appear in court today, with armed robbery, failing to stop, reckless driving, no authority to drive, giving false details to police and possessing cannabis. The man was riding his bike when he allegedly approached a man driving a Nissan Pulsar sedan on Campbell Road in Armadale near the intersection of Masuli Way. He was allegedly armed with a knife and threatened the driver, who exited the vehicle before the accused drove away with the victim’s car. About 6pm, police sighted the stolen vehicle and immediately activated the emergency lights and siren on an unmarked Police vehicle and tried to block the path of the car. The accused allegedly drove the car over a verge and around some low fencing and onto Harbour Road, then failed to stop, and drove in a reckless manner through the suburbs of Armadale, Haynes, Camillo and Champion Lakes before losing control of the vehicle and hitting a tree on Railway Avenue in Kelmscott. He was taken into custody. A woman living near the Great Southern town of Albany has been arrested by police over an alleged fraudulent plan to claim close to $2.3 million from her insurance company. The 50-year-old owned and worked in a bakery in Spencer Park, which burned down in October. Police and firefighters were called to the scene and extinguished the flames, but it was too late to save the building. A staff member was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. There was significant structural and roofing damage to the premises, as well as extensive smoke damage. The damage cost was estimated at $955,000. The woman then lodged an insurance claim. Her policy stated she was entitled to $500,000 for contents insurance, and a further $2.2 million in business interruption compensation. Police have alleged she deliberately set the fire to claim this money. She has been charged with criminal damage by fire and attempting to gain benefits by fraud, and is due to appear before the Albany Magistrates Court on December 12. To some health news first and WA has recorded hundreds of cases of whopping cough in October, the largest number recorded since 2015. There were 220 reported cases that month, predominantly among school aged children. Those figures come after record low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community has been urged to check they are up-to-date with vaccines. Credit: Louise Kennerley Director of communicable diseases Dr Paul Armstrong said vaccination was the best way for people of all ages to protect themselves and others against whooping cough. “If you are pregnant, it’s important to get vaccinated to help protect your baby as infants are at greatest risk of severe illness from whooping cough,” he said. “Antibodies produced from vaccination during pregnancy are transferred to your unborn baby and help protect infants against whooping cough until they can receive their own vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks old.” Armstrong said it was also important for parents and carers to get children and adolescents vaccinated on time. “Although we are seeing an increase in whooping cough across all age groups, cases are highest in school-aged children – older children and adults are often the source of infection for infants,” he said. Whooping cough causes a respiratory illness which normally starts with common cold-like symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, tiredness, mild fever and an occasional cough. People with whooping cough can spread the infection in the first three weeks of showing symptoms. Here’s what’s making headlines today: Protesters against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol call for his impeachment. Credit: Bloomberg A cool 24 degrees today, with a clearing shower. Good morning, readers and welcome to our live blog for Wednesday, December 4. Today, the state’s high-achieving schools in the 2024 NAPLAN testing can be revealed. The students at those schools showed above-average literacy and numeracy results when compared to others with a similar background. Read more from education reporter Holly Thompson here. Charlie Jaques (left), Chianna Taylor, Sharnicqua Mills, Lisa Ledger, and Eric Yang from Baynton West Primary School. Residents living on a quiet cul-de-sac in Ascot have raised concerns over a proposal by Perth Racing to build a three-storey complex for 400 horses just 10 metres from their homes. Bruce Hunt says he bought his home 24 years ago for the tranquillity. That peace could soon be shattered. In some good news for those looking to buy in Perth, the median time a home takes to sell has finally increased – up to 13 days from the nine-day low recorded for most of the year. REIWA chief executive Cath Hart said this was because there were (finally!) more new listings on the market. And, some humour for your mid-week slump, contributor Brendan Foster has written an opinion piece about the summer holidays. While public schools still have a week to go, Foster writes the school he sends his child to will finish for the year on Thursday. “I adore my son. But eight weeks of trying to keep my newly minted teenager cheerful and engaged while my partner and I hold down full-time jobs is going to take more planning than the Battle of Stalingrad,” he writes. How many of you agree? Stick with us as more news breaks. We’ll also let you know when we hear more about WA grandmother Donna Nelson, who is being sentenced in Japan today.

What Is Agentic AI?Real Madrid lost at Liverpool on Wednesday, and in a previous era, that might have been that. Three Champions League defeats in five tries were, once upon a time, crippling. Losses to Lille and AC Milan would have endangered any European campaign. A third, 2-0 at Anfield, might have ended it. Real Madrid, though, are very much alive in the 2024-25 competition precisely because of their president detests. "[The] new model will have more games and less interest. It's an absurd competition," Florentino Pérez last November. Now, it's the only reason his club are still title contenders. stumbled yet again Wednesday, on a boisterous evening in northwest England. They caved to Liverpool pressure early in the second half. Their only shot on target prior to stoppage time was their best chance to equalize — a penalty that Kylian Mbappé failed to convert. Their obvious excuse is injuries. They've been debilitated by a growing list of absentees that now includes Aurélien Tchouaméni, Rodrygo, three key defenders and Vinícius Júnior. But the stars that remain have been dim. Mbappé was dreadful Wednesday. On early matchdays, the entire team looked disjointed, disinterested or both. And the results have been grim. They needed late rallies to beat Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund. They fell in France, then at home to struggling AC Milan. For decades, such a start to the Champions League would have put their progression to the knockout stage squarely in the balance. The — 32 teams, eight groups of four, top two in each group advance — was stale but relatively unforgiving. It granted some leeway; and as , giants rarely fell. But when they floundered repeatedly, like Manchester United in 2020 and 2023, they'd perish. In response to pressure from superclubs such as Real Madrid, however, UEFA expanded and overhauled the format. Now there is a "league phase," from which 24 (out of 36) teams will progress. Through five rounds, with three remaining, Real sits squarely on the bubble of the 24, on six points, in 24th place. In other words, the the preseason favorites, have been subpar; but as things stand, they'd still go through to the first knockout round. They'd still be favored, no matter their opponent, to win and advance to the Round of 16, as they have for 27 consecutive seasons. And their savior would be the new Champions League structure that Pérez thinks is "absurd." He says that because he is the leading proponent of a European Super League. He was the architect of the . He was the most powerful force behind . "The Super League is more necessary than ever," he said last year. So he hated the compromise, UEFA's new Champions League format, which created more giant-vs.-giant matchups in the league phase, but watered down the competition. He reiterated his criticism this past Sunday. “The new Champions League format has proved not to be a solution, as we predicted," Pérez said in a long speech at Real Madrid's annual general meeting. "It has increased the number of matches but reduced the value of each match. The competition will only arouse the passion of the fans at the end and not at the beginning, as expected.” And then, three days later, his floundering team aroused the passion of fans by losing again. Real Madrid has been so bad that, suddenly, their league phase matches have actually become meaningful. Next up is a trip to Atalanta on Matchday 6 (Dec. 10). Defeat there, in Bergamo, Italy, would leave on the outside looking in at the knockouts. But still, even then, wins in their final two games — against Salzburg and Brest — would almost certainly be sufficient. Pérez, in many ways, is right — the new format has devalued these early-round games, by making losses relatively inconsequential. It is far too merciful. And in the most ironic of twists, it is his club, the , the , Real Madrid, who will probably benefit.