By KENYA HUNTER, Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — As she checked into a recent flight to Mexico for vacation, Teja Smith chuckled at the idea of joining another Women’s March on Washington . As a Black woman, she just couldn’t see herself helping to replicate the largest act of resistance against then-President Donald Trump’s first term in January 2017. Even in an election this year where Trump questioned his opponent’s race , held rallies featuring racist insults and falsely claimed Black migrants in Ohio were eating residents’ pets , he didn’t just win a second term. He became the first Republican in two decades to clinch the popular vote, although by a small margin. “It’s like the people have spoken and this is what America looks like,” said Smith, the Los Angeles-based founder of the advocacy social media agency, Get Social. “And there’s not too much more fighting that you’re going to be able to do without losing your own sanity.” After Trump was declared the winner over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris , many politically engaged Black women said they were so dismayed by the outcome that they were reassessing — but not completely abandoning — their enthusiasm for electoral politics and movement organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote in their communities. They had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Harris, who would have been the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to win the presidency. Harris’ loss spurred a wave of Black women across social media resolving to prioritize themselves, before giving so much to a country that over and over has shown its indifference to their concerns. AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy in the United States was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, with Trump set to return to office in two months, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. “America is going to have to save herself,” said LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the national voting rights group Black Voters Matter. She compared Black women’s presence in social justice movements as “core strategists and core organizers” to the North Star, known as the most consistent and dependable star in the galaxy because of its seemingly fixed position in the sky. People can rely on Black women to lead change, Brown said, but the next four years will look different. “That’s not a herculean task that’s for us. We don’t want that title. ... I have no goals to be a martyr for a nation that cares nothing about me,” she said. AP VoteCast paints a clear picture of Black women’s concerns. Black female voters were most likely to say that democracy was the single most important factor for their vote, compared to other motivators such as high prices or abortion. More than 7 in 10 Black female voters said they were “very concerned” that electing Trump would lead the nation toward authoritarianism, while only about 2 in 10 said this about Harris. About 9 in 10 Black female voters supported Harris in 2024, according to AP VoteCast, similar to the share that backed Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Trump received support from more than half of white voters, who made up the vast majority of his coalition in both years. Like voters overall, Black women were most likely to say the economy and jobs were the most important issues facing the country, with about one-third saying that. But they were more likely than many other groups to say that abortion and racism were the top issues, and much less likely than other groups to say immigration was the top issue. Despite those concerns, which were well-voiced by Black women throughout the campaign, increased support from young men of color and white women helped expand Trump’s lead and secured his victory. Politically engaged Black women said they don’t plan to continue positioning themselves in the vertebrae of the “backbone” of America’s democracy. The growing movement prompting Black women to withdraw is a shift from history, where they are often present and at the forefront of political and social change. One of the earliest examples is the women’s suffrage movement that led to ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution , which gave women the right to vote. Black women, however, were prevented from voting for decades afterward because of Jim Crow-era literacy tests, poll taxes and laws that blocked the grandchildren of slaves from voting. Most Black women couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Black women were among the organizers and counted among the marchers brutalized on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, during the historic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery that preceded federal legislation. Decades later, Black women were prominent organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police and vigilantes. In his 2024 campaign, Trump called for leveraging federal money to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government programs and discussions of race, gender or sexual orientation in schools. His rhetoric on immigration, including false claims that Black Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs, drove support for his plan to deport millions of people . Tenita Taylor, a Black resident of Atlanta who supported Trump this year, said she was initially excited about Harris’ candidacy. But after thinking about how high her grocery bills have been, she feels that voting for Trump in hopes of finally getting lower prices was a form of self-prioritization. “People say, ‘Well, that’s selfish, it was gonna be better for the greater good,”’ she said. “I’m a mother of five kids. ... The things that (Democrats) do either affect the rich or the poor.” Some of Trump’s plans affect people in Olivia Gordon’s immediate community, which is why she struggled to get behind the “Black women rest” wave. Gordon, a New York-based lawyer who supported the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s presidential nominee, Claudia de la Cruz, worries about who may be left behind if the 92% of Black women voters who backed Harris simply stopped advocating. “We’re talking millions of Black women here. If millions of Black women take a step back, it absolutely leaves holes, but for other Black women,” she said. “I think we sometimes are in the bubble of if it’s not in your immediate circle, maybe it doesn’t apply to you. And I truly implore people to understand that it does.” Nicole Lewis, an Alabama-based therapist who specializes in treating Black women’s stress, said she’s aware that Black women withdrawing from social impact movements could have a fallout. But she also hopes that it forces a reckoning for the nation to understand the consequences of not standing in solidarity with Black women. “It could impact things negatively because there isn’t that voice from the most empathetic group,” she said. “I also think it’s going to give other groups an opportunity to step up. ... My hope is that they do show up for themselves and everyone else.” Brown said a reckoning might be exactly what the country needs, but it’s a reckoning for everyone else. Black women, she said, did their job when they supported Harris in droves in hopes they could thwart the massive changes expected under Trump. “This ain’t our reckoning,” she said. “I don’t feel no guilt.” AP polling editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux and Associated Press writer Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.Mr Biden told African leaders the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long”. “But not anymore,” Mr Biden added. “Africa is the future.” Mr Biden used the third and final day of a visit to Angola – his long-awaited, first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president – to travel to the coastal city of Lobito and tour an Atlantic port terminal that’s part of the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment. Mr Biden described it as the largest US investment in a train project outside America. The US and allies are investing heavily in the project that will refurbish nearly 1,200 miles of train lines connecting to the mineral-rich areas of Congo and Zambia in central Africa. The corridor, which likely will take years to complete, gives the US better access to cobalt, copper and other critical minerals in Congo and Zambia that are used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies that Mr Biden said would power the future. China is dominant in mining in Congo and Zambia. The US investment has strategic implications for US-China economic competition, which went up a notch this week as they traded blows over access to key materials and technologies. The African leaders who met with Mr Biden on Wednesday said the railway corridor offered their countries a much faster route for minerals and goods – and a convenient outlet to Western markets. “This is a project that is full of hope for our countries and our region,” said Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, whose country has more than 70% of the word’s cobalt. “This is not just a logistical project. It is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people.” The leaders said the corridor should spur private-sector investment and improve a myriad of related areas like roads, communication networks, agriculture and clean energy technologies. For the African countries, it could create a wave of new jobs for a burgeoning young population. Cargo that once took 45 days to get to the US – usually involving trucks via South Africa – would now take around 45 hours, Mr Biden said. He predicted the project could transform the region from a food importer to exporter. It’s “something that if done right will outlast all of us and keep delivering for our people for generations to come,” he said. The announcement of an additional $600 million took the U.S.’s investment in the Lobito Corridor to 4.0 billion dollars (£3.15 billion).

Max Verstappen blamed social media for making his relationship with Lando Norris sound worse than it really is after their title fight this season. ( More Sports News ) The pair have been good friends off the track since meeting in karting over a decade ago but went head-to-head in the Formula One drivers' championship for the first time in 2024. The Dutchman claimed his fourth world title, clinching it with two races to spare after following up a stunning win in Sao Paulo by finishing ahead of Norris in Las Vegas. However, there were moments of friction on the track, with the pair colliding in Austria in June before two controversial incidents in Austin and Mexico City in October. In the end, Verstappen finished 63 points ahead of his title rival but insisted their friendship was not affected. "People always make it really a lot worse on social media. There are a lot of idiots on that platform that always have something to say, something to complain about," Verstappen said on Red Bull's podcast, Talking Bull. "There are a lot of positive people, but also some proper idiots. I think it's better just to ignore all of that. "Lando and I, we got on very well. Of course, at times it got a bit tense on track, but off the track, that shouldn't matter. We always try to do the best we can on track to get the best possible result. "You're fighting for the World Championship. I think it's normal that these kind of things can happen, but we're good." pic.twitter.com/6NXBrwMgwc The turning point for the 27-year-old came in Brazil, as he stormed from 17th to cross the line in first, ending a run of four months without a win. However, a delayed qualifying session due to rain mixed with Lance Stroll's crash in the second qualifying session saw him fail to reach the final stage before being handed a five-grid penalty due to an engine change. Verstappen rallied perfectly to clinch his first victory since Spain, ending a 10-race streak, and was helped by Norris' sixth-place finish. "I was very upset with qualifying [in Brazil]. I wanted to destroy my room, but I walked into my room and my dad was sitting there," he said. "He was the calm one, very calm. I was so angry, then I saw him so calm, that it actually calmed me down. I just walked in... when I think back about the day, I could really feel us in the office when we were preparing for the race there were a lot of sad faces because you're starting P17, your main rival is starting first, so it could be a massive points swing, and we couldn't really have that at that point of the championship. "Everyone was quite nervous but then it rained. It was a wet day. I jumped in the car. I like to drive in the wet, but you never know what will happen because, at the same time, you might be taken out, or you spin off the track yourself, because it's very difficult. "But then as soon as the race went under way, it was good, it was nice. I enjoyed it a lot. I felt good with the car. Step by step, driving to the front again. It was relief on the podium. As soon as I won that race, I was like 'That's it'."

BOSTON, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madam Sew, a leading provider of innovative sewing tools and accessories, has been named the top sewing tools store for 2024 by Expert Consumers, a trusted resource for product reviews and industry insights. Known for its commitment to quality, user-focused designs, and extensive educational resources, Madam Sew has earned high praise from sewing enthusiasts and industry experts alike. Best Sewing Tools Store Madam Sew - combines tools, education, and community to serve the sewing community Since its founding in 2017, Madam Sew has set itself apart with a carefully curated range of tools and sewing supplies designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and creativity for hobbyists and professionals. The recognition by Expert Consumers highlights the brand's dedication to serving a wide range of skill levels, from beginners exploring the craft to seasoned sewers refining advanced techniques. Innovative Tools Designed with Users in Mind Expert Consumers commended Madam Sew for its focus on usability and functionality. Standout products such as Ultimate Presser Foot Set and Hot Hem Ruler for Sewing , both of which showcase the brand's attention to detail in creating tools that simplify complex tasks and elevate project results. The Ultimate Presser Foot Set consists of 32 essential presser feet for any sewing machine. Meanwhile, the Hot Hem Rule for Sewing is a versatile, heat-resistant tool perfect for accurate hemming, folding, and pleating. Other top-rated sewing tools include the Heat Erasable Fabric Marking Pens , praised for their precision and ease of use, and the Sew Bright LED Strip , which enhances visibility and reduces eye strain during long sewing sessions. These innovative solutions have solidified Madam Sew's reputation as a trusted source for high-quality sewing tools. Education and Community Engagement Beyond its product offerings, Madam Sew was recognized for its significant contributions to the sewing community through educational resources and community engagement. The brand provides a wealth of free tutorials, blog posts , a Youtube Channel , and video guides that make sewing techniques accessible to all. Moreover, Madam Sew's active presence on social media platforms, including a dedicated Facebook group , fosters a supportive community where sewing enthusiasts exchange tips, share projects, and inspire one another. This combination of tools, resources, and community support reflects the company's commitment to enriching the sewing experience. A Customer-Centric Approach Expert Consumers also highlighted Madam Sew's customer-focused approach, which includes detailed instructions with every product to ensure users can maximize their benefits. This dedication to customer satisfaction, coupled with a deep understanding of the needs of sewing enthusiasts, has made Madam Sew a standout choice in the industry. As sewing continues to gain popularity as a creative and practical pursuit, Madam Sew remains at the forefront of providing sewing tools and resources that empower enthusiasts to bring their visions to life. For the full review and detailed insights, visit the Expert Consumers website . About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( press@expertconsumers.org ) © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Rasheed Bello had 20 points in Purdue Fort Wayne's 87-81 victory over Drexel on Monday. Bello added eight assists for the Mastodons (4-2). Corey Hadnot II went 6 of 7 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range) to add 15 points. Jalen Jackson had 13 points and went 6 of 13 from the field. The Dragons (4-3) were led in scoring by Cole Hargrove, who finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Kobe Magee added 15 points and three steals for Drexel. Shane Blakeney finished with 12 points. Jackson scored nine points in the first half and Purdue Fort Wayne went into halftime trailing 37-35. Bello scored 15 second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Priyanka Gandhi thanks 'two jewels' in Wayanad bypoll victory statement - Who are Raihan and Miraya?The team attended the 2024 Annual Conference of the Museum Association of the Caribbean [MAC] in Panama. A spokesperson said, “The National Museum of Bermuda [NMB] was strongly represented at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Museum Association of the Caribbean [MAC] in Panama City, Panama. Led by NMB Executive Director Elena Strong, and co-president of MAC, the team included NMB education committee chair and trustee Dr. Janet Ferguson, curator Dr. Deborah Atwood, curatorial assistant Chynna Trott, and curatorial intern and interim MAC secretariat Amani Simons. Together, they showcased the Museum’s initiatives, engaged with Caribbean and Circum-Caribbean museum colleagues, and contributed to key discussions on the future of museums in the region. “The conference, ‘The Future of Caribbean Museums: Communities, Co-creation, and Connections,’ was opened by Ms. Strong, who introduced the keynote speaker, Ana Elizabeth González, director of the Museo del Canal. González reflected on the Museo del Canal’s transformation into a dynamic space that preserves Panama’s history and cultural heritage and embraces a broader range of cultural and social narratives. She highlighted the Museo del Canal’s efforts to connect with local communities, foster civic engagement, and establish itself as a key cultural reference for the region, contributing to Panama’s cultural and historical future. “The Conference had over 200 attendees with 57 presenters representing 25 countries across the region. Over the course of three days, presenters shared insights, explored opportunities for co-creation, and fostered deeper regional collaboration.” Ms. Simons shared: “In my interim secretariat role and in attending the conference, I have been exposed to a new side of heritage and culture. Working with like-minded individuals from the Caribbean, Latin America, the US and Canada has enhanced my understanding of not just my own history but the Atlantic World as a whole. My biggest takeaway from the conference was a quote that I heard during a presentation: ‘be the subject of history, not the object of it’. I identified with this because highlighting the everyday stories in history is just as important as the ones already being told.” The spokesperson said, “Ms. Strong organised a workshop at the conference facilitated by Dr. Ferguson, which brought together 20 museum leaders to creatively imagine what inter regional collaboration could look like. This interactive event allowed participants to share ideas on how museums can best serve their communities, with a focus on amplifying marginalised voices and fostering inclusive cultural spaces. “Dr. Ferguson was also a presenter, sharing the unique role museums play in fostering community engagement through innovative learning approaches. She highlighted NMB’s Adult Ambassadors programme, which uses facilitation methods, adult education pedagogies, participatory approaches, and dialogic learning to take museum tours to the next level. “In their presentation, Dr. Atwood and Ms. Trott shared insights into NMB’s transformation from a static repository of artifacts to a dynamic hub for community engagement, storytelling, and collaborative creation. They highlighted existing NMB projects that do this work such as ‘ ’, ‘ ’ and ‘ ’. “A highlight was the keynote speakers’ discussion for MAC’s AGM which focused on the post-COVID challenges facing museums globally. Dr. Oris Sanjur, Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute [STRI] in Panama, and Dr. Ariana A. Curtis, Curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and MAC Director, discussed issues such as resource disparities, the burnout of cultural workers, and the evolving demands on museums in the current cultural and political climate. Dr Sanjur, as the first female leader for STRI, emphasised the importance of resilience, empathetic leadership and fostering safe, healthy environments for both staff and visitors.” Reflecting on the conference, Ms. Strong shared: “Overall, the MAC conference underscored the vital role of museums in the Caribbean and Circum-Caribbean as centers of innovation, dialogue, and cultural resilience. The conversations, ideas, and collaborations developed during this event highlight the importance of these regions in shaping the future of museums worldwide. By continuing to strengthen connections across the Caribbean and beyond, museums in the Caribbean/Circum-Caribbean are positioned to lead the way in co-creating sustainable, inclusive cultural spaces that amplify diverse voices and reflect the dynamic histories of their communities. “While Bermuda is not geographically located in the Caribbean, we have so much in common with our southern museum colleagues. The conference was key for inspiration, networking, and professional development for the NMB team. Insights gained and relationships established will help guide NMB’s ongoing efforts to be a dynamic and inclusive space that serves our community and preserves Bermuda’s cultural heritage for future generations.” : , ,

‘We love you Nosi. Happy Driving!’ These were heart-warming sentiments expressed by a family in a video surprising their child’s nanny with a brand new car. The TikTok video with almost four million views, was posted by Simon at Volkswagen this week showing a family surprising their Nosi with the amazing gift. Watch Nosi being surprised with a new car from her boss In the video, the family which includes the husband, wife and child and the grandparents wait for Nosi to be brought outside to accept her gift. ‘We love you Nosi’ The woman’s husband covers Nosi’s eyes before saying that his wife wanted to tell her something. “We love you Nosi. Happy Driving!” said the mom as the nanny seemingly shocked and tries to come to terms that the new VW Polo parked in the driveway is actually hers. “Tjoh this is mine, this is mine,” she asks before running to the car and opening the door. Nosi then runs to the little boy she looks after, picks him up and in a moment that can only be described as true love and ubuntu hugs the child, still unable to believe that the new car was hers. ALSO READ: WATCH: Tom Cruise praises spirit of Ubuntu in South Africa Love She then runs to her owners and hugs them in a moment that has brought a lot of emotions and tears to the social media users who share their sentiments on the various platforms. Amours mom on X shared her sentiments of the beautiful gesture by the family. “I know she’s a great nanny! The way she ran n hugged her Boss (the kid)... says a lot! I’m so happy for her and I’m happy for the family she’s taking care of! They’re blessed to have her.” Appreciation Edward Themba congratulated the family for taking care of their nanny. “Well done to the family. It’s not every day one sees such. I guess they appreciate all the hard work she’s done over the years, a bg congratulations to her.” Ntokozo Masuku also shared her sentiments that South Africa has changed. “Beautiful, they are not like their forefathers,” she said on X. As someone else hands her the keys to her new car, she says: “It’s mine. Guys, you did a big thing for me. I never even dream about this. How can I say thank you to you? I don’t know.” Nosi is also handed other gifts as she stood next to her new car. Tom Cruise and Ubuntu Last year, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise praised the spirit of Ubuntu in South Africa while filming the latest Mission Impossible movie in the country. Cruise and his team started filming in Mpumalanga and Limpopo in February 2022, using Hoedspruit as a base for their stay before moving to the Drakensberg area in KwaZulu-Natal. (KZN). He was awarded the David O. Selznick Achievement Award during the Producers Guild of America Awards. In his acceptance speech, Cruise spoke about his time in South Africa and the spirit of ubuntu. “It is the idea that humanity is based on the plural, not the singular and Ubuntu essentially means I am, because we are. And I thank all of you, because you are,” Cruise said. ALSO READ: Human Rights Day: ‘SA needs to restore friendship and ubuntu’ – Madonsela5 Times Elon Musk Bumped Up Against the Racism Line -- Or Jumped Right Over It

On Saturday night, Donald Trump announced he intends to appoint Kash Patel as director of the FBI. The news sparked an immediate frenzy from establishment figures across media and politics. Legal and national security “experts” were deployed to the Sunday morning news shows to characterize the move as evidence that Trump intends to politicize the FBI and use it as a weapon against his many political opponents. The political establishment’s concerns about what a Trump FBI could do mirror a lot of what we’ve heard from the right in recent years as they found themselves in the Bureau’s crosshairs. But almost all of these complaints and warnings have operated under the assumption that—with maybe the exception of a few bad episodes in the 1960s—the FBI has long been an essential crime-fighting force that has only recently become—or threatens to become—corrupted by politics. In truth, the FBI has always been used as a weapon against political movements and rivals of the established political class. That’s the reason it was created. At the end of the 1800s, left-wing anarchists were attacking heads of state all across Europe. In a few short years, the king of Italy, the prime minister of Spain, the empress of Austria, and the president of France were all assassinated by anarchists. While no communist or anarchist movement had yet to take over a country, the tenacity of these activists and revolutionaries was seriously concerning those in power in the United States. Then, in 1901, President William McKinley was shot and killed by an anarchist while attending a meet-and-greet in Buffalo, New York, which brought his vice president, Theodore Roosevelt, into office. It was President Roosevelt who tapped his Attorney General Charles Bonaparte—the grandnephew of Napoleon—to create the FBI. The AG was required by law to get congressional approval before creating this new “investigative” service of special agents within the Department of Justice. In the spring of 1908, Bonaparte officially requested the money and authority to create the FBI. Congress came back with an emphatic no. Members of the House saw through the innocuous language of the request and figured out exactly what the president and AG were doing—creating a secret police force that was answerable only to them. House Democrats like Joseph Swagar and John J. Fitzgerald and Republicans like Walter I. Smith and George Waldo all loudly condemned the proposal, saying it called for a “system of espionage” comparable to the Tsar’s secret police in Russia that stood in stark contrast to the very principles at the heart of the American system. Congress explicitly forbade the AG from creating this new Bureau. So what did Bonaparte do? He waited for Congress to break for the summer and then went ahead and created the FBI anyway. Congress was only notified about the new federal police force half a year later when Bonaparte included a quick throw-away line at the end of his annual report: “It became necessary for the department to organize a small force of special agents of its own.” So, the FBI was not created in response to out-of-control crime; its creation was a crime. Immediately, the new Bureau was unleashed on anyone and everyone who was perceived as a threat to those in power. That started with left-wing anarchists but quickly expanded to include many antiwar activists as President Wilson pulled the country into World War I. From the outset, the FBI operated primarily as a domestic intelligence agency—recruiting spies within groups they were targeting and breaking into offices and homes, intercepting mail, and tapping the phones of anyone they considered a threat. As the years wore on—like most other executive agencies—the Bureau evolved away from serving the direct interests of whoever happened to sit in the Oval Office to instead serve its own interest and the interest of the broader entrenched, permanent power structure in Washington. In the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, the FBI conducted covert operations aimed at inciting violence between domestic groups, breaking up political organizations it disapproved of, and, perhaps most famously, collecting blackmail on Martin Luther King Jr. that they then tried to use to drive him to commit suicide. Related Articles Commentary | A new Legislative session: Time for pocketbook pragmatism Commentary | Climate activists should pivot from costly pipe dreams to realistic solutions Commentary | Privacy agency oversteps authority, jeopardizes California’s opportunity to lead in AI Commentary | Newsom’s wrongheaded special session is a misuse of gubernatorial power Commentary | Scott Horton: Can Trump actually fend off the war hawks and bring peace? Although today’s FBI acknowledges and publicly disavows these past activities, they are still carrying out egregious operations that always seem to benefit the political class. The Bureau has taken up a kind of sting operation where, over and over again, agents find isolated, gullible, often mentally-handicapped young men, pretend to be political radicals or higher-ups in a terrorist organization, and then convince the young men to plan and carry out a terrorist attack with FBI-funds and resources. Agents then step in at the end and act like they heroically stopped a real plot. The FBI did this relentlessly with young Muslim men after 9/11. The arrests helped prolong the perception that the global war on terror and extreme measures like the Patriot Act were necessary. In recent years, the FBI has conducted a number of similar schemes with right-wing groups—advancing the establishment’s narrative that Donald Trump is radicalizing “uneducated” middle Americans and turning them into violent insurrectionists. And then there are, of course, all the ways the FBI directly tried to undermine and hinder Trump’s first term. Right-wingers are correctly deriding the establishment for panicking about Trump’s FBI doing to them what they have tried to do to him. But many—on both sides—go wrong when they present the Bureau as only recently, or imminently, being corrupted into serving the interests of those in power. That’s been its role since the beginning. Connor O’Keeffe ( @ConnorMOKeeffe ) produces media and content at the Mises Institute. This commentary is republished from the Mises Institute.

How will Trump administration policies impact the TSMC stock?The Prime Minister said his younger brother, who had learning difficulties because of complications at birth, had met “all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour”. He died peacefully on Boxing Day, according to the Prime Minister’s spokesman. The Prime Minister had been due to go on holiday with his family on Friday, but it is understood that he will now remain at home, and hopes to join them later. Sir Keir said in a statement: “My brother Nick was a wonderful man. “He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much. “I would like to thank all those who treated and took care of Nick. Their skill and compassion is very much appreciated.” Sir Keir spoke candidly about his brother in a recent biography written by journalist and former Labour Party adviser Tom Baldwin. While growing up in Surrey, the brothers shared a bunk bed in a room with an airing cupboard, and “just enough space for a couple of small desks where we’d do our homework”. The biography recorded how each child of the Starmer family was given a dog for their 10th birthday, and Nick and his twin sister Katy received Jack Russell terriers called Greg and Ben. The book also described how their mother, Jo, had taught Nick to read, but Sir Keir remembered how the school described his brother as “remedial”. Sir Keir, the middle child of four siblings, said: “They had no expectation of him or anything and I’m not sure he even sat exams, so he had nothing to show for coming out of education. “We were a family of six, so it didn’t feel lonely and I shared a room with him, but Nick didn’t have many friends and got called ‘thick’ or ‘stupid’ by other kids.” He added: “Even now I try to avoid using words like that to describe anyone.” Nick worked on scrap cars and scaffolding, earning enough money to rent a home near where he had grown up, according to the book. It said Sir Keir was best man at Nick’s wedding, and the now Prime Minister recalled borrowing a car so his brother was not “driving his bride from the church in his beaten-up minivan, which had all his clothes in the back”. The marriage ended and Nick lived for some time in Yorkshire. In 2022, Sir Keir stepped away from local election campaigning to make several hospital visits to see his brother, who was seriously ill at the time. The Prime Minister also spoke about Nick in his speech at this year’s Labour Party conference in Liverpool. As he described his early encounters with art and culture, and the need to remove social barriers, Sir Keir told delegates: “My brother, who had difficulties learning, he didn’t get those opportunities. “Every time I achieved something in my life, my dad used to say, ‘Your brother has achieved just as much as you, Keir’. “And he was right. I still believe that.” Mr Baldwin, writing for The Times on Friday, recalled the moment in 2023 that he learned from Sir Keir that his brother was dying of lung cancer. He wrote: “This has been a huge part of his life over the past couple of years, during which he made regular trips to Leeds where his brother was in hospital. “Even during the election campaign and since he entered Downing Street, Starmer has continued to visit without a camera crew in sight. “He got to know the staff treating his brother so well that he could recite all their names and they would let him into the hospital through a back door so that there would be no publicity.” Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was among those in the world of politics to offer their condolences. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “This is such awful news. Particularly devastating at Christmas time. “My sincere condolences to Keir Starmer and all his family.” Irish premier Simon Harris wrote: “My sincere sympathy to Keir Starmer and his family on such sad news. “They are in my thoughts at this difficult time.”

Trump Supporters Push Back After President-Elect Appoints Adviser Who Wants H-1B Expansion: 'Tech Wants Indentured Servants'GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes, Montrell Johnson ran for 127 yards and a score, and Florida upset No. 9 Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday to knock the Rebels out of College Football Playoff contention. The Gators (6-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference), who topped LSU last week, beat ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008 and became bowl eligible. The late-season spurt provided another vote of confidence for coach Billy Napier, who is expected back for a fourth season. Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), which entered the day as a 10-point favorite, lost for the first time in four games and surely will drop out of the 12-team playoff picture. The Rebels ranked ninth in the latest CFP and needed only to avoid stumbling down the stretch against Florida and lowly Mississippi State to clinch a spot in the playoff field. But coach Lane Kiffin’s team failed to score in three trips inside the red zone and dropped countless passes in perfect weather. No. 2 OHIO ST. 38, No. 5 INDIANA 15 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. No. 8 GEORGIA 59, UMass 21 ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Carson Beck threw four touchdown passes, Nate Frazier ran for 136 yards with three scores and No. 8 Georgia overwhelmed Massachusetts as the Bulldogs tried to protect their College Football Playoff hopes. Georgia (9-2, No. 10 CFP) needed the big offense from Beck and Frazier to rescue a defense that gave up 226 rushing yards. UMass (2-9) played its first game under interim coach Shane Montgomery, the offensive coordinator who retained his play-calling duties after replacing fired coach Don Brown on Monday. Jalen John led the Minutemen with 107 rushing yards and a touchdown. Georgia extended its streak of consecutive home wins to 30, the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision. No. 10 TENNESSEE 56, UTEP 0 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 209 yards and four touchdowns to lead No. 10 Tennessee to a victory over UTEP. The Volunteers (9-2) overcame a sluggish start to roll up the impressive win. Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, but Tennessee found its rhythm. Grad student receiver Bru McCoy, who hadn’t caught a touchdown pass this season, had two. Peyton Lewis also ran for two scores. Tennessee’s defensive line, which had no sacks in last week’s loss to Georgia, had three against the Miners. UTEP (2-9) struggled with two missed field goals and three turnovers. Tennessee’s offense came alive with 28 points in the second quarter. In the final four drives of the quarter, Iamaleava completed 11 of 12 passes for 146 yards and touchdowns to Squirrel White, Ethan Davis and McCoy. No. 11 MIAMI 42, WAKE FOREST 14 MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cam Ward passed for 280 yards and threw two touchdowns to Jacolby George on another record-breaking day, Mishael Powell ran an interception back 76 yards for a touchdown and No. 11 Miami pulled away late to beat Wake Forest. The Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 Atlantic Coast Conference, No. 8 College Football Playoff) can clinch a berth in the ACC title game with a win at Syracuse next weekend. Ward completed 27 of 38 passes, plus ran for a score. He broke two more single-season Miami records, both of which had been held for 40 years by Bernie Kosar — most passing yards in a season and most completions in a season. Ward now has 3,774 yards on 268 completions this season. Kosar threw for 3,642 yards on 262 completions in 1984. Demond Claiborne had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for Wake Forest (4-7, 2-5). Claiborne also rushed for 62 yards for the Demon Deacons, and starting quarterback Hank Bachmeier was 8 of 14 passing for 86 yards and a touchdown. No. 13 SMU 33, VIRGINIA 7 CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Kevin Jennings threw for a career-high 323 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another, and No. 13 SMU clinched a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game by routing Virginia. Isaiah Smith and Jared Harrison-Hunte each had two sacks to help the Mustangs (10-1, 7-0, No. 13 CFP) extend their winning streak to eight. They would earn an automatic bid into the expanded College Football Playoff by beating 11th-ranked Miami or 17th-ranked Clemson in the ACC title game on Dec. 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina. SMU had to get there first, and Jennings led the way again, bouncing back from an interception and a fumble to complete 25 of 33 passes to six different receivers, including TD tosses to Jordan Hudson and Matthew Hibner. Brashard Smith provided a little balance on offense, running for 63 yards and his 13th touchdown of the season. SMU’s defense overwhelmed UVa’s offensive line, sacking Anthony Colandrea nine times and allowing the Cavaliers (5-6, 3-4) just 173 yards. Special teams contributed, too, with Roderick Daniels Jr. returning a punt 48 yards and Collin Rogers making two field goals. No. 24 ILLINOIS 38, RUTGERS 31 PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for a catch-and-run, 40-yard touchdown pass with 4 seconds left, sending No. 24 Illinois to a wild victory over Rutgers. Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent his offense back on the field. Altmyer hit Bryant on an in cut on the left side at the 22, and he continued across the field and scored untouched in a game that featured three lead changes in the final 3:07. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) gave up a safety on the final kickoff return, throwing a ball out of bounds in the end zone as players passed it around hoping for a miracle touchdown. Altmyer was 12-of-26 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant finished with seven receptions for 197 yards.The landscape of modern policing has become increasingly complex, as criminals turn to advanced information and communication technologies to complicate investigations, police officials revealed during the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) 2024 Awards of Excellence in Policing held at CID Headquarters in Harare yesterday. The event saw the recognition of dozens of police detectives for their exceptional work in tackling serious crimes, including robberies, murders, fraud, and other criminal activities. The awards highlighted the CID's ongoing efforts to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics, particularly in the face of technological advancements. Challenges Posed by Technology In his keynote address, Chief Director CID Commissioner Jealousy Nyabasa, the guest of honor, emphasized the growing sophistication of crime, largely due to the use of technology. He noted that this technological shift has made crime not only more challenging to combat but also more pervasive and damaging to society. "From the onset, I must inform you all that modern policing has become dynamic, filled with challenges spawned by technology and the general appetite towards criminal tendencies," Nyabasa said. "These developments have made crime more sophisticated, heinous, and far-reaching. The net effect is that it has become increasingly difficult to manage and investigate, resulting in a heightened impact on society." Nyabasa added that the increased complexity of crime requires the police to be more agile, innovative, and resourceful in their approach. Call for Collaborative Efforts Nyabasa also called for greater collaboration between the police and other stakeholders, stressing that solving many cases requires a team effort and an effective systems approach. "This partnership is key, as most, if not all, cases that we handle as CID require a collective effort," he remarked. The Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ), which has played an active role in supporting law enforcement, reaffirmed its commitment to assisting the police in tackling crime. BACFOZ Chairperson Lovemore Ncube underscored the importance of collaboration in ensuring a safe environment for businesses to thrive. "As the business community, we stand to lose out if the country becomes riddled with crime. Hence, it is essential to make an effort toward addressing the challenges of crime," Ncube said. CID Detectives Recognized for Excellence The awards ceremony also recognized outstanding CID officers for their exceptional contributions to solving major crimes. The Harare CID Homicide officers took home the first-place award for their excellence in the second quarter, following their successful operation against a group of robbers who stole US$720,000 worth of cash and goods during a heist at Quest Financial Services earlier this year. Detectives Donalbain Mutambo, William Hwesu, and Tinashe Nyamayaro received the second-place award for their pivotal role in exposing a fraudulent scheme involving the company Delatfin, which had been defrauded by criminals. The CID's annual awards serve to highlight the courage, resourcefulness, and professionalism of officers, as well as the growing importance of adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of crime driven by technological innovation. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from the police and their partners to fight crime through continued collaboration, innovation, and investment in technology, all aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Zimbabwean citizens.

Ninety-six seconds to midnight—the bewitching hour for global catastrophe. So reads the Doomsday Clock at this precarious time in world history. The clock’s forward and backwards adjustments since its creation by Robert Oppenheimer in 1947 have been the tea leaves read by political pundits and diviners alike for decades. But is it prediction, fair warning, or a political stunt? More importantly, do the global events it identifies portend inevitable global calamity or are these events reversible? Ebenezer Scrooge asks the same question to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: “Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only?” Scrooge then answers his own question, and it is a truth that applies to people and nations alike: “Men’s courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead,” said Scrooge. “But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change.” And with that sobering revelation, Scrooge reverses course and changes what had been a deathly foreshadowing to something transformative and redemptive. A course correction is doable, but it requires a rudder and a will. In a word, it requires leadership. America today is at one of those watershed moments that defines an era. The prevailing course of forever wars, extreme indebtedness, and an alarming invasion on our southern border can all be reversed. At this promising time of a new administration, there is the opportunity for a clean slate and a break from the past. By an overwhelming landslide in the national election, the people have exclaimed, “carpe diem”—seize the day! They are simply echoing President Lincoln’s December 1862 “Annual Message to Congress: “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise—with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.” Now is the opportune time for disclosure and transparency in government affairs—a time for honesty and competency. It is a time to end provocations that endanger the pursuit of peaceful resolutions to warring factions around the globe. In particular, the current administration has no mandate to escalate and inflame the war between Ukraine and Russia. Given the election results of November 5th, good faith efforts toward de-escalation should be the order of the day. It is also a time to democratize our foreign policy with suitable oversight that is fully transparent and fully accountable to the people. In his famed Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln borrows from Daniel Webster for perhaps his most famous line and in doing so he mentions government only once and people thrice. The people are not the lap dogs of government but the sovereign of the nation. Finally, it is a time for dialogue, not monologue—dialogue with the people of America and dialogue with opposing parties and between warring nations. The phone is an incredible invention and a tool for peace. Pick it up and use it! JFK used it in a 90-second conversion with the wife of imprisoned civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr and changed the course of history. Seize the day! About the Author Cameron S. Brown is president of the Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Institute and a former Michigan State Senator. Follow him at www.HistoryFrontiers.blog.

National Archives Withheld Biden Photos After Targeting Trump over DocumentsWith 55 percent of vegans citing climate concerns as the main reason for adopting a plant-based diet, the environmental impact of food choices is an important consideration for many. Meal production and cooking alone can contribute up to 30 percent of a household’s carbon footprint. Which common British dishes are the biggest environmental offenders? With a 170 percent spike in searches for “how to reduce your carbon footprint” over the past months, interest in greener habits has surged, according to the firm Confused.com Energy . The company has uncovered which dishes leave the largest environmental mark by analysing their ingredients’ emissions, appliances used in the recipe, as well as the cooking time. In sourcing the data, recipes and cooking times of each meal were collected through BBC Good Food , the serving size and ingredients were taken from the original recipe and inputted into a free food carbon footprint calculator, My Emissions . The values of the carbon footprint results are based on estimates of the emissions used from farm to store, including packaging and transport. This does not measure the emissions during storing, cooking or disposal of food. Top 10 British meals with high carbon emissions: From the above table and the full dataset , a meal of steak and chips has the highest carbon emissions during the cooking process, with a carbon footprint of 10,273g carbon dioxide per serving . The majority of emissions come from the recipe’s ingredients, as it releases only 142gCO2 during the cooking process. In second, fettuccine alfredo releases 8,462 grams of carbon dioxide – the same as driving 60.5 kilometres. This dish is in the top 10 for lowest energy usage, at 0.3kWh, taking just 10 minutes in total to cook. Lasagna is a popular meal despite it needing the most energy of all the meals (3.3kWh) to cook. The Italian dish has a carbon footprint of 6,309g carbon dioxide . Chilli con carne emits an average carbon footprint of 6,168g carbon dioxide . With a total cooking time of an hour, it uses a total of 1.5kWh of energy costing a total of 9.2 pence per serving. Another Mexican delicacy, the burrito has an average carbon footprint of 6,046g carbon dioxide which spans to 43.2 kilometres of driving. Top 5 most energy-efficient meals of Britain: In contrast, there are some dishes with a lower carbon footprint. The meat-base fare may not match the success of vegan and vegetarian fare, but they are substantially lower than others. Chicken casserole ranks as the most energy-efficient of the more popular meals, causing just 532 grams of carbon emissions and using only 0.625kWh of energy. Pasta fagioli falls second with a carbon footprint of 541g carbon dioxide , three less than penne all’arrabbiata at 544g carbon dioxide . Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.