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At the heart of "Serenade" lies the ancient art of singing, an art that has the power to move mountains, calm raging seas, and awaken dormant spirits. Players take on the role of a young bard who possesses the extraordinary ability to harness the elemental forces of nature through their voice. As they travel through diverse landscapes and encounter a myriad of challenges, players must unravel the mysteries of each level by solving intricate music puzzles using a combination of rhythm, melody, and harmony.

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For people in recovery, New Year's Eve poses a significant challenge as the celebration is built around alcohol consumption for many, including a traditional champagne toast at midnight. To provide an alternative to these often difficult social situations, the Brazoria County Recovery Committee is hosting its inaugural Sober Eve Party, a safe, alcohol-free event designed to bring together those in recovery and their families to foster a sense of community, connection and support. “I wanted to create an event where people in recovery could come together, share their stories, and celebrate their progress in a safe and positive environment,” says Brandye Toombs, the founder of the recovery committee and organizer of the Sober Eve Party. “Recovery is something to be proud of, and it’s important that we create opportunities for people to come together, show their strength, and lift each other up.” Breaking the stigma surrounding recovery is a central theme of the Sober Eve Party. For many people who have struggled with addiction, the path to sobriety is not only about overcoming substance abuse but also about rebuilding relationships and rediscovering a sense of self-worth. "The Sober Eve Party is about much more than just not drinking or using drugs," BCRC’s Chief Operating Officer Crystal Morris said. "It’s about being part of a community where people can come together, be themselves and feel truly supported. It’s about fostering an environment of love, understanding, and connection, where everyone has the chance to thrive." The event is designed to be family-friendly with a variety of activities and entertainment for people of all ages. For the children, there will be a cocoa bar, a bounce house and a fireworks display to close out the evening. For the adults, the event will feature music, food and plenty of opportunities for socializing with others who share a similar journey. "We wanted to make sure that everyone, no matter their age or background, has something to look forward to and enjoy," Morris said. "The idea is to create an event where people can have fun, connect with one another and leave feeling inspired and supported." At the heart of the sober Eve Party is a spirit of camaraderie. Toombs stresses the importance of the connections made during these types of events, where people can share their experiences and uplift one another. "Recovery is about so much more than just getting sober —it’s about finding new ways to connect with the world around you, to rebuild relationships, and to create a new, healthy way of living," she said. "The Sober Eve Party is a celebration of all the progress we’ve made together. It’s a way to show that recovery is not just possible — it’s something to be proud of." Events like the Sober Eve Party are invaluable for those on the journey of recovery, Morris said. "When you’re surrounded by people who truly understand your journey, it makes all the difference," she said. "It helps people realize that they’re not alone, that recovery is a shared experience and that there’s a whole community cheering them on." The success of the Sober Eve Party wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local businesses and organizations, Morris said. Local partners include Ryan Bradberry, Adapt Programs, Brazos Place and Stewart Building, she said. "We’re incredibly grateful for the local businesses that have partnered with us to make this event a reality," says Crystal. "Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to provide such a meaningful event for the community." Although this will be the first year the BCRC is hosting the Sober Eve Party, both Toombs and Morris hope it will become an annual tradition that grows stronger each year. "This is just the beginning," Toombs said. "We want this event to grow, to become a larger celebration of recovery and community every year. We want people to know that recovery isn’t a journey that should be traveled alone, and we want to continue building a space where people can come together, feel supported, and make lasting memories." The Sober Eve Party will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at Star of Texas Event Center, 14027B Highway 288B in Angleton. For information, visit facebook.com/BCRC2018 or email bcrcommittee2018@gmail.com .( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Germany's snack food packaging market is set to grow at a 3.6% rate, driven by a rising trend of health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious snacks. The country's evolving health-oriented culture emphasizes catering to the increasing demand for healthy and nutrition-rich snack options, presenting lucrative opportunities for the packaging sector. NEWARK, Del, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global snack food packaging industry is set to experience substantial growth, with its size projected to expand from USD 19.5 billion in 2025 to USD 28.5 billion by 2035, at a steady CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The industry generated USD 18.0 billion in revenue in 2024, underlining its rapid and consistent expansion. A key factor fueling this growth is the increasing demand for specialized packaging for savory snacks. This segment, which includes chips, pretzels, and popcorn, is poised to dominate the food type category, accounting for over 45% of the industry share through 2035. The need to preserve the texture, flavor, and crispiness of these snacks drives the reliance on innovative packaging solutions designed to protect products from moisture and air exposure, which can compromise their quality. The robust growth of the snack food packaging industry reflects a rising consumer preference for convenience foods and the evolving expectations of packaging durability, functionality, and design. Manufacturers are prioritizing advancements in material science and technology to meet the demands of both consumers and producers in this competitive industry. Get the Complete Research-Read More About Our Latest Report! Understanding the Snack Food Packaging Market The Snack Food Packaging Industry refers to the industry segment that involves the production, design, and distribution of packaging solutions specifically tailored for snack foods. This includes packaging for items like chips, crackers, nuts, popcorn, candy, granola bars, and other ready-to-eat snacks. "The snack food packaging industry is evolving rapidly, driven by consumer demand for convenience, sustainability, and innovative designs. Brands are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly materials and smart packaging solutions to stand out. With the growth of on-the-go snacking and changing consumer preferences, the future of snack food packaging looks both dynamic and sustainable," says Lead Consultant Ismail Sutaria in Packaging at Future Market Insights (FMI). Key Takeaways From The Snack Food Packaging Market: Challenges Faced by the Food Packaging Market Competitive Landscape Key participants in the snack food packaging sector are creating and bringing new items to the industry. They are combining with various organizations and expanding their geographical reach. A few of them also collaborate and work with local brands and start-up enterprises to produce new products. Key Developments in the Snack Food Packaging Market Key Players in the Snack Food Packaging Market Snack food Packaging Industry Segmentation By Grade: In terms of material, the snack food packaging market is divided into plastic, paper/paperboard, metal and glass. Plastic further include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bioplastics and other plastics. By Food Type: In terms of food type, the snack food packaging market consists of bakery snacks, confectionary snacks, savoury snacks, dairy-based snacks, frozen snacks, health and nutritional snacks and others. Bakery snacks includes cookies, crackers and pastries. Confectionary snacks includes chocolates, candies and gummies. Savoury snacks includes Chips and Crisps, Popcorn, Pretzels, Nuts and Seeds. Dairy-based snacks includes yoghurt and cheese snacks. Frozen snacks includes ice cream bars and frozen appetizers. Health and nutritional snacks includes protein bars, granola bars and fried fruits. Other include ready-to-eat meals. By Packaging Formats: Several packaging types in the snack food packaging market include flexible packaging and rigid packaging. The flexible packaging is further sub-categorized into pouches, bags, wrapper and sachets. And rigid packaging includes boxes, trays, tins and cans and jars. By Region: Key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and Middle East & Africa are covered. Authored by: Ismail Sutaria (Lead Consultant, Packaging and Materials) has over 8 years of experience in industry research and consulting in the packaging & materials industry. Ismail's strength lies in identifying key challenges faced by the client and offering logical and actionable insights to equip the clients with strategic decision-making power. Ismail has been an instrumental part of several transformational consulting assignments. His key skills include competitive benchmarking, opportunity assessment, macroeconomic analysis, and business transformation advisory. Ismail is an MBA holder in Industry and has a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. Have a Look at Related Research Reports on the Packaging Domain: The size of the frozen food packaging machine market is projected to be worth USD 1,638.5 million in 2023. The industry is likely to surpass USD 2,618.6 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. The global rigid food packaging market is set to gain a valuation of USD 197.5 billion in 2023. It is likely to exceed USD 317.7 billion by 2033 and exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% between 2023 and 2033. The increasing consumer preference for convenience and sustainability is driving the demand for innovative fresh food packaging solutions that enhance product shelf life while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring food safety. The sales revenue of edible packaging has increased to USD 389.4 million in 2024. The edible packaging industry is on its way to capture widespread appreciation broadening to USD 810.1 million size by 2034, reflecting a robust CAGR of 7.60% through 2034. The seafood packaging market , valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024, is projected to exceed USD 2 billion by 2034, reflecting a steady CAGR of 4.3%. This growth is driven by increasing global demand for seafood products, coupled with advancements in sustainable packaging solutions. Smart packaging refers to packaging systems that incorporate advanced technologies to enhance functionality beyond traditional packaging. The growing demand for pharmaceutical packaging is driven by increasing drug production, heightened regulatory requirements, and the need for enhanced protection and traceability in the global healthcare industry. The growth of packaging tubes is driven by their versatility, sustainability, and consumer demand for convenient, eco-friendly solutions that enhance product protection and ease of use. The eye cosmetic packaging sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by innovative designs and increasing consumer demand for premium, eco-friendly packaging solutions that enhance product appeal and functionality. The global lubricant packaging market is estimated to top USD 12.06 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 20.4 billion by 2033, moving forward at a CAGR of 5.4%. Explore the latest news on Ready-to-drink coffee industry outlook (2024–2034) About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the industry. FMI stands as the leading global provider of industry intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer, Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals industries. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Join us as we commemorate 10 years of delivering trusted industry insights. Reflecting on a decade of achievements, we continue to lead with integrity, innovation, and expertise. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-347-918-3531 For Sales Enquiries: ... Website: LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs | YouTube German Translation Der globale Markt für Snack-Verpackungen wird voraussichtlich ein erhebliches Wachstum verzeichnen, wobei seine Größe voraussichtlich von 19,5 Mrd. USD im Jahr 2025 auf 28,5 Mrd. USD bis 2035 steigen wird, bei einer stetigen CAGR von 4,3 % im Prognosezeitraum. Der Markt erwirtschaftete im Jahr 2024 einen Umsatz von 18,0 Milliarden US-Dollar, was seine schnelle und konsequente Expansion unterstreicht. Ein Schlüsselfaktor für dieses Wachstum ist die steigende Nachfrage nach Spezialverpackungen für herzhafte Snacks. Dieses Segment, zu dem Chips, Brezeln und Popcorn gehören, ist bereit, die Kategorie der Lebensmittel zu dominieren und bis 2035 einen Marktanteil von über 45 % zu erreichen. Die Notwendigkeit, die Textur, den Geschmack und die Knusprigkeit dieser Snacks zu erhalten, führt dazu, dass man sich auf innovative Verpackungslösungen verlässt, die darauf ausgelegt sind, Produkte vor Feuchtigkeit und Luft zu schützen, die ihre Qualität beeinträchtigen können. Das robuste Wachstum des Marktes für Snack-Verpackungen spiegelt eine steigende Präferenz der Verbraucher für Fertiggerichte und die sich entwickelnden Erwartungen an Haltbarkeit, Funktionalität und Design von Verpackungen wider. Die Hersteller priorisieren Fortschritte in der Materialwissenschaft und -technologie, um die Anforderungen sowohl der Verbraucher als auch der Produzenten in dieser wettbewerbsintensiven Branche zu erfüllen. Den Markt für Snack-Verpackungen verstehen Der Markt für Snack-Lebensmittelverpackungen bezieht sich auf das Industriesegment, das die Herstellung, das Design und den Vertrieb von Verpackungslösungen umfasst, die speziell auf Snacks zugeschnitten sind. Dazu gehören Verpackungen für Artikel wie Chips, Cracker, Nüsse, Popcorn, Süßigkeiten, Müsliriegel und andere verzehrfertige Snacks. "Der Markt für Snack-Verpackungen entwickelt sich rasant, angetrieben von der Nachfrage der Verbraucher nach Bequemlichkeit, Nachhaltigkeit und innovativem Design. Marken konzentrieren sich zunehmend auf umweltfreundliche Materialien und intelligente Verpackungslösungen, um sich von der Masse abzuheben. Mit dem Wachstum von Snacks für unterwegs und den sich ändernden Verbraucherpräferenzen sieht die Zukunft der Snack-Verpackungen sowohl dynamisch als auch nachhaltig aus." Sagt ein leitender Berater Ismail Sutaria im Bereich Verpackung bei Future Market Insights (FMI). Wichtige Erkenntnisse aus dem Markt für Snack-Lebensmittelverpackungen: Herausforderungen auf dem Markt für Lebensmittelverpackungen Wettbewerbslandschaft Wichtige Akteure im Bereich der Snack-Food-Verpackungen entwickeln und bringen neue Artikel auf den Markt. Sie schließen sich mit verschiedenen Organisationen zusammen und erweitern ihre geografische Reichweite. Einige von ihnen arbeiten auch mit lokalen Marken und Start-up-Unternehmen zusammen, um neue Produkte herzustellen. Wichtige Entwicklungen auf dem Markt für Verpackungen für Snacks Hauptakteure auf dem Markt für Snack-Verpackungen Marktsegmentierung für Snack-Verpackungen Nach Klasse: In Bezug auf das Material wird der Markt für Snack-Verpackungen in Kunststoff, Papier/Pappe, Metall und Glas unterteilt. Zu den Kunststoffen gehören ferner Polyethylen (PE), Polypropylen (PP), Polyethylenterephthalat (PET), Biokunststoffe und andere Kunststoffe. Nach Lebensmitteltyp: In Bezug auf die Lebensmittelart besteht der Markt für Snack-Verpackungen aus Backsnacks, Süßwarensnacks, herzhaften Snacks, Snacks auf Milchbasis, gefrorenen Snacks, Gesundheits- und Ernährungssnacks und anderen. Zu den Snacks im Gebäck gehören Kekse, Cracker und Gebäck. Zu den Süßwarensnacks gehören Pralinen, Süßigkeiten und Gummibärchen. Zu den herzhaften Snacks gehören Chips und Chips, Popcorn, Brezeln, Nüsse und Samen. Zu den Snacks auf Milchbasis gehören Joghurt- und Käsesnacks. Frozen Snacks umfasst Eisriegel und gefrorene Vorspeisen. Zu den Gesundheits- und Ernährungssnacks gehören Proteinriegel, Müsliriegel und frittierte Früchte. Andere sind verzehrfertige Gerichte. Nach Verpackungsformaten: Zu den verschiedenen Verpackungsarten auf dem Markt für Snack-Verpackungen gehören flexible Verpackungen und starre Verpackungen. Die flexiblen Verpackungen werden weiter in Beutel, Beutel, Wrapper und Beutel unterteilt. Zu den starren Verpackungen gehören Schachteln, Schalen, Dosen sowie Dosen und Gläser. Nach Region: Wichtige Länder wie Nordamerika, Lateinamerika, Westeuropa, Osteuropa, Ostasien, Südasien und Pazifik sowie der Nahe Osten und Afrika werden abgedeckt. 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As part of a national “moonshot” to cure blindness, researchers at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus will receive as much as $46 million in federal funding over the next five years to pursue a first-of-its-kind full eye transplantation. “This is no easy undertaking, but I believe we can achieve this together,” said Dr. Kia Washington, the lead researcher for the University of Colorado-led team, during a press conference Monday. “And in fact I’ve never been more hopeful that a cure for blindness is within reach.” The CU team was one of four in the United States that received funding awards from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health , or ARPA-H. The CU-based group will focus on achieving the first-ever vision-restoring eye transplant by using “novel stem cell and bioelectronic technologies,” according to a news release announcing the funding. The work will be interdisciplinary, Washington and others said, and will link together researchers at institutions across the country. The four teams that received the funding will work alongside each other on distinct approaches, though officials said the teams would likely collaborate and eventually may merge depending on which research avenues show the most promise toward achieving the ultimate goal of transplanting an eye and curing blindness. Dr. Calvin Roberts, who will oversee the broader project for ARPA-H, said the agency wanted to take multiple “shots on goal” to ensure progress. “In the broader picture, achieving this would be probably the most monumental task in medicine within the last several decades,” said Dr. Daniel Pelaez of the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which also received ARPA-H funding. Pelaez is the lead investigator for that team, which has pursued new procedures to successfully remove and preserve eyes from donors, amid other research. He told The Denver Post that only four organ systems have not been successfully transplanted: the inner ear, the brain, the spinal cord and the eye. All four are part of the central nervous system, which does not repair itself when damaged. If researchers can successfully transplant the human eye and restore vision to the patient, it might help unlock deeper discoveries about repairing damage to the brain and spine, Pelaez said, as well as addressing hearing loss. To succeed, researchers must successfully remove and preserve eyes from donors and then successfully connect and repair the optical nerve, which takes information from the eye and tells the brain what the eye sees. A team at New York University performed a full eye transplant on a human patient in November 2023, though the procedure — while a “remarkable achievement,” Pelaez said — did not restore the patient’s vision. It was also part of a partial face transplant; other approaches pursued via the ARPA-H funding will involve eye-specific transplants. Washington, the lead CU researcher, said she and her colleagues have already completed the eye transplant procedure — albeit without vision restoration — in rats. The CU team will next work on large animals to advance “optic nerve regenerative strategies,” the school said, as well as to study immunosuppression, which is critical to ensuring that patients’ immune systems don’t reject a donated organ. The goal is to eventually advance to human trials. Pelaez and his colleagues have completed their eye-removal procedure in cadavers, he said, and they’ve also studied regeneration in several animals that are capable of regenerating parts of their eyes, like salamanders or zebra fish. His team’s funding will focus in part on a life-support machine for the eye to keep it healthy and viable during the removal process. InGel Therapeutics, a Massachusetts-based Harvard spinoff and the lead of a third team, will pursue research on 3-D printed technology and “micro-tunneled scaffolds” that carry certain types of stem cells as part of a focus on optical nerve regeneration and repair, ARPA-H said. ARPH-A, created two years ago, will oversee the teams’ work. Researchers at 52 institutions nationwide will also contribute to the teams. The CU-led group will include researchers from the University of Southern California, the University of Wisconsin, Indiana University and Johns Hopkins University, as well as from the National Eye Institute . The teams will simultaneously compete and collaborate: Pelaez said his team has communicated with researchers at CU and at Stanford, another award recipient, about their eye-removal research. The total funding available for the teams is $125 million, ARPA-H officials said Monday, and it will be distributed in phases, in part dependent on teams’ success. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat who represents Denver in Congress, acknowledged the recent election results at the press conference Monday and pledged to continue fighting to preserve ARPA-H’s funding under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The effort to cure blindness, Washington joked, was “biblical” in its enormity — a reference to the Bible story in which Jesus cures a blind man. She and others also likened it to a moonshot, meaning the effort to successfully put Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon nearly 50 years ago. If curing blindness is similar to landing on the moon, then the space shuttle has already left the launchpad, Washington said. “We have launched,” she said, “and we are on our trajectory.”

ATLANTA — A month after the November election, a series of major developments has shaken up Georgia’s political landscape as Donald Trump prepares his return to the White House. The president-elect’s announcement Wednesday that he will nominate former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler to his Cabinet was his second appointment that will have broad implications for Georgia’s 2026 races. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.DONALD Trump has floated plans to seize the Panama Canal and buy Greenland in a bizarre plot to expand US territory. The president-elect has also said that it would be a "great idea" to make Canada the 51st state of the US. Trump, who won a sweeping victory in the November elections, said that the US ownership of Greenland is an "absolute necessity" to protect global "national security and freedom". He wrote on Truth Social: "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity. His strong comments on Greenland came after he named PayPal Ken Howery as his pick for US ambassador to Denmark on Sunday. "Ken will do a wonderful job in representing the interests of the United States ," Trump added. read more in politics However, Greenland’s prime minister, Múte Egede said the Arctic island is "not for sale". He said: " Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. "We must not lose our long struggle for freedom." During his first term in 2019, Trump suggested that the US should buy Greenland - the largest island in the world that is not a continent - given its strategic importance. Most read in The US Sun But the idea was roundly rejected by Denmark as well as by the island’s own authorities. Meanwhile, Trump has threatened to reimpose US control over the Panama Canal, citing what he said were excessive fees to use the canal and a risk of Chinese influence. "It was given to Panama and the people of Panama, but it has provisions," Trump said of the canal. "If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question." Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Arizona, Trump said he would not let the canal fall into the "wrong hands", warning of potential Chinese influence on the passage. After the event, he posted an image on Truth Social of an American flag flying over a narrow body of water, with the comment: "Welcome to the United States Canal!" Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejected Trump's threat. He said the canal's tariffs were carefully and transparently evaluated, and that these maintain the canal and helped expand it in 2016, boosting traffic and global trade. "Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding area belongs to Panama and will continue to do so," he said in a statement on Sunday. "Our country's sovereignty and independence are not negotiable." "The canal is not under any direct or indirect control from China , the European community, the United States, or any other power," Mulino added. China does not control or administer the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports located on the canal's Caribbean and Pacific entrances. The US largely built the canal and administered the territory surrounding the passage for decades. However, America signed a pair of accords in 1977 with Panama that paved the way for the canal's return to full Panamanian control. The US handed over control of the passage in 1999 after a period of joint administration. TRUMP'S TERRITORIAL PLANS Trump's comments have been an exceedingly rare example of a US leader saying he could push a sovereign country to hand over territory. They also underlined an expected shift in US diplomacy under Trump, who has not historically shied away from threatening allies and using bellicose rhetoric when dealing with counterparts. It is not clear how Trump would seek to regain control over the canal, and he would have no recourse under international law if he decided to make a play for the passage. This is not the first time Trump has openly considered territorial expansion. 'GOVERNOR JUSTIN TRUDEAU' In recent weeks, he has repeatedly mused about turning Canada into a US state. US President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday it would be "a great idea" for Canada to become the 51st US state. He teased on social media that "many Canadians" welcome the idea, as Ottawa is wracked by political turmoil. "Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State," Trump posted on Truth Social. "They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!" he added. The post is not the first time Trump has publicly mused the idea, particularly following the shock resignation of Canada's deputy prime minister on Monday. Trump suggested that merging the two nations would not only resolve his concerns about fentanyl trafficking but could also stem illegal immigration -- an issue that mainly affects the US southern border. He has also threatened a 25-percent tariff on Canadian goods - a policy that he said would be implemented from day one until the countries stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into America. His suggestion raised eyebrows in Ottawa with some commenting that it was "not funny," humiliating and a not-so-subtle threat on the part of the incoming US leader. Since then, Trump has repeatedly referred to Trudeau in social media posts as the governor of Canada -- a title used by leaders of the 50 US states. The jabs may have become more worrying for Canadians since the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland this week, which spurred calls for Trudeau to quit. Read More on The US SunMatt Eberflus' dismissal from Bears came after 's--- show' postgame locker room speech: report

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By Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss NEW YORK (Reuters) -The euro rallied on Thursday as French government bonds steadied a day after the collapse of France's government, even as bitcoin soared to a record past $100,000, with investors cheering the nomination of a pro-cryptocurrency head to run the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The spread between French and German 10-year yields narrowed on Thursday to 76.9 basis points, the tightest gap since Nov. 22. That has helped support the euro. Despite Thursday's gains, however, the euro was on track to post a loss this week, the fourth in the last five weeks. French President Emmanuel Macron met allies and parliament leaders on Thursday as he sought to swiftly appoint a new prime minister to replace Michel Barnier, who officially resigned a day after opposition lawmakers voted to oust his government. "The market is looking at the financial implications of the French government's collapse. The takeaway seems to be that it's not as impactful to the spending plans as initially thought, and that's keeping the euro alive," said Amo Sahota, executive director at FX consulting firm Klarity FX. "We saw a lot of similarities when Greece is going through a lot of political instability and that could be a major drag on the euro zone. We got two large economies within the euro zone with struggling governments: France and Germany and analysts are concerned about the euro and they have already lowered their projections as a result." Germany was thrown into political disarray by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition last month as well as disagreements over government spending. The euro was last up 0.6% at $1.0567, further moving away from the two-year low of $1.0332 hit at the end of November as traders braced for a drawn-out reckoning for France. In terms of technical factors, Shaun Osborne, chief FX strategist at Scotiabank in Toronto, said the positive short-term price action on Wednesday coupled with moderate gains through the low $1.05s on Thursday, have given "the euro a shot at extending a little higher to test key resistance and potential bull trigger at $1.0590." Traders are also all but certain the European Central Bank will cut interest rates next week and are pricing in around 157 basis points of easing by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, bitcoin, the world's best known cryptocurrency, has been on a tear since November on expectations that Donald Trump's U.S. presidential election win will usher in a friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. It rose to an all-time high of $103,649 in Asian hours, boosted in part by President-elect Trump's nomination of pro-crypto Paul Atkins to run the SEC. It was last up 1.3% at $99,147, taking its year-to-date gains to more than 130%. "With a better U.S. regulatory environment and next-generation stablecoins driving adoption in Europe, we believe bitcoin and the broader crypto market could continue to go from strength to strength," wrote Arnoud Star Busmann, chief executive of Quantoz Payments, a Netherlands-based payments technology company. YEN ON THE RISE In Asia, the Japanese yen rose as high as 149.66 per dollar but was last up 0.4% at 150.01 as traders pondered whether the Bank of Japan will hike interest rates later this month. Analysts said comments from typically dovish policymaker Toyoaki Nakamura that he's not opposed to rate hikes helped push the currency higher. Expectations had been growing that the BOJ will hike rates at its Dec. 18-19 meeting, bolstered by comments from Governor Kazuo Ueda, although media reports published on Wednesday suggested the BOJ may skip a rate hike this month. The South Korean won dipped slightly as the nation's finance ministry said the government would activate 40 trillion won ($28.35 billion) worth of market stabilization funds after the chaos that followed President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration on Tuesday, which he rescinded hours later. The won was last down 0.2% at 1,413 per U.S. dollar. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against six rivals, fell 0.6% to 105.74. It extended losses after data showed initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 224,000 for the week ended Nov. 30. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 215,000 claims for the latest week. The spotlight will be on Friday's U.S. nonfarm payrolls report for November, which is expected to show 200,000 jobs added in the month, according to a Reuters survey, after only 12,000 jobs were created in October, the lowest number since December 2020. Bets on Fed rate cuts held broadly steady, however, partly influenced by Wednesday's weaker-than-expected services sector data and the higher-than-expected jobless claims. Markets are pricing in about a 70% chance of a 25-bp rate cut later this month, and a 30% chance of a pause. Currency bid prices at 5 December​ 09:06 p.m. GMT Descripti RIC Last U.S. Pct YTD Pct High Low on Close Change Bid Bid Previous Session Dollar 105.74 106.34 -0.54% 4.31% 106.37 105. index 69 Euro/Doll 1.0583 1.0509 0.7% -4.13% $1.059 $1.0 ar 509 Dollar/Ye 150.09 150.49 -0.29% 6.39% 150.76 149. n 69 Euro/Yen 158.85​ 158.29 0.35% 2.07% 159.38 157. 57 Dollar/Sw 0.8786 0.8847 -0.68% 4.41% 0.8852 0.87 iss 79 Sterling/ 1.2749 1.2702 0.38% 0.19% $1.2771 $1.2 Dollar 696​ Dollar/Ca 1.4026 1.4074 -0.33% 5.82% 1.4078 1.40 nadian 11 Aussie/Do 0.6449 0.643 0.31% -5.4% $0.6455 $0.6 llar 422 Euro/Swis 0.9298 0.9292 0.06% 0.13% 0.9322 0.92 s 91 Euro/Ster 0.8298 0.8277 0.25% -4.27% 0.83 0.82 ling 73 NZ 0.5883 0.5852 0.57% -6.87% $0.5886 0.58 Dollar/Do 49 llar Dollar/No 11.0336​ 11.0513 -0.16% 8.87% 11.0809 11.0 rway 11 Euro/Norw 11.6831 11.6168 0.57% 4.09% 11.692 11.6 ay 124 Dollar/Sw 10.8522 10.9227 -0.65% 7.8% 10.9454 10.8 eden 5 Euro/Swed 11.4844 11.4815 0.03% 3.23% 11.5235 11.4 en 83 (Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss; Additional reporting by Harry Robertson in London and Ankur Banerjee in Singapore; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Tom Hogue, Sherry Jacob-Phillips, Susan Fenton, Frances Kerry, and Alexandra Hudson)YourUpdate TV Speaks with Mike Bako About the Best Gifts and Gadgets for Holiday Season

Open Text Corp. stock rises Thursday, outperforms market

Legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers is finally opening up about his strained relationship with his family. In his new documentary, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma , Rodgers explained that he has “stunted emotional intelligence” because of the lack of open emotion in his home growing up. “I think I saw my dad cry when my grandfather passed. And that might have been it,” Rodgers shared. “There wasn’t space for emotion.” Rodgers’ brother, Jordan, first opened up about the family’s rift during his time on The Bachelorette in 2016. During a hometown date with his now-wife JoJo Fletcher, the family explained that while they “miss” Rodgers, they no longer have a relationship with him. In a 2017 profile with The New York Times , Rodgers’ father, Ed, confirmed that he hadn’t spoken to his son in three years. “Fame can change things,” he said. At the time, Rodgers said he didn’t want to talk about his family publicly. In the doc, Rodgers spoke about his family while participating in an ayahuasca ceremony. The quarterback said the psychedelic drug allows users to “model a new way of thinking about masculinity, or what it means to be a man.” Released bodycam footage shows Paris Hilton’s ex-fiancé, Chris Zylka, in a chaotic brawl with police after a failed carjacking. Police in a Cleveland suburb first responded to reports of a shirtless, barefoot man walking in traffic in freezing temperatures on Dec. 4, local outlet WKBN first reported. Zylka was found in the middle of an intersection, where he allegedly tried to break into a woman’s car. He pointed a cell phone at the cops and began foaming at the mouth, leading officers to believe he was under the influence of drugs, according to the police report. Footage shows Zylka struggling with police officers and resisting arrest even after being tasered in the leg twice. He was then put in an ambulance by paramedics. The actor is now facing felony charges of assault and attempt to commit an offense, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and aggravated menacing. Hilton and Zylka started dating in 2017 after being friends for years. He proposed in early 2018 during a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado, but they called off their engagement in November that same year. Posters are a great way to celebrate your favorite fandom. But if you’re looking for that real “WOW!” factor, nothing beats Fathead . For 17 years, Fathead has been an industry leader in officially licensed graphic wall art across sports and entertainment. You can even create personalized products, making big-head cutouts and life-size wall decals from your own photos. Installing the decals is a breeze. Unroll the decal and lie it flat. Wipe down your wall with a damp cloth. After the wall is dry, peel off the decal backing and apply it slowly, smoothing out any bubbles as you go. Need to adjust? 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Vanderpump Rules alum James Kennedy is refusing to apologize for his domestic violence arrest . “We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,” Kennedy’s attorneys said in a statement to the Daily Mail . “We understand that there were no injuries and we are hoping that, after careful review, the city’s attorneys will decide not to file formal charges.” Police were called to Kennedy’s home on Tuesday because of an argument between Kennedy and a woman. That night, Kennedy attended Kathy Hilton’s Christmas party with girlfriend Ally Lewber, though it’s unknown if she is the victim. Police told People that after an investigation, they arrested the reality star for misdemeanor domestic violence. He later posted $20,000 bail. A source at the Christmas party told People that Kennedy was acting “super aggressive.” “He was acting so erratic, running back and forth to the bar and body-checking people along the way,” the source alleged. “He appeared inebriated. Spent the evening mostly alone but when he did speak to people, he appeared irritated and rude.” A doctor has rubbished Brandi Glanville’s scary medical theory about her “deflated” face , saying he’s concerned about an infection that started via an injection. The 52-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum claims doctor s told her that it may have been caused by “a parasite that jumps around my face.” But Dr. Terry Dubrow, from Botched , has said he’s “concerned about an infectious process”. He told TMZ : “It’s an infectious process or a foreign body reaction to something she’s had injected.” A foreign body reaction is the response of biological tissue to any foreign material in the tissue, despite it often being inert and nontoxic, according to ScienceDirect.com Dubrow added: “Brandi needs a diagnosis... she has to figure out if there’s a microorganism in there. It’s not gonna be a parasite, it’s not gonna be something she ate... it’s going to be something that got into her bloodstream though, and seeded some foreign body.” Dubrow thinks Glanville either has a micro bacterium, a type of bacteria, or a fungus, a type of organism. Sick it! pic.twitter.com/hrtAzRwOCW Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 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A Buckingham Palace maid was arrested this week after she allegedly went “crazy” following a staff Christmas party which saw glasses and punches thrown in a London bar. A report in The Sun said as many as 50 royal servants gathered for an after-party following drinks at the palace Tuesday when the maid, 24, took a swing at a bar manager, threw glasses, and was ultimately arrested for common assault, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly. She was released after 24 hours with a fine. “The group walked in and this one girl just got hysterical,” a source told The Sun . “She started smashing glasses and abusing our staff members, so we had to call the police. I’ve never seen one person get that crazy during a night out. She was on another level.” A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident outside the workplace involving a number of Household staff who had previously attended an early evening reception at the Palace. While this was an informal social gathering, not an official palace Christmas party, the facts will be fully investigated, with a robust disciplinary process followed in relation to individual staff and appropriate action taken.” Is Melania Trump finally back in action? The incoming first lady is joining Donald Trump on Sunday for a private dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Akie Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to reports. Her husband, who was assassinated at a political rally in 2022, reportedly won over Trump during his first term with the proven combination of golf and flattery. Trump and Akie Abe have stayed close, with the president-elect regularly calling her to check in, a source told CNN. Melania Trump is scheduled to attend Sunday’s dinner, her latest public appearance after being largely absent on the campaign trail earlier this year. She also accompanied her husband to the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday for Trump’s ringing of the opening bell. Melania has always been a somewhat reluctant first lady, and it’s still not clear how much time she plans to spend in Washington after Trump takes office in January. She did, however, tell Fox & Friends last week that at least she knows what to expect this time around. Trump is set to have a private dinner this Sunday with Akie Abie, the widow of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a person familiar says. The dinner will take place at Mar-a-Lago and Melania Trump is expected to attend. Trump and Mrs. Abe have maintained a close... The woman who accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape in 2006 has admitted she fabricated the entire story—18 years after her case captivated the nation before quickly falling apart. Crystal Mangum, the woman at the center of the scandal who is serving a prison sentence for the murder of her boyfriend years later, confessed to lying about the assaults in a new podcast interview. “I testified falsely against them by saying that they raped me when they didn’t and that was wrong, and I betrayed the trust of a lot of other people who believed in me, and made up a story that wasn’t true because I wanted validation from people and not from God,” Mangum told the podcast Let’s Talk with Kat . Mangum, who was working as an exotic dancer who performed at a lacrosse team party in March 2006, called the three lacrosse players she previously accused her “brothers,” and asked for their forgiveness. “I hurt my brothers, and I hope that they can forgive me, and I want them to know that I love them and they didn’t deserve it. I hope they can forgive me.” The charges against the three lacrosse players were dropped by then-North Carolina Attorney General (and current Governor) Roy Cooper in 2007. The Durham County prosecutor who charged the Duke students was eventually disbarred and convicted of contempt of court for giving the defense incomplete DNA test results that would have excluded the lacrosse players, local station WRAL reported at the time. More than 18 years after the Duke lacrosse allegations, Crystal Mangum admits that she made it all up. "I testified falsely against [the lacrosse players] by saying that they raped me when they didn't...I made up a story that wasn't true...I hope that they can forgive me." pic.twitter.com/3yMjbQTQXH In his first story since being wrongly imprisoned in Russia for a year-and-a-half, the Wall Street Journal ’s Evan Gershkovich describes previously unreported details about the organization responsible for it, as well as his initial detainment and his release this past August. Gershkovich and his co-authors write how the Department of Counterintelligence Operations, known as DKRO, arrests Americans in Russia for use as “trade bait” for Russian prisoners in Western countries. “DKRO is the Kremlin’s most elite security force. It wields the power to compel hundreds of thousands of personnel across Russia into surveilling, intimidating, or arresting foreigners and the Russians it suspects of working with them,” the report states. Of his arrest in March 2023 on false charges of being a CIA agent, Gershkovich writes, “...The chief investigator on my case explained that I had been arrested and charged as a CIA agent because DKRO had said that’s what I was. ‘That’s enough for me,' the investigator said.” The reporter and his colleagues were also able to identify the official who leads DKRO, and who was on board the plane with Gershkovich, American Paul Whelan, and other prisoners before the swap: Lt. Gen. Dmitry Minaev, who “has a hands-on role in selecting which Americans to arrest, and which Russians to trade them for.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Apparently, boosting prostate health can actually be pleasurable—at least, that’s what premium sexual wellness brand MysteryVibe says. The Molto, an ultra-slim and bendable prostate vibrator designed by a doctor, is engineered to be the same size and width as a doctor’s finger and to mimic similar motions to that performed during an exam, allowing for not only intense prostate (the prostate is often hailed as the male ‘G-spot’) and anal stimulation but also a release of prostatic fluids. According to the brand, some studies have found that excess prostatic fluid can lead to inflammation and pressure, so not only is this a sex toy , but it’s also possibly an investment in your prostate health. Think of it almost like a lymphatic massage for your prostate—except one that can give you intense orgasms, too. Made with body-safe silicone, the multifunctional and gender-fluid vibrator is powered by one “anatomically-placed” motor that delivers potent yet precise vibration to the anus and prostate without feeling bulky or inflexible. It’s a great sex toy for those new to anal play or who are looking for an ultra-sleek vibrator with possible health-boosting benefits. The prostate vibrator is equipped with 16 vibration settings and eight pre-set vibration patterns, allowing for superior control and customization. Plus, the device comes with access to a catalog of vibration patterns with the free MysteryVibe smartphone app. Best of all? Because the Molto vibrator is an FDA-registered class II medical device, it’s also FSA/HSA eligible. Twelve unreleased Michael Jackson tracks were discovered by a former California Highway Patrol officer recently in an abandoned storage unit. Gregg Musgrove, 56, was contacted by an associate about a storage unit he bought in the Van Nuys neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley. The unit belonged to music producer and singer Byran Loren at one point, though his current whereabouts are unknown, according to Musgrove. In the unit, Musgrove found 12 unreleased tracks from the King of Pop that he seemingly worked on between 1989 and 1991, before the release of Dangerous . “I’ve gone to all the fan sites. Some of [the songs] are rumored to exist, some of them have been leaked a little bit,” Musgrove told The Hollywood Reporter . “A couple aren’t even out there in the world.” Among the unreleased tracks, is a song titled “Truth Youth” which is seemingly a rap duet between Jackson and LL Cool J. “I’m listening to this stuff, and I would get goosebumps because nobody’s ever heard this stuff before,” Musgrove continued. After the Jackson Estate declined to purchase the tapes for unknown reasons, Musgrove explained that they still own the copyright, meaning they likely will never be released publicly. Morgan Wallen has been sentenced to a week of incarceration and two years’ probation after pleading guilty to throwing a chair from the roof of a bar in Nashville, Tennessee. On Thursday, a Nashville judge ordered the country music star to serve a seven-day incarceration at a DUI education center, and sentenced him to two years’ probation for each of his misdemeanor charges for reckless endangerment. Wallen also has to pay a fine of $350 and court fees. “Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved,” his attorney Worrick Robinson IV said in a statement to People magazine. “Mr. Wallen remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation.” The singer was initially arrested on April 7 after throwing a chair from the roof of Chief’s Bar in Nashville. Per court records obtained by People, he was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xcoub, a rising star in the decentralized finance (DeFi) staking space, has successfully closed a $7 million Series A funding round. Although the investors remain undisclosed, this significant investment highlights the growing confidence in Xcoub's ability to revolutionize the staking ecosystem. Renowned for its state-of-the-art technology, multi-chain compatibility, and user-centric design, Xcoub is quickly establishing itself as the go-to platform for secure and flexible staking solutions worldwide. Driving Innovation in DeFi Staking At the core of Xcoub's success is its advanced multi-chain staking platform, supporting over 10 leading blockchain networks, including Ethereum (ETH), Aptos (APT), and Optimism (OP). Xcoub's diverse staking options empower users to maximize returns while effectively managing risks, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced investors. The platform is constantly evolving, introducing intuitive features that streamline the staking process and cater to both retail and institutional users. With a robust roadmap centered on technological growth and user satisfaction, Xcoub is paving the way for the next era in DeFi staking. Security First: The Bug Bounty Program Xcoub has launched a comprehensive Bug Bounty Program, offering up to $100,000 in rewards for identifying potential platform vulnerabilities. This proactive initiative fosters collaboration with global developers and security experts, ensuring the platform maintains top-tier security and reliability. By prioritizing user asset safety, Xcoub builds trust and sets a high standard for security in the DeFi space. Scaling Globally and Setting New Standards Armed with $7 million in Series A funding, Xcoub plans to expand its global reach, strengthen its presence in key markets, and grow its community of users. The funds will fuel infrastructure upgrades, the introduction of new features, and scaling efforts to meet the demands of DeFi enthusiasts worldwide. By focusing on scalability, innovation, and user empowerment, Xcoub is poised to set new benchmarks for DeFi staking. Its commitment to delivering high-performance, secure, and user-friendly staking solutions makes it a key player in the evolving decentralized finance landscape. A Vision for the Future As a pioneer in decentralized finance, Xcoub envisions a future where staking is accessible, secure, and profitable for everyone. Through continuous innovation and a focus on simplifying complex processes, Xcoub is ready to lead the next wave of DeFi evolution. Its dedication to addressing user challenges positions the platform as a transformative force in the industry. About Xcoub Xcoub is a decentralized finance (DeFi) staking platform built to simplify and elevate the staking experience for users worldwide. Supporting over 10 major blockchain networks, Xcoub offers secure, flexible, and high-yield staking opportunities. With a focus on innovation, user experience, and security, Xcoub is redefining DeFi staking and setting new standards for the industry. Xcoub Dapp: Xcoub.com Media Contact: Name: Eric Smith, Xcoub Finance Website: https://xcoub.com/ Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: This content is provided by Xcoub Finance . The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b57ed6e-4d4f-4ec1-b668-af9b68d563fa https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8556f13d-4808-4be5-bea1-0643a9572c41 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24cc26e8-be06-4113-b2d6-cede8e5478ae https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28fc6951-66b1-469a-8f3b-410c2a8220be

Thousands of Syrians gathered in Damascus’ main square and a historic mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since former President Bashar Assad was overthrown , a major symbolic moment for the country’s dramatic change of power. The rebels are now working to establish security and start a political transition after seizing the capital on Sunday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Friday, pressing ahead with efforts to unify Middle East nations in support of a peaceful political transition in Syria. It’s part of Blinken’s 12th trip to the Mideast since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year in Gaza but his first after Assad was ousted. The U.S. is also making a renewed push for an ceasefire in Gaza, where the war has plunged more than 2 million Palestinians into a severe humanitarian crisis. Israel’s war against Hamas has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The October 2023 attack by Hamas in southern Israel that sparked the war killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and around 250 others were taken hostage. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here's the latest: WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has transported out of Syria an American who disappeared seven months ago into former President Bashar Assad’s notorious prison system and was among the thousands released this week by rebels, a U.S. official said Friday. Travis Timmerman was flown out of Syria on a U.S. military helicopter, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing operation. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Timmerman said he was released Monday morning alongside a young Syrian man and 70 female prisoners, some of whom had their children with them. He had been held separately from Syrian and other Arab prisoners and said he didn’t know of any other Americans held in the facility. — By Lolita C. Baldor THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A Dutch court on Friday rejected a bid from human rights groups to block weapons exports to Israel and trading with the occupied territories, after finding there were sufficient checks already in place to comply with international law. The ten organizations told The Hague District Court last month that they thought the Netherlands was in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention, drawn up following World War II, by continuing to sell weapons to Israel more than a year into the conflict in Gaza. “The government uses my own tax money, that I pay, to kill my own family. I’ve lost 18 members of my own family,” Ahmed Abofoul, a legal adviser for the pro-Palestinian organization Al-Haq, one of the groups involved in the lawsuit, told the court during a hearing in November . The court ruling said that “it is not up to the interim relief judge to order the state to reconsider government policy. That is primarily a political responsibility.” Lawyers for the government argued it wasn’t up to a judge to decide foreign policy for the Netherlands. The activist groups pointed to several emergency orders from another court, the International Court of Justice, as confirming the obligation to stop weapons sales. In January, the top U.N. court said it was plausible Palestinians were being deprived of some rights protected under the Genocide Convention. The coalition said it will review the court’s ruling and is considering an appeal. CAIRO — Israeli attacks in and around a hospital in northern Gaza wounded three medical staff overnight into Friday and caused damage to the isolated medical facility, according to its director. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya said Israeli quadcopter drones carrying explosives deliberately targeted the emergency and reception area of Kamal Adwan Hospital, where one doctor was wounded for a third time. Abu Safiya said “relentless” drone and artillery strikes throughout the night exploded “alarmingly close” to the hospital, heavily damaging nearby buildings and destroying most of the water tanks on the hospital’s roof and blowing out doors and windows. Kamal Adwan Hospital in the town of Beit Lahiya has been hit multiple times over the past two months since Israel launched a fierce military operation against Hamas in northern Gaza. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the strikes. “We demand international protection for the hospital and its staff,” Abu Safiya said in a statement released via the U.K.-based aid group Medical Aid for Palestinians, “as well as the entry of delegations with surgical expertise, medical supplies, and essential medications to ensure we can adequately serve the people we are treating.” Abu Safiya said there were 72 wounded patients at the hospital, one of the few medical facilities left in northern Gaza. He said he expected Israeli forces would allow a World Health Organization aid convoy to bring supplies to the hospital on Friday or Saturday, as well as a team of doctors from Indonesia. Israel has allowed almost no humanitarian or medical aid to enter the three besieged communities in northern Gaza — Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and the urban Jabaliya refugee camp — and ordered tens of thousands to flee to nearby Gaza City. Israeli officials have said the three communities are mostly deserted, but the United Nations humanitarian office said Tuesday it believes around 65,000 to 75,000 people are still there, with little access to food, water, electricity or health care. Experts have warned that the north may be experiencing famine . BAGHDAD — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced stop in Iraq on Friday on his latest visit to the Middle East aimed at stabilizing the situation in Syria to prevent further regional turmoil. Blinken met in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani as part of the hastily arranged trip, his 12th to the region since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but his first since the weekend ouster of Syrian strongman Bashar Assad. Blinken has already been to Jordan and Turkey on his current tour and will return to Jordan for urgent meetings on Saturday with Arab foreign ministers to try to unify support for an inclusive post-Assad transition that does not allow the Islamic State group to take advantage of the political vacuum in Syria and secures suspected chemical weapons stocks. In Baghdad, Blinken “will underscore U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership and to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty,” the State Department said. “He will also discuss regional security opportunities and challenges, as well as enduring U.S. support for engagement with all communities in Syria to establish an inclusive transition,” it said in a statement. His trip comes as the Biden administration winds down with just over a month left before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has been highly critical of Biden’s approach to the Middle East and skeptical of the U.S. military presence in both Iraq and Syria. The U.S. and Iraq agreed in September to wrap up U.S.-led military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq next year, although Assad’s ouster and the potential for the group taking advantage of a political vacuum in Syria could complicate the timing of the withdrawal, according to American officials. DAMASCUS — The kingdom of Bahrain sent a message Friday to Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It said Bahrain is “fully prepared to consult with you continuously and to provide support in regional and international organizations to achieve what is in the interest of the brotherly Syrian people.” It added, “We look forward to Syria regaining its authentic role in the Arab League.” Bahrain is the current head of the Arab summit. Syria was readmitted to the Arab League last year after 12 years of ostracization. It is still unclear how the international community will deal officially with the new interim government in Syria. JERUSALEM - Israel’s defense minister told troops to prepare to remain through the winter months on the peak of Mount Hermon, Syria’s highest point, located in a swath of southern Syria that Israeli troops moved into after the fall of Damascus to insurgents. The comments by Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled that the military will extend its occupation of the zone along the border, which Israel says it seized to create a buffer zone. In a statement Friday, Katz said that holding the peak was of major importance for Israel’s security and that it would be necessary to build facilities there to sustain troops through the winter. The summit of Mount Hermon, the highest peak on the eastern Mediterranean coast at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet), gives a commanding view over the plains of southern Syria. It also positions Israeli troops about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the center of Damascus. The mount is divided between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Lebanon and Syria. Only the United States recognizes Israel’s control of the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israeli troops would remain in the zone until another force across the border in Syria could guarantee security. Israeli troops moved into the zone -– set as a demilitarized area inside Syrian territory under truce deals that ended the 1973 Mideast war -- after the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell last weekend. ANKARA, Turkey -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. “There’s broad agreement on what we would like to see going forward, starting with the interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said in joint statements with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The insurgent groups that toppled Assad in Syria have not made clear their policy or stance on Israel, whose military in recent days has bombed sites all over the country, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands. Blinken also said it was crucial to keep the Islamic State group under control. “We also discussed the imperative of continuing the efforts to keep ISIS down. Our countries worked very hard and gave a lot over many years to ensure the elimination of the territorial caliphate of ISIS to ensure that that threat doesn’t rear its head again,” Blinken said. The Turkish foreign minister said the two discussed ways of establishing prosperity in Syria and ending terrorism in the country. “Our priority is establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant,” Fidan said, in a reference to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party. Blinken said: “We’re very focused on Syria, very focused on the opportunity that now is before us and before the Syrian people to move from out from under the shackles of Bashar al-Assad to a different and better future for the Syrian people, one that the Syrian people decide for themselves.” Blinken and Fidan said they had also discussed a ceasefire for Gaza. “We’ve seen in the last couple of weeks more encouraging signs that (a ceasefire) is possible,” Blinken said. Blinken, who is making his 12th trip to the Mideast since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but first since the weekend ouster of Assad, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan late Thursday. The outgoing Biden administration is particularly concerned that a power vacuum in Syria could exacerbate already heightened tensions in the region, which is already wracked by multiple conflicts, and create conditions for the Islamic State group to regain territory and influence. Later Friday, Blinken is to return to Jordan for meetings on Saturday with Arab foreign ministers and senior officials from the European Union, the Arab League and the United Nations. ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey has appointed a temporary charge d’affaires to reopen its embassy in Syria, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported. The Turkish Embassy in Damascus had suspended operations in 2012 due to the escalating security problems during the Syrian civil war and embassy staff and their families were recalled to Turkey. The Anadolu Agency said late Thursday that Turkey appointed Burhan Koroglu, its ambassador in Mauritania, to the post. UNITED NATIONS- – Two U.N. aid convoys were violently attacked in Gaza, making it virtually impossible for humanitarian agencies to operate without putting staff and civilians at risk, the U.N. food agency says. On Wednesday, a 70-truck convoy from Kerem Shalom was waiting for personnel to safeguard the food and other aid destined for central Gaza when there were reported attacks by Israeli forces in the nearby humanitarian zone, the U.N. World Food Program said Thursday. More than 50 people are now estimated to have died in the attacks, including civilians and local security personnel who had been expected to ensure the convoy’s safety, WFP said. The Rome-based agency said the convoy was forced to proceed from Kerem Shalom to central Gaza without any security arrangements, using the Philadelphi corridor, an Israeli-controlled route that had been recently approved and successfully utilized twice. On the way, WFP said, conflict and insecurity led to a loss of communication with the convoy for more than 12 hours. ”Eventually, the trucks were found but all food and aid supplies were looted,” the U.N. agency said. In a second incident, Israeli soldiers approached a WFP convoy moving out of the Kissufim crossing into central Gaza, fired warning shots, conducted extensive security checks, and temporarily detained drivers and staff, the agency said. “As the trucks were delayed, four out of the five trucks were lost to violent armed looting,” WFP said. UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations chief has a message for Israel: Stop the attacks on Syria. Secretary-General António Guterres is particularly concerned about several hundred Israeli airstrikes on several Syrian locations and stresses “the urgent need to de-escalate violence on all fronts throughout the country," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Thursday. The Israeli military said Tuesday it carried out more than 350 strikes in Syria over the previous 48 hours, hitting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country to stop them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also acknowledged pushing into a buffer zone inside Syria following last week’s overthrow of President Bashar Assad. The buffer zone was established after Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1973 war. Dujarric said Guterres condemns all actions violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two countries that remain in force. And the U.N. chief calls on the parties to uphold the agreement and end “all unauthorized presence in the area of separation” and refrain from any action undermining the ceasefire and stability in the Golan Heights, the spokesman said.

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot hailed “special” Mohamed Salah after seeing him fire the Premier League leaders to the brink of victory at Newcastle. The Reds ultimately left St James’ Park with only a point after Fabian Schar snatched a 3-3 draw at the end of a pulsating encounter, but Salah’s double – his 14th and 15th goals of the season – transformed a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead before the Switzerland defender’s late intervention. The 32-year-old Egypt international’s future at Anfield remains a topic of debate with his current contract running down. Asked about Salah’s future, Slot said: “It’s difficult for me to predict the long-term future, but the only thing I can expect or predict is that he is in a very good place at the moment. Two goals and an assist for Mo tonight 👏 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) “He plays in a very good team that provides him with good opportunities and then he is able to do special things. “And what makes him for me even more special is that in the first hour or before we scored to make it 1-1, you thought, ‘He’s not playing his best game today’, and to then come up with a half-hour or 45 minutes – I don’t know how long it was – afterwards with an assist, two goals, having a shot on the bar, being a constant threat, that is something not many players can do if they’ve played the first hour like he did. “That is also what makes him special. If you just look at the goals, his finish is so clinical. He’s a special player, but that’s what we all know.” Salah did indeed endure a quiet opening 45 minutes by his standards and it was the Magpies who went in at the break a goal to the good after Alexander Isak’s stunning 35th-minute finish. Slot said: “The shot from Isak, I don’t even know if Caoimh (keeper Caoimhin Kelleher) saw that ball, as hard as it was.” Salah set up Curtis Jones to level five minutes into the second half and after Anthony Gordon has restored the hosts’ lead, levelled himself from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 68th-minute cross. He looked to have won it with a fine turn and finish – his ninth goal in seven league games – seven minutes from time, only for Schar to pounce from a tight angle in the 90th minute. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was delighted with the way his team took the game to the Reds four days after their disappointing 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Howe, who admitted his surprise that VAR official Stuart Attwell had not taken a dimmer view of a Virgil van Dijk shoulder barge on Gordon, said: “It’s mixed emotions. “Part of me feels we should have won it – a big part of me – but part of me is pleased we didn’t lose either because it was such a late goal for us. “Generally, I’m just pleased with the performance. There was much more attacking output, a much better feel about the team. “There was much better energy, and it was a really good performance against, for me, the best team we’ve played so far this season in the Premier League, so it was a big jump forward for us.”

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CINCINNATI (AP) — Saturday’s wild overtime win over the Denver Broncos was the most important in what has been a mostly disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did the Bengals (8-8) win their fourth straight for the first time this season and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but they also finally made enough plays late to win a close game. Seven of their previous eight losses were by one score. And Cincinnati also got a win over one of the league’s better teams. Its seven previous victories came against sub-.500 teams. Joe Burrow, in the midst of the best season of his career, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1:07 left in overtime to win it 30-24. The final drive followed two critical stops by the Cincinnati defense. “We’ve known we had a good football team all along,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “And those (close) games are disappointing that we came up short, but they didn’t change our process. They didn’t change what our guys believed in. We didn’t have to change everything we did. We still believed in what we were doing. And now we’ve won four in a row, and we have to make it five in a row.” The playoffs are still a long shot. To get there, the Bengals will have to go into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers next weekend in the regular-season finale and also count on other bubble teams losing. RELATED COVERAGE Broncos can wipe away back-to-back heartbreakers and make playoffs by beating Kansas City Brock Purdy’s production takes a big drop for the 49ers in a trying season Cardinals’ Trey McBride reaches milestones, but deflection off helmet leads to loss What’s working The Bengals are playing their best football of the season. Burrow, battered by the Denver pass rush, completed nearly 80% of his passes in piling up 412 yards and three touchdowns. It marked his eighth straight game with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, extending his NFL record. ... Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against the Broncos, could finish the season with the receiving triple crown — most catches, yards and touchdowns. What needs help The offensive line continues to struggle, even with the return of starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Burrow rarely had a clean pocket, was constantly on the run and was sacked seven times and hit 15 times. Stock up The Cincinnati defense, much maligned this season, forced two Denver punts in overtime. The second one led to the Bengals’ game-winning drive. Linebacker Germaine Pratt intercepted Bo Nix to end a Denver drive in the fourth quarter. “For them to rise up and get those two stops and allow the offense a shot to go win it (is) big-time stuff,” Taylor said. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and was the recipient of all three of Burrow’s touchdown passes. “Everybody can see what kind of player he is,” Burrow said of Higgins, who is playing this season with the franchise tag. “He elevates us to a different level when he’s playing like that.” Stock down Kicker Cade York, who was signed in early December to fill in for the injured Evan McPherson, had a chance to win the game with 2:49 left in overtime, but his 33-yard field-goal attempt bounced off the left upright. Injuries RB Chase Brown sprained his ankle in an awkward slide as the Bengals tried to run out the clock in regulation. ... OT Amarius Mims suffered an injury to his right hand. Key number 499 — total yards by the Bengals against Denver. Next steps The Bengals finish the season at Pittsburgh. The Steelers beat them 44-38 on Dec. 1. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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Scanlan: Time for legislators to protect womenLosing to older brother John Harbaugh and seeing the Los Angeles Chargers' four-game winning streak snapped Monday night might be the least of Jim Harbaugh's problems this week. The Chargers are holding their breath that running back J.K. Dobbins isn't seriously hurt after he left with a knee injury late in the first half of the Chargers’ 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens . Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

NoneA Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea, with 181 people on board, crashed during landing on Sunday, leaving 179 dead and only two survivors rescued from the wreckage. Officials said a Boeing 737-800, operated by low-cost carrier Jeju Air, was warned of a bird strike by the control tower during its first landing attempt at Muan airport, after departing from Bangkok around 9:00 am (0000 GMT). Moments later, the pilot declared a “mayday” and tried to land again. Footage captured the plane attempting a belly landing, its landing gear still retracted. Dramatic footage shows the plane skidding along the runway, trailing smoke, before crashing into a wall at the end and bursting into flames . All 175 passengers and four of the six crew members on board were killed in the crash. The passengers, aged three to 78, were all Korean apart from two Thais, authorities said. Rescue workers rescued two survivors, flight attendants aged 25 and 33, from the wreckage. What caused the accident? Investigations have begun, with officials focusing on a potential bird strike and adverse weather as possible causes. “It really has to be a series of catastrophic events that led to such a high loss of life,” aviation consultant Philip Butterworth-Hayes told AFP. “Crash protection systems on board are extremely robust,” he said, describing the disaster as “the most serious incident I've seen” in recent years. When asked whether the runway might be too short , one official said this was likely not a factor. "The runway is 2,800 metres long," or 9,200 feet, “and similar-sized aircraft have been operating on it without issues,” the official said. Both black boxes -- the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder -- have been recovered, deputy transport minister Joo Jong-wan said. What is a bird strike? A bird strike -- a collision between a bird and an aircraft in flight -- can be hazardous to aircraft. Jets can lose power if birds are sucked into their air intakes, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency. Bird strikes have caused a number of fatal accidents globally. “We're looking at substantial birds hitting an engine, and that is, as we know, very rare,” said Butterworth-Hayes. He mentioned the famous "Miracle on the Hudson" incident in 2009, when a US Airways Airbus A320 was forced to ditch in New York's Hudson River after a bird strike damaged both of its engines. All aboard managed to escape. Hundreds of firefighters, emergency responders, and military personnel were deployed to the Muan airport area, with the acting president declaring it a special disaster zone. Meanwhile, family members, many in tears, waited on the airport's first floor. What is government's response? The accident occurred with South Korea in the throes of a political crisis that began when then-president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, days before being impeached. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, on his third day in office, convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members Sunday and visited the crash scene. With AFP inputs

Jefferies says market nears short term “peak RFK negativity", Vaccine makers upRockland Trust acquires Enterprise BankBiden Says Carter to Receive a State Funeral in WashingtonSAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- Today, 3D generative AI company Backflip announced it is emerging from stealth with $30 million in funding, co-led by NEA and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Angel investors include CTO of Microsoft and co-founder of LinkedIn Kevin Scott, Android founder and AI futurist Rich Miner, and Ashish Vaswani, co-author of the groundbreaking Attention is All You Need research paper. Started by CEO Greg Mark and CTO David Benhaim — the founding team behind carbon fiber and metal industrial 3D printing company Markforged — Backflip started with an audacious premise: What if designers and engineers could go from ideas to reality at the speed of their imagination? What if one designer could move at the speed of 100? That’s the world Backflip is making a reality. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218887310/en/ A 3D printed copper mug designed in Backflip. (Photo: Business Wire) “The promise of AI extends far beyond transforming knowledge — it is the catalyst for building a world once only imagined,” said Lila Tretikov, NEA Partner and Head of AI Strategy. “I seek out extraordinary founders capable of driving this transformative vision across massive industries, from manufacturing and construction to transportation and robotics. The Backflip team stands at the forefront of this new industrial age at a pivotal time revitalizing American manufacturing, strengthening national security, and accelerating economic prosperity.” Andrew Chen, General Partner at a16z, added, “The line between the physical and virtual world continues to blur. At the cutting edge of all computing advancements has been the push to create 3D simulations in virtual worlds that mirror the real world. That holy grail is within reach now thanks to the convergence of 3D photorealism born out of gaming and VFX with complex physics-based simulations born out of engineering. That's why we're so excited about Backflip's new technology, which will let users turn text into physical reality.” Today, designers and engineers use traditional 3D design software to transform their ideas into digital models to build the modern world. These 3D design tools are the essential backbone of industry, and they unlock the ability to design, refine and create — from film industry special effects to next-generation aircraft, consumer packaged goods, video game characters, and everything in between. While powerful, they are incredibly slow, and fundamentally throttle the design process. Every product that ships has done so without features and refinements that could have been added if the design process was more efficient. “Each era of humanity is defined by the tools we harness. The last 50 years has brought incredible improvement to the pace of innovation in software and electronics, but the design of physical products has lagged behind. We’re building a next-generation design tool that allows a small team to move with the velocity of the biggest engineering army in the world. This is a giant leap forward in bringing design and manufacturing back to the U.S.,” said Mark. Backflip is fundamentally reinventing this status quo, building tools and a foundational AI model that turbocharges the design process for everything in the physical world. Complex designs that would have taken days can now be done in minutes. Today, it is unveiling its first product, an AI-powered design platform that translates user inputs into high resolution, 3D-printable models, and collapses the barriers between idea and execution. Users can produce real parts from a simple text description, or even by snapping a photo of something that broke and needs to be replaced. “AI language models capture how we think, vision models capture how we see, and Backflip is creating foundation models that capture how we build,” said Benhaim. “We’ve invented a novel neural representation that teaches AI to think in 3D, unlocking a new category of models. That development yields 60x more efficient training, 10x faster inference and 100x the spatial resolution of existing state of the art methods. Our series of 3D foundation models will form the kernel for building the real world.” Mark and Benhaim are a unique team of hard tech and software founders who love to build. Prior to founding Backflip, they founded Markforged where they invented carbon fiber and mixed-metal 3D printing. These new processes drove a 20x increase in strength of 3D printed parts and unlocked production capabilities for military, aerospace, and other manufacturing sectors with unyieldingly high performance standards. They grew the company to a public listing in 2021 with a $2.1 billion valuation. Markforged parts are used every day in mission critical applications on places like the International Space Station, automotive manufacturing plants, and U.S. nuclear submarines. About Backflip Backflip is pioneering AI technology for the designers and engineers who create the physical infrastructure of modern life. Its AI-powered 3D design software collapses barriers between idea and implementation and is built for creative problem-solvers across widespread industries, including in mission critical sectors like aerospace, defense and transportation. Designers, engineers and companies interested in working with Backflip can find out more on the web at backflip.ai . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218887310/en/ CONTACT: Media contact: Chelsea Allison CMAND for Backflip chelsea@cmand.co KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY OTHER DEFENSE TRANSPORT AEROSPACE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURING DATA MANAGEMENT DEFENSE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Backflip Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 02:36 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 02:36 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218887310/en

Trump declined to sign a separate agreement to give his team access to secure offices and email accounts.In the HBO documentary “Surveilled,” Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow travels across the globe to investigate and expose the dark underbelly of the multi-billion-dollar advanced spyware industry. The film reveals that repressive regimes aren’t alone in using spyware to hack into citizens’ cell phones and computers clandestinely; democratic governments are also guilty of spying on unknowing individuals. “In recent years, we have seen a succession of Western democracies, where people really thought, “It can’t happen here” have these scandals where the use of commercial spyware technology spirals out of control despite constitutions in place that should prevent it,” says Farrow, whose most recent article for the New Yorker details how the Trump administration could expand the use of commercial spyware in the U.S. The article examines the Department of Homeland Security’s recently signed two-million-dollar contract with the Israeli spyware company Paragon. “A number of experts told me that the Department of Homeland Security acquiring this technology doesn’t necessarily mean, even if it’s intended for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), that it will only be used by ICE for immigration purposes,” says Farrow. “Not that we should lack concern about ICE marrying up Donald Trump ‘s promise of mass deportation with advanced spyware technology. But a lot of the privacy law experts that I spoke with told me that we should all really be concerned even if you don’t think of yourself as being in a vulnerable category. Even if you are not a politician, an activist, or a journalist, you are still looking at a situation where you might not know that you are being targeted until after the fact, and that’s another reason why it was important to me in this documentary, to tell the stories of innocent bystanders who are apolitical, who get caught up in these dragnets.” Farrow began reporting on the spyware industry after he was the target of cyber surveillance during his investigation into Harvey Weinstein that would help launch the 2017 #MeToo movement. “I came to (this subject) quite naturally in the course of being surveilled in various ways myself while reporting on tricky stories that pissed people off,” says Farrow. “It was personally frightening and devastating. It’s not just information gathering; there is a dimension of intimidation to it and, maybe even more consequentially, it shrinks the space for us to do our work as journalists.” Directed by Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, “Surveilled” takes viewers inside the secretive industry while also illuminating how the digital spy business is reshaping contemporary concepts of privacy and power. The docu, which made its world debut at DOC NYC this month, examines ethical dilemmas that citizens and governments must now navigate in the brave new world of cyberespionage. Variety spoke to Farrow about Trump, the future of the #MeToo movement, and how to fend off being hacked. Farrow: I try to stay away from speculation other than talking about the capacities we have right now, the promises being made, and how those could collide in scary ways. We don’t know what will happen, but I do know that an array of serious privacy law experts are in a state of high alarm now looking at the fact that Donald Trump is making this promise of mass deportation. Also, the threats he is making to subject political enemies to tribunals and the idea he has conveyed that journalists who protect sources should go to jail have put privacy law experts in a high state of alarm (because) those promises become a lot scarier when married up with this kind of (spy) technology that his administration will have at its fingertips. It’s a huge concern. If we want freedom of expression and freedom of information, then we need to have privacy rights and devices that can’t be so easily compromised. We need to have checks and balances on these (spy) tools, and one of the big casualties when those checks and balances go away and when these devices are just a public space, and there is no room for private conversations, is journalism. I don’t want to see a reality in which the Trump administration makes good on what he’s saying about imprisoning people in our profession who protect their sources. Unfortunately, that reality becomes a lot more likely to transpire if this tech is used in an unfettered way. Write to your representatives and call them to say that you want accountability on this issue. While there are few complete defenses against advanced hacking technology, a daily reboot of your phone is something multiple tech experts have advised in the course of my reporting. I can’t give a satisfying answer to the question because the important part of my relationship with that reporting is that I really was just acting not as an activist but as an investigative reporter. The separate issue that you raised about Trump’s appointments, I think, is just linked to this wider pattern that we are seeing with those appointments, which has been described by very credible journalists in recent days as a trolling operation. Having people who have disregarded and flouted the very thing that the agency they are going to be running is designed to protect that’s happening over and over again. So, while it has a dimension of perhaps nose-thumbing at standards of consent and accountability around sexual violence, it is really just part and parcel with a moment in which this administration is coming in with a lot of evidence of a lot of different types of disregard for the rule of law. “Surveilled” is currently streaming on Max.

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NEW YORK -- A person of interest is in custody following the targeted attack of Brian Thompson, the CEO of major insurance group UnitedHealthcare who was fatally shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel ahead of an investor conference, police said Monday. VIDEO: Latest in arrest of person of interest in CEO shooting 'Strong' person of interest identified A "strong person of interest" has been located in Pennsylvania, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during a press briefing on Monday. The individual -- identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione -- was brought in for questioning after an employee at a McDonald's in Altoona recognized him from the wildly circulated images of the suspect in the shooting and called police, authorities said. Mangione was eating at the establishment, police said. He matches the description of the suspect being sought in the shooting, Adams said. He was carrying a firearm and suppressor "both consistent with the weapon used in the murder," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during the press briefing. He also had "multiple fraudulent IDs," including a fake New Jersey ID matching the ID the suspect used to check into his New York City hostel before the shooting incident, Tisch said. Police also recovered clothing, including a mask consistent with those worn by the wanted individual, as well as a "handwritten document that speaks to both his motivation and mindset," she said. Mangione was arrested on unrelated charges Monday, police said. He was in possession of a ghost gun capable of firing a 9mm round and will face gun charges in Altoona, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters during the briefing. The NYPD is sending detectives to Altoona to interview him and are going through the recovered writings and his social media, police said. VIDEO: UnitedHealthcare CEO killing timeline: What we know so far "It does seem that he had some ill will toward corporate America," Kenny said. Mangione was born and raised in Maryland and has ties to San Francisco and Honolulu, Kenny said. He has no prior arrest history in New York, Kenny said. Police have said the suspect appeared to be lying in wait outside the Hilton hotel on Wednesday in what they said was a "premeditated" attack. The shooter arrived at the scene about five minutes before Thompson before shooting the victim in the chest around 6:40 a.m., police said. The suspect is believed to have left New York City following the shooting, police said. Mangione is a graduate of Penn Mangione is graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, a university spokesperson told WPVI-TV. He majored in computer science and graduated in May 2020. New photos released NYPD officials released new images this weekend of the suspect being sought in the shooting in the back of a taxi, where he could be seen peering through the open slider in the partition between the seats. Backpack contained Monopoly money Police found a backpack believed to belong to the suspected shooter in Central Park on Friday evening, police sources told ABC News. The backpack contained fake money from the game Monopoly and a Tommy Hilfiger jacket, sources said. The backpack was found after NYPD deployed an army of officers and drones to conduct a grid search, police sources said earlier. As of Saturday, three days after the shooting, sources close to the investigation told ABC News the New York Police Department is making progress toward identifying the gunman but, as of now, still has not done so. On Friday, police said they believed the gunman left New York City following the shooting -- ditching his bike on the Upper West Side and taking a taxi to a Port Authority bus facility at 178th Street. Police said they believe he boarded a bus there because they did not see him on video leaving the facility. Suspect stayed at hostel The NYPD released on Thursday new photos of the suspect, seen without a mask, while asking for the public's help in identifying him. The images were taken from a surveillance camera at the HI New York City Hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Police had obtained a warrant to search after coming to believe the suspect stayed there, sources told ABC News. Police were able to find an image of the suspect without his face mask because he was flirting with the woman who checked him into the hostel, police sources told ABC News. As he stood at the check-in desk, the sources said the woman asked to see his smile. The suspected shooter obliged, pulling down his mask long enough for the surveillance camera to capture his face. It appears the suspect shared a room with two other men, according to police sources. The suspect likely checked into the hostel on Nov. 24, checked out and then checked back in again on Nov. 30, according to sources. It's not clear when the surveillance image was captured. The suspected shooter checked into the hostel using a New Jersey license that wasn't his own, according to police sources. Detectives ran the name and found it did not resemble any known photos of the suspect or other evidence amassed so far, the sources said. Suspect arrived in NYC 10 days before shooting: Sources The suspect came to New York City on Nov. 24 on a Greyhound bus, when a surveillance camera at Port Authority Bus Terminal caught his arrival at 9 p.m., law enforcement sources told ABC News. The inbound bus originated in Atlanta but it was not immediately clear where the suspect boarded. The sources said he was spotted on board in Washington, D.C., so he boarded there or somewhere between D.C. and Atlanta. Both Greyhound and the parent company of the hostel, Hostelling International USA, said in a statement that they are "fully cooperating with the NYPD" but cannot comment further due to the active investigation. The 10-day period has been the focus of investigative efforts. Police have collected a lot of video of the suspect all over the city -- in the subway, in cabs, in a McDonald's, according to sources. Each place he paid with cash and he made sure to keep his mask on, according to sources. Whereabouts day of the shooting Police have released photos of the suspect in a mask, captured at a Starbucks near the hotel before the shooting, according to New York ABC station WABC. He was described by police as wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a "very distinctive" gray backpack. Sources told ABC News the suspected shooter was also seen on video much earlier, at 5 a.m. the day of the shooting, near the hostel carrying what appears to be an e-bike battery. New cleared CCTV video shows a man who appears to be the suspect walking west on 55th Street at 6:19 a.m. The video shows him stoop down as he appears to momentarily drop an object on the garbage before continuing to walk. Writing discovered on shell casings Detectives later discovered writing on the shell casings found at the scene where Thompson was gunned down, police sources told ABC News. Detectives were working to determine whether the words were meant as a message from the shooter and a hint at his motive. Written on the shell casings were the words "deny," "defend" and "depose," according to sources. Other evidence: cellphone, water bottle, candy wrapper After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot into an alley, where a phone was recovered, according to Kenny. He then fled on an e-bike and he was last seen riding into Central Park at 6:48 a.m., police said. Police released photos of the suspect holding a firearm and on a bike. Detectives have also retrieved a water bottle and candy wrapper from the area where he was apparently waiting, law enforcement sources said. After analysis, NYPD investigators believe the cellphone, candy wrapper and water bottle are linked to the shooter, police sources said. Investigators believe they were able to score DNA samples from several pieces of the evidence, law enforcement sources told ABC News on Friday. The samples are currently at the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be run through databases for a possible match, the sources said. That process could take a couple days. At the same time, NYPD detectives are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to try and track down the shooter along with the FBI, which has the most sophisticated technology for retrieving usable data from cellphones, sources said. Professional killer appears unlikely The victim's hotel room has already been accessed by investigators, whose top priority is determining Thompson's most recent conversations and movements, sources said. The working theory among detectives right now is that the shooting was carried out by someone who is not a professional killer because too many "mistakes" were made, sources said. Hitmen typically don't carry cell phones to their hits and the shots were fired from a distance that would be considered "too far" away from the victim, the sources said. Another photo appeared to show the man walking by the window of a cab. At this point, detectives are trying to determine whether Thompson was targeted because of some type of personal conflict or as a result of his work as an insurance executive, sources said. The killer apparently had some knowledge of Thompson's schedule on Wednesday and the fact that he would be arriving at the Hilton well before the company meeting was to begin, the sources said. Police are interviewing Thompson's colleagues and family about any potential specific threats, Kenny said. What we know about the victim Thompson, 50, was in New York City for the UnitedHealthcare investors conference, which was scheduled to start at 8 a.m. The conference was being held at the Hilton outside of which he was shot, but he was not staying there, police said. UnitedHealthcare's parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the world, said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson." "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," the company said. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him." Police and the FBI urge the public to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden said he’ll order a state funeral in Washington for Jimmy Carter, calling the former Democratic president who died Sunday “an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.” Most Read from Bloomberg While the White House didn’t immediately announce specific plans, state funerals for presidents usually include lying in state at the US Capitol and a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral. The US stock market has traditionally closed on the day of presidential funerals. No announcement has been made as of yet by exchange overseers. Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama were among those paying tribute to Middle East peace efforts and a long post-presidential run of humanitarian work by Carter, who died at age 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia. Obama drew an arc from Carter teaching Sunday school at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains “for most of his adult life” and the Camp David Accords to the former president’s appointing Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench, launching her path to the US Supreme Court. “He believed some things were more important than reelection – things like integrity, respect, and compassion,” Obama said in a statement. Biden’s statement, issued during his year-end vacation in the US Virgin Islands, included a tribute to Carter’s efforts to “eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” On Sunday evening, Biden commended Carter for his courage and humility in remarks at Company House Hotel in St. Croix. “Some look at Jimmy Carter and see a man of a bygone era,” he said. “I see a man, not only of our time, but for all times.” Biden said he’s spoken with some of Carter’s friends and members of his family who are planning services. When asked if there’s anything Trump could learn from Carter, Biden responded: “decency,” adding that “everybody deserves a shot.” The Trump transition team didn’t immediately respond for comment. Trump said Carter was a “truly good man” who “worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect.” “While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Trump frequently brought up Carter during the 2024 election campaign, seeking to use him as reference point for Biden’s presidency. “Biden is the worst president in the history of our country, worse than Jimmy Carter by a long shot,” Trump said at a campaign stop in Manhattan in April. “Jimmy Carter is happy because he has had a brilliant presidency compared to Biden.” During Trump’s first term in office, Carter criticized Trump, at one point accusing him in a 2018 CBS interview of being “careless with the truth.” Both Carter and his wife attended Trump’s inauguration in 2017. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger — a Republican who clashed with Trump over the state’s 2020 presidential election result — called Carter “a true-servant leader.” (Updates with additional Biden comment starting in eighth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek ©2024 Bloomberg L.P.Amended rules allow Saudi secondary school graduates with a diploma to work as assistant teachers

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99bet pkr The President of Ireland has led tributes to former government minister Gemma Hussey, who has died at the age of 86. The first female to hold the position of minister for education, the former Fine Gael TD was a strong advocate for women’s rights. Advertisement It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Gemma Hussey this evening. Gemma was a true champion of equality, a trailblazer for female leadership in politics and a dear friend. My heartfelt condolences go to her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/c5hjyRpxTb — Frances Fitzgerald (@FitzgeraldFrncs) November 26, 2024 Advertisement President Michael D Higgins said: “A lifelong committed feminist, Gemma Hussey was a passionate advocate and inspiration for the vitally important increase in the number of women serving in our political system. “As a dedicated and effective government minister, she set a stirring example of the key role which must be held by women in politics. “In introducing aural and oral exams and establishing the National Parents Council as minister for education, she put in place lasting reforms which have benefited all those who have grown up in Ireland in the succeeding decades. Advertisement “Throughout her career, she remained true to her principles and advocated for social reforms at a time when not all of the causes she supported were popular with all parts of Irish society.” Gemma Hussey was a pioneering presence for women in politics as the first female Minister for Education. Read my statement here... https://t.co/cmyCIQtfbK via @rte pic.twitter.com/zHJ6kKhSCI — Norma Foley T.D (@NormaFoleyTD1) November 26, 2024 Advertisement President Higgins said that after her departure from the political front line, Ms Hussey remained an “incisive commentator and an always valuable voice on the political system”. “May I express my deepest sympathies to Gemma’s children Rachel, Ruth and Andrew, and to all her family, friends and former colleagues,” he added. Advertisement Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris called her a “trailblazer”. He noted she was Fine Gael’s first female cabinet member. “Gemma was a passionate progressive for woman’s rights, education reform and Ireland’s place in the world, particularly the potential of European Union membership,” he said. “Gemma was a TD for my own native Wicklow, where her long service and delivery is remembered to this day. “But above all Gemma was a patriot, a Fine Gael stalwart and a kind and generous person. I was one of the people lucky to enjoy her company, her advice and her good humour. “To all of her family, colleagues and friends, l am truly sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.” Current Education minister Norma Foley also paid tribute, describing Ms Hussey as a “pioneering presence for women in politics”. “She was a courageous and determined politician who showed the way for women at the highest level in politics,” said the Fianna Fail minister. “She was highly regarded for the work she did in steering and guiding the development of the Irish education system.”

Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

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NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Zona's 15 points off the bench led Fordham to an 87-83 victory over Albany (NY) on Saturday. Zona shot 5 for 7, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc for the Rams (8-5). Jahmere Tripp added 14 points while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line while they also had six rebounds and three steals. Jackie Johnson III shot 4 for 14 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. The Great Danes (7-7) were led by Amar'e Marshall, who recorded 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Albany (NY) also got 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals from Justin Neely. Byron Joshua finished with 16 points and five assists. Josh Rivera scored 11 points in the first half for Fordham, who led 46-35 at halftime. Fordham took the lead for good with 12:53 left in the second half on a 3-pointer from Zona to make it a 57-54 game. Fordham's next game is Tuesday against Saint Louis at home. Albany (NY) hosts Stony Brook on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Davis scores 32 as Old Dominion defeats UL Monroe 80-75 in OTSingh won't support Conservative non-confidence motion that uses his own wordsWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weekslong delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transition of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. FILE - Susie Wiles watches as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) "This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day," said Susie Wiles, Trump's designate to be White House chief of staff. The announcement came a week after the Trump transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office Jan. 20. The White House agreement was supposed to have been signed by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House issued both public and private appeals for Trump's team to sign on. Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts emphasized to Trump's team the importance of having cleared personnel before Inauguration Day so they could be fully briefed and ready to run the government. President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) Republican Senators also insisted on FBI background checks for Trump's nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers were particularly interested in seeing the findings of reviews into Trump's designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence. "That's why it's so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee review of extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Monday. John Thune, incoming Senate Republican leader, said the Trump team "understands there's going to have to be a thorough vetting of all these nominees." Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.By LOLITA BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, and said “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80 year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. Trump has criticized the billions that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine. Washington has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is a move to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump’s proposed national security advisor U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg was a character in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.

Alexis Mac Allister and substitute Cody Gakpo got the goals as Liverpool beat Champions League holders Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield to make it five wins from as many games in the league phase for Arne Slot’s men. The Reds took the lead when Mac Allister played a one-two with Conor Bradley and slotted past Thibaut Courtois seven minutes into the second half. Real had the chance to equalise with a penalty just past the hour, but Kylian Mbappe saw his strike saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. 🛑🛑🛑 pic.twitter.com/bUR6j4xtT5 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 27, 2024 There was then an unsuccessful spot-kick from the hosts as Mohamed Salah missed from 12 yards, before Gakpo popped up with a 76th-minute header from Andy Robertson’s cross as the Merseysiders recorded a first win over Real in 15 years and gained some revenge for their defeats in the 2018 and 2022 finals. While Liverpool top the table, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real are down in 24th place – the final play-offs berth – with just six points from their five matches. Aston Villa are outside the top eight on goal difference after a 0-0 draw with Juventus in which Morgan Rogers had a stoppage-time finish for the hosts ruled out for a foul, with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez having earlier made a fantastic save to deny Francisco Conceicao. Celtic, lying 20th, drew 1-1 at home with Club Brugge thanks to a curling Daizen Maeda strike that cancelled out a remarkable own goal by Cameron Carter-Vickers, who passed back without looking to send the ball into the net. Borussia Dortmund moved into the top eight with 3-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb, where Jamie Gittens, Ramy Bensebaini and Serhou Guirassy got on the scoresheet. A point apiece on matchday five in the Champions League. #AVLJUV || #UCL pic.twitter.com/rtjBsmYsO7 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 27, 2024 Monaco dropped to eighth after suffering their first loss of the league phase, 3-2 at home to Benfica. Despite having Wilfried Singo sent off just prior to the hour mark, the French side took the lead for a second time via Soungoutou Magassa in the 67th minute, only for late goals from Arthur Cabral and Zeki Amdouni to give Benfica all three points. Lille, in 12th, have the same amount of points as Monaco and Villa thanks to a 2-1 win at Bologna, with Ngal’Ayel Mukau notching a brace. PSV Eindhoven, now 18th, produced a dramatic late turnaround to beat 10-man Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 at home. The visitors led 2-0 through Danylo Sikan and Oleksandr Zubkov before having Pedrinho sent off in the 69th minute, and PSV then hit back with three goals in the closing stages, Malik Tilman scoring in the 87th and 90th and Ricardo Pepi then notching the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Red Star Belgrade registered their first win of the league phase by thrashing Stuttgart 5-1, as did Sturm Graz, beating Girona 1-0.President-elect Donald Trump has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz was Trump's initial pick for attorney general, but he ultimately withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation he was embroiled in. Here's a look at Trump's choices: Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation's top diplomat. Rubio , 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate before the slot went to JD Vance. Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His selection punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. Hegseth , 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. He lacks senior military and national security experience and would oversee global crises ranging from Europe to the Middle East. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing. Bessent , 62, is a former money manager for George Soros , a big Democratic donor, and an advocate for deficit reduction . He founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management after having worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. Gabbard, 43, is a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who has been accused of echoing Russian propaganda. She unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination and left the party in 2022. Gabbard endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him. Gabbard has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. If confirmed she would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, spent several years in top national security and intelligence positions. Bondi , 59, was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist , Bondi also has served with the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-allied group that has helped lay the groundwork for his future administration. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush-money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appeared on Fox News and has been critical of the criminal cases against him. The Republican U.S. House member narrowly lost her reelection bid on Nov. 5 but had received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the department's workforce and budget and put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of a few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act that would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and penalize companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in more than half the states. Lutnick heads the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and is a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He is co-chair of Trump's transition operation, charged along with Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration, with helping the president-elect fill key jobs in his second administration. As secretary, Lutnick would play a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. He would oversee a sprawling Cabinet department whose oversight ranges from funding new computer chip factories and imposing trade restrictions to releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. Noem is a well-known conservative who used her two terms as South Dakota's governor to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions like other states, instead declaring South Dakota “open for business.” More recently, Noem faced sharp criticism for writing in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog. She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. Ratcliffe , a former U.S. House member from Texas, was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term. He led U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have held the highest intelligence positions in the U.S. Kennedy , 70, ran for president as a Democrat, then as an independent before he dropped out and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign. Kennedy's nomination alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Rollins , 52, is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for Trump's second administration. She is a Texas attorney who was Trump's domestic policy adviser and director of his office of American innovation during his first term. Rollins previously was an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry , who also served in Trump's first term. Rollins also ran the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years , sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential campaign, but was acquitted by the Senate. Collins also served in the armed forces himself. He is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. The North Dakota governor , 68, is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump after he dropped out of the running. Burgum then became a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice in part because of his executive experience and business savvy. He also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump said Burgum would chair a new National Energy Council and have a seat on the National Security Council, which would be a first for the Interior secretary. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Wright is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. He also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. Wright said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. McMahon, a billionaire professional wrestling mogul , would make a return appearance in a second Trump administration. She led the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 in Trump’s first term and twice ran unsuccessfully in Connecticut as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She has expressed support for charter schools and school choice. Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI" and "we will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.” Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often said his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Greer is a partner at King & Spalding, a Washington law firm. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be responsible for negotiating directly with foreign governments on trade deals and disputes, as well as memberships in international trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization. He previously was chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, who was the trade representative in Trump's first term. Wiles , 67, was a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. She has a background in Florida politics , helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary. Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns. Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida. A former Army Green Beret , he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Hassett, 62, is a major advocate of tax cuts who was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the first Trump term. In the new role as chairman of the National Economic Council, Trump said Hassett will play an important role in helping American families recover from inflation as well as in renewing and improving tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017, many of which are set to expire after 2025. Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. He led the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump's first administration. Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings in the first term, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Vought, 48, held the position during Trump’s first presidency. He the founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought also was closely involved with Project 2025 , a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that Trump tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people living illegally in the U.S. Scavino was an adviser in all three of the president-elect's campaigns and was described by the transition team as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House. Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and an assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Leavitt , 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. McGinley was Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and they were golfing at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Kellogg , 80, is a highly decorated retired three-star general and one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for Trump's second term. He has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues and served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence . Kellogg also was chief of staff of the National Security Council under Trump and stepped in as an acting national security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned the post. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests. Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, served as White House press secretary in Trump's first term. Stefanik, 40, is a U.S. representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders dating to his first impeachment trial. She was elected chair of the House Republican Conference in 2021, the third-highest position in House leadership, after then-Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after she publicly criticized Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. A former acting attorney general during Trump's first administration and tight end on the University of Iowa football team, Whitaker , 55, has a background in law enforcement but not in foreign policy. A fierce Trump localist, Whitaker, is also a former U.S. attorney in Iowa and served as acting attorney general between November 2018 and February 2019 without Senate confirmation, until William Barr was confirmed for the role. That was when special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference was drawing to a close. Whitaker also faced questions about his past business dealings, including his ties to an invention-promotion company that was accused of misleading consumers. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. Oz , 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime TV talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz’s bid for elected office. Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor on Fox News. Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative after cardiac arrest, state should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Bhattacharya , 56, is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. As head of the NIH, the leading medical research agency in the United States, Trump said Bhattacharya would work with Kennedy Jr. to direct U.S. medical research and make important discoveries that will improve health and save lives. Bhattacharya is professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and was one of three authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 open letter maintaining that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic were causing irreparable harm. Gaetz, 42, withdrew from consideration to become the top law enforcement officer of the United States amid fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed by the Senate. In choosing Gaetz, Trump had passed over more established lawyers whose names had been floated as possible contenders for the job. Gaetz resigned from Congress after Trump announced him on Nov. 13. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old. Gaetz has denied wrongdoing. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Zeke Miller, Farnoush Amiri, Lolita C. Baldor, Jill Colvin, Matthew Daly, Edith M. Lederer, Adriana Gomez Licon, Lisa Mascaro, Chris Megerian, Michelle L. Price, Will Weissert and Darlene Superville contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Wall Street top regulator to leave SEC when Trump takes office

CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — Sam Hines Jr. scored 17 points as SE Louisiana beat North Dakota 76-60 on Wednesday. Hines also had five rebounds for the Lions (3-4). Brody Rowbury added 13 points while going 3 of 9 and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line while they also had eight rebounds. Jakevion Buckley shot 4 of 8 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points. The Fightin' Hawks (3-4) were led by Amar Kuljuhovic, who posted 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Treysen Eaglestaff added 13 points for North Dakota. Dariyus Woodson also recorded 11 points and two blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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Business Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Franchise Council of Australia’s loss for the past financial year blew out by more than $1.2m, with the organisation also losing its chief executive after less than a year following complaints to the board. Chair Richard Thame, who himself has only been in the position since the resignation of previous chair Brendan Green in September, has written to members in recent days, calling for unity and saying the board will give more clarity on the organisation’s path to a sustainable footing at its annual general meeting to be held late on Thursday. The annual report for the organisation, which represents 425 franchise owners nationwide, shows its loss rocketed from $85,460 in FY23 to $1.35m in FY24. The financial report included a “going concern” statement from the organisation’s auditors, given its plunge from $667,871 in member equity to negative $683,169 over the course of the year, and negative cash flow of $444,938. The Council had only $170,683 in cash at the end of the most recent financial year. “The group’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its future profitability, continued financial support from the Australian Taxation Office, and the company raising new funds from the members, if required,’’ accounting firm DFK International said in its going concern statement. Jayson Westbury has taken over at the Franchise Council of Australia after the previous CEO left in April. Picture:Justin Lloyd. The preface to the financial report recognises the challenges faced by the organisation. “It is very clear that the FCA has faced some significant financial headwind during the financial year of 2024 and while the results do show a loss, it is important to report that direct and deep decisions have been made to arrest the loss and place the FCA on a strong footing for the future,’’ the report says. Mr Thame, in his letter to members, said mistakes had been made, and he wanted to address the “serious concerns raised regarding the performance of the organisation and our recent challenges’’. “The past year has been a difficult chapter for the FCA, marked by significant financial strain, decisions that did not meet member expectations, and the need to rebuild trust in our leadership,’’ he wrote. Mr Thame said the board is charged with recruiting a chief executive and to “provide the CEO with the space to implement agreed strategies, monitor their progress, and intervene when necessary. “In the case of our former CEO, the board approved an ambitious strategy designed to grow the FCA. “While some good progress was made, this strategy was not executed well and resulted in unacceptably high staff turnover and significant cost over-runs. “When it became apparent that the CEO’s approach was not delivering the desired outcomes, the board acted to end his tenure and took the necessary steps to reset the cost base of the organisation.’’ Former chief executive Matthew Monaghan was hired in May 2023, but left for “personal reasons” in April of this year. It was later revealed in media reports that he left after two complaints about him were made to the board. Mr Monaghan was one of five people who have led the organisation in a permanent or acting role since 2022. Mr Thame says in his letter that “The board acted on information that was available at the time’’. “With the benefit of hindsight, we acknowledge that the board could have acted sooner. “It is important to recognise that the board did have a legal and ethical obligation to follow a process of procedural fairness and took steps to thoroughly and independently investigate concerns raised by staff, members and suppliers.’’ Mr Thame’s letter says the over-run in the organisation's expenses in FY24 “largely relates to employment cost and includes redundancy, restructuring cost and the settlement of outstanding claims’’. “I am pleased to report that the financial position of the FCA has improved in the five months since the financial year end. More details will be provided at the upcoming AGM.’’ Mr Thame called for unity from members, and said the directors, who worked for free, took their responsibility very seriously. “We hear and respect the criticism from members and understand the calls for greater accountability and transparency. “I can assure you that each and every director on the board during the time these losses were incurred, as well as those on the current board, remain committed to restoring the FCA to a position of strength,’’ he said. The FCA appointed Jayson Westbury as its new chief executive in September. Four years ago Mr Westbury left a previous role as chief executive of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents after saying A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw “needs to be given a firm uppercut or a slap across the face, and I mean that virtually, of course. I wouldn’t want to invoke (sic) any violence on anyone.” Grimshaw and ACA had outed unscrupulous travel companies, including Flight Centre, which had hit travellers with large cancellation fees in the wake of coronavirus travel bans. A statement from AFTA at the time said Mr Westbury resigned because of his comments, which he recognised were “inappropriate and unacceptable in any circumstances”. “My comments relating to Ms Grimshaw involved a very poor choice of words. I apologise for that choice and accept the language used was completely inappropriate,” Mr Westbury said at the time. Mr Thame declined to comment further about the FCA’s turnaround plans before the Thursday AGM. Originally published as The Franchise Council of Australia posted a huge loss for the past financial year More related stories Business Bitcoin is ‘dirt cheap’: Nasdaq-listed miner says Former Macquarie banker turned bitcoin miner Dan Roberts says the price of the cryptocurrency is “dirt cheap” despite it recently topping $150,000 for the first time. Read more National Shopping’s psychological games: how to spot a fake deal Black Friday and other retail sales can deliver some dodgy deals, but there are ways to separate the good from the bad. Read moreSouthern Miss secures 68-66 victory against Marshall

Trump's casting call as he builds out his administration: TV experience preferredNew Delhi, December 14: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved 15,547 crore transactions worth Rs 223 lakh crore from January to November this year, ‘showcasing its transformative impact on financial transactions’ in India, the Finance Ministry said on Saturday. The Finance Ministry also said that UPI is now accepted in seven countries including France, UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan and Nepal. The UPI system provides a cheaper and quicker alternative to the available channels of cross-border remittances. UPI has succeeded in increasing financial inclusion and promoting equitable economic growth by enabling underserved groups, including subprime and new-to-credit borrowers to access formal credit for the first time, according to a new study by IIM and ISB professors. UPI Succeeds in Increasing Financial Inclusion, Promoting Equitable Economic Growth by Enabling Underserved Groups: Study. The authors said the success of UPI can be replicated in other countries as well and India can play a leading role in helping them adopt the fintech system. "Within a short span, UPI led to exponential penetration of digital payments across India and is used at all levels from street vendors to large shopping malls Since its launch in 2016, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed financial access in India, enabling 300 million individuals and 50 million merchants to perform seamless digital transactions, according to a study by IIM and ISB professors. By October 2023, 75 per cent of all retail digital payments in India were through UPI. The rapid adoption of UPI was possible due to affordable internet across the country. A 10 per cent increase in UPI transactions led to a 7 per cent rise in credit availability, reflecting how digital financial histories enabled lenders to assess borrowers better., the study states. The authors said fintech lenders scaled rapidly, increasing their loan volumes 77 times, far outpacing traditional banks in catering to smaller, underserved borrowers. The study also highlights that despite the credit surge, default rates did not rise, showing that UPI-enabled digital transaction data helped lenders expand responsibly. In order to ensure greater financial inclusion, the RBI last week decided to permit small financial banks (SFBs) to also extend pre-sanctioned credit lines through the UPI. In September 2023, the scope of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was expanded by enabling pre-sanctioned credit lines to be linked through UPI and used as a funding account by Scheduled Commercial Banks but Payments Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and Regional Rural Banks were excluded from this ambit. UPI Transactions Reach Record High 16.58 Billion Mark and Value of INR 23.40 Lakh Crore, Likely To Touch 25 Billion a Month in 2025. “Credit line on UPI has the potential to make available low-ticket, low-tenor products to ‘new-to-credit’ customers. SFBs leverage a high-tech, low-cost model to reach the last mile customer and can play an enabling role in expanding the reach of credit on UPI,” the RBI said. “It is, therefore, proposed to permit SFBs to extend pre-sanctioned credit lines through the UPI. Necessary guidelines will be issued shortly,” the RBI statement added. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 14, 2024 07:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).99bet slot login app 。

Hardly for the first time in these waning days of 2024, cryptocurrency-related stocks were having quite a good day on the market Thursday -- although there were certain glaring exceptions. Lingering optimism about a crypto-friendly presidential administration preparing for work helped bolster their prices. It also didn't hurt that news broke of a top regulator considered hostile to the sector stepping down from his post. Two quite different crypto-dependent securities both closed the day up nicely, mining business Mara Holdings ( MARA 6.85% ) with a nearly 7% gain and exchange-traded fund iShares Ethereum Trust ETF ( ETHA 9.19% ) with a 9% rise. Going in quite the opposite direction was the recently high-flying Bitcoin ( BTC 4.25% ) investment vehicle MicroStrategy ( MSTR -16.16% ) , but there was a specific reason for its retreat. The Bitcoin boom Stocks that aren't MicroStrategy continued to ride the sustained and powerful demand for Bitcoin, by far the leading and most influential crypto. During the day, Bitcoin notched yet another all-time high -- is this even surprising anymore? -- by trading slightly over $99,000 at one point. That magic $100,000 level is well within sight, and we shouldn't be surprised to see the coin hit that level soon, perhaps very soon. Ethereum is a different animal, to be sure, as a coin with significantly more utility than Bitcoin. Still, it's been a perennial runner-up and as such generally marches in step with Bitcoin, too. In late-afternoon trading, Ethereum was coasting 8% higher, hence the more or less similar rise of iShares Ethereum Trust ETF. Getting down to specific company developments, Mara Holdings announced -- no doubt joyfully -- that an already-upsize convertible senior notes issue had been successfully floated. The company is reaping net proceeds of $980 million from the $1 billion private placement. That amount includes the full $150 million option offered to, and exercised by, the notes' initial investors. This demonstrates that demand was powerful for the well-timed issue. As an added bonus, the notes have an interest rate of 0%, which is quite advantageous for Mara Holdings. Interestingly, MicroStrategy is also issuing a pack of convertible senior notes. The difference is, that after the company's stock flew as much as 14% higher early Thursday, it was the topic of a short-seller's critical research note. That short-seller, Citron Research, described the formerly rallying crypto-stock's price as "overheated" in an official Twitter post. " Now, with Bitcoin investing easier than ever ... MicroStrategy's volume has completely detached from Bitcoin fundamentals," Citron added. Investors were clearly taking this negative sentiment to heart. Bye-bye, Gary Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., Securities and Exchange chair Gary Gensler has announced that he will be stepping down from his position when Donald Trump takes office on Inauguration Day (Jan. 20). At times, Gensler was quite the determined opponent of cryptos, at one point saying it was "unlikely" they would be deployed as extensively as traditional fiat currencies. Many in the cryptoverse certainly won't miss him at the helm of the federal regulator.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it's usually a backhanded compliment. They say he's a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn't try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here's the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that's hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. "I get it — we have a really passionate fan base and they're a huge part of our success," Allar said Sunday at College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day. "For us, we always want to go out there every drive and end with a touchdown, so when we don't do that, there's nobody more frustrated than us." The polarizing Allar is having a solid season by just about any standard, completing more than 68% of his passes for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions to a 12-2 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl for Tuesday's game against No. 3 seed Boise State. But in a college football world filled with high-scoring, explosive offenses, Allar's no-frills performances often are the object of ire. The Penn State offense is a run-first bunch, led by the talented combo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. "If we had a nickel for every time there was a Monday morning quarterback saying some BS stuff, we'd all be pretty rich," offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said. "I think part of being a quarterback, especially at Penn State but really anywhere, is how you respond to and manage criticism." The 20-year-old Allar has made strides in that department after a trying 2023 season that finished with a 10-3 record. He says that's largely because once fall camp started back in August, he logged off the social media platform X. Allar said negative online experiences wore on him last year, and his phone number was leaked a few times, which added to the stress. He finally realized that controlling outside narratives was impossible, so the best course of action was to eliminate a needless distraction. "I've been more mentally free, as much as that sounds crazy," Allar said. "I think that's been a huge difference for me this year." The biggest criticism of Allar — and really Penn State as a whole during the 11-year James Franklin era — is that he isn't capable of winning the big games. He's 0-2 against rival Ohio State and threw a late interception against Oregon in the Big Ten title game earlier this month, which sealed the Ducks' 45-37 victory. He wasn't great in the CFP's first round, either, completing just 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards as Penn State muscled past SMU 38-10 on a cold, blustery day to advance to the Fiesta Bowl. But the quarterback is confident a better performance — aided by a game that will be played in comfortable temperatures in a domed stadium — is coming. "For me, I just have to execute those (easy) throws early in the game and get our guys into rhythm," Allar said. "Get them involved early as much as I can and that allows us to stay on the field longer, call more plays and open up our offense more. That will help us a ton, building the momentum throughout the game." Allar might be a favorite punching bag for a section of the Penn State fan base, but that's not the case in his own locker room. Star tight end Tyler Warren praised his quarterback's ability to avoid sacks, saying that the 6-foot-5, 238-pounder brings a toughness that resonates with teammates. "He's a football player," Warren said. "He plays quarterback, but when you watch him play and the energy he brings and the way he runs the ball, he's just a football player and that fires up our offense." Now Allar and Penn State have a chance to silence critics who say that the Nittany Lions don't show up in big games. Not that he's worried about what other people think. "I think it's a skill at the end of the day — blocking out the outside noise," Allar said. "Focusing on you and the process and being honest with yourself, both good and bad."Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight

The Poundland buy that stops carrots going mouldy & keeps the veg fresh for monthsSHOPKEEPERS in Lincoln have condemned the decision to scrap the Xmas market as shortsighted despite the health and safety concerns. The event's permanent axing follows previous cancellations of the festive market. 9 Shopkeepers in Lincoln have condemned the decision to scrap the Xmas market as shortsighted despite the health and safety concerns Credit: John Aron 9 The event's axing follows last year's cancellation of the festive Credit: John Aron 9 Hotel bookings have been hard hit as well as the profits of family owned niche businesses Credit: John Aron Many residents who attended the event in recent years say it was overcrowded and the crowds could sometimes be intimidating. But they argue that all the event needed to make it a UK wide attraction was re-organising it over a great number of days and expanding the site. It is understood hotel bookings have been hard hit as well as the profits of family owned niche businesses that have put the very character into the Lincoln shopping experience. Fudge shop worker Erin Dauber, 23, said: “I went to the last ever Xmas market and it was terrible. We were pinned into the castle. “It was like being at a concert with everyone pushing to the front. We could not breathe and there were kids screaming and crying. “It was extremely uncomfortable. But that being said, the market did bring in a lot of money and it now a lot tougher for local businesses to get through January without it. “It should have been spread over a couple of weeks, not three days. Lincoln is a tourist city and that way it would bring in even more tourists. “People come from all over the world for the Xmas market.” Most read in The Sun SPEAKING UP Nice police break silence on Rangers fan chaos as they say Uefa must act ROAD TRAGEDY Woman dies after two-vehicle crash in town as emergency crews race to scene FOOTIE 'SHAME' Bayern Munich footballer 'is caught drink-driving after partying at club' STAR GONE My Chemical Romance star Bob Bryar dead aged 44 & 'lay undiscovered for weeks' Staff the Lincoln Original Pie Shop reckoned that the city was so steeped in history and the town such a loved place to shop that it could survive without the market. The shop itself has a long history including where Lawrence of Arabia TE Lawrence wrote the Seven Pillars of Wisdom when it was a boarding house and he was at RAF Cranwell. Billie Faiers slammed for ‘flaunting her wealth’ after revealing stunning Christmas decorations at the front of her £1.4m mansion Manager Mary Walker said: “Lincoln is a beautiful city regardless of the Xmas market. It was not the be all and end all and we are doing fine without it. “We get loads of holiday makers including many from Australia and America and we have customers who come back year after year.” Nodding in agreement, her son Lewis Walker, 18, added: “Lincoln has become more of a university town and that’s good for business too. “I did not attend the Xmas market except once on a drunken night out. It was good for business but the way it was organised was very hectic. “Of course, when the market was going we were smashed for business. But it really needed to be spread over more days and spread out more so that more of the town benefitted. Here's where you can find the ice sculptures in Lincoln HERE are all the places where visitors to Lincoln will find ice sculptures as part of the Lincoln Ice Adventure. Lincoln Transport Hub Lower High Street Cornhill Square Sincil Street City Square High Bridge Lincoln Guildhall Top of the High Street/The Strait and Narrow Top of Steep Hill Bailgate (outside the White Hart Hotel) Castle Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre) Lincoln Castle St Paul in the Bail Bailgate Newport Arch (outside Duke William) Lincoln Cathedral Dean’s Green “Health and Safety can be a tough job when you have thousands and thousands of people going but that could have been solved by having it over a longer period.” Anna Clarkson, 28, who runs the Steep Hill Wine Shop, said: “We are hoping they will bring the market back and it will encourage more people into the shops rather than around them. “The aim should be to attract more people to this part of the city so the shops at the top of the hill can do as well as the ones at the bottom. “Anything that brings people up here is beneficial to local businesses and the Xmas market certainly did that. It was good - but really packed. “It was a bit too mad for me and the crowds got a bit crazy. The last one I went to I had a toddler in a harness and that was a bit scary.” Ashley Metcalfe, 33, and Josh, 36, visiting from Sacramento, California with seven year old daughter Lucy and other family members were very disappointed. Ashley said: “We had put the trip together to visit a Xmas market and get here to find there is no Xmas market on. ‘We could not get any answers from the local websites here what was going on.” Josh added: “Then I spotted a column saying it was cancelled two years ago so we missed it by a long chalk. “I can understand if they had cancelled it because local residents had complained but health and safety does not make any sense.” Ashley added: “We are leaving here tomorrow so we are just going to visit the Xmas market in Bath instead. “We did not realise the Xmas market was cancelled until we got here so it was very disappointing. It seems such an ideal location. “I would have been beautiful at Xmas. We know Xmas markets are something Europe does well. We don’t really have anything like it around where we live. So we don’t understand the local politics.” Speciality tea and coffee shop workers Ollie Simons, 29, and Emily Hodgson, 29, were also disappointed. Ollie said: “It is frustrating. It was a huge attraction to Lincoln. I think it was very short-sighted to cancel it outright rather than fixing the problem by spreading it out more and improving security. “The biggest sales we had were during the Xmas market. Emily added: “A lot of businesses around here are really struggling because they do not get as much footfall. “The market was once so packed it took me 40 minutes to get through it to get to work but they could have extended it and spread it out more down the street.” Ollie said: “An ice sculpture trail is nice but it is not attracting people from all over the world to see it like the Xmas market did. The business has been here 33 years and we miss the Xmas Market.” Another disgruntled shopper stormed: “We tried to come in previous years and could not get a hotel. So this year we have a hotel but no market. It is very frustrating.” Another trader Tony Green said: “I do feel it is a shame and football has definitely fallen. We think there is some kind of skulduggery going on. “The market should have been spread out over the whole city. Just to cancel it for health and safety reasons is quite lazy. “People come to LIncoln to shop so this is just Elf and Safety. By changing the market they could have created a huge attraction not just for Lincoln but the whole of the UK.” Mia Atkins, 22, said: “I did go to the very last Xmas market and thought it was rubbish and very poorly organised. “I am glad they called it off. It was very stressful. We got stuck in the crowd in the castle and could not get to any of the stalls in the end. “But it was good for local businesses and it was really just a question of having it better organised so it was less crowded.” But another young resident Bradley Jarman, 22, said: “I went to the last Xmas market and did not think it seemed that crowded anyway. Read more on the Scottish Sun SIP SIP HOORAY Exact time Coca-Cola truck arrives in Scotland tomorrow for Xmas tour FESTIVE CHEER Scots Xmas market tops London's Winter Wonderland as 'most stunning' in UK “They were supposed to be laying on events throughout the whole year to make up for its loss but I have only seen a couple and they were not very well promoted.” Labour councillor Joshua Wells previously said: “Our first year of events in the Lincoln programme was a great success for the city, bringing in thousands of people to experience the culture, history and community spirit that Lincoln has to offer." 9 Erin Dauber said the market was terrible last year Credit: John Aron 9 Lewis Walker said Lincoln had become more of a university town Credit: John Aron 9 Ollie Simons and Emily Hodgson Credit: John Aron 9 Bradley Jarman didn't think it was too crowded Credit: John Aron 9 Ashley and Josh Metcalfe with Daughter Lucy aged seven Credit: John Aron 9 Anna Clarkson said she hopes they will bring the market back Credit: John Aron

SAN DIEGO , Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. announced that a lawsuit was filed for certain investors in DMC Global Inc. ( NASDAQ : BOOM) shares Investors who purchased more than $100,000 in shares of DMC Global Inc. (NASDAQ: BOOM) between May and November 2024 have certain options and there are short and strict deadlines running. Deadline: February 04, 2025 . Those DMC Global Inc. (NASDAQ: BOOM investors should contact the Shareholders Foundation at mail@shareholdersfoundation.com or call +1(858) 779 - 1554. On October 21, 2024 , DMC Global Inc. disclosed that it was "revising its guidance" for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 , stating that the Company's adjusted EBITDA is now expected to be approximately $5 million , down from prior guidance for $15 -18 million, and that the third quarter financial results "will include inventory and bad debt charges at DynaEnergetics totaling approximately $5 million , as well as lower fixed overhead absorption on reduced sales at both Arcadia and DynaEnergetics." The Company also revealed that the financial results will include an approximate $142 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge "associated with DMC's December 2021 acquisition of a controlling interest in Arcadia ." On November 4, 2024 , DMC Global Inc released its third-quarter financial results for the period ending September 30, 2024 . Among other results, the Company reported third quarter sales of $152.4 million , down 11% sequentially and year-over-year, as well as the previously disclosed non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Shares of DMC Global Inc. (NASDAQ: BOOM) declined from $15.98 per share on May 3, 2024 , to as low as $7.16 per share on November 21 , 2024. On December 06, 2024 , an investor in NASDAQ: BOOM shares filed a lawsuit against DMC Global Inc. The plaintiff alleges that between May 3, 2024 and November 4, 2024 , the defendants made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose the following adverse facts about DMC Global's business, operations, and prospects which were known to defendants or recklessly disregarded by them: (i) the goodwill associated with the company's principal business segment, Acadia Products, was overstated due to the adverse events and circumstances affecting that reporting segment; (ii) DMC Global's materially inadequate internal systems and processes were adversely affecting its operations; (iii) the company's inadequate systems and processes prevented it from ensuring reasonably accurate guidance and that its public disclosures were timely, accurate, and complete; (iv) as a result, defendants misrepresented DMC Global's operations and financial results; and/or (v) as a result, the company's public statements were materially false, misleading, or lacked a reasonable basis when made. Those who purchased shares of DMC Global Inc. (NASDAQ: BOOM) should contact the Shareholders Foundation, Inc. CONTACT: Shareholders Foundation, Inc. Michael Daniels +1 (858) 779-1554 mail@shareholdersfoundation.com 3111 Camino Del Rio North Suite 423 San Diego, CA 92108 The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is a professional portfolio legal monitoring and a settlement claim filing service, which does research related to shareholder issues and informs investors of securities class actions, settlements, judgments, and other legal related news to the stock/financial market. The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is not a law firm. Any referenced cases, investigations, and/or settlements are not filed/initiated/reached and/or are not related to Shareholders Foundation. The information is only provided as a public service. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lawsuit-for-investors-who-lost-over-100-000-in-shares-of-dmc-global-inc-nasdaq-boom-between-may-and-nov-2024-announced-by-shareholders-foundation-302325435.html SOURCE Shareholders Foundation, Inc.Why Utilities Are Struggling To Meet AI Data Centers’ Need For Electricity

Seoul : Thousands of citizens erupted in elation and tears on the streets nationwide on Saturday, December 14, as the National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his surprise martial law declaration last week, calling it a ‘people’s victory.’ Defying the December chill, hundreds of thousands of people gathered near the Assembly in Seoul and other major spots across the nation, demanding Yoon’s impeachment. Rally participants near Jungangno Station in the city of Daegu, a key stronghold for conservatives, stood up en masse and cheered at the news that the motion to impeach Yoon was approved at the National Assembly with 204 of the total 300 votes. An estimated 30,000 people joined the rally in Daegu, Yonhap news agency reported. “I am relieved that some votes in favour of the motion were cast by members of the ruling People Power Party,” a citizen in his 50s told. “Having this many people in Daegu come out on the streets and demand impeachment means that its passage was just a matter of time if it hadn’t been passed today,” he said. In the southwestern city of Jeonju, where some 10,000 gathered, the rally turned festive at the motion’s passage with participants cheering, “Candlelit citizens achieved a victory.” A 21-year-old university student, who participated in a rally in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, was teary, letting out a sigh of relief. “I was very nervous when the first vote on the impeachment motion was nullified (last week.) I hope that our society will now unite their strength to create one filled with hope.” Crowds also erupted in clapping and cheers, waving colourful, lighted K-pop cheering sticks near the National Assembly in Seoul, chanting en masse ‘We have won’ and ‘South Korea is a democratic republic.’ South Korea’s main Opposition Democratic Party (DP) on Saturday welcomed the National Assembly’s decision to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched imposition of martial law, calling it a victory for the people. DP floor leader Park Chan-dae made the remark as he met reporters after the vote, voicing appreciation for all those who supported Yoon’s impeachment. “We made a historic victory for democracy because of all who gathered in front of the National Assembly and passionately cried out for the protection of the Constitution and democracy,” he said. He stressed that Yoon’s impeachment is ‘only the first step’ toward solving the aftermath of Yoon’s December 3 martial law declaration, and vowed to push for a thorough investigation into Yoon and other ‘accomplices of the insurrection.’ He also said the DP will make every effort to swiftly form a special counsel to investigate Yoon. Meanwhile, South Korea’s National Assembly voted on Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched imposition of martial law. Yoon will be suspended from his duties as soon as the impeachment resolution is delivered to his office, while Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as Acting President, reports Yonhap news agency. An impeachment motion against Yoon passed 204-85, with three abstentions and eight invalid ballots, with all 300 lawmakers casting their ballots. In a speech delivered on Thursday, Yoon refuted allegations of rebellion, justifying his martial law declaration as a necessary governance measure. The conservative president asserted that his actions were intended to issue a warning to the liberal Opposition Democratic Party, which he characterised as ‘a monster’ and ‘anti-state forces.’ “I will fight to the end to prevent the forces and criminal groups that have been responsible for paralysing the country’s government and disrupting the nation’s constitutional order from threatening the future of the Republic of Korea,” Yoon stated. Yoon Suk Yeol’s contentious martial law decree, the first issued in over four decades, was in effect for merely six hours but has incited significant political turmoil, disrupted diplomatic engagements, and unsettled financial markets. Yoon was compelled to rescind the decree following a unanimous vote by the South Korean parliament to annul it. In the aftermath of the martial law declaration, Yoon stationed hundreds of troops and police officers at the parliament in an effort to obstruct the vote on the decree; however, they retreated once the parliament rejected it.

Ukraine Adds Over 860 MW Of Renewable Energy Capacity In Two Years

A palace in shock: Bashar al-Assad's final moments in SyriaVeteran catcher James McCann , who is coming off two solid seasons as a backup with the Baltimore Orioles, is hitting the free agent market. McCann, 34, began his career with the Detroit Tigers, where he looked to be a star in the making. From there, he went to Chicago, where he made an All-Star Game with the White Sox, before signing a big contract with the New York Mets before the 2021 season. However, McCann could never get it going in New York and eventually was traded to the Orioles prior to the 2023 season. Over the last two years in Baltimore, McCann was primarily a backup and excelled in that role. Additionally, he was a great veteran leader on a young team, which is not an easily found trait. Now, James McCann is looking for a home for 2025. Many teams should be interested in his services as both a catcher and a leader. James McCann Free Agent Profile McCann’s Time In Baltimore After the Orioles acquired McCann, it was clear he was going to play the backup role to Adley Rutschman . However, that did not stop McCann from becoming a key part of the team’s two consecutive postseason runs. During his two seasons in Baltimore, McCann played 69 and 65 games, respectively. He averaged a .228 batting average and a .656 OPS. Those numbers are not incredible, but they will do for a backup catcher. McCann’s Leadership Despite not playing every day or not being a top hitter, McCann was one of the loudest voices in the locker room. Orioles reporter Roch Kubatko noted that one veteran player the Orioles traded for at the deadline noticed that “this is McCann’s clubhouse.” His leadership was noticeable on the diamond as well, whether he was high-fiving guys or talking them up. Additionally, McCann adds a lot of toughness to the team. This was brought to light when McCann’s nose was broken on a hit by pitch, and he stayed in the game afterward. 2024 PitchingNinja Tough Guy Award. ? Winner: James McCann Somehow staying in this game. pic.twitter.com/CZR8Skbdoz — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 27, 2024 This type of toughness and leadership was invaluable to all the Orioles’ young players. Besides his on-the-field leadership, McCann is an excellent person off the field. He was the Orioles’ 2024 Roberto Clemente Award nominee, and in his two years in Baltimore, McCann helped the community in countless ways. Potential Contract For McCann During his second go-around in free agency, McCann will not be commanding another four-year, $40 million contract. Spotrac projects that McCann will earn a one-year deal worth about $2.8 million. That is a fair price for McCann’s services, which extend on and off the field. Where Will James McCann Land? The Orioles should be working very hard to keep McCann in Baltimore. Rutschman is still a young catcher, and the leadership McCann provides for not only Rutschman but the whole clubhouse is invaluable. Also, top prospect Samuel Basallo , a catcher, is set to debut in 2025, and having McCann around him could help his growth. Besides the Orioles, it’s tough to tell where else McCann could land. There are plenty of playoff-caliber teams who could use McCann’s leadership and toughness. But a rebuilding team with a young catcher could also try to copy the Orioles’ plan. One rebuilding team that stands out is the Washington Nationals. They showed some spark in 2024, but could not get the offense going consistently. Adding McCann as a leader, helping out young catcher Keibert Ruiz in the process, could be an under-the-radar move that helps the Nationals make a playoff push. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of NuScale Power Co. ( NYSE:SMR – Free Report ) by 21.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,829,843 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 317,285 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned 0.73% of NuScale Power worth $21,194,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SMR. State Street Corp lifted its position in shares of NuScale Power by 10.2% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,674,995 shares of the company’s stock worth $19,396,000 after purchasing an additional 154,368 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its position in NuScale Power by 90.0% in the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 1,235,457 shares of the company’s stock worth $14,307,000 after buying an additional 585,292 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in NuScale Power by 212.4% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 677,248 shares of the company’s stock worth $7,843,000 after buying an additional 460,487 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its stake in shares of NuScale Power by 57.2% during the 3rd quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 351,777 shares of the company’s stock valued at $4,074,000 after buying an additional 128,012 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of NuScale Power by 97.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 278,513 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,256,000 after acquiring an additional 137,382 shares in the last quarter. 78.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages recently issued reports on SMR. Craig Hallum increased their price objective on NuScale Power from $16.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. CLSA started coverage on NuScale Power in a research note on Friday, September 13th. They set an “outperform” rating and a $11.00 price target for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $10.39. Insider Activity In related news, insider Robert K. Temple sold 115,866 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.20, for a total transaction of $2,108,761.20. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 14,054 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $255,782.80. This represents a 89.18 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, VP Jacqueline F. Engel sold 18,186 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Friday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.00, for a total transaction of $527,394.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,801 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $110,229. This represents a 82.71 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last quarter, insiders have sold 202,610 shares of company stock valued at $3,528,780. Insiders own 1.96% of the company’s stock. NuScale Power Price Performance NYSE SMR opened at $19.51 on Friday. NuScale Power Co. has a fifty-two week low of $1.88 and a fifty-two week high of $32.30. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $22.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.93. The firm has a market cap of $4.98 billion, a P/E ratio of -20.54 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 2.24 and a quick ratio of 2.24. NuScale Power Profile ( Free Report ) NuScale Power Corporation engages in the development and sale of modular light water reactor nuclear power plants to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, hydrogen production, and other process heat applications. It offers NuScale Power Module (NPM), a water reactor that can generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe); and VOYGR power plant designs for three facility sizes that are capable of housing from one to four and six or twelve NPMs. Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than NuScale Power NYSE Stocks Give Investors a Variety of Quality Options Buffett Takes the Bait; Berkshire Buys More Oxy in December Stock Market Upgrades: What Are They? Top 3 ETFs to Hedge Against Inflation in 2025 ESG Stocks, What Investors Should Know These 3 Chip Stock Kings Are Still Buys for 2025 Receive News & Ratings for NuScale Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NuScale Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It's a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It's all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person's response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn't happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It's not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn't respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I'm hoping it's slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Gildan Activewear Inc. ( NYSE:GIL – Free Report ) (TSE:GIL) by 6.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 35,135 shares of the textile maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 2,138 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc.’s holdings in Gildan Activewear were worth $1,702,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Fortis Group Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Gildan Activewear by 3.9% during the 3rd quarter. Fortis Group Advisors LLC now owns 6,601 shares of the textile maker’s stock valued at $311,000 after purchasing an additional 246 shares during the last quarter. Aristides Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Gildan Activewear by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Aristides Capital LLC now owns 7,617 shares of the textile maker’s stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 314 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in shares of Gildan Activewear by 23.0% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,698 shares of the textile maker’s stock worth $80,000 after purchasing an additional 318 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Gildan Activewear by 96.1% in the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 810 shares of the textile maker’s stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV increased its holdings in shares of Gildan Activewear by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV now owns 109,947 shares of the textile maker’s stock worth $5,180,000 after purchasing an additional 577 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.83% of the company’s stock. Gildan Activewear Price Performance NYSE GIL opened at $46.86 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 2.31 and a quick ratio of 0.98. The stock’s fifty day moving average price is $48.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $44.49. Gildan Activewear Inc. has a 1 year low of $30.68 and a 1 year high of $50.60. The company has a market cap of $7.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.52, a PEG ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 1.40. Gildan Activewear Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 16th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 21st were paid a $0.152 dividend. This represents a $0.61 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.30%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 21st. Gildan Activewear’s dividend payout ratio is presently 32.41%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently weighed in on GIL shares. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on Gildan Activewear from $47.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Gildan Activewear from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. CIBC lifted their target price on Gildan Activewear from $48.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on Gildan Activewear from $52.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Citigroup lifted their target price on Gildan Activewear from $54.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, November 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $51.05. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GIL Gildan Activewear Company Profile ( Free Report ) Gildan Activewear Inc manufactures and sells various apparel products in the United States, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. It provides various activewear products, including T-shirts, fleece tops and bottoms, and sports shirts under the Gildan, Gildan Performance, Gildan Hammer, Glidan Softstyle, Gildan Heavy Cotton, Gildan Ultra Cotton, Gildan DryBlend, Gildan HeavyBlend, Comfort Colors, and American Apparel brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GIL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Gildan Activewear Inc. ( NYSE:GIL – Free Report ) (TSE:GIL). Receive News & Ratings for Gildan Activewear Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gildan Activewear and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Western Forest Products Inc. ( OTCMKTS:WFSTF – Get Free Report ) shot up 4.7% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $0.28 and last traded at $0.28. 17,100 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 38% from the average session volume of 27,587 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.27. Western Forest Products Stock Up 4.7 % The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.33. About Western Forest Products ( Get Free Report ) Western Forest Products Inc operates as an integrated softwoods forest products company in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Europe, and internationally. It is involved in timber harvesting, sawmilling logs into specialty lumber, value-added lumber and glulam remanufacturing, and wholesaling purchased lumber. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Western Forest Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Western Forest Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. ( NYSE:BXMT – Get Free Report ) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, December 17th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.47 per share by the real estate investment trust on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 10.50%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. Blackstone Mortgage Trust has raised its dividend payment by an average of 6.4% per year over the last three years. Blackstone Mortgage Trust has a dividend payout ratio of 125.3% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect Blackstone Mortgage Trust to earn $1.65 per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $1.88 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 113.9%. Blackstone Mortgage Trust Stock Performance Shares of BXMT opened at $17.91 on Friday. Blackstone Mortgage Trust has a 52-week low of $16.53 and a 52-week high of $22.16. The firm has a market cap of $3.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -12.88 and a beta of 1.50. The business’s fifty day moving average is $18.62 and its 200-day moving average is $18.38. Analysts Set New Price Targets Read Our Latest Research Report on BXMT About Blackstone Mortgage Trust ( Get Free Report ) Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc, a real estate finance company, originates senior loans collateralized by commercial properties in North America, Europe, and Australia. The company originates and acquires senior floating rate mortgage loans that are secured by a first-priority mortgage on commercial real estate assets. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Blackstone Mortgage Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blackstone Mortgage Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Evonik Industries AG ( OTCMKTS:EVKIF – Get Free Report ) shares were up 7.7% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $17.50 and last traded at $17.50. Approximately 450 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 30% from the average daily volume of 641 shares. The stock had previously closed at $16.25. Evonik Industries Stock Up 7.7 % The company’s fifty day moving average price is $19.38 and its 200-day moving average price is $20.20. About Evonik Industries ( Get Free Report ) Evonik Industries AG produces specialty chemicals in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, and North America. It operates through Specialty Additives, Nutrition & Care, Smart Materials, Performance Materials, and Technology & Infrastructure segments. The Specialty Additives segment provides additives for polyurethane; additives, matting agents, fumed silicas, and specialty resins for paints, coatings, and printing inks; isophorone and epoxy curing agents for coatings, adhesives, and composites; and pour-point depressants, and viscosity index improvers for coatings for oil and other lubricants for construction machinery and automotive sector. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Evonik Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Evonik Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Premier League points table: Liverpool increase their lead on top after ‘Boxing Day’CLEVELAND (AP) — Myles Garrett was in no mood to celebrate his birthday or making history. Garrett recorded two sacks to become the first NFL player with 14 sacks in four straight seasons, but the Cleveland Browns couldn't do anything on offense during a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Garrett turned 29 and turned in another stellar performance in this dreadful season for the Browns (3-13), who had hoped to take another step after making the playoffs a year ago. But nothing has gone right in Cleveland, and now the team is facing another offseason of change. Garrett has 14 sacks this season and 102 1/2 in his eight-year career. He's making the case for a second consecutive NFL defensive player of the year honor. But there isn't any award that will ease the pain of his fourth double-digit loss season. “At the end of the day, we play for wins,” Garrett said. “The individual stuff is great. It's nice, you want to be remembered for all of the above. But cities remember you for wins and bringing championships back home. “That's always been my intention. So, I want to get back on track, want to get back to winning, whether it's the last one or whatever's in store next season.” Garrett recently made it clear that he does not want to be part of another rebuild in Cleveland, saying he wanted to see the team's plans to improve the roster. His comments opened the possibility that he could ask for a trade if he isn't satisfied with the Browns' outlook. After the Browns dropped their fifth in a row to finish 2-6 at home, Garrett said he never considered that it might be his last game in Cleveland. “I don't think about that kind of stuff,” he said. “My mission is to go out there and try to help this team win as a leader, as a brother, as a teammate. That's what I solely focus on. I'm not looking into the future. Next thing on my mind is recovery, looking at film, how can we improve going to the Ravens and try to play spoiler for them.” Garrett hasn't given up. For the second week in a row, he displayed extraordinary effort while chasing a scrambling quarterback without getting a sack. He won't quit. “He's the best pass rusher in the game,” Browns guard Joel Bitonio said. “You could ask all the players, all the coaches. He's probably the guy they fear going up against the most. He's dynamic. He's a special player. He's doing his thing. I hope we can get some stuff around him so he can win some games around here.” Garrett twice went into the medical tent during the game. He slowly walked to his locker to get dressed before turning on some music that brought a little life into an otherwise somber Cleveland locker room. Garrett laughed when asked if he's pushing himself to the end. “I'm just old,” he said. “I'm 29. I'm not going to be dragging myself through the finish line. I'll be fine by Friday, Saturday and be ready to go. I always am." ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Tom Withers, The Associated Press

President-elect has again hinted that he is far from being done waging legal battles after his big win over ABC and star anchor . On his Truth Social platform, Trump reposted a photo of E. Jean Carroll with large letters that read: “Should a woman go to jail for falsely accusing a man of rape? Retruth if you want justice for Trump.” The comments come amid a slew of posts and reposts from the incoming president in which he has suggested that he will undertake efforts to jail and/or take legal action against presumed enemies, including former Wyoming representative , President and even . After Trump lost two defamation suits against Carroll, her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, told a reporter in May that her team would against him after he had posted disparaging remarks on Truth Social. She could not immediately be reached for comment. “We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table. And that remains true today—all options are on the table,” Kaplan said at the time. Democrats and opposing Republicans alike have been bracing for Trump’s second turn, including President Biden who . President Biden’s administration has also even considered drawing up a to protect Trump’s critics from his ire. However, top Democratic Adam Schiff warned against setting a precedent. “The precedent of giving blanket pardons, preemptive blanket pardons on the way out of an administration, I think is a precedent we don’t want to set,” said Schiff in an interview on ABC News’ , reported .( MENAFN - Investor Brand Network) Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) is distinguishing itself in Canada's mining sector, presenting a compelling case for exploration-focused investors.“Torr Metals has consistently demonstrated its ability to identify and advance high-potential exploration targets through innovation and a systematic approach. At Filion, the application of LiDAR technology and targeted surface sampling has uncovered new high-grade zones, establishing a foundation for inaugural drilling on undrilled Gold soil anomalies grading up to 1.32 g/t Au in 2023. At Kolos, the discovery of the Sonic Zone represents a significant step forward, identifying another potential large-scale Cu-Au porphyry system alongside previously established targets,” reads a recent article.“These efforts exemplify Torr's knack for placing a finger on the 'needle in the haystack' and transforming untapped potential into value-driven exploration opportunities. By leading with 'firsts' at both Filion and Kolos, Torr is building a portfolio of high-quality targets at a low cost to investors poised for potentially significant fresh discoveries.” To view the full article, visit About Torr Metals Inc. Torr Metals is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company focused on defining and developing the substantial exploration potential of the approximately 240-kilometer Kolos Copper-Gold Project, located within the prolific Quesnel Terrane in central British Columbia. Year-round access is provided by Highway 5, with the project being favorably located 23 kilometers north of the city of Merritt and 286 kilometers by highway from Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information about the company, please visit . NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TMET are available in the company's newsroom at About MiningNewsWire MiningNewsWire (“MNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on developments and opportunities in the Global Mining and Resources sectors. 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MPIF advances community and environmental impact through PNP Advisory CouncilChipotle Mexican Grill Inc. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors despite daily gainsSir Keir Starmer was speaking at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) conference in Estonia where he met leaders of other Baltic states. After signing an energy partnership with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Bergen, Sir Keir flew to Estonia where he spoke alongside Mr Store and their Estonian counterpart Kristen Michal. Asked what else could be done to support Ukraine, Sir Keir said: “There is an ever-increasing demand for more capability. That is understandable, and Ukraine needs all the capability that it can get, so I think all of us have put in more capability into Ukraine by way of equipment.” He added: “A lot of money has been raised, funding has been raised, but more is going to be needed.” The Prime Minister’s also discussed making the economic case at home for continued support for Ukraine. Sir Keir said: “Making the case on the significance of Ukraine, making the case, to double down, linking it back to each of our countries – what does it mean for us if Russia succeeds, is a really important question that we have to answer with our people to make it clear why it is that we are so supportive of Ukraine, why it is that we must stand with our allies on this, why it is we must make sure that Nato is put in the strongest position as well. “Now, this is a different world to the world of 10, 20 years ago, to recognise the world that we are living in, there’s a positive case as well to be made. “Defence spending doesn’t sort of sit in a silo over here with no effect on the rest of the economy, no effect on technology. “It has a huge effect on technologies, the cutting edge of technology and change which can then be used in other areas. “It binds countries together. I think all of us have got joint projects on in terms of defence capabilities that bind us together. There’s a huge number of well-paid jobs that are very important to our economy in defence spending as well. “But we have to make that positive case. I don’t personally feel that we can sort of sit back and assume that all of those in our respective countries necessarily accept all of our arguments unless we make them in that positive way, which I do think the argument can and should and must be made. “But the challenge that you put to us is the right challenge, which is it’s very difficult when finances are tight, as they are in all of our countries.” On Tuesday morning the Prime Minister will meet Taavi Madiberk, the founder of Estonian tech start-up manufacturing low-cost air defence missiles, Frankenburg Technologies, which is planning to open a new office in London Specialising in the manufacture of the missiles, the rapidly growing company already collaborates closely with the UK defence industry, sourcing a significant portion of its subsystems locally, including from propulsion specialists Roxel in Worcestershire. The Prime Minister will again attend the JEF summit, joining leaders from the Nordics and Baltics to discuss support for Ukraine, the sustained threat posed by Russia and wider European security. He will then visit British forces serving in the region to deter malign Russian threats.

Cannon Ballers Press release KANNAPOLIS – Adding to their three featured uniforms from the team’s rebrand in October 2019, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are rocking the red by introducing a fourth uniform to their rotation of official team branding. The new jersey and hat combination are a stark red hue, with the front of the jersey reading “Kannapolis” across the front in their recognizable white script font to represent the city from which the Cannon Ballers call home. The red ties the team into the city of Kannapolis with the many red features found around the city. From the red brick of the historic buildings in downtown Kannapolis to the hue of a local favorite beverage, red is the color that unites the area. The new jersey contains blue piping along the front with white numbers flared with the team’s signature stars on the back. The front contains numbers with the same font and yellow stars, but in a blue colorway. It is the first time that Kannapolis has had a red uniform in their rotation since 2019, when the Kannapolis Intimidators featured a red top to complement their black and red color scheme. The newest cap for players, coaches and fans to unite in wearing is a red hat with a red brim. The front of the crown features the branded Kannapolis “K” in white with a yellow star as a touch of detail. The new red hat marks the first time that a team from Kannapolis has adorned a red hat since the Piedmont Boll Weevils in 2000. It is the first primarily red hat for Kannapolis’ baseball team as an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Kannapolis will wear the fresh new uniforms on select primetime home games, with fans able to get some of their own red jerseys and hats to match in the Cannon Ballers official team store. Season ticket packages and 10-game mini plans for the 2025 season are available now. Come see the defending Carolina League South Division champion Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in their fifth season at Atrium Health Ballpark. Call the Cannon Ballers ticket office at 704-932-3267 or go to kcballers.com for more information and to secure your seats today.

Senate Democrats staged dramatic showdowns to protest nominations during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term in office. This time around, Democrats are shifting tactics, reluctant to pick endless battles with Trump Cabinet picks that are unlikely to succeed. It’s a careful tightrope for a party that is still reeling from losing the White House and Senate in the November elections, but one that many Democrats believe reflects the underlying reality of the situation – voters picked Trump despite all of their party’s warnings and attacks against him. And Democrats may need to win over some of those very same voters to find their way out of the political wilderness. “The mood is slightly different than the last time and there is a sense that if you are freaking out about everything, it becomes really hard for people to sort out what is worth worrying about,” Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, told CNN. Now, Democrats are looking to implement a deliberate and disciplined strategy in Trump’s second term: pointing out the places where they could work with a nominee when they see fit and forcing Republicans to defend Trump’s picks when a nominee faces ethics questions, has a history of controversial statements or doesn’t have what Democrats view as the necessary qualifications for the job. “We have to acknowledge something even if we are disappointed that’s true: Trump won. He is the president. We have to accept that,” Sen. Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, said. “We are going to approach this in a very straightforward way. President Trump won. He has a right to nominate his Cabinet members. Our approach will be to give him the benefit of the doubt but not a blank check.” Some Democrats have already been clear they may be open to voting for some of Trump’s picks even if they’ve sparred with them before. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania told CNN earlier this month he would “absolutely” vote to confirm his one-time political rival Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead a key health care agency as long as Oz “agrees to protect and preserve Medicaid and Medicare,” offering up praise for his qualifications as a doctor and even saying he would “have a beer with the dude.” And several Democrats said they are looking forward to backing their colleague Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida to be the next secretary of state. During Trump’s first term in office, Democrats, in some instances, used procedural or tactical hurdles to delay votes in committee, something which can backfire quickly. Democrats won’t back away from made-for-TV moments during public confirmation hearings as they look to drive a wedge between Republicans on issues or past statements that nominees have made. But several Democrats CNN spoke to said they are also reticent to needlessly delay confirmations or “play games,” knowing that doing so could risk a GOP backlash and could embolden Trump to use what are known as recess appointments, essentially bypassing Congress altogether. Democrats stress that a measured approach shouldn’t be mistaken for Democratic support for Trump’s most controversial picks. In the course of conversations with more than a dozen Democrats, members and aides said it’s clear that some of Trump’s most contentious picks from Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense to his Director of National Intelligence selection, Tulsi Gabbard, are unlikely to win over many of their members. But Democrats believe their only real strategy to move the needle on these canbdidates is to give their GOP colleagues space to make the decisions about their futures on their own and not engage in partisan battles just for the sake of the exercise. Democrats are also acutely aware that they will be in the minority and Republicans have a comfortable three-seat margin. “ Sometimes all you can do is create a record that shows people ‘Ok, this is what you are getting,’” Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, told CNN. The Senate Democratic caucus is diverse and represents an ideological spectrum. As a result, there will won’t necessarily be one singular unified strategy. Some members may pursue divergent approaches or differ in their opinions. But based on interviews with multiple members and aides it’s clear that many in the party believe a new approach is needed after Democrats lost to Trump a second time. During the first Trump administration, Democrats staged a surprise boycott of the Senate Finance Committee to deny Republicans a quorum to vote to advance the nominations of Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin as Democrats argued they needed additional information about the nominees’ finances and business practices. Democrats similarly used procedural hurdles in the Senate Judiciary Committee to force Republicans to reconvene one day later to vote on Jeff Sessions to be the attorney general. At the time, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell blasted Democrats for the moves, saying, “It is time to get over the fact that they lost the election..none of this is going to lead to a different outcome.” “I can’t predict what tactics may be adopted. I personally would be inclined to show up for committee meetings, not the private committee of a forum. That’s just my personal inclination,” Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal said. For committees, a key question emerges with Trump shifting norms Democrats are also clear they won’t cease reminding voters of the ways Trump and his incoming administration are defying precedent if they decline to have nominees undergo FBI background checks. On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer penned a letter to incoming GOP leader Sen. John Thune insisting that Thune maintain the process of confirming nominees, including FBI background checks. Schumer wrote that the Senate should work “in a bipartisan fashion to process each nominee by reviewing standard FBI background-investigation materials, scheduling hearings and markups in the committees of jurisdiction, and considering nominees on the Senate floor.” Democrats are grappling with how much they need to do behind the scenes if Trump’s transition team follows through with their suggestion they won’t have nominees go through the normal FBI vetting process. “It is not like we can substitute the work of the FBI,” one Democratic source told CNN on background to discuss internal deliberations. While each committee has slight variations in how it is briefed on the background reports or uses their contents, members have largely argued that more information – not less – is essential in backstopping their decision of whether to support a nominee. Democrats warn that with some of Trump’s picks having never worked before in government, the checks are even more essential , especially as questions have been raised about the past behavior of some, including Hegseth, who was accused in 2017 of sexual assault. Police did not press charges and Hegseth has denied the incident was an assault. Others suggested the question of whether Democrats engage in their own vetting is still very much up for discussion. “There have to be investigations so whether it’s the FBI or our committee staff, there have to be,” Kaine said while acknowledging “ It can be challenging ” especially as Democrats are seated to lose power over those committees in a matter of weeks. Democrats will remain in the majority until January, but unlike the FBI, which is well versed in conducting the nominee background checks, committees would have to stand up a plan for an investigation and execute it in short order. “We shouldn’t do that. We should get the FBI background check,” Welch said. In the end, Democrats say they are going to stay flexible, recognizing some of the strategy is going to be born of organic and unforeseen circumstances in the months ahead. “I don’t think there is an overall answer. (Trump’s) labor nominee is for example very different than his nominee for the Department of Defense and the approaches should be tailored to the individual nominees,” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. “Democrats are here to carry out our Constitutional duties to advise and consent. To do that, we need our FBI background checks, an opportunity to meet with the candidates and then to ask them questions in open hearings.”Principal Financial Group Inc. Buys 787,671 Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL)

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Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute winner gave them victory after they had twice squandered the lead in Germany. John McGinn and Jhon Duran goals at the start of each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. But Barkley had the final say less than two minutes after coming off the bench as his deflected effort earned the points which sent his side third in the new Champions League league phase. The top eight automatically qualify for the next stage and with games against Monaco and Celtic to come, Unai Emery’s men are a good bet to avoid the need for a play-off round in their first foray in this competition. Leipzig are out, having lost all six of their games. Villa enjoyed a dream start and were ahead with less than three minutes on the clock. Matty Cash, playing in a more advanced position on the right, crossed for Ollie Watkins, who nodded down into the path of McGinn and the skipper made no mistake from close range. That gave the visitors confidence and they had enough chances in the first 15 minutes to have the game wrapped up. Lucas Digne’s cross from the left was begging to be converted but Watkins could not make contact from close range and then Morgan Rogers shot straight at Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Then Youri Tielemans found himself with time and space on the edge of the area from Watkins’ tee-up but the Belgium international disappointingly dragged wide. All that good work was undone in the 27th minute, though, as Emiliano Martinez was left red-faced. The Argentinian was too casual waiting to collect Nicolas Seiwald’s long ball and Openda nipped in to get the ball first and tap into an empty net. pic.twitter.com/LGoAMrLkQy — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 Duran was introduced at the break and needed just a couple of minutes to fire a warning when he drilled wide after a loose ball fell to him 14 yards out. But the Colombian got his goal in the 52nd minute, though it was another moment for the goalkeeper to forget. Duran was invited to drive forward and unleashed a 25-yard shot, which was hardly an Exocet, but still was too much for Gulacsi, who barely even jumped. It was his 10th goal of the season and sixth from the bench as he continues his super-sub role. 😍 pic.twitter.com/ZHeVFiYUW9 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 The striker was not complaining and he thought he had doubled his tally shortly after when he converted Cash’s centre but the provider was ruled offside by VAR. Five minutes later, Villa found themselves pegged back again with a finish of real quality. Openda was sent clear by another long ball and his cross was perfect for Baumgartner to cushion a far-post volley back across goal and into the corner. Digne brought a save out of Gulacsi and then Openda shot straight at Martinez as both sides pushed for a winner. It was Villa who got it as Barkley saw his deflected effort wrong-foot Gulacsi and hit the back of the net.Matthew Byars , who appeared on Bravo reality show The Real Housewives of Potomac , died by suicide, it has been confirmed. The Sun newspaper in the U.S. first reported a statement from Maryland’s Chief Office of Medical Examiner, adding that the autopsy report had been completed. Deadline has now independently verified the statement. The Medical Examiner said the manner of death was suicide and the cause “multiple blunt force injuries.” Byers died Thursday 21 November, aged 37. He made his debut on the show during Season 3 of the show, where he was introduced as star Karen Huger’s talent manager, and she introduced him on the show as part of her management team. Deadline previously reported that Byars appeared in Huger’s infamous “press conference” in Season 3 of the reality series, during which she attempted to clear up rumors about her financial situation. Former RHOP star Charrisse Jackson-Jordan paid tribute to Byars by sharing a photo with him and captioning it, “Rest in peace.” Melissa Gorga of The Real Housewives of New Jersey also paid tribute to Byars in a social media post. “Matt- Why didn’t you tell me Matt? I’m heartbroken. Your personality was infectious. Your jokes- you always had them. You should have done stand up- I know it was your dream. My heart hurts Matt. Because earlier this week you didn’t tell me. I know life was tough- I know,” Gorga wrote on Instagram . “Thank you for bringing me my very 1st performance of ‘ON DISPLAY’- you and I- WE ARE LOYAL. They don’t make them like us. I wish I could have saved you. Thank you for the memories. Go fly- Go make them laugh.” Comedian Bruce Vilanch first broke the news about Byars in a Facebook post , writing, “ Matt Byars ended his struggle this morning. Those of you who knew him can DM me for more information. Sorry to be the bearer....”

Sunday night's Philadelphia Eagles' 37-20 victory at the Los Angeles Rams was a record-setter and an attention-getter ... especially, as far as Saquon Barkley knew, when it comes to attention from the NFL people who administer drug tests. Barkley's spectacular 255-rushing-yard, two-touchdown game saw the former New York Giants back lead the Eagles to a 9-2 start. Following the game and his 300-total-yards day, several other stars on the Eagles took notice of just how good Barkley really is. "He's the best in the league. He's the best at what he does," Quarterback Jalen Hurts said. "He's a bad man." "Bad'' as in ... so good the league wanted to test him for drugs? As it turns out, the note in his stall in the visitor's locker room calling for a league test was a prank orchestrated by tight end Dallas Goedert. Related: Can Eagles Compete With Red-Hot Lions? Barkley is in a neck-and-neck race with Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens for the rushing title. ... and deserves to be in the MVP conversation as well. Running backs rarely win the award - it's become a QB thing - but if Barkley reaches 2,000 rushing yards this season? It'll be a conversation piece ... and no joke. Unlike the drug test note left in his locker. Related: NFL MVP Race: Josh Allen vs. Saquon Barkley?Businessman Ng Yu Zhi, who is accused of perpetrating a billion-dollar fraudulent nickel investment scheme through his companies Envy Asset Management and Envy Global Trading, went on trial in the High Court on Nov 26. The 37-year-old is alleged to have deceived investors, who include lawyers and financiers, into putting in a total of $1.46 billion to finance the trading of physical nickel, when such deals never took place. The investors were purportedly promised returns of about 15 per cent over three months. Ng was first charged in March 2021 with two counts each of fraudulent trading and cheating. New charges continued to be filed against him, up until February 2024. He currently faces a total of 108 charges, of which 105 are in connection to the alleged nickel investment scam. The three other charges relate to his attempts in 2023 to sell a Bussorah Street shophouse, which he had allegedly bought with criminal proceeds. These charges have not been transferred to the High Court. On Nov 26, Deputy Public Prosecutor Gordon Oh told the High Court that the prosecution will be proceeding against Ng on 42 out of the 105 charges related to the nickel trading scheme. The charges are 10 counts of cheating, 15 counts of forgery, one count of criminal breach of trust as a director, 14 counts of money laundering, and two counts of fraudulent trading. Ng, sporting a topknot hairstyle, listened intently as a court officer took an hour to read all 42 charges to him. One of the proceeded charges relates to venture capitalist Finian Tan. Ng is accused of cheating Mr Tan, on no fewer than three occasions, into delivering US$19.2 million (S$25.6 million) to Envy Global Trading between October 2020 and January 2021. Ng was first remanded on Jan 19, 2023, after his bail was increased from $4 million to $6 million, and he was not able to immediately secure the additional funds. He was released after he subsequently raised the additional amount. Bail was later revoked after he allegedly committed fresh offences, stemming from the attempted sale of the shophouse, while he was on bail. Court records show that he has been remanded since Jan 31, 2024. Ng was first represented by lawyers from Davinder Singh Chambers, and then from Dentons Rodyk & Davidson. He is currently represented by four lawyers, Mr Hassan Almenoar, Ms Diana Foo, Mr Nichol Yeo and Mr Nicholas Narayanan, who are all from different law firms. Ng was declared bankrupt on Dec 22, 2022, after he and three others were sued by the liquidators of the Envy companies. Four prosecution witnesses are expected to take the stand during the first tranche of the trial, which has been scheduled to be held till Nov 29. More than 50 days have been set aside for the trial, which is set to resume in February 2025. On Nov 26, the defence tried to compel the prosecution to proceed on all the charges instead of standing down the remaining 66 charges. Mr Almenoar argued that if Ng was acquitted of the 42 charges, it would not be fair for the prosecution to then proceed against him on the remaining charges. His application was rejected by Judicial Commissioner Christopher Tan, who noted that standing down charges in a criminal trial is a long-entrenched practice. He added that the defence has not provided any legal authorities in support of its application. The prosecution’s opening statement will be read when the trial resumes on Nov 27.

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Australia's proposal to ban under-16s from social media platforms is "rushed", social media companies claimed Tuesday, expressing "serious concerns" about potential unintended consequences. The landmark legislation would force social media firms to prevent young teens from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million). Platforms such as X, Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta have criticised the 24-hour time frame given for stakeholder comments, claiming a lack of consultation and inadequate details about how the legislation would work. X said in its submission that it had "serious concerns" the ban would have "a negative impact" on children, adding it breached their "rights to freedom of expression and access to information". The company added that the proposed law was "vague" and "highly problematic" and that there was "no evidence" that it would work. Australia is among the vanguard of nations trying to clean up social media, and the proposed age limit would be among the world's strictest measures aimed at children. The proposed laws, which were presented to parliament last week, would also include robust privacy provisions that require tech platforms to delete any age-verification information collected. The government is trying to approve the law this week, before parliament breaks for the rest of the year. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said in its submission the ban would "fail" in its current form because there was not enough consultation with stakeholders. "More time should be taken to get this bill right," it said. TikTok raised concerns over the privacy provisions -- including that they overlapped and contradicted other legislation -- and the limited time to consult stakeholders. "Its rushed passage poses a serious risk of further unintended consequences," the company's submission said. Key details about how social media companies are expected to enforce the ban remain unclear. Some companies will be granted exemptions from the ban, such as YouTube, which teenagers may need to use for school work or other reasons. Once celebrated as a means of staying connected and informed, social media platforms have been tarnished by cyberbullying, the spread of illegal content, and election-meddling claims. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insisted Tuesday that "social media is causing social harm". "It can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers and, worst of all, a tool for online predators," he wrote in an opinion piece. "And because it is young Australians who are most engaged with this technology -- it is young Australians who are most at risk." The laws would give families "peace of mind" that their children's well-being and mental health were being prioritised, he said. If the proposed law passes, tech platforms would be given a one-year grace period to figure out how to implement and enforce the ban. The proposal comes just months before Australians go to the polls in a general election that must be held in the first half of 2025. lec/arb/foxToni Breidinger's full-time NASCAR drive for 2025 has brought in a mixed response from fans. Some argue that this is a huge step forward for female representation in motorsport and Breidinger has proven her worth for the full-time seat, whereas others feel that it is her lucrative sponsorhip deals that have made her an attractive proposition for the TRICON Garage team. Speaking about her new full-time deal, Breidinger explained, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports : "Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It's been a 15-year process to get here but I'm so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it," said Breidinger. "I wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for Toyota, Raising Cane's, CELSIUS, and Sunoco. I'm beyond grateful to have these partners and team in my corner to take this next step in my career." Fans have been quick to take to social media to share their thoughts on the move for the Arabic-American driver. One fan posted: "Toni Breidinger is an extremely talented race car driver. She brings sponsors and she is also knows how to market herself. I'm looking forward to seeing how she does in the Truck Series next year." Toni Breidinger is an extremely talented race car driver. She brings sponsors and she is also knows how to market herself. I'm looking forward to seeing how she does in the Truck Series next year https://t.co/MgETY88OTR Another fan who is feeling positive about the move commented: "Glad to hear Toni Breidinger is getting a ride in the truck series, she is one hell of a driver. I think she's been passed over by higher caliber teams, not sure why, but she is for real and will win races if not win she'll come close. Put her in quality truck." glad to hear toni breidinger is getting a ride in the truck series, she is one hell of a driver. i think she's been passed over by higher caliber teams, not sure why, but she is for real and will win races if not win she'll come close. put her in quality truck. "This is a massive W for NASCAR and women. Toni is one who has the potential to get results." This is a massive W for NASCAR and women. Toni is one who has the potential to get results Other fans predicted that Breidinger may have a similar experience in NASCAR to Hailie Deegan who lost her seat with AM Racing in the Xfinity Series. Deegan is now set to join Indy NXT in 2025. "Same what happened to Deegan gunna happen to her." [sic] Same what happened to Deegan gunna happen to her Responding to 'James Yanez', another NASCAR fan wrote: "Probably worse. Hailie at least won a few races in the ARCA Series, Toni's best finish is 3rd. "She is staying with Toyota, which is where Hailie messed up when she left for Ford . "But if people thought Hailie didn't focus on racing, they'll lose their shit with Toni." Probably worse. Hailie at least won a few races in the ARCA Series, Toni's best finish is 3rd. She is staying with Toyota, which is where Hailie messed up when she left for Ford. But if people thought Hailie didn't focus on racing, they'll lose their shit with Toni. Another fan referred to her extensive social media following, with over five million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok . They wrote: "When drivers are chosen by Instagram followers over racing skill." When drivers are chosen by Instagram followers over racing skill Referring to Breidinger's lucrative sponsorship deals, another fan posted: "I get you need money in this sport but this is getting ridiculous, no other sport can you pay to be in the elite series without having merit." I get you need money in this sport but this is getting ridiculous, no other sport can you pay to be in the elite series without having merit.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jamal Mashburn Jr. scored 18 points as Temple beat Buffalo 91-71 on Sunday. Mashburn shot 6 for 10 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Owls (8-5). Zion Stanford scored 15 points while going 4 of 9 and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Quante Berry had 15 points and shot 7 of 8 from the field and 0 for 4 from the foul line. The Bulls (5-7) were led by Tyson Dunn, who posted 11 points and four assists. Anquan Boldin Jr. added 11 points and three steals for Buffalo. Noah Batchelor also had nine points and six rebounds. Temple took the lead with 5:38 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 39-29 at halftime, with Shane Dezonie racking up seven points. Temple outscored Buffalo in the second half by 10 points, with Mashburn scoring a team-high 13 points after intermission. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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Gobert spoke about the chemistry that the Jazz players have developed over the course of the season, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication on and off the court. He mentioned how their shared experiences, both positive and challenging, have brought them closer together as a team and have helped them navigate through tough times. Gobert emphasized the value of resilience and teamwork, stating that overcoming obstacles as a unit has only made them stronger.99bet vip 。

As these developments unfold, it is clear that the tech industry is entering a new era of innovation and competition. With companies like OpenAI, Xiaomi, and Apple leading the charge, the possibilities for technological advancement and societal impact are endless. By staying informed and adaptable, tech enthusiasts can navigate the ever-changing landscape and contribute to the shaping of a brighter future driven by cutting-edge technology.

For the winger, the move to Barcelona represents a dream come true. Playing for a club with such a rich history and tradition is a rare opportunity that few players get to experience in their careers. The chance to follow in the footsteps of legends like Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi is a prospect that the winger is relishing.Furthermore, the transition from water fees to water taxes has implications beyond just the residential sector. Industries, agriculture, and other sectors that are heavy water consumers are also affected by this policy shift. For these stakeholders, the transition may have more significant financial implications and could potentially influence their operational procedures and investment decisions.

One of the key factors behind Ferdinand's argument is the impact that underperforming players can have on the overall team dynamic. When certain players consistently fail to contribute to the team's success, it can create a sense of complacency and mediocrity within the squad. This, in turn, can affect the morale and motivation of other players, leading to a decline in overall performance.PJ Patterson calls Barbara Gayle’s murder ‘a wake-up call’ for Jamaica

5. **Policy Support and Effective Measures**: The combination of targeted policies, including tax cuts, fee reductions, financial support, and regulatory measures, has played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy and promoting growth. These measures have supported businesses, boosted investment confidence, and facilitated the resumption of economic activities post-pandemic.

In recent days, rumors claiming that Nanning Zoo in China is seeking wild people to act as performers have once again surfaced on social media and online platforms. This false information has caused confusion and concern among the public, prompting the zoo authorities to issue a statement to debunk these baseless claims.OAKLAND — The race to be Oakland’s next mayor may have officially kicked off Monday, but the starting line is eerily quiet — and may continue to be until Rep. Barbara Lee about whether to run. Lee, the longtime East Bay congresswoman and stalwart of progressive politics, said late last week in a social media post that she will announce her decision in early January, noting the decision was “not one I take lightly.” In the meantime, Lee has held numerous private meetings with city officials about the issues affecting Oakland, from the ongoing budget crisis to homelessness to policing, two sources with direct knowledge of those conversations told this news organization. The policy “deep dive,” as a source not authorized to speak publicly put it, might offer reassurance to skeptics who worry that the retiring legislator, who has represented Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley and San Leandro in Congress since 1998, would struggle to adapt to running a city full-time. But the larger consequence of Lee’s decision-making timeline is that the run-up to the April 15 special election to has largely stalled. Most candidates are holding off until Lee makes a move. Hours after the formal start on Monday of the candidate filing period, which lasts until Jan. 17, only two people had scheduled appointments to pull papers for the office — and , a pair of fringe prospects who are unlikely to make a dent in the race. Loren Taylor, the runner-up in the 2022 mayoral election, said Monday he plans to pull papers in the coming days, noting in an interview that his desire to help Oakland grow as a city won’t be affected by whom he’s running against. But others, such as former Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente and lobbyist Isaac Kos-Read, have said they’re holding off. “To be candid, I’m getting a little restless — but out of respect I have to wait,” De La Fuente said Monday in an interview. “Hopefully, she’ll make a decision soon.” An by numerous Oakland leaders urging Lee to run included sign-offs from City Council members Nikki Fortunato Bas, Treva Reid and Dan Kalb, as well as prospective candidate Kos-Read. The letter included signatures from both labor leaders and local political figures who otherwise have often clashed on issues like crime and public spending. “We need someone who can bring the new ideas, policies, resources and opportunities that the people of Oakland deserve,” the letter read. “That person is Barbara Lee.” There are other examples of weighty political races symbolically put on hold amid “will they, won’t they” tension involving potential candidates, including late in 1998. But the upcoming special election in Oakland is unique in how strongly some local leaders seem to be thinking past the election entirely in their overtures to Lee, said political expert Dan Schnur. “These communities and business and labor leaders aren’t begging her to run because they think she’s the only one who can win,” Schnur said. “They think she’s the only one who can govern.” The clearest sign of how many in the city view Lee — who has often weighed in on local affairs to or or — might be a billboard that popped up in recent weeks along Interstate 880 in East Oakland. “Thank You, Barbara Lee,” it reads, “for bringing over half a billion dollars of federal funds into Oakland in 2024!” The billboard, hoisted near the highway’s High Street exit, also links to a website, thankyoubarbaralee.com, which lists some of Lee’s accomplishments and includes a sign-up form “to add your name to our letter of gratitude!” Both the physical and digital ads were created by the East Oakland Youth Development Center. Selena Wilson, the nonprofit’s CEO, said the gesture had nothing to do with the upcoming special election and was solely intended to honor the congresswoman for her longtime support of the center. Nationally, Lee is perhaps best known for being the only member of Congress to oppose the use of military force following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Her entry into the race would bring a layer of gravitas to the top political office in Oakland, a city whose reputation took a hit after crime rose and the economy declined during the pandemic. But it may also bring back memories of the mayoral tenure of the late Rep. Ron Delllums, whose decorated legacy was hurt by the perception that he was an absentee leader during the Great Recession, or former Gov. Jerry Brown, whose time as mayor coincided with the infamous Riders police brutality scandal. Taylor, meanwhile, is steadfast about wanting to lead, an ambition that has not diminished in the two years by fewer than 700 ranked-choice votes. “I think the fact that the others are playing a game of political calculus,” he said, “is indicative of where their leadership commitment is and how confident they are in what they’re bringing to the table.”

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As the real estate market plays a crucial role in the overall economic development of a country, the recent announcement by the central government to prioritize stability in the real estate market for the year 2025 has garnered significant attention and discussion. With a commitment to providing greater support to the real estate sector, the government aims to address the challenges faced by both developers and home buyers while promoting sustainable growth in the industry.

abrdn Asia Focus plc ( LON:AAS – Get Free Report ) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 297.01 ($3.74) and last traded at GBX 296 ($3.72), with a volume of 76156 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 294 ($3.70). abrdn Asia Focus Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.19, a quick ratio of 3.67 and a current ratio of 11.29. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is GBX 284.88 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 280.41. The company has a market capitalization of £454.51 million, a P/E ratio of 3,288.89 and a beta of 0.62. abrdn Asia Focus Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 21st were given a dividend of GBX 1 ($0.01) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, November 21st. This represents a yield of 0.36%. abrdn Asia Focus’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 6,666.67%. Insider Transactions at abrdn Asia Focus abrdn Asia Focus Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Aberdeen Standard Asia Focus PLC operates as an investment trust that invests in a portfolio of smaller companies in Japan, Asia, and Australasia. The trust invests in companies operating in various sectors, including auto components; beverages; chemicals; commercial banks; containers and packaging; diversified financial services; food and staples retailing; hotels, restaurants, and leisure; industrial conglomerates; multiline retail; paper and forest products; real estate; and transportation infrastructure. See Also Receive News & Ratings for abrdn Asia Focus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for abrdn Asia Focus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .In conclusion, the internal discord at Barcelona, particularly the rift between Lewandowski and the local stars, is a cause for concern for all associated with the club. The road ahead will be challenging, but with a concerted effort from all parties involved, Barcelona can overcome this crisis and return to the summit of Spanish and European football. Only time will tell if this setback will be a stumbling block or a stepping stone for the Catalan giants.This anticipated drop in temperatures comes after a period of relatively warm and humid weather in the southern provinces. Many residents have been experiencing above-average temperatures for this time of year, making the sudden shift to cooler weather quite a noticeable change.

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