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.sports synonym 。

Cava Group ( CAVA 0.14% ) has been one of the best restaurant stocks to own this year. The fast-casual Mediterranean-style restaurant chain has been winning over not just customers, but investors as well. Through expansion and new menu offerings, it has been able to continually report solid numbers, propelling its share price to new heights. Recently, the company reported its latest earnings numbers, and one metric stood out to me. It highlights the business's impressive growth, and it's a great sign that the company is going in the right direction. Cava's same-restaurant sales came in at 18.1% For a restaurant chain, generating single-digit comparable sales growth is a good goal, especially amid today's economic conditions as consumers are cutting back on spending. But you wouldn't know the economy is facing those challenges if you looked at Cava's numbers. That's because for the most recent period, which ended on Oct. 6, the company reported its comparable restaurant sales growth was an impressive 18.1%. By comparison, Chipotle Mexican Grill reported comparable restaurant sales growth of 6% for its most recent quarter (ended on Sept. 30). And the numbers look even better for Cava if you compare its results to the global beast that is McDonald's -- for its September quarter, global comparable sales declined by 1.5%. Comparable restaurant sales are a key metric for restaurants as they tell investors how well the business is doing when factoring in locations that were open a year ago. This excludes the positive impact new restaurant openings would have on the top line. But this also works to the advantage of companies with smaller footprints such as Cava, which may target high-growth areas first and as they become larger and spread out, their growth rate may begin to gradually come down. Nonetheless, it's a good indicator of Cava's growth and the potential it has to continue generating strong numbers as demand looks solid. A fast growth rate has made Cava a stellar investment to own A big reason Cava is a hot stock to own this year is because of its growth potential. The company continually opens more stores. At the end of the most recent quarter, the company had 352 restaurants, up from 290 a year ago. Its goal is to have 1,000 locations by 2032. Cava's growth rate has been impressive in comparison to other restaurant chains , and with such ambitious targets ahead, that trend is likely to continue in the years ahead. CAVA Operating Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) data by YCharts Is Cava's high valuation a problem? As of Monday's close, Cava's stock was up a staggering 219% as there has been no shortage of bullishness around the business of late. While that's great for shareholders, people who are looking at buying the stock for the first time may feel as though they've missed the boat. Cava Group's sales grew by nearly 40% last quarter to $243.8 million. Its net income rose at an even faster rate of 163%, coming in at just under $18 million. While that is impressive, it still results in a fairly modest per-share profit of just $0.16. Cava's stock closed at $137.24 on Monday, putting its price-to-earnings multiple at more than 330. Even based on analyst projections, it's trading at over 277 times next year's profits. These are steep multiples and investors would be justified in thinking twice about whether the stock is a good buy at its current levels because with such high multiples, you are effectively paying for a lot of future growth. While Cava may still be a good investment to hold for the long term, investors should also temper their expectations as it could be a bumpy ride ahead. Although this is a fast-growing company, its extremely high valuation means that there is virtually no margin of safety with the stock and it could be vulnerable to a sell-off under weaker market conditions.

Feeling betrayed by increased minority support for Trump, Black women say they’re stepping back.vPeople from all over the world have long come to the United States in search of opportunities. That includes immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and temporary workers and students who come to the U.S. on specialty visas. Among the latter are skilled foreign workers, a select group granted special access by the H-1B visa program, designed to boost innovation and the economy via a " brain gain ," according to the Brookings Institute. Since launching in 1990, the program has allowed U.S. employers to hire exceptional foreign-born applicants with bachelor's degrees or the equivalent by offering them employment in hard-to-fill positions. An H-1B visa allows foreign-born workers to stay in the country for three years, with the option to extend their stay for up to six years. In some cases, workers remain even longer if employers sponsor their green cards. Most jobs filled by H-1B workers are in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. H-1B visa holders tend to have wages within the top 10% of U.S. workers. In computer-related fields, for instance, the average annual income was $129,000 in 2022 for H-1B workers, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congress has capped the number of H-1B workers since the program began; currently, around 85,000 applicants are accepted each year. Within that total, 20,000 spots are reserved for those with U.S. institution-issued master's or doctorates. That number has remained unchanged for nearly two decades—even as applications have dramatically risen and backlogs have made it increasingly difficult to get a visa. From 2001 to 2003, the applicant limit was three times as high at 195,000; over the past 10 years, the program received such an influx of applicants it prompted Congress to institute a lottery system in 2014. Although exceptions to the cap are granted for nonprofit research organizations, the government, and colleges and universities, the number of applications far exceeds availability. In fiscal year 2025, for instance, there were an astounding 423,028 for just 65,000 spots. Critics of the cap say that the inability for more workers to land positions in the U.S. creates a number of problems, one of which is a lack of qualified staff for the exploding tech sector. H-1B Employer Data used its own data, news reports, and economic research to explore how a shortage of visas for skilled workers has impacted the U.S. economy. In 2024, Citizenship and Immigration Services changed the process for applying for an H-1B visa after 780,884 applications were filed that year. This process overhaul was meant to increase the odds of applicants vying for a spot and curb abuses of the system. Employers and potential employees were gaming the system, hoping multiple submissions for individual workers would increase their likelihood of being accepted; the barrier to entry had also been lowered to a $10 fee and electronic registration instead of a full application. Employers vying for top talent aren't the only ones benefitting from the H-1B visa program. Foreign workers tend to have different skill sets than American workers, which is partly why they're so sought-after. According to the American Immigration Council, workers from abroad may even help create additional jobs by spending and investing their earnings in the U.S. They stimulate the labor market by expanding operations in the U.S. and starting new businesses. This entrepreneurial spirit, long a hallmark of U.S. innovation, drives economic growth. "We don't know which [immigrant] is going to have the brilliant insight that totally transforms the economy over the next 20-30 years," David Bier, director of immigration studies at libertarian think tank the Cato Institute, told Vox . Studies show that the business impact of the H-1B visa program extends beyond individual employers as well. A 2024 study from academic researchers and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond found that companies that win H-1B lottery visas hire additional employees, generate more revenue, and survive longer. In 2017, researchers at the National Bureau of Economic Research found that H-1B workers benefit consumers and increase profits in the IT sector. Among the roughly 600,000 H-1B recipients in the country at any time, as many as 75,000 join the STEM workforce every year. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel, among the top 100 employers of H-1B workers, reap the rewards from foreign-born workers, who tend to fill in gaps in the STEM workforce—and in some cases, create opportunities. Employers, in turn, are eager to hire more H-1B workers to cultivate innovation and growth. Other types of companies, including outsourcing firms, many based in India, also depend on H-1B workers. They are inundated with USCIS applications for employees they consider "interchangeable," according to Vox. These visa holders, typically junior programmers, will accept lower salaries and relocation requirements, and their hiring companies account for more than half of the top 30 H-1B employers. There is concern, however, that these workers could be underpaid and exploited, giving some credence to the claim that the program allows lower-wage foreign workers to take jobs from higher-earning Americans. However, existing data shows that H-1B workers help raise salaries and expand job opportunities for everyone. Employers of H-1B workers are also required to attest that U.S. workers' salaries and working conditions will not be negatively affected, and notify incumbent employees when they hire these applicants. As evidenced by continued efforts to reform the system, there's still plenty of room for improvement. For every one person who is granted an H-1B visa, four are denied. This means the government—Congress sets the quota—leaves $61 billion on the table every year, according to a paper by Bier, who also suggested adjusting the cap to match demand, and making changes to maintain a sufficient population of skilled workers in the U.S. In other words, the current cap on H-1B visas may actually thwart economic growth. Nine jobs are moved out of the U.S. for every 10 unapproved H-1B applications, according to a 2023 study from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, as reported by Bloomberg. Some $86 billion would be lost with a 10% reduction in guest workers, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond economist. Despite fraught debates over immigration and foreign-born workers, they have always been part of the uniquely American story of opportunity and improvement. As Jeremy Neufeld , a policy fellow with the think tank Institute for Progress, told Vox, "It's always been the case that immigrants have been a secret ingredient in US dynamism." Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on H-1B Employer Data and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.A fugitive gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and nets

From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turnVictor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. And this wasn’t on a whim: He knows how to play and even brought his own chess set. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. POV: You’re playing chess with @wemby on a Saturday morning in Washington Square Park ♟️🗽 pic.twitter.com/gnxdvPE69l It was 9:36 a.m. People began showing up almost immediately. Washington Square Park is a known spot for chess in New York — Bobby Fischer among others have famously played there, and it’s been used for multiple movie scenes featuring the game. Wembanyama was there for an hour in the rain, from about 10-11 a.m. He played four games, winning two and losing two — he told Bleacher Report afterward that both of the losses were to professional chess players — before departing to catch the Spurs’ flight. Wembanyama had been trying to get somewhere to play chess for the bulk of the team’s time in New York — the Spurs played the Knicks on Christmas and won at Brooklyn on Friday night. The schedule never aligned, until Saturday morning. And even with bad weather, he bundled up to make it happen. He posed for photos with a couple of dozen people who showed up, braving a morning of cold rain to play chess with one of the NBA’s biggest stars. “We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner,” he wrote on social media after his chess trip was over. Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, his second in the NBA after winning rookie of the year last season. The Spurs play at Minnesota on Sunday. Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. ___ Related From Our Partner

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LOWELL — It had boot drives by area firefighters, Red Kettle ringers, hundreds of auction items and even a donated ugly Christmas sweater as part of the festivities. In other words, just another successful WCAP Radiothon and online auction that raises money for the Salvation Army of Greater Lowell. Both the community participation and the money raised continues to grow, said Saturday Morning Live host Warren Shaw. “Every year we have more people who want to be part of it,” he said by phone Tuesday afternoon. “It overwhelms me that we have these people who totally just give of themselves and make this happen.” The fundraiser is broadcast live by Shaw and co-host Gerry Nutter each December. Members of the community drop into the Market Street studio to make a donation, catch some air time with the hosts or simply absorb the holiday spirit that infuses the daylong event. “I never know from year to year what’s going to happen,” Shaw said. “But this year, there was more energy than I’ve ever seen before.” The fundraiser attracts local supporters, as well as state and federal ones. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and former Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito called into the Radiothon. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan stopped in as did U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, boxing great Micky Ward, City Manager Tom Golden, former state Rep. Steve Panagiotakos, state Rep. Rodney Elliott and numerous other local officials and business leaders. Along with the familiar faces were the new ones of Majors Alan and Amanda Krueger, representing the charitable organization . The couple took over for Majors Nicole and Timothy Ross, who led the Salvation Army in the Greater Lowell area for six years before moving to Portland, Maine, where they were appointed to the leadership team at the organization’s divisional headquarters. One couple, who Shaw said “raise the bar every year,” was Mike and Cindy Kuenzler. They dropped off another record donation of almost $111,000 from the annual comedy night held at their Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut. The auction is the main focus of the Radiothon, though, with close to 200 donated items , from vacation packages to sports memorabilia, custom cookies, clothes, electronics, gift cards and certificates to local businesses. Bidders could even try for a chance to be mayor of Lowell for the day. For the third year, Councilor Erik Gitschier won the mayoral auction item, which he gifts to a Greater Lowell Technical High School student. “Each year, it is a blessing I am able to choose a student that represents all the amazing qualities of the Office of the Mayor!” Gitschier said by text Tuesday. Previous “mayors” have been students Damarje Williams and Julie Oum . More than 20 years ago, the Radiothon started with “two guys turning on the microphones asking people for money,” Shaw said in a 2022 Sun interview. That first year, he and Arthur Sutcliffe, who co-hosted the event, raised $5,000. Now, the Radiothon regularly brings in more than $200,000. But he said a lot of different pieces and people make the Radiothon happen, such as the money raised by the boot drives held by firefighters in Dracut, Tyngsboro and Lowell that brought in more than $25,000. Dracut resident Kevin Durkin raised $10,000 in memory of his friend Ralph Richardson, who was nicknamed the “heat patrol” for refusing to turn on the heat until Nov. 1. Shaw said that money will be dedicated to the Salvation Army’s heat assistance program. Councilor Rita Mercier could be found ringing the bell in front of the Owl Diner for Red Kettle donations. People even bid not to have to take home an ugly Christmas sweater donated by Nutter. “You put in all the other pieces and you end up with a big number,” Shaw said, referring to the contributions — both time and money — of all the people who participate in the local fundraiser. The Radiothon auction and donations help support a wide variety of Salvation Army local programing and services. The Lowell Corps serves the Greater Lowell area, providing social and emergency services to residents from Lowell, Tyngsboro, Dracut, Tewksbury, Billerica, Chelmsford and Dunstable. The Christian-based organization provides food for the hungry, rent and utility to those who are struggling and a safe place for youth and families. Almost 1,600 children received toys and winter supplies during last year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and 1,300 food baskets were delivered to families. The Lowell location is based at 150 Appleton St., right in the heart of the city’s most impacted Back Central neighborhood. A final tally will be available on Dec. 14, and 100% of the money raised through the Radiothon will go toward helping local folks in need. “We are so grateful to all of the volunteers who give their heart and soul to making this event a success,” the Salvation Army said in a statement. “Together, we are helping our neighbors in need at the holidays and throughout the entire year!”

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NoneNew Delhi: After multiple efforts, Municipal Corporation of Delhi has finally been successful in identifying an agency that will set up an ingesta plant to treat content of slaughtered animals' stomachs near the Ghazipur abattoir . "As per the directions of NGT, a proposal for the ingesta plant was prepared for the disposal of paunch waste in a scientific manner earlier. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who went where and for how much IPL 2025: Complete list of players of each franchise After two failed attempts, tenders were invited again, and this time we were successful in identifying the lowest bidder," a civic official said. However, there's still a major hurdle in that the project cost is expected to be above Rs 6 crore and the MCD commissioner can't approve projects above Rs 5 crore. Only the standing committee can clear it, but its formation is due for 20 months. "The work can start only after the award of work, which requires approval from the standing committee, which is yet to be formed," said an official. To end uncertainty, MCD has written to Delhi govt for an exceptional authority to the commissioner to sanction the project, pending for over two years, said the official. No comment was available from Delhi govt regarding the plea. MCD may also approach NGT, if required, the official added. In May 2022, the Ghazipur slaughterhouse was shut down after Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) withdrew consent for operations while referring to an NGT order and violation of norms. On July 6, 2022, DPCC permitted the abattoir to reopen on the NGT's directive to fulfil norms in a time-bound manner, including installing the ingesta and RO plants. In 2023, an NGT-appointed joint committee gave the civic body four weeks to address violations at the Ghazipur slaughterhouse after finding that untreated effluents continued to be dumped in the Yamuna from the abattoir and a bio-methanation plant was yet to be installed. While the RO plant was installed by the concessionaire of the slaughterhouse on a PPP model, the project for the installation of the ingesta plant is still waiting for implementation, an official had said earlier. "MCD didn't incur any cost on the installation of the RO or nano-filtration plant. It was funded by the lessee, who is also responsible for its maintenance. The plant recycles the water released out of the effluent treatment plant and ensure zero discharge," said the official. On Saturday, mayor Mahesh Kumar inspected the slaughterhouse and took stock of the cleanliness system. He said special care should be taken to ensure that the operation of the slaughterhouse was in accordance with environmental standards. "Complaints of illegal slaughtering of animals are being received in the area and an effective plan is being made to deal with it," he said.Dear Eric: My girlfriend and I have been together for some time. She has a wide circle of friends, some of the closer ones we see regularly, and I always enjoy myself. But several times a year we’re invited to large parties, and I’m invariably uncomfortable there. I simply don’t find them conducive to easy conversation, so I mostly stick to myself, sometimes making a discreet exit and walking around the neighborhood. I recently fessed up to my girlfriend, and she seemed very disappointed. How should I handle this? – Party Pooper Dear Party: Your girlfriend may be disappointed that you don’t enjoy the things she enjoys, but I hope she’ll also realize that you made the healthy choice to talk about your needs instead of wallowing in discomfort. While she may envision you joining her wide circle of friends, she also knows you and, one presumes, gets that you’re more introverted. Assure her that you’re perfectly happy sitting some gatherings out. If there are some gatherings that she would rather not attend solo, talk it through in advance and see if you can compromise. Perhaps you make small talk for half an hour and then give her a kiss and tell her you’ll see her at home. Knowing what the plan is beforehand will help you both manage expectations. Read more Asking Eric Asking Eric: I think my partner is ready to end our marriage Asking Eric: My friends criticize me for being a parent Asking Eric: My brother-in-law scammed us out of his parent’s estate Asking Eric: I’m frustrated by a waitress interrupting my order Asking Eric: Our nephew is always playing video games ( Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com .)

Vista Outdoor Stockholders Approve CSG Transaction to Acquire The Kinetic GroupNEW ORLEANS (AP) — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search has galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. And neighbors like Tammy Murray, who had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues' van towards reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim had come to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter, for stealth. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades have prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something. He's doing that too,” she said. Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by multiple projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. “I wholeheartedly believe the gangster-ass cats were messing with him,” Murray said. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96

Judge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Justice Department and Google have made their closing arguments in a trial alleging Google’s online advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The arguments in federal court Monday in northern Virginia came as Google already faces a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine. The Justice Department says it will seek the breakup of Google to remedy its search engine monopoly. The case in Virginia focuses not on the search engine but on technology that matches online advertisers to consumers on the internet. A judge is expected to rule by the end of the year. ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel DALLAS (AP) — The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. Thanksgiving Day falling so late this year has altered traditional travel patterns. At airports, the Transportation Security Administration says it could screen a record number of U.S. air travelers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration says a shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays. Transportation analytics company INRIX says roads could be congested on Monday with both commuters and returning holiday travelers. Macy’s says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delaying Q3 earnings Macy’s says it’s delaying the release of its fiscal third-quarter earnings results after it discovered an up to $154 million accounting-related issue. The company did provide some preliminary results for its third quarter, including that net sales fell 2.4% to $4.74 billion. It anticipates reporting its full third-quarter financial results by Dec. 11. Newsom says California could offer electric vehicle rebates if Trump eliminates federal tax credit SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California could offer state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Gov. Gavin Newsom says Monday he'll propose creating a new version of the state’s successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023 after funding nearly 600,000 new cars and trucks. Officials didn’t say how much the program would cost or how the rebates would work. Newsom’s proposal is part of his plan to protect California’s progressive policies ahead of Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. But a budget shortfall could complicate California’s resistance efforts. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Stock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose, with those benefiting the most from lower interest rates and a stronger economy leading the way. The S&P 500 climbed 0.3% Monday to pull closer to its record set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 440 points to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. They got a boost from easing Treasury yields after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants hedge-fund manager Scott Bessent to be his Treasury Secretary. Smaller companies can feel a big boost from easier borrowing costs, and the Russell 2000 index of small stocks finished just shy of its record. Workers at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — American Airlines says it doesn’t expect significant disruptions to flights this week as a result of a labor strike at its hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. Service workers there walked out Monday during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services authorized the work stoppage. Union spokesperson Sean Keady says the strike is expected to last 24 hours. The companies contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. The companies have acknowledged the seriousness of a strike during the holiday travel season. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Eggs are available -- but pricier -- as the holiday baking season begins Egg prices are on the rise again as a lingering outbreak of bird flu coincides with high demand during the holiday baking season. The average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities was $3.37 in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was up 63% from October 2023, when a dozen eggs cost an average of $2.07. Avian influenza is the main culprit. The current bird flu outbreak that began in February 2022 has led to the slaughter of more than 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens. But the American Egg Board says egg shortages at grocery stores have been isolated and temporary so far. ‘Buy now, pay later’ is more popular than ever. It can cost more than you think NEW YORK (AP) — More shoppers are using ‘buy now, pay later’ plans heading into Black Friday and the holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. Experts say the short-term loans can lead consumers to overextend themselves and warn that those who use credit cards for the service face higher interest expenses. The data firm Adobe Analytics predicts shoppers will spend 11.4% more this holiday season using buy now, pay later than they did a year ago.

One person died in Ecuador and ports closed across Peru as massive waves up to four meters (13 feet) high pummeled the region, officials said Saturday. Many beaches along the central and northern stretches of the Peruvian coastline were closed to prevent risk to human life, local authorities said. Waves there submerged jetties and public squares, sending residents fleeing to higher ground, according to images on local media. In neighboring Ecuador, the National Secretariat for Risk Management said a body was recovered in the coastal city of Manta. "The Manta Fire Department reported that, at 6:00 am, the body of a missing person was found lifeless in the Barbasquillo sector," the agency announced on social media. Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, the National Emergency Operations Center said on its X social media account. The municipality of Callao, close to the capital Lima and the location of the country's main port, closed several beaches and barred tourist and fishing boats from venturing out. "These waves are being generated thousands of kilometers away from Peru, off the coast of the United States," navy Captain Enrique Varea told Channel N television. "They are waves generated by a persistent wind on the surface of the ocean that is approaching our coasts," he said. Dozens of small fishing boats and businesses near the sea were affected, according to images broadcast on television and social networks. axl/rmb/nro/acbSA News Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. One half of a mystery around the disappearance of two beloved hairy steers has been solved with the safe recovery of Rahley, who was found in a paddock. Owner Michael Trenerry’s mission to recover his beloved bovine went viral across social media as he tracked possible sightings of the animal who vanished more than a week ago from Onkaparinga Hills. It was around the same time as Olaf the speckled steer – weighing an adorable 60kg and standing about the height of a labrador dog – also went missing from a paddock at Barristers Block in Woodside. Olaf is yet to be found, and Mr Trenerry has called for people to remain on the lookout for him. Rahley the 600kg Highland steer has been found. Picture: Michael Trenerry/Facebook Olaf the missing mini steer from Barristers Block Wines is yet to be found. Picture: Barristers Block Mr Trenerry said he received a phone call about 7pm Monday reporting Rahley had appeared in the caller’s yard. “We 100 per cent know this person had nothing to do with it, and the mystery of how he got there is as big as the mystery as to how he left,” he posted on social media Monday night. “We couldn't pick him up tonight, so we have a plan in place to bring him home tomorrow. “We have no doubt at all that we got Rahley home due to the support of everyone that has shared and supported our posts. “He became too hard to keep. “However we have still not found Olaf, and we can’t finish this journey until he is home too.” Olaf’s carer Julia Brown has been relentless in her search for the tiny steer, telling The Advertiser she was so grateful Rahley had been found but had mixed emotions about the news. She has resumed the search on Tuesday morning in the hope to find the beloved pet which, as a steer, has no breeding value and his size makes him very unique. She has already searched every inch of the Barristers Block winery and neighbouring paddocks to no avail. More Coverage ‘Disappeared off face of the Earth’: Desperate search for rare tiny steer Tara Miko Originally published as Rahley the Adelaide Hills steer found as search for Olaf continues Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories SA News Worker breaks spine in sickening 4.6m skylight fall Two companies have been fined a total of more than $100,000 after a worker suffered horrific injuries when he fell through a skylight at an aged care facility. Read more SA News Exposed: Adelaide’s most dangerous suburbs How safe is your neighbourhood? Analysis of police figures reveals the most crime-ridden areas of Adelaide. Search the list to see where every suburb ranks. Read moreCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — There are no moral victories in professional sports. However the Carolina Panthers’ ability to take the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs down to the wire on Sunday before losing 30-27 on a walk-off field goal has first-year coach Dave Canales excited about the direction of his team. And he has a right to be. The Panthers (3-8) have come a long way since losing their first two games by a combined 73-13 margin. Canales said that while players were sick to their stomachs in the locker room after the game for “letting an opportunity slip away,” he added that he believes they can “feel what is happening” in the organization and likes the team’s fight. “We are becoming us,” Canales said. “We’re becoming a style of football that we want to pride ourselves on. We took care of the football. Defensively, we got after it ... I think that the guys can feel what we’re trying to get done philosophically.” Canales even gave his players the day off on Monday, something that usually only happens after wins. A big reason for the team’s improvement in recent weeks is the play of quarterback Bryce Young. RELATED COVERAGE Chiefs are no longer relishing close wins as the stress of the postseason push begins to mount Patriots heading back to the film room after their latest lopsided loss Stroud accepts blame for Houston’s struggles after Texans lose to Titans Young made big plays at crucial times, leading the Panthers back from 11 points down in the fourth quarter to tie the game before Patrick Mahomes drove the Chiefs on a game-winning drive in the final two minutes. Young finished 21 of 35 for 263 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers. Breaking with his custom over the past few weeks, Canales immediately said Young will be the team’s starter next Sunday against Tampa Bay. “I just saw him playing decisive and it comes with confidence in knowing his guys are going to be where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there,” Canales said. “You saw a bunch of back foot throws where he knew somebody was coming open and the anticipation, all that comes from the chemistry just building over these weeks. I was really excited to see some of those things come alive.” The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . Still, Young is just 4-18 as an NFL starter, and Canales stopped short of saying the 2023 No. 1 overall pick has what it takes to be the team’s franchise quarterback. “That’s really far in the future,” Canales said. “Right now, I’m just looking to build off this week, have another solid week of practice, bring the guys back together and just attack the basics, the fundamentals right now.” What’s working Edge rusher D.J. Wonnum has given an immediate boost to the Panthers pass rush since coming off injured reserve. Carolina has had seven sacks in Wonnum’s two starts, including five on Sunday against Patrick Mahomes. Carolina had only 10 sacks in nine games without Wonnum. Wonnum has two sacks and a forced fumble, and his presence has helped take pressure of edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. “He’s a pro’s pro the way he prepares, how meticulous he is about his rush plan, just learning the different players he’s playing against and just how focused and intentional he is in his practice and preparation and it shows up on game day,” Canales said. What needs help The Panthers secondary remains a major issue. Carolina allowed Mahomes to carve them up, completing 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. Carolina has now allowed 21 passing touchdowns, which ranks near the bottom of the league. Stock up Veteran wide receiver David Moore saw increased playing time with rookie Jalen Coker a game-time scratch. Moore responded with a team-high six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. Moore has the trust of Canales after playing for him last season in Tampa Bay. Stock down Cornerback Dane Jackson failed to tackle Mahomes on his big 33-yard run that set up the winning field goal. Injuries Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after suffering a neck injury and having to be carted off the field on a backboard. Sanders had the use of all of his extremities, the team said. It’s too early to know if he’ll play in Week 13. Key number 7 — If the Panthers lose Sunday it’ll mark the seventh straight season they’ve finished with a losing record under owner David Tepper. Carolina has not been to the postseason since Tepper bought the team from Jerry Richardson in 2018. Next steps The Panthers host Tampa Bay and former Carolina QB Baker Mayfield on Sunday. Mayfield beat the Panthers twice last season, gaining a measure of revenge after being cut by Carolina midway through the 2022 season. Mayfield is 3-0 against the Panthers. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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10-week program hires homeless to clean up Atlantic CityFrom wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn