new online games 2024 In the aftermath of his return, speculations and theories continued to swirl around Jack Ma's sudden disappearance and subsequent reappearance. However, one thing was certain - his comeback had reignited the spark of innovation and entrepreneurship in the hearts and minds of many, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of vision, perseverance, and leadership.

The competition began with a series of impressive lifts from both teams, setting the stage for what would be a thrilling battle for supremacy. The Chinese team, known for their precision and control, took an early lead with some flawless lifts, putting the pressure on their North Korean counterparts. But the North Korean women, known for their raw power and unyielding determination, refused to back down. With every lift, they closed the gap, inching closer to their rivals with each successful attempt.

Title: Shanxi Reports "Missing Female Master's Student Found" Incident, Suspects Taken Into CustodyIt’s Monday, December 23, and the San Antonio Spurs (15-13) and Philadelphia 76ers (9-17) are all set to square off from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Spurs are currently 4-6 on the road with a point differential of -1, while the 76ers have a 4-6 record in their last ten games at home. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts. Game details & how to watch Spurs vs. 76ers live today Date: Monday, December 23, 2024 Time: 7:00 pm EST Site: Wells Fargo Center City: Philadelphia, PA Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page , along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game. Game odds for Spurs vs. 76ers The latest odds as of Monday: Odds: Spurs (+183), 76ers (-221) Spread: 76ers -5.5 Over/Under: 220 points That gives the Spurs an implied team point total of 109.03, and the 76ers 111.89. Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more! Expert picks & predictions for Monday Spurs vs. 76ers game NBC Sports Bet Best Bet Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) like the Philly defense to clamp down on Jeremy Sochan: Jeremy Sochan Under 16.5 Points + Assists (-120) “Sochan has a tough matchup versus Kelly Oubre and Paul George when the Spurs visit the 76ers. While Sochan has been an animal rebounding, he’s averaging 3.8 potential assists per game in December and 14.1 points per game. He’s only met Philly twice in his career and recorded 18 and two P+A in those outings. I like the Under 16.5 here in the first meeting of the year.” Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals. Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Spurs & 76ers game: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Philadelphia 76ers on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Antonio Spurs at -5.5. Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 220. Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar! Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Spurs vs. 76ers on Monday · The Spurs’ record in their last 5 games stands at 4-1 · 7 of the Spurs’ last 9 matchups with the 76ers have gone over the Total · The 76ers have failed to cover in 16 of their 26 games overall this season · The 76ers have won 3 straight games against the Spurs If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: - Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) - Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) - Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) - Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)In conclusion, the success of "Path of Exile 2," "Fortnite," and "PUBG" in the latest Steam weekly sales rankings underscores the diverse and dynamic nature of the gaming landscape. With each game offering a unique and compelling experience, it's no surprise that they have captured the attention and admiration of gamers around the world.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was fined $75,000 by the NBA for public criticism of officiating and using inappropriate and profane language, the league announced on Monday. Edwards made the remarks that drew the punishment following Minnesota's 113-103 home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. The 23-year-old playmaker, who helped the United States capture gold at the Paris Olympics, has averaged 25.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game for the T-Wolves this season. Edwards used profanity in describing what he considered a poor performance from the referees, calling it "terrible" and saying he and teammate Julius Randle are penalized "for being stronger than our opponent every night. "We don't get no calls. That's how I feel about the officials every game we play." Edwards was whistled for four fouls against the Warriors and shot four free throws himself. At 14-13, the Timberwolves are 10th in the Western Conference, ahead of Phoenix on tie-breakers. js/mw

Lautaro Martinez ends goal drought as Inter keep pressure on Serie A leaders

Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has also resigned as vice-president of the animal welfare organisation, with both of them expressing their “sadness” over leaving the roles. It comes after an Animal Rising investigation made claims of cruelty at “RSPCA Assured” slaughterhouses in England and Scotland, with the campaign group sharing footage of alleged mistreatment. RSPCA Assured is a scheme whereby approved farms must comply with the organisation’s “stringent higher welfare standards”, according to its website. Mr Packham shared the news of his resignation on social media, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. “I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty.” Ms Lucas said she and Mr Packham failed to get the charity’s leadership to act. She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “With huge sadness I’m resigning as VP of the RSPCA, a role I’ve held with pride for over 15 years. “But their Assured Schemes risk misleading the public & legitimising cruelty. “I tried with @ChrisGPackham to persuade the leadership to act but sadly failed.” In June, the RSPCA commissioned an independent review of 200 farms on its assurance scheme which concluded the scheme was “operating effectively” to assure animal welfare on member farms. Following Animal Rising’s release of footage last week, the charity said it was “appalled” by what was shown, adding that it launched an immediate investigation and suspended three slaughterhouses from the scheme. In the wake of Mr Packham and Ms Lucas’ resignations, an RSPCA spokesperson said it is “simply not true” that the organisation has failed to take urgent action. They said: “We agree with Chris and Caroline on so many issues and have achieved so much together for animals, but we differ on how best to address the incredibly complex and difficult issue of farmed animal welfare. “We have discussed our work to drive up farmed animal welfare standards openly at length with them on many occasions and it is simply not true that we have not taken urgent action. “We took allegations of poor welfare incredibly seriously, launching an independent review of 200 farms which concluded that it was ‘operating effectively’ to improve animal welfare. “We are taking strong steps to improve oversight of welfare, implementing the recommendations in full including significantly increasing unannounced visits, and exploring technology such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, supported by £2 million of investment.” The charity insisted that while 94% of people continue to choose to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy, it is the “right thing to do” to work with farmers to improve the lives of animals. “RSPCA Assured visit all farms on the scheme every year, but last year just 3% of farms were assessed for animal welfare by state bodies,” the spokesperson continued. “No-one else is doing this work. We are the only organisation setting and regularly monitoring animal welfare standards on farms. “We have pioneered change through RSPCA Assured, which has led to improvements throughout the industry including CCTV in slaughterhouses, banning barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, giving salmon more space to swim and developing slower growing chicken breeds who have better quality of life.”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has confirmed midfielder Mathias Jensen will miss Wednesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa through injury. The Bees will head to Villa Park with hopes of claiming a second straight win after sweeping past Leicester City at the weekend. Kevin Schade netted a hat-trick alongside a Yoane Wissa effort to fire the Bees to a 4-1 home victory , maintaining their unbeaten record at the Gtech Community Stadium this season. Jensen started Saturday's home win in the Brentford midfield, but he was unable to see out the first half due to a hamstring problem. Speaking after the game, Frank stated that Jensen's early withdrawal was "more precautionary" but stressed that it was too early to know the full extent of the injury issue. The Brentford head coach has now revealed that Jensen could miss at least two matches due to the hamstring injury. "Mathias Jensen unfortunately got a minor hamstring injury," Frank told reporters at Tuesday's pre-match press conference. "He will be out for Wednesday and he's unlikely for Saturday [against Newcastle United]. More than that, I don't know exactly." Jensen is now set for another spell on the sidelines after missing five Premier League games earlier this season because of a calf injury. Frank also revealed that Kristoffer Ajer will not be ready for Wednesday's trip to Villa Park, having been forced to sit out the last five league games with a foot problem. "Ajer is on the pitch," Frank said. "He is progressing and trained with the team Sunday and today. But it is too early for tomorrow." Ajer and Jensen are joined on the absentee list by Gustavo Nunes , Aaron Hickey , Rico Henry and Josh Dasilva . The players available for Wednesday's encounter will be looking to guide Brentford to their first Premier League away win of the season. Brentford will head into the midweek fixture in eighth place in the Premier League table , largely due to their impressive home form.How Experian is using data to unlock financial power for everyoneOne of the key drivers behind China's resilient foreign trade performance has been the strong support and guidance from the government. With a proactive and strategic approach, the Chinese authorities have implemented a range of policies and measures to boost trade, enhance market access, and support exporters. These policy initiatives have provided a solid foundation for the growth of China's foreign trade, helping to navigate the challenges posed by the complex global trade environment.

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday, one day after placing running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve. The Jets released Abanikanda on Monday after adding Kene Nwangwu to the active roster. Nwagwu had been a practice-squad elevation for the Jets last Sunday against Seattle and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the game. Abanikanda, 22, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2023. After running 22 times for 70 yards and catching seven passes for 43 yards in six appearances as a rookie, Abanikanda did not play a regular-season game for New York in 2024, buried on the depth chart behind Breece Hall and others. When the Niners placed McCaffrey and Mason on IR, rookie Isaac Guerendo was left as the only healthy running back on their active roster. In Sunday night's loss at the Buffalo Bills, McCaffrey left the field in pain in the second quarter and was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. Mason also suffered a high ankle sprain in the game. McCaffrey was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores. Mason is the leading rusher for San Francisco (5-7) this season with 789 yards and three touchdowns on 153 carries. It was his third season in the league. --Field Level MediaThere's no defending Jaguars GM Trent Baalke, especially amid his latest free-agent class

As the chorus swells, the song captures the raw intensity of Xiao Qian and Ning Sheng's love, emphasizing the power of their bond and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other. The music rises and falls like their tumultuous journey, filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and ultimately, undying devotion.

Local authorities and the American embassy have launched a search and rescue operation, but the difficult terrain and lack of resources have made it challenging to locate any leads or clues about the influencer's whereabouts. With each passing day, the hopes of finding him alive dwindle, as the possibility of foul play becomes more likely.In a legal filing, Google said a DOJ proposal to break up the company was too extreme, and it offered alternatives to address its Search monopoly abuse. “Consumers and advertisers have benefited for decades from extraordinary innovations and product improvements to Google’s search engine and search advertising auction technologies,” . “[And] remarkable artificial intelligence innovations are rapidly changing how people interact with many online products and services, including search engines.” Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday — get free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides (normally $9.99) as a special welcome gift! , with U.S. district court judge Amit Mehta finding its Search monopoly to be illegal because of anticompetitive agreements with companies like Apple and Mozilla. The Judge later said for its crimes. And he asked the plaintiffs in the case–the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 17 U.S. states–and Google, to issue remedy proposals for him to consider. Those proposals should consider the growing impact of AI to ensure that Google doesn’t find a new way to abuse its Search monopoly. . The most noteworthy recommendations include forcing Google to divest itself of the Chrome web browser and possibly the Android mobile OS, and to end its illegal agreements with Apple and Mozilla. Google’s recommendations are predictably tamer, and they don’t address every DOJ proposal. Google recommends the following. What could change is that these deals are not exclusive: These companies could still partner with others, and be paid for similar arrangements. “The Court did not find that Google’s payment for would have been anticompetitive or otherwise unlawful,” Google’s filing says. (Emphasis mine.) This would allow Google to “compete on merits.” Today, when hardware makers license Android, they are required to also license Google Search if they bundle the Play Store and a default set of Google apps on the devices. Google proposes a small change to that licensing, or what it calls “additional licensing flexibility.” In short, companies could license the Play Store and Google’s bundled apps, Search, and/or Chrome separately. Google would still be able to compete with other search engines to be the default on devices. To address growing concerns about generative AI and potential further abuses, Google would not require those who license Android or its now-optional other products and services to also bundle its Gemini “assistant chatbot.” And it would not prevent partners from bundling competing AI assistive chatbots, including those that might be positioned as search alternatives. The DOJ and the states recommended a period of 10 years. “Extreme remedies are discouraged,” . “We don’t propose these changes lightly. They would come at a cost to our partners by regulating how they must go about picking the best search engine for their customers. And they would impose burdensome restrictions and oversight over contracts that have reduced prices for devices and supported innovation in rival browsers, both of which have been good for consumers. But we believe that they fully address the Court’s findings, and do so without putting Americans’ privacy and security at risk or harming America’s global technology leadership.” Paul Thurrott is an award-winning technology journalist and blogger with 30 years of industry experience and the author of 30 books. He is the owner of and the host of three tech podcasts: with Leo Laporte and Richard Campbell, , and with Brad Sams. He was formerly the senior technology analyst at Windows IT Pro and the creator of the SuperSite for Windows from 1999 to 2014 and the Major Domo of Thurrott.com while at BWW Media Group from 2015 to 2023. You can reach Paul via , or . Join the crowd where the love of tech is real - become a Thurrott Premium Member today! Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each Friday

Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picksIn the aftermath of his return, speculations and theories continued to swirl around Jack Ma's sudden disappearance and subsequent reappearance. However, one thing was certain - his comeback had reignited the spark of innovation and entrepreneurship in the hearts and minds of many, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of vision, perseverance, and leadership.

Despite their extraordinary achievements, Emma and Jack never forgot about their missing mother. Their love for Anna remained unwavering, fueling their determination to succeed and make her proud. Every milestone they reached, every accolade they received, was a testament to the resilience and strength instilled in them by their mother.In conclusion, the announcement of a rare speech and press conference by the Bank of Japan has set the stage for a potentially historic moment in the country's monetary policy landscape. With speculation rife about the possibility of a rate hike, all eyes will be on Governor Haruhiko Kuroda as he takes the podium to address the financial markets. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.End of ArticleThis Wednesday, December 4, will be the official opening of the shopping center ‘ KM40 ‘, an ambitious project in which former soccer player Jefferson Farfán appears as one of the main investors. Located in Lurin this new Power Center seeks to become a prominent shopping destination, combining a wide variety of stores and recognized brands. Karen Schwarz provides details of her store in the Jefferson Farfán mall Among the new features that the ‘ KM40 ‘ is the incorporation of ‘ Valent ‘, the shaping underwear brand created by Karen Schwarz. The former host of Latin has decided to bet on this space to open a new store, consolidating its presence in the business world. Jefferson Farfán, who has been excited about the opening of this project, shared through his social networks a photograph in the company of Karen Schwarz inside his store facilities. The image reveals some details of the interior design of ‘ Valente’ highlighting a modern and sophisticated concept, in line with the brand’s approach. The ‘ little seal ‘, as the former footballer is known, took advantage of the occasion to welcome Karen Schwarz and celebrate her participation in ‘KM40’. In previous publications, Jefferson Farfán had already expressed his enthusiasm for carrying out this project, describing it as one of his biggest dreams. “Dream fulfilled,” he wrote in a recent publication where he showed progress in the shopping center’s facilities. Karen Schwarz, former host of Latin used their social networks to announce details about their new store in the ‘KM40’ shopping center in Jefferson Farfán, whose opening is scheduled for this Wednesday, December 4. “Hello Valente women, we are in the final stages of what will be the new Valente point at kilometer 40 in Lurín and we always want to inform you,” said the former beauty queen. Join our entertainment channel

In conclusion, the prevalence of scalpers grabbing and reselling Shanghai consumer coupons calls for urgent action from authorities and collective efforts from citizens to address this issue. By implementing tighter restrictions, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of ethical consumption, Shanghai can better protect the integrity of its economic stimulus measures and ensure a more equitable distribution of resources for all residents. Let us stand united against scalping and uphold the values of fairness, transparency, and integrity in our consumer society.

NoneAs the culling of 240,000 chickens gets underway, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by avian flu and the devastating impact it can have on the poultry industry. It also highlights the importance of vigilance, swift response, and international cooperation in addressing such outbreaks to safeguard public health and food security.

In a touching farewell ceremony held in Shenzhen, Oscar's owner, accompanied by friends, family, and members of the guide dog community, bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved companion. Tears were shed, memories shared, and tributes paid to the incredible bond between man and guide dog.

Jeff Bezos & Elon Musk Beef on X (Twitter) Explained By The internet scene reportedly became tense recently after Amazon Executive Chairman and Tesla CEO indulged in a back-and-forth on . The discussion revolving around the made users on X wonder whether all things are okay between the two business moguls. Here are the details of Bezos and Musk’s alleged online beef. What happened to Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk? Since the historic win by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential elections, Elon Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX have benefited immensely. However, in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the tech giant aimed at Jeff Bezos. He alleged that the Amazon founder had urged people to sell their Tesla and SpaceX shares, predicting that Trump wouldn’t win. Elon Musk , “Just learned tonight at Mar-a-Lago that Jeff Bezos was telling everyone that @realDonaldTrump would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock.” However, Bezos took the opportunity to debunk the allegations and to Musk, “Nope. 100% not true.” The Tesla CEO further to Bezos by writing, “Well, then, I stand corrected.” This back-and-forth became one of the key highlights on X as users stormed into the comments giving their opinions on it. Since, Trump’s win with the majority electoral votes in the elections he and Musk have been on a roll. Besides Trump’s victory being beneficial for Tesla and SpaceX’s stock, as per a report by the , Musk has also found himself becoming a part of Trump’s administration. Following his win, Donald Trump named Elon Musk to team up with to head the , also known as DOGE. As shared by Musk on X, in the statement announcing Musk as DOGE head, Trump , “I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”).” Ishita Verma is an SEO contributing writer for ComingSoon. She is passionate about delivering authentic content and holds experience in SEO content writing. Apart from her quest to ensure her content is promising, Ishita is an avid Kdrama and anime watcher. Ishita is a bibliophile and also pursues gaming as one of her favorite pastimes. Share articleNigel Farage has hinted he could take legal action against Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch after she accused his Reform UK party of publishing fake statistics showing membership surpassing that of the Tories. Ms Badenoch said the digital counter on Reform’s website was “ coded to tick up automatically ” when it recorded membership on Boxing Day morning ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party earlier this year. She accused Reform UK of “fakery”. Demanding an apology from Ms Badenoch for what he said were “disgraceful accusations of fraud and dishonesty”, he vowed to take some action in the next two days. “I’m going to take some action in the next couple of days, and I’ve got to decide exactly what it is, but I’m certainly not going to take it lying down,” he said after being asked if he would sue the Tory leader, according to The Telegraph . “I think it’s an absolutely outrageous thing for her to have said. “I know she’s got a very bad temper. I know she’s well known for lashing out at people, but I am not at all happy, and I’m going to take some action.” He said he would confirm within two days what the action would be if she did not apologise for the “intemperate outburst”. It’s the latest twist in the spat between the two parties on the right of UK politics. Despite the dispute, Mr Farage said people were continuing to join the party with Reform UK’s ticker showing 143,968 members on Friday night. Labour is the UK’s biggest political party, with 370,450 at the end of last year. As Ms Badenoch made her claim about the Reform UK figure being false, she also suggested the Conservatives ’ own membership figures had risen in recent weeks, writing on social media: “For a party that pretends to hate the establishment so much, they are copying and pasting the fake Tony Blair/Alister [sic] Campbell’s spin book. “How do I know for certain the Reform announcement is not true? Because the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election. But we don’t shout about it...we are building quietly and steadily on principles and values, not gimmicks.” Mr Farage said he would gladly invite a firm to audit Reform UK’s membership numbers if the Conservatives did the same. “We understand you are bitter, upset and angry that we are now the second biggest party in British politics, and that the Conservative brand is dying under your leadership,” he wrote on social media. “However, this not an excuse to accuse us of committing fraud.”online games addiction effects 。

Exclusive-Saudi Aramco unit in talks to invest $1 billion in US software maker Mavenir, sources sayVance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picks

The NFL aired two games on Christmas Day in 2024, a move that may have angered the NBA while also bringing in impressive viewership figures. What Happened : While many sports leagues see strong viewership in the United States, the NFL has been king for years and that may have been even more evident with streaming records set Wednesday for its premiere on streaming giant Netflix Inc NFLX . Two NFL Christmas Day games featuring four teams who have made the NFL Playoffs broke records for the league with an average of 24.1 million viewers for the earlier Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers game and an average of 24.3 million viewers for the Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans game. The ratings beat a previous NFL streaming record of 23 million set by Comcast Corporation CMCSA with an exclusive game on Peacock during the previous NFL Playoffs. The figures also broke a regular-season record of 17.92 million set by the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers on Amazon.com Inc AMZN owned Prime Video in December, as reported by FrontOfficeSports . Netflix said Nielsen data showed 65 million U.S. viewers watched at least one minute of the NFL games, with average viewership peaking at 27 million during Beyoncé’s halftime performance in the Ravens and Texans game. NBA superstar LeBron James might not want to see the viewership figures and hear about the records. After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, James declared the holiday as belonging to the NBA. "I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day," James said. Read Also: Netflix To Release ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ NFL Halftime Performance As Standalone Special Can NBA and NFL Both Win? : While Christmas produced records for the NFL, the NBA also enjoyed a strong day for viewership. The NBA aired five games on Christmas Day, which aired on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ and Disney+, all units of The Walt Disney Company DIS . NBA Christmas Day games averaged 5.25 million viewers, up 84% year-over-year. Helping the viewership may have been the teams involved and the fact that all five games were available on ABC, while only two were last year. This figure is the highest for the NBA on the holiday in five years. The Lakers and Warriors game averaged 7.76 million viewers, ranking as the NBA's most-watched Christmas Day game since 2019. For the 2024 NBA season, viewership is now down 4% year-over-year after the Christmas day games, compared to being down 18% year-over-year ahead of Wednesday. NBA viewership on ESPN platforms is now up 4% year-over-year, as reported by Deadline . The NBA could also benefit from the Christmas Day games, with its owned NBA League Pass reporting its most-viewed Christmas Day ever. What's Next: For the NFL, encroaching on other sports isn't exactly new and likely won't be changing anytime soon. The NFL began Monday Night Football games in 1970 and later added Thursday Night Football games in 2006, which now stream on Prime Video. NFL games air on Saturdays during December and January, diverging from the league’s usual avoidance of the day for most of the season due to NCAA Football and the restrictions of the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. This year, the NCAA expanded its College Football Playoffs from four to 12 teams, leading to a rare head-to-head clash with the NFL last weekend. On Saturday, Dec. 21, the NFL had two games, and there were three College Football Playoffs games, with two airing on TNT Sports, a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery WBD , and one airing on ABC and ESPN. Netflix has a three-year deal with the NFL and will stream at least one game on Christmas for the next two seasons. The increase in Christmas Day games from the NFL might come as a bit of a surprise after the league said last year it was only scheduling games on Christmas 2023 because the day fell on Monday, a traditional NFL date, as reported by NBC Sports. The league said it wouldn't schedule games on Christmas if it fell on a Tuesday or Wednesday previously, according to the report, but strong viewership last year and the potential for more money may have changed the league's mind. Netflix has more sports content coming with its WWE deal through a partnership with TKO Group Holdings TKO , premiering on Jan. 6. The NBA is likely stuck with going head-to-head with the NFL on Christmas Day, regardless of what day the holiday falls on. One way for the NBA to get back at the NFL would be to start scheduling games on Thanksgiving , a date the league has avoided due to the NFL having three games that day. NFLX Price Action: Netflix stock was down 1.8% to $907.55 on Friday, versus a 52-week trading range of $461.86 to $941.75. Read Next: If You Invested $1,000 In Netflix Stock When ‘Squid Game’ Was Released, Here’s How Much You’d Have Today Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picksTrump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff

Geode Capital Management LLC Has $25.68 Million Stock Position in Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:UAA)

Broncos' Jonathon Cooper, Malcolm Roach, Blake Watson fined by NFL for actions vs. ChargersNick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’

Nick Kyrgios has described Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek’s positive doping tests as “disgusting” ahead of his return to tennis. The controversial Australian has played only one match in more than two years because of injury but that has not stopped him being an outspoken presence on social media during a difficult few months for the sport. First it was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of fault, while in November Swiatek was handed a one-month ban for a failed test caused by contaminated medication. Feels good getting these consecutive days training in the bank man.... Wrist re construction and back out here... blessed..................Without failing any drug tests 🙂‍↕️🙏🏽 be proud kygs doing it the right way 😩😂 — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) Kyrgios has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of Sinner, who could yet face a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the finding of no fault or negligence in his case. At a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International, Kyrgios told reporters: “I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people that are speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug. “I just think that it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.” Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023, returning to action in June of that year, but he played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. He has not played a competitive match since, and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but the 29-year-old will make his comeback in Brisbane this week. Kyrgios will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, while he will also team up with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing. “It’s good to be back,” said Kyrgios. “I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things. “I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.” Asked whether he could get back to the same level that saw him reach the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said: “I still believe I can, whether or not that’s factual or not. There was another player who was like, ‘You have to be realistic’. That’s not how I am. I always back my ability.” The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday. Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday. That could pit Katie Boulter against fiance Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week. “Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing. “My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.” Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British number one facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem. Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is heading to the NFL draft after leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing and setting a handful of school records. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year announced on social media his intention Friday to leave after his junior season. He helped the seventh-ranked Vols go 10-3 with a first-round loss in the College Football Playoff where Sampson was limited by an injured hamstring. Sampson thanked his family, Tennessee coaches and fans, saying he learned so much and had the chance to be part of something special. Tennessee went 3-7 in 2020, and he leaves with the Vols having won 30 games over his three seasons. “I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community,” Sampson wrote. “With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.” Sampson set a school record running for 1,491 yards. He also set a program record with a league-best 22 rushing touchdowns, breaking a mark that had stood for 95 years. He was part of coach Josh Heupel's first full signing class in December 2021 out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also set school records for total touchdowns scored (22), points scored (132) and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (11). He led the SEC in nine different categories, including rushing attempts (258), rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, 100-yard rushing games with 10, averaging 114.7 yards rushing per game, points scored, points per game (10.2), all-purpose yards (1,638) and all-purpose yards per game (126.0). He finished this season tied for fifth all-time in the SEC ranks for rushing TDs in a single season with Leonard Fournette of LSU. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballA holiday bounty of new releases, plus the week's best movies in L.A.None

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SEC rushing leader Dylan Sampson of Tennessee declares for NFL draft

online games link The official launch of the Xiaomi YU7 is scheduled for June or July next year, with more details and specifications set to be revealed in the coming months. With its innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and strong performance capabilities, the YU7 is poised to make a significant impact in the automotive industry and solidify Xiaomi's position as a key player in the market.In conclusion, the woman's harrowing experience of suffering mild poisoning following a Botox injection at a beauty salon serves as a wakeup call for the beauty industry to prioritize safety and professionalism. By learning from such incidents and implementing strict safety measures, we can ensure that cosmetic procedures are conducted responsibly and ethically for the benefit of all.

The photos and videos of the haircut session quickly went viral on social media, with fans marveling at Xiaohua's skill and Xiang Zuo's trust in his hairstylist. Many were amazed at how Xiaohua managed to trim and style Xiang Zuo's hair without a single hair being cut, showcasing his precision and mastery of the craft.One of the most important aspects of utilizing big data in e-commerce is the ability to build and analyze large-scale models. These advanced models can help businesses gain deeper insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, allowing them to make more informed decisions and tailor their strategies to meet the needs of their target market.

London back in favour with banks amid chaos in France and Germany

Despite the cold start, the day holds promise for those willing to venture out. The midday hours bring a slight reprieve from the biting cold, with temperatures rising slightly and the sun peaking through the clouds. It's the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll through the city streets, basking in the winter sunshine and enjoying the fresh air. Just remember to dress warmly, with a sturdy coat, a cozy scarf, and a pair of gloves to keep the cold at bay.In the aftermath of the incident, Sarah has become an advocate for greater awareness around privacy rights and the importance of consent in all interactions. She has shared her story widely, hoping to prevent others from falling victim to similar violations. Her courage in speaking out has sparked a much-needed dialogue about the boundaries we must respect in our digital age.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — With Tommy DeVito still dealing with a sore forearm, Drew Lock will make his second straight start at quarterback for the Giants when New York plays host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Coach Brian Daboll announced the decision on Wednesday, saying Lock showed some good things against Dallas in a loss on Thanksgiving and he will get all the snaps with the first team. DeVito, who was hurt in his first start after replacing Daniel Jones for the game against Tampa Bay on Nov. 24, was limited at practice. Daboll said it remains to be seen whether he can be the backup Sunday at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants (2-10) are winless in six home games. If he can't go, the recently signed Tim Boyle would be the backup against the Saints (4-8). Lock was 21 of 32 for 178 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. He ran for a career-high 57 yards, scoring on an 8-yard run and setting up Tyrone Tracy's short TD run with a 28-yard scramble. Lock, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason, was Jones' backup for the first 10 games. When Daboll benched Jones after a 2-8 start, he jumped DeVito ahead of Lock because the New Jersey product sparked the team to a three-game winning streak with Jones and then backup Tyrod Taylor hurt last season. DeVito hurt his right foreman late in a 30-7 loss to the Buccaneers, and Lock got the start against the Cowboys four days later. AP NFL:Kayse Jama arrived in Portland in 1998 as a refugee from war-torn Somalia, with no job, few prospects and the phone number of one other Somali immigrant who let him couch-surf while he found his way in a new country. Twenty-six years later, Jama is one of the most influential people in Oregon politics. He was appointed to the state Senate in 2021 and quickly became chair of the chamber’s housing committee, where he played a key role in crafting sweeping policy changes and allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to help Oregonians find and keep stable homes. And after November’s election, his colleagues in the Democratic caucus picked him as their majority leader for the 2025 legislative session. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Nanning Zoo, like many other reputable zoos around the world, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of wildlife. The idea of recruiting wild man actors to entertain visitors goes against the very principles of animal welfare and conservation. It is essential for zoos to operate in an ethical and responsible manner, ensuring the well-being of the animals under their care.

White supremacist Nick Fuentes is facing battery charges for allegedly macing a woman who confronted him on Nov. 10. In a report obtained Friday by multiple media outlets, Berwyn, Illinois police wrote that a passerby described seeing “a male push a female down the stairs, spray her with mace” and break her phone. Officers responding to the scene identified said male as Fuentes. They said the woman had been provoked by a viral social media post on Election Day, in which Fuentes celebrated an expected rollback of abortion rights by writing: “Your body, my choice. Forever.” “Nicholas then grabbed her phone and momentarily went inside his house before coming back out,” per the police report. “They both then waited for police to arrive. Marla related she did not want to sign complaints at this time.” The incident report, which was first obtained by The Smoking Gun, said Fuentes had been searched, fingerprinted and booked Nov. 27 on a misdemeanor battery charge. He was released but is set to appear in Cook County court on Dec. 19. Fuentes, a 26-year-old far-right influencer who has previously espoused his “love” for Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler, encouraged people to storm the U.S. Capitol in 2021 and dined with President-elect Donald Trump in 2022, is now selling “mugshot merch” on his website. Fuentes appeared to acknowledge the arrest on Friday on X , formerly Twitter, writing: “Free me n***a.” Fuentes’ address was leaked online after his anti-abortion post on the eve of Trump’s election, which eventually garnered more than 50,000 likes. He defended the post to police by arguing he simply “posted a political joke online,” per the report. Rose told Vice last month that she initially only intended to ask Fuentes if he had been harassed or received deliveries of diapers, since Rose said his critics on social media said they’d send him some. She said she only rang his doorbell when an onlooker encouraged her to. “I didn’t expect him to answer,” she told the outlet . “And then as I was saying hi, the spray immediately started. I was going to ask him, ‘Why do you feel comfortable saying the things that you say?’ And it was obvious he’s very scared, probably extremely paranoid.” “I’m 5-foot-1,” explained Rose. “He’s not a big man himself, but I’m 57, he’s 26.” Vice’s report also included a brief video clip of the scuffle. Fuentes told police he has been receiving death threats following his post on Election Day, and that he was in “fear for his life” when Rose appeared at his doorstep. Rose is reportedly planning to file a civil lawsuit against Fuentes over the incident. The “your body, my choice” line has taken on a life of its own. Many of Fuentes’ followers have seized on the phrase by using it to reply to women’s posts on various social media platforms, parents on TikTok have been sharing instances of boys harassing other children with it in real life. Related From Our PartnerUpon Further Review: Sean Payton as Devaughn Vele’s role expands: “He reminds me a lot of Marques Colston”As fans continue to marvel at Kimi's transformation and his uncanny resemblance to his father, it is clear that he is destined for great things. With the love and support of his family, including his doting father, Lin Chiling, there is no doubt that Kimi will continue to shine bright and capture the hearts of fans around the world. We look forward to witnessing his journey unfold and seeing the young star blossom into a talented and successful artist in his own right.

Plenty of big-time investors have made a name for themselves over the years, but arguably none have become as big of a household name as Warren Buffett. Thanks to personal achievements and the success of his company, Berkshire Hathaway ( BRK.A 0.30% ) ( BRK.B 0.18% ) , Buffett has even become known as the "Oracle of Omaha." With a track record of decades of market-beating returns, it's no surprise that investors of all experience levels (myself included) turn to Buffett's words and Berkshire Hathaway's holdings for guidance on how to approach the market. Below are Berkshire Hathaway's top five holdings, according to CNBC: Company Percentage of Portfolio Apple ( AAPL 1.30% ) 23.2% American Express ( AXP 1.30% ) 15.4% Bank of America ( BAC 1.06% ) 12.1% Coca-Cola ( KO 0.72% ) 8.6% Chevron ( CVX -1.23% ) 6.4% Data source: Berkshire Hathaway's 13F filing. Holdings as of Sept. 30 and Oct. 15. Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway have made major changes recently Buffett is known for his long-term investing approach . One of my favorite Buffett quotes speaks to this mentality, "If you aren't willing to own a stock for 10 years, don't even think about owning it for 10 minutes." It sounds simple enough in theory, but it's easy to get lured in by short-term happenings in the stock market. That said, recent moves by Berkshire Hathaway remind investors they can invest in a company for the long term while still adjusting their stake when it makes sense to do so. For example, since the end of 2023, Berkshire Hathaway has sold around 605 million shares of Apple -- or close to 70% of its stake. Did Buffett and his team do this because they have lost faith in Apple's long-term potential? Not at all. Buffett cited high valuations while anticipating a rise in capital gains taxes as reasons for shrinking the Apple position. For Berkshire Hathaway, that makes sense. Of course, your situation and that of a trillion-dollar corporation are very, very different, but it highlights how investors can keep a long-term mindset while still making adjustments to their portfolio along the way.As fans eagerly await further developments in Yao Ming's Hall of Fame journey, it is clear that his legacy transcends basketball and reaches far beyond the court. Whether he is inducted in the next nomination cycle or in the years to come, one thing remains certain: Yao Ming's impact on the game and the world of sports will be celebrated for generations to come. And when that moment arrives, it will be a testament to not only his incredible talent but also his integrity and humility as a true basketball legend.One of the key warning signs of chronic sleep deprivation is persistent fatigue and drowsiness. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake throughout the day, despite consuming copious amounts of caffeine or energy drinks, it may be a sign that your body is desperately trying to tell you something. Fatigue impairs our concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks. Continued sleep debt can also weaken our immune system, leaving us vulnerable to illness and disease.

The singer, whose name has been kept confidential for privacy reasons, had been seeking relief from stress and muscle tension when she decided to visit the spa for a relaxing massage. Little did she know that her decision would have such devastating consequences. After the third massage session, she began experiencing numbness in her limbs and was rushed to the hospital where doctors confirmed that she had suffered a severe spinal injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

David Stratton’s top 10 lost movie gems, and the Aussie classics you haven’t seen

The lackluster performance of Wolverhampton Wanderers can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of consistency, defensive frailties, and a lack of creativity in the attacking third. Despite having talented players in their squad, the team has failed to deliver results on a consistent basis, leading to a downward spiral that has put their Premier League status in jeopardy.'Reagan' movie tops Amazon's Blu-ray charts after becoming available on DVD

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, the key to success lies in understanding and harnessing the power of big data. With the ever-increasing amount of data being generated every day, businesses are presented with a wealth of opportunities to leverage this information to drive growth and increase profitability.None

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, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii who was reported missing in Los Angeles three weeks ago, walked freely into Mexico, police said. Authorities declared Kobayashi a “voluntary missing person,” meaning she left of her own free will. Investigators reviewed surveillance video of her crossing the border alone with her luggage, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters Monday evening. Kobayashi appeared unharmed and authorities have found no evidence Kobayashi was being trafficked or was otherwise a victim of a crime, he said. The chief urged Kobayashi to contact her distraught family. Here is a look at the case and the latest developments: Kobayashi, a budding photographer from Maui, was heading to New York City on Nov. 8 for a new job and to visit relatives when she missed a connecting flight during a stop at Los Angeles International Airport. She told her family she was sleeping at the airport that night and texted them the next day to say she was sightseeing in Los Angeles. Her family reported her missing to law enforcement on Nov. 11 after relatives received “strange and cryptic, just alarming” text messages, according to her aunt Larie Pidgeon. “Once the family started pressing, she went dark,” Pidgeon told The Associated Press on Nov. 23. After the texts on Nov. 11, her phone “just went dead,” according to Pidgeon. Family members, friends and local volunteers searched for Hannah in Los Angeles. Police said Kobayashi walked into Mexico at the San Ysidro border crossing about 125 miles (201 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles on Nov. 12, the day after her family reported her missing. Authorities made the announcement after reviewing security video from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Kobayashi disappeared voluntarily as she sought to “step away from modern connectivity,” McDonnell, the LA police chief, said Monday. McDonnell said Kobayashi has a right to her privacy, but urged her to reach out to her family or law enforcement. He explained that the missing person case will remain active until law enforcement confirms her safety. During a police commission meeting last week, McDonnell said detectives determined Kobayashi missed her connecting flight intentionally. The woman’s sister, Sydni Kobayashi, disputed his statement in a social media post. Authorities in Mexico say they have been alerted about the missing woman but haven’t received any official request to search for her. It’s difficult to investigate cases involving missing adults “unless you can prove that there is some sort of foul play” or other factors are involved, such as mental illness or an outstanding warrant, said Joseph Giacalone, a retired New York City Police Department sergeant whose career included missing persons cases. “If you don’t want to be found, you don’t want to be found,” he told The Associated Press. Giacalone said, in his career, the people who are were a “voluntary missing person” and leave without a trace were in a “very small category.” “Usually there’s some indication why the person left,” such as problems at home or escaping a certain situation, he said. Giacalone said the LAPD acted correctly in investigating Kobayashi’s disappearance because the missed flight could indicate foul play. But now, investigators need to move on to other cases, he said. “We’re not going to go pick her up in Mexico and bring her back,” he said. “There’s nothing she did wrong.” Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, was among those who flew in from Hawaii to help in the search. He was found dead on Nov. 24 in a parking lot near LA International Airport, according to the county medical examiner. ___ EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at . ___ Kobayashi’s family confirmed in a statement the same day, saying they “endured a devastating tragedy” and that he died by suicide. “After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life,” according to the statement. “This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably.” The family set up a “Help Us Find Hannah” Facebook page that was no longer available Tuesday. Members of the public who were a part of the Facebook group shared a post Monday that said the family would be shutting it down. The post also said Sydni Kobayashi and her mother would not be responding to any messages. Sydni Kobayashi has not responded to an emailed request for comment on the latest details. Nearly three out of 10 U.S. drugstores that were open Defense attorneys for a tech consultant charged in the stabbing Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii who was reported The Marjaree Mason Center announced Tuesday the appointment of SareenBusinessman in Eric Adams' Corruption Case to Plead Guilty: Prosecutors

LA Galaxy win record 6th MLS Cup

Ultima_Gaina/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Diageo ( OTCPK:DGEAF ) is a global spirits company with over 200 brands in 180 countries. Its broad range of portfolio and extensive global distribution channels enable Diageo to diversify their business growth. Due to weak consumer Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.KUWAIT CITY, Dec 25: The Union of Investment Companies (UIC) has announced the release of the 20th issue of its quarterly magazine, The Investor, for December 2024. This special edition focuses on Kuwait's real estate market, highlighting its promising outlook amidst a cautiously optimistic global economic environment in 2024. Following the disruptions of 2023, the global economy has seen notable stability, driven by declining inflation and easing monetary policies, while Kuwait’s economy has demonstrated resilience and achieved significant growth, particularly in the real estate sector. In his editorial, UIC Chairman Abdullah H. Al-Terkait, reflects on the positive economic transformation in 2024, which has uplifted investor sentiment. He notes that Kuwait's real estate market is witnessing an early recovery, fueled by government reforms and major housing projects spearheaded by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare. The issue also explores the role of technology and sustainability in reshaping the sector, emphasizing the rapid adoption of advanced technologies and global environmental standards, which bolster Kuwait's appeal as a promising investment destination. The magazine features in-depth articles and analyses, including a comprehensive overview of Kuwait’s real estate market, key ongoing and upcoming projects, and success stories of leading developers. A key highlight is the global economic trends report, “2024: A Year of Calm After the Storm”, which examines how global economic factors have fostered favorable conditions for real estate recovery. The issue also includes an exclusive interview with Mohamed Abdullah Al-Saad, CEO of Amar Finance and Leasing. Al-Saad shares his insights on the transformative phase of Kuwait’s real estate market, underpinned by government-led initiatives and developmental projects. He discusses Amar's pivotal role in providing innovative financing and leasing solutions that align with market demands, emphasizing sustainability and flexibility. Al-Saad underscores the significance of integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and improve client experiences. Closing the interview, he stresses the importance of public-private partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the real estate sector and expresses his optimism about the market’s future prospects amidst ongoing reforms and expanding investment opportunities. Additionally, the issue features an exclusive conversation with Moath Al-Ateeqi, Vice President of Real Estate Investment for the MENA region, who delves into the challenges and opportunities in the market. He highlights structural reforms that have redefined the real estate environment in Kuwait and underscores the vital role of innovation and sustainability in accelerating progress. Since its inception in 2017, The Investor has played a vital role in raising investment awareness within Kuwait’s business community. In 2024 alone, the magazine published five issues covering critical topics such as artificial intelligence and crypto-assets. With this latest release, The Investor aims to strengthen its position as a leading platform offering insightful analysis and a forward-looking perspective on Kuwait’s economy, particularly the dynamic and evolving real estate sector.

Jennifer Barrett, owner of Snowy Owl Bakeshop, uses a 3D printer to create unique chocolates. (Elizabeth Whitte/CBC) A Mount Pearl baker is stirring up chocolate and printing unique sweet treats — literally — with a helping hand from technology. Over the buzz of a 3D printer, Jennifer Barrett, owner of Snow Owl Bakeshop, is busy with a spool of plastic she's about to use to create a mold for her creations. She moves to a block of chocolate, with images of a Christmas tree, a stocking, a wrapped president and an owl in a scarf. "This is the fun part," she said, before snapping the chocolate into four even pieces. Barrett began using 3D printers to create custom chocolate designs for her clients. The printer creates the mold and Barrett pours in the melted chocolate. Then it's all set aside to cool. "It's just a unique thing. You can't just go in a shop and buy it yourself," she said. "It would be very difficult to mass produce something like that on your own if you didn't have a background working in chocolate or have the tools to do it." How it works Going from a design concept to a piece of chocolate requires a number of steps, said Barrett. First, she draws a design and then uses software to translate it into a digital image that the 3D printer can understand to make a mold. "Because that isn't strong enough material to withstand the heat and pressure from the vacuum form machine, I made a silicone mold, which is a reverse image and then filled that with plaster," she said. Barrett says she can make unique and custom chocolates that people can't buy anywhere else. (Elizabeth Whitten/CBC) Her vacuum form machine then heats up a sheet of plastic that will create a form around the silicone mold. Once that's done, Barrett heads back to her kitchen and fills the new mold with chocolate. WATCH: The CBC's Elizabeth Whitten got a delicious assignment: When chocolate-ly goodness meets technology, stunning creations come to life 4 days ago Duration 2:34 Mount Pearl baker Jennifer Barrett is combining her culinary skills with a 3D printer and the results are custom sweet treats. It’s a sight to see and the CBC’s Elizabeth Whitten got an up close view, and even a taste. It's a lot of steps to get the finished product. But, she said, she doesn't do it all at once. "I break it all out and make a plan and I don't do it all in one day. It's the kind of thing that takes several days to do," said Barrett. Mixing art with baking Barrett is a trained artist who also studied baking in Toronto. She has worked at a number of bakeries and a chocolate shop. "This is kind of my way of using those two together," she said. It was only a few months ago when she decided to go all in on Snowy Owl Bakeshop. Her menu consists of sourdough, chocolates, caramels as well as truffles and a variety of pastries and cookies. Before using a 3D printer, Barrett was making clay sculptures and turning them into molds. (Elizabeth Whitten/CBC) She's now at the St. John's Farmers' Market, but also has a presence on Facebook and Instagram, where she can take orders. One day, she said, she'd like to have her own shop. Before using the 3D printer, Barrett said, she made clay sculptures and turned them into molds. Her basement office is filled with old casts for holiday chocolates, like smiling pumpkins, a grinning skull, a cheery ghost and birds. It was when her partner bought a 3D printer that she saw it as another way to make her molds. Cakey hands and happy hearts: How these immigrants are building a small baking empire Mixing sweet and savoury, this baking duo teams up to launch a new downtown St. John's café "It's quicker in some ways, but it comes with other challenges because the material is softer and I need to use silicone and plaster to translate that into a more sturdy molds," Barrett said. She started with "love birds," which feature puffins, crows, ducks and seagulls in the shape of hearts. Then a few months ago, Barrett was approached at the farmers' market and was asked if she could do custom orders. "We went back and forth and then I was able to figure out the pricing based on how much she wanted and the timeline and things like that." Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here . Click here to visit our landing page .ENSIGN GLOBAL COLLEGE RECIEVES PRESIDENTIAL CHARTER as a university

Maresca led the Foxes to the Sky Bet Championship title last season before joining Chelsea over the summer. Leicester famously toasted their improbable Premier League success in 2016 with an impromptu bash at Vardy’s house. But the venue for last April’s party was not at the striker’s abode, but at Maresca’s house when the players turned up unannounced at 2am. Maresca recalled: “The best present I had from last season was when we got promoted and they arrived at my home. All the team. “This showed the connection between the players; they could go for a party at a different place but they all arrived at my home. It was a fantastic connection and I will always be thankful for them. “I was at home celebrating with my staff and my family and about two o’clock in the morning all the squad was there. We celebrated all together. “When I was a player and I won things I never thought to go to the manager’s home. That shows the connection.” Similarly to when they clinched the Premier League crown, Leicester were not actually playing when they found out they were promoted after Leeds lost at QPR. “To be honest I was at home watching the game and when it finished all the staff came over – and later the players,” added the Italian. “They didn’t knock on the door, they were in the garden and knocked on the window. What time did they leave? I don’t remember.” Vardy might not be having a party at the end of this season but he is still banging in the goals at 37 and Maresca rates the striker even more highly than England’s two top goalscorers – Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney. “People don’t realise how good he is,” added Maresca. “I know England have been quite lucky because of Kane and Rooney, this type of striker, they are fantastic. “But Jamie is, if you ask me, the best one.” Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium for the first time with Chelsea on Saturday, but he will be without captain Reece James due to a hamstring problem.Christmas Day community gathering in Georgetown

SHERIDAN, Wyo. , Dec 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Casect, LLC , a medical education technology company, announces the launch of an innovative platform to revolutionize how surgeons and medical professionals document cases. Casect empowers users to track surgical Cases , refine Techniques , organize References , and collaborate with Colleagues — all within a user-friendly, HIPAA-compliant system. Say goodbye to inefficient notebooks, spreadsheets, and outdated case logs. Casect offers a modern, comprehensive solution tailored to the surgical community, enabling professionals to focus on growth, learning, and excellence in patient care. A New Era of AI-Powered Case Tracking Time is critical for surgeons, yet valuable insights are often lost due to outdated documentation methods like handwritten notes or spreadsheets. Casect's HIPAA-compliant platform, with a no data retention policy for protected health information, uses optional AI to pre-fill case details, analyze uploads, and organize data seamlessly. This transforms hours of documentation into minutes, giving surgeons more time to refine skills and improve patient care. Casect addresses an unmet need in medical education, residency, fellowship, credentialing, and research. It enables detailed documentation of Cases , Techniques , and References , accessible from any computer or mobile device with a subscription. Key Features AI-Assisted Case Entry (Optional): Streamline input with AI or manually add details; supports spreadsheet uploads. Customizable Fields: Track cases your way. Refine Techniques: Create, document, and improve surgical techniques. Multimedia Support: Upload, organize, and access photos, videos, and documents. Organize References: Annotate, markup, and securely store documents and literature. Collaborate Seamlessly: Share cases and techniques effortlessly with colleagues. Analyze and Export: Generate insights through charts or export data as CSV. HIPAA-Compliant: Designed to meet strict HIPAA standards, ensuring the security and confidentiality of protected health information. Additional Resources Stay Informed: Unlock a 30-day free trial by signing up for the latest updates on Casect's launch. Learn More: Discover why Casect is the preferred choice for surgeons at Why Casect? Explore Features: View the Full Feature List . Stay Connected: Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for updates, tips, and stories. Join the conversation with #MedEd, #CaseLog, and #Casect. About Casect Born from decades of tracking cases with stickers, notes, and spreadsheets, Casect empowers surgeons with efficient, comprehensive tools to document cases, collaborate, and drive professional growth. By simplifying the case log, Casect helps surgeons identify trends, enhance skills, and improve patient outcomes. For more information, visit www.casect.com or follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn @CasectLLC. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Casect, LLCSt. Paul, MN, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ergodyne has collaborated with other leading safety equipment manufacturers and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) in the creation of a standard for solutions aimed at reducing injuries caused by head impacts with stationary objects. This falls under a category of personal protective equipment (PPE) known as bump caps . This voluntary industry consensus standard, designated as ISEA 100, has recently received approval from ISEA committee members and is currently undergoing a formal review process. Upon finalization, release, and adoption, this standard will provide manufacturers with a consistent guideline for classification, test procedures, and performance requirements for bump caps. It is anticipated that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will subsequently adopt the safety standard in conjunction with ISEA, resulting in the designation ANSI/ISEA 100. There is a critical gap in workplace head protection: the risk of bumps, scrapes, and cuts from low ceilings, overhead objects, or tight spaces in settings where traditional hard hats or safety helmets are not required or even practical. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), injuries to the head account for roughly 78,000 injuries resulting in at least one day away from work every year in the private sector. (BLS reported 156,000 in the two-year period from 2021-22). Of those, a mere 7.2% occurred in construction, where hard hats are most likely being worn. Meanwhile, service workers (who may or may not be wearing hard hats) account for 22.1% of head injuries. Transportation and material moving make up another 20.6%. "And those workers (in transportation and material moving) are likely not wearing hard hats or even bump caps," says Ergodyne President and ISEA Trustee Greg Schrab. Schrab has led the effort from ISEA's Head Protection Group in developing the standard. "These two occupational sectors have more than six times the amount of head injuries than construction... so obviously the need for a safety solution is there." To date, there had not been a US standard for bump cap manufacturers to reference. ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) – American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection is the current edition of the American National Standard for hard hats and does not cover bump caps. "When a standard is referenced, it is usually (the European bump cap standard) EN812," says Schrab. "It's serviceable as a reference in the absence of a US standard, but it has its limitations." Most notably, Schrab elaborates, it doesn't address the concept of universal bump cap inserts . Bump cap inserts continue to grow in popularity as they allow wearers to fortify just about any type of headwear with lightweight, relatively unobtrusive impact protection–from baseball caps to winter beanies to wide-brimmed sun hats. ISEA 100 addresses this by adding various testing and language clarity that allows for inserts to meet the standard. ISEA 100, once published, will act as a benchmark for future bump cap development. It shares similar performance requirements with EN812 but permits more flexibility in design to accommodate the diverse needs of workers and various work scenarios. ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) is a professional association for personal protective equipment and technologies that has served as the trade association of safety manufacturers for over 90 years. Their members sponsor and draft standards that can then be adopted by organizations like ANSI. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is a nearly century-old, private, not-for-profit organization that promotes "voluntary consensus standards." The purpose of ANSI and the standards they and ISEA put forth is to set a level of quality and safety across an entire industry. Because these standards are voluntary, there is no enforcement of them. However, many are recognized as industry best practice. The release date of ISEA 100 has not been finalized. For more information on the forthcoming standard, contact support@ergodyne.com . ABOUT US Since 1983, Tenacious Holdings, Inc. (dba Ergodyne, a Klein Tools Company) has pioneered the development of products that Make The Workplace A Betterplace TM . What started with just one product has grown into a line of top flight, battle-tested, Tenacious Work Gear ® ; all precision crafted to provide protection, promote prevention and manage the elements for workers on jobsites the world over. The current lineup is extensive and constantly growing: ProFlex ® Hand Protection, ProFlex ® Knee Pads, ProFlex ® Supports, Skullerz ® Head & Face Protection, Skullerz ® Eye Protection, Trex ® Traction, KREW'D ® Skin Protection, Chill-Its ® Cooling Products, N-Ferno ® Warming Products, GloWear ® Hi-Vis Apparel, Squids ® Lanyards, Arsenal ® Gear and Tool Storage, and SHAX ® Portable Work Shelters. Originally posted on: www.ergodyne.com Attachment ISEA Bump Cap Standard Awaiting Approval © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Special police force to secure Parachinar Road PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Monday decided to deploy a special police force of 399 personnel to secure the Parachinar Road.The 19th meeting of the cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, took a number of other decisions as well. The cabinet was briefed about the situation in the Kurram district and the steps the government was taking to restore durable peace, provide essential commodities, and transport patients, elderly people, and students. It was informed that several jirgas had been organised, humanitarian measures included delivery of medicines via helicopter, subsidised wheat supplies, and compensation for affected families. Helicopter services have been initiated to address transportation challenges, transporting 220 people in the last two days. It was also decided to establish temporary posts initially, with plans for permanent ones in the future. A new FIA cell will monitor and block social media accounts spreading communal hatred.Illegal weapons were to be surrendered by February 1, 2025 and all unauthorised tranches would be demolished. The chief minister said the conflict in Kurram was a local dispute, not terrorism. He said certain elements were fueling unrest through false narratives and communal hatred.He said the government remains committed to resolving the issue peacefully through dialogue while ensuring the safety of residents. The cabinet approved the release of wheat at a subsidized rate.It granted ex-post facto approval to the declaration of emergency in district Kurram under the National Disaster Management (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Act, 2019. This is already in place. The cabinet approved the construction of the 365-kilometer Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway through a public-private partnership and directed the Finance Department to arrange funds for the land acquisition of the project.As a Christmas gift, the cabinet approved Rs.40 million for around 80 Churches of KP to be released by Monday. The cabinet approved Rs. 300 million in funds for the Medical and Dental College at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Haripur in two tranches with Rs.150 million this financial year and Rs 150 million next financial year. It approved the allocation and release of recurring grant for disbursement amongst the public sector universities for payment of regular pensions and their liability and salaries.The cabinet granted one step up-gradation to all the employees of the defunct FATA Development Corporation as per the recommendations of the Committee constituted for looking into their grievances and the decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The cabinet approved forwarding Resolution No. 118 adopted by the KP Assembly to the federal government.The assembly had recommended to the KP government to ask the federal government to order the Islamabad police to end the alleged harassment of Pakhtuns doing business in Islamabad. The cabinet okayed the amendments to rule 12 (2) of the KP Civil Servants (Appointments, Promotion & Transfer) Rules 1989. As per the amendments posts in BS-3-15 of the district cadre should be filled only by domicile holders of the district concerned. Relaxing the ban, the Cabinet allowed the creation of 221 posts of various categories in the Health Department. To make the establishment of Girls’ Cadet College DI Khan functional, the cabinet approved the extension of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Education & Training Institutions Ordinance 1971 to the Girls Cadet College DI Khan and also approved a grant of Rs 300 million for it. The cabinet approved the allocation and release of Rs. 3.5 million grant-in-aid for financial year 2024-25 for China Window at Peshawar. It was okayed for partnering with Bank of Khyber, Peshawar in respect of ADP 2024-25 Project 1646-240152 “Development of Community Based Accommodation for Facilitating Tourists”.The cabinet approved the establishment of Water & Sanitation Services Company, Haripur along with the provision of funds to the tune of Rs 250 million.

Petronas Lubricants International (PLI), in partnership with its authorised distributor in Bangladesh United Lube Oil Limited (ULOL), has launched a new type of lubricant called "Petronas Nexta" in local markets. Gan Soon Kiat, head of Southeast Asia Cluster at PLI, the global lubricant manufacturing and marketing arm of Petronas, inaugurated the new product at a city hotel in Dhaka recently. Petronas Nexta, created at PLI's cutting-edge Global Research and Technology Centre in Turin, Italy, blends premium ingredients with cutting-edge formulations to provide the best lubricating benefits at a cost-effective price. This product is made to meet the needs of Bangladeshi consumers by providing high-quality lubricant solutions that are affordable. Petronas Nexta will be available at authorised Petronas dealers, workshops, spare part outlets and retail stores across Bangladesh from now. Kiat highlighted the significance of this launch, saying that Petronas Nexta underscores their dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions. "Leveraging our Fluid Technology Solutions -- the same expertise that powers champions on the Formula One racetrack -- we've created a product that allows cost-conscious customers to lower car maintenance expenses without compromising quality," he said. "We're confident that Petronas Nexta will strengthen our foothold in the Bangladesh market by appealing to a wider audience," he added. Wayez Mahmud, director of United Lube Oil Limited, said Petronas Nexta is more than just engine oil as it is a comprehensive solution that protects vehicles, enhances engine performance and extends engine life. Petronas Lubricants International (PLI), in partnership with its authorised distributor in Bangladesh United Lube Oil Limited (ULOL), has launched a new type of lubricant called "Petronas Nexta" in local markets. Gan Soon Kiat, head of Southeast Asia Cluster at PLI, the global lubricant manufacturing and marketing arm of Petronas, inaugurated the new product at a city hotel in Dhaka recently. Petronas Nexta, created at PLI's cutting-edge Global Research and Technology Centre in Turin, Italy, blends premium ingredients with cutting-edge formulations to provide the best lubricating benefits at a cost-effective price. This product is made to meet the needs of Bangladeshi consumers by providing high-quality lubricant solutions that are affordable. Petronas Nexta will be available at authorised Petronas dealers, workshops, spare part outlets and retail stores across Bangladesh from now. Kiat highlighted the significance of this launch, saying that Petronas Nexta underscores their dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions. "Leveraging our Fluid Technology Solutions -- the same expertise that powers champions on the Formula One racetrack -- we've created a product that allows cost-conscious customers to lower car maintenance expenses without compromising quality," he said. "We're confident that Petronas Nexta will strengthen our foothold in the Bangladesh market by appealing to a wider audience," he added. Wayez Mahmud, director of United Lube Oil Limited, said Petronas Nexta is more than just engine oil as it is a comprehensive solution that protects vehicles, enhances engine performance and extends engine life.

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AKRON, Ohio , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BIT Mining Limited (NYSE: BTCM) ("BIT Mining" or the "Company"), a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company, today announced that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders at 428 South Seiberling Street, Akron, Ohio , US on January 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., New York time. Holders of record of ordinary shares and Class A preference shares of the Company at the close of business on December 20, 2024 , New York time (the "Record Date") are entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, the annual general meeting or any adjournment thereof. Holders of the Company's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying ordinary shares must act through the depositary of the Company's ADS program, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. The notice of the annual general meeting, which sets forth the resolutions to be submitted to shareholder approval at the annual general meeting is available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://ir.btcm.group . The Company filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 15, 2024 . Shareholders may obtain a copy of the Company's annual report, free of charge, from the Company's website at https://ir.btcm.group and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , or by contacting BIT Mining Limited at 428 South Seiberling Street, Akron, Ohio , US, attention: Victor He , telephone: +1 (330) 676-2680, email: ir@btcm.group . About BIT Mining Limited BIT Mining (NYSE: BTCM) is a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company with operations in cryptocurrency mining, data center operation and mining machine manufacturing. The Company is strategically creating long-term value across the industry with its cryptocurrency ecosystem. Anchored by its cost-efficient data centers that strengthen its profitability with steady cash flow, the Company also conducts self-mining operations that enhance its marketplace resilience by leveraging self-developed and purchased mining machines to seamlessly adapt to dynamic cryptocurrency pricing. The Company also owns 7-nanometer BTC chips and has strong capabilities in the development of LTC/ DOGE miners and ETC miners. Safe Harbor Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "target", "going forward", "outlook" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law. For more information: BIT Mining Limited ir@btcm.group ir.btcm.group www.btcm.group Piacente Financial Communications Victor He Tel: +1 (330) 676-2680 Email: BITMining@thepiacentegroup.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bit-mining-limited-to-hold-annual-general-meeting-on-january-7-2025-302327447.html SOURCE BIT Mining LimitedJACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Landstar System, Inc. (NASDAQ-LSTR), a technology-enabled, asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions delivering safe, specialized transportation logistics services, announced that on December 9, 2024, its Board of Directors has declared a special one-time cash dividend in the amount of $2.00 per share, payable on January 21, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 7, 2025. “Landstar’s strong balance sheet and free cash flow generation enable us to continue to return value to our stockholders,” said Landstar President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Lonegro. The Company purchased a total of 452,019 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $82.1 million during the first 11 months of its 2024 fiscal year. The Company also returned $120.5 million to stockholders in the form of cash dividends paid on shares of its common stock during the 2024 fiscal year. As previously reported, as of September 28, 2024, the Company had $531 million in cash and short-term investments. The Company intends to continue to use its available free cash flow to opportunistically purchase its stock under its stock purchase program. About Landstar: Landstar System, Inc., is a technology-enabled, asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions delivering safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers utilizing a network of agents, third-party capacity providers and employees. Landstar transportation services companies are certified to ISO 9001:2015 quality management system standards and RC14001:2015 environmental, health, safety and security management system standards. Landstar System, Inc. is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Its common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol LSTR. Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer: The following is a “safe harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this press release that are not based on historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” This press release contains forward-looking statements, such as statements which relate to Landstar’s business objectives, plans, strategies and expectations. Terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intention,” “expects,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” the negative thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are by nature subject to uncertainties and risks, including but not limited to: an increase in the frequency or severity of accidents or other claims; unfavorable development of existing accident claims; dependence on third party insurance companies; dependence on independent commission sales agents; dependence on third party capacity providers; the impact of the Russian conflict with Ukraine on the operations of certain independent commission sales agents, including the Company’s largest such agent by revenue in the 2023 fiscal year; decreased demand for transportation services; U.S. trade relationships; substantial industry competition; disruptions or failures in the Company’s computer systems; cyber and other information security incidents; dependence on key vendors; potential changes in taxes; status of independent contractors; regulatory and legislative changes; regulations focused on diesel emissions and other air quality matters; regulations requiring the purchase and use of zero-emission vehicles; intellectual property; and other operational, financial or legal risks or uncertainties detailed in Landstar’s Form 10-K for the 2023 fiscal year, described in Item 1A Risk Factors, and in other SEC filings from time to time. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results or events to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Investors should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

WASHINGTON -- A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She noted that because the hack appeared to be targeting a relatively small group of individuals, only a small number of Americans' phone calls and texts have been compromised. Neuberger added that impacted companies are all responding, but none “have fully removed the Chinese actors from these networks.” “So there is a risk of ongoing compromises to communications until U.S. companies address the cybersecurity gaps the Chinese are likely to maintain their access,” Neuberger said. She said that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. White House officials believe that the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, which has been dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Neuberger pointed to efforts that have been made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online. ___ Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.Who is IPS Sweety Sahrawat, Patna Central SP leading police during BPSC protest?

Jaguars score final 10 points, end Titans' slim playoff hopes with 10-6 winWhy Nikita Singhania, Rita Kaushik, and #MenToo are trending along with Atul Subhash and Accenture on LinkedIn and XAwards Program Showcases Outstanding Innovations Driving Improvements and Transforming the Healthcare Industry; Unveils Innovation Report that Feature Winners NEW YORK, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex's Fierce Biotech and Fierce Pharma today announces the winners of the Fierce Life Sciences Innovation Awards . The program showcases outstanding innovation that is driving improvements and transforming the life sciences industry. "The Innovation Awards winners showcase the organizations that have demonstrated innovative solutions that have the greatest potential to save money, engage patients or revolutionize the life sciences industry,” says Rebecca Willumson, SVP and Publisher of Fierce Biotech and Fierce Pharma . "We are very pleased to congratulate the winners on their accomplishments.” Fierce Life Sciences Innovation Awards winners: Winners are featured in the Life Sciences Innovation Report. Click here to read the report. About Fierce Biotech Fierce Biotech is the biotech industry's daily monitor, providing the latest news, articles, and resources related to clinical trials, drug discovery, FDA approval, FDA regulation, patent news, pharma news, biotech company news and more. More than 300,000 top biotech professionals rely on Fierce Biotech for an insider briefing on the day's top stories. Signup is free here . About Fierce Pharma Biopharma is a fast-growing world where big ideas come along daily. Our readers rely on Fierce Pharma for the latest news, analysis and data on drugs and the companies that make them. Fierce Pharma covers the pharma waterfront, from late-stage drug development through the entire lifecycle- tracking regulatory approvals, payer negotiations, manufacturing, marketing, patent fights, government investigations and regulation, M&A deals and beyond. Our aim is to analyze the day's news, showing readers not only what they need to know, but why they need to know it. Beyond the daily, the Fierce Pharma team produces special reports that take stock of the industry's products and finances, and shed new light on industry trends. About Questex Questex helps people live better and longer . Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better : hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer : life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences . We live in the experience economy - connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media Contact Linda Lam Senior Director of Marketing, Fierce Life Sciences & Healthcare [email protected]

BIT Mining Limited to Hold Annual General Meeting on January 7, 2025

Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. boosted its position in shares of Fidelity Value Factor ETF ( NYSEARCA:FVAL – Free Report ) by 3.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 22,930 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 796 shares during the quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P.’s holdings in Fidelity Value Factor ETF were worth $1,389,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. FMR LLC raised its stake in shares of Fidelity Value Factor ETF by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 846,651 shares of the company’s stock worth $51,307,000 after buying an additional 26,275 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC purchased a new position in Fidelity Value Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $428,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Fidelity Value Factor ETF during the third quarter worth about $1,154,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Fidelity Value Factor ETF in the third quarter valued at about $214,000. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its position in shares of Fidelity Value Factor ETF by 3.5% in the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 575,998 shares of the company’s stock valued at $34,905,000 after purchasing an additional 19,306 shares during the last quarter. Fidelity Value Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of FVAL opened at $64.25 on Friday. Fidelity Value Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $50.80 and a 1-year high of $64.49. The stock has a market cap of $896.32 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.28 and a beta of 0.93. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $62.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $59.49. Fidelity Value Factor ETF Profile The Fidelity Value Factor ETF (FVAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Fidelity U.S. Value Factor index. The fund follows a fundamentally selected, tier-weighted index of large-cap US stocks. FVAL was launched on Sep 12, 2016 and is managed by Fidelity. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FVAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Fidelity Value Factor ETF ( NYSEARCA:FVAL – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity Value Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity Value Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Cancer Daily Horoscope Today, Dec 28, 2024 predicts success knocks your door

The crypto scene is electric as Shiba Inu technical analysis reveals mixed signals in its price trends, and Stellar (XLM) price target predictions hint at significant upside potential. The buzz is growing louder as BlockDAG gears up for its Keynote 3 in 2025, promising an epic showcase crafted by a Hollywood filmmaker, spotlighting BlockDAG's cutting-edge DAG technology. For those scouting the best crypto coin to buy, BlockDAG (BDAG) remains a top contender in the market. This trio of updates—BlockDAG's Hollywood-flavored reveal, Shiba Inu's intriguing market dynamics, and Stellar's optimistic outlook—crafts an engaging story for crypto followers and prospective participants. Shiba Inu Technical Analysis: Upturn or Downturn? Shiba Inu is at a critical juncture, its market dynamics displaying a clash between bullish hopes and bearish pressures. This past week, SHIB witnessed intense sell-offs, shedding over 20% of its value, plummeting from a market cap of $15 billion to $12.5 billion. This drop has pushed SHIB to crucial support levels, leading to varied forecasts for its short-term future. Moreover, Shiba Inu technical analysis shows a significant bounce in RSI, surging from 16.9 to 44 in just three days, suggesting a possible stabilization, though caution is advised given other technical indicators. Can Stellar (XLM) Reach Its Price Target? Stellar currently trades at $0.3514, edging towards a decisive moment in its pricing trend. Despite today's 1.40% drop, the coin is close to critical support at $0.33. Experts believe this threshold is key for holding its price steady, with potential downsides if it fails. Conversely, a bounce off this level could propel Stellar towards higher resistance points, such as $0.37 and $0.50. The long-term Stellar (XLM) price target of $2 could be within reach if it maintains these supports and market conditions favor growth. BlockDAG Merges Hollywood Sparkle with Crypto Innovation in Upcoming Keynote 3 BlockDAG is set to dazzle the crypto market with its eagerly awaited Keynote 3, expected to merge the allure of Hollywood with the brilliance of blockchain technology. Buzz is building around the possible involvement of a celebrated Hollywood filmmaker, aiming to fuse high-caliber narrative flair with the latest in crypto advancements. The spotlight of the upcoming video will be on BlockDAG's sophisticated Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology and its compatibility with Ethereum, potentially positioning it as a frontrunner among Layer 1 projects. For those searching for the best crypto coin to buy, BlockDAG's modern stance and escalating buzz present strong incentives to pay attention. ike its predecessors, Keynote 3 is anticipated to boost the momentum of BlockDAG's ongoing presale, which has already garnered over $173.5 million, with 17.6 billion BDAG coins eagerly acquired by participants. Early buyers have already enjoyed a massive ROI of 2240%, attracting both seasoned and new participants eager to join this trailblazing endeavor. The forthcoming Keynote 3 is poised to stoke even more excitement, further energizing the presale. As Keynote 3 combines the domains of blockchain and Hollywood, BlockDAG is not just transforming perceptions of crypto projects but also asserting itself as one of the best crypto coins to buy for substantial potential returns. Summarizing Today's Top Crypto Pick The crypto market is alive with enthusiasm as BlockDAG, Shiba Inu, and Stellar (XLM) grab the limelight. Shiba Inu's technical analysis unveils a mix of hurdles and resurgence cues, while Stellar (XLM) price target prospects continue to look promising. However, it's BlockDAG that captures the center stage, revolutionizing the crypto scene with a potential Hollywood collaboration for its Keynote 3. Having raised over $173.5 million through its presale and delivering a 2240% ROI, BlockDAG is swiftly becoming the epitome of blockchain innovation. As the imminent Keynote 3 intertwines cinematic artistry with pioneering technology, BlockDAG stakes its claim as the best crypto coin to buy for those drawn to innovation paired with exciting opportunities. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

Valerie Bertinelli says she ‘doesn’t care’ what people think of her body after posting underwear selfie

Music fans should be easy to shop for this holiday season, right? Wrong! What do you pick up for the friend who knew about that rapper months before the rest of the world? What about the audiophile, whose listening habits are particular and immovable? Your sister loves Taylor Swift, but surely she already owns everything the pop star has ever released, right? Here's a gift guide for the audio lover in your life — from a can't-miss box set for the Elvis Costello obsessive to a set of wine glasses that will be music to everyone's ears. Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses Chances are, you've seen someone play water glasses before — rubbing the rim of a glass with a finger can produce musical notes, which change depending on how full the glass is. Uncommon Goods has taken the idea a step further: What if, instead of water glasses, you used wine? And what if there was a way to determine which notes could be produced, by marking each glass like a measuring cup? Well, that's exactly what they did. Compose a symphony of one with these wine glasses. $68 People are also reading... Herschel Classic Crossbody Clear bag A recent trend in venue security is the clear-bag policy. The goal is to streamline bag checks upon entry, making the process safer and faster. If you're looking for a great gift for a loved one who plans their life around stadium and arena shows, look no further. The clear bag is an alternative to shoving everything in your pockets and clutching your smartphone to your palm. Herschel has a few reasonably priced bags that are practical, stylish and will meet most venue guidelines. $35 “King Of America & Other Realms” by Elvis Costello A new six-disc Elvis Costello box set, " King Of America & Other Realms ," has what you'd expect from a revisit to Costello's 1986 "King of America" album — a remastered version of the original, demos of most songs, a live concert from the era, even some newly recorded takes. The "Other Realms" is what sets it apart. Building on the original album's roots-based theme, half of the set explores other Costello recording adventures in the United States — many from the 2000s — with alternate versions and previously unreleased tracks. Inventive and full of buried treasures, the box is an enriching look back — and a great gift. $139.98 "Learn! Korean with BTS" There's no better gift to give or receive than one that expands horizons. In " Learn! Korean with BTS ," K-pop fans can discover a new language through their love of BTS and members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook. The book package teaches Korean consonants and vowels, using the names and songs of BTS. A workbook is supplemented by video and other media. What could be better — or more rewarding — for the K-pop fan? $44.49 Bose QuietComfort Headphones A decent pair of headphones is step one on the journey to true bliss for the audiophile. However, carrying around a studio set may not always be in the cards. But a noise-canceling pair? That's necessary. Bose's QuietComfort Headphones are a solid investment, all high-fidelity audio perfect for a long plane ride or a daily commute in equal measure. $229 Gold-plated chain link bracelet, featuring the logo for Taylor Swift's album, "The Tortured Poets Department" Everyone knows someone who loves Taylor Swift. But what do you give the superfan who already owns all her albums in every colorway? Unisex jewelry, maybe? In honor of this year's release of "The Tortured Poets Department," get them the official gold-plated, stainless-steel, chain-link bracelet featuring the "TTPD" logo on the pop star's website . It comes in two sizes: a small/medium option, 7.5 inches long, and a large/extra-large option, 8.5 inches long. $40 "High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul" by Marcus J. Moore Music books are always a good idea. For the hip-hop expert, a new text from the critic Marcus J. Moore, " High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul ," is a necessary cultural history of the hip-hop trio of Kelvin "Posdnuos" Mercer, Dave "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur and Vincent "Maseo" Mason, who changed music forever. The book covers their ascent, and the ways in which the group defied expectations and defined a new Black alternative music, as well as the legal troubles they faced. $27.89. Varieties of Green Day's coffee brand Punk Bunny Coffee, from left, Dookie Roast, American Idiot Roast and Fancy Sauce Roast. Pop-punk band Green Day's coffee brand, Punk Bunny Coffee , is ideal for fans of their palm-muted power chords and political anthems — and for those who prefer their morning brew to be organic, fair trade and delicious. This holiday season, they're offering a few limited-edition roasts, including some themed after their best-known albums, like "Dookie" and "American Idiot." If coffee isn't preferable, no worries! They've got a limited-edition hot cocoa, too. $13.99-$17.99 "Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock" by Christoph Dallach Let's be honest: True music lovers enjoy all different genres and styles. Those with the deepest knowledge are insatiable; they want to learn as much as they can about a variety of different subcultures and niches. For those real ones, the best gift this holiday season is the first ever oral history of Krautrock, Christoph Dallach's " Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock ," featuring German bands like Can, Neu!, Amon Düül, Popul Vuh, Tangerine Dream, Faust, Cluster and, of course, Kraftwerk. $29.80 2024 holiday mailing tips: Deadlines, packaging advice and more things to know Small, luxury foods are great as stocking stuffers or other gifts. Ideas for under $50 Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!How will Trump change AI safety regulations?Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back loss

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It was no different for Jimmy Carter in the early 1970s. It took meeting several presidential candidates and then encouragement from an esteemed elder statesman before the young governor, who had never met a president himself, saw himself as something bigger. He announced his White House bid on December 12 1974, amid fallout from the Vietnam War and the resignation of Richard Nixon. Then he leveraged his unknown, and politically untainted, status to become the 39th president. That whirlwind path has been a model, explicit and otherwise, for would-be contenders ever since. “Jimmy Carter’s example absolutely created a 50-year window of people saying, ‘Why not me?’” said Steve Schale, who worked on President Barack Obama’s campaigns and is a long-time supporter of President Joe Biden. Mr Carter’s journey to high office began in Plains, Georgia where he received end-of-life care decades after serving as president. David Axelrod, who helped to engineer Mr Obama’s four-year ascent from state senator to the Oval Office, said Mr Carter’s model is about more than how his grassroots strategy turned the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary into his springboard. “There was a moral stain on the country, and this was a guy of deep faith,” Mr Axelrod said. “He seemed like a fresh start, and I think he understood that he could offer something different that might be able to meet the moment.” Donna Brazile, who managed Democrat Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign, got her start on Mr Carter’s two national campaigns. “In 1976, it was just Jimmy Carter’s time,” she said. Of course, the seeds of his presidential run sprouted even before Mr Nixon won a second term and certainly before his resignation in August 1974. In Mr Carter’s telling, he did not run for governor in 1966, he lost, or in 1970 thinking about Washington. Even when he announced his presidential bid, neither he nor those closest to him were completely confident. “President of what?” his mother, Lillian, replied when he told her his plans. But soon after he became governor in 1971, Mr Carter’s team envisioned him as a national player. They were encouraged in part by the May 31 Time magazine cover depicting Mr Carter alongside the headline “Dixie Whistles a Different Tune”. Inside, a flattering profile framed Mr Carter as a model “New South” governor. In October 1971, Carter ally Dr Peter Bourne, an Atlanta physician who would become US drug tsar, sent his politician friend an unsolicited memo outlining how he could be elected president. On October 17, a wider circle of advisers sat with Mr Carter at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss it. Mr Carter, then 47, wore blue jeans and a T-shirt, according to biographer Jonathan Alter. The team, including Mr Carter’s wife Rosalynn, who died aged 96 in November 2023, began considering the idea seriously. “We never used the word ‘president’,” Mr Carter recalled upon his 90th birthday, “but just referred to national office”. Mr Carter invited high-profile Democrats and Washington players who were running or considering running in 1972, to one-on-one meetings at the mansion. He jumped at the chance to lead the Democratic National Committee’s national campaign that year. The position allowed him to travel the country helping candidates up and down the ballot. Along the way, he was among the Southern governors who angled to be George McGovern’s running mate. Mr Alter said Mr Carter was never seriously considered. Still, Mr Carter got to know, among others, former vice president Hubert Humphrey and senators Henry Jackson of Washington, Eugene McCarthy of Maine and Mr McGovern of South Dakota, the eventual nominee who lost a landslide to Mr Nixon. Mr Carter later explained he had previously defined the nation’s highest office by its occupants immortalised by monuments. “For the first time,” Mr Carter told The New York Times, “I started comparing my own experiences and knowledge of government with the candidates, not against ‘the presidency’ and not against Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. It made it a whole lot easier”. Adviser Hamilton Jordan crafted a detailed campaign plan calling for matching Mr Carter’s outsider, good-government credentials to voters’ general disillusionment, even before Watergate. But the team still spoke and wrote in code, as if the “higher office” were not obvious. It was reported during his campaign that Mr Carter told family members around Christmas 1972 that he would run in 1976. Mr Carter later wrote in a memoir that a visit from former secretary of state Dean Rusk in early 1973 affirmed his leanings. During another private confab in Atlanta, Mr Rusk told Mr Carter plainly: “Governor, I think you should run for president in 1976.” That, Mr Carter wrote, “removed our remaining doubts.” Mr Schale said the process is not always so involved. “These are intensely competitive people already,” he said of governors, senators and others in high office. “If you’re wired in that capacity, it’s hard to step away from it.” “Jimmy Carter showed us that you can go from a no-name to president in the span of 18 or 24 months,” said Jared Leopold, a top aide in Washington governor Jay Inslee’s unsuccessful bid for Democrats’ 2020 nomination. “For people deciding whether to get in, it’s a real inspiration,” Mr Leopold continued, “and that’s a real success of American democracy”.Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has died at 100

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Rob Martin had 17 points in Southeast Missouri State's 88-39 victory against Westminster (MO) on Sunday night. Martin also contributed seven rebounds for the Redhawks (7-6). Braxton Stacker scored 16 points while going 7 of 11 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and added five rebounds. Damarion Walkup went 5 of 11 from the field (4 for 10 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points. The Blue Jays were led in scoring by Walker Gohring, who finished with 13 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) How to Get Security Contracts Discover actionable strategies to secure government and private sector security contracts through proven methods and USPA's Certified Contractor Program. NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, December 26, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- As 2025 approaches, security contractors are exploring how to capitalize on evolving opportunities in government and private sector contracts. With key legislative changes, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) FY24, reshaping the landscape, now is the time to act. USPA, a leader in the security industry , provides the tools, expertise, and financial support that contractors need to succeed. Legislative Updates Pave the Way for Small Business Success The NDAA FY24 introduces significant changes designed to empower small businesses, including those in the security sector. Highlights include enhanced inflation relief measures, faster payment protocols, and expanded small business participation requirements. For service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), participation goals have risen from 3% to 5%, creating more opportunities for firms to win lucrative contracts. However, navigating the government procurement process isn't without challenges. Contractors must adhere to stringent compliance requirements, such as conflict-of-interest certifications, detailed documentation, and adherence to government timelines. For many small firms, the complexity and financial strain of waiting for payment under traditional net terms-often 30, 60, or even 90 days-can make pursuing government contracts seem unattainable. How USPA Helps Contractors Secure Contracts and Maintain Cash Flow This is where USPA steps in to bridge the gap. Through its Certified Contractor Program , USPA takes the risk out of long payment cycles. Unlike traditional contracts, where payment delays can cripple cash flow, USPA ensures its partners are paid weekly. In fact, payments are processed just one day after invoices are submitted. This rapid turnaround gives smaller firms the financial stability they need to grow and invest in their operations. “USPA's Certified Contractor Program has been empowering security contractors for 20 years,” said Michael Evans, Founder of USPA.“We understand the challenges small businesses face, and we're here to provide the financial and operational support they need to thrive in this competitive industry.” Balancing Government and Private Sector Contracts While government contracts offer stability and long-term opportunities, private sector contracts provide flexibility and faster execution. USPA helps contractors navigate both spaces by offering guidance on compliance, technology integration, and proposal development. By partnering with USPA, firms can pursue both government and private contracts confidently, knowing their cash flow and operational needs are secure. Strategies for Securing Contracts in 2025 USPA's Certified Contractor Program also provides actionable strategies for landing contracts, including: - Understanding key provisions of the NDAA FY24, such as inflation relief and small business requirements. - Leveraging technology to offer innovative security solutions. - Building strong proposals that highlight past performance and compliance with government standards. - Networking with prime contractors to gain subcontracting opportunities. Your Next Step to Success For contractors wondering how to get security contracts in 2025 , USPA offers a proven path to success. By addressing financial challenges and providing expert guidance, USPA empowers its partners to compete effectively in both government and private markets. Learn how USPA can help your business thrive by reading the full article here: How to Get Security Contracts in 2025 Albina Beici USPA Nationwide Security +1 800-214-1448 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN26122024003118003196ID1109033738 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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SIXTY workers were axed over WhatsApp without pay - before the bosses allegedly jetted off to Spain, it’s claimed. Marketing group 4iCG Ltd - who operate under the brands Pursuit Marketing and Your Shortlist - told workers their employment was terminated on Wednesday, December 11, over the messaging app. 8 Pursuit Marketing's offices are located in Finneston, Glasgow Credit: Les Gallagher 8 Co-founder and Director Robert Copeland Credit: Facebook 8 COO Lorraine Gray Credit: Linkedin 8 Robert and Lorraine drinking together in Spain, where the firm has offices Credit: Facebook And it is claimed devastated staff were told they would not receive any pay before Christmas . Yesterday it was confirmed the company had gone into liquidation the day before the bombshell announcement. A source told the Scottish Sun: “My relative worked for Pursuit Marketing and they told all their staff that they were laid off. “That’s over 60 members of staff. And they also said that they won’t be getting paid before Christmas. READ MORE SCOTTISH NEWS ARMED TAUNTS Boozed-up yobs wielding axes & machetes bringing terror to Scots council area 'TOXIC' Death probe at Scots maternity unit after report found mums & babies came to harm “And the owners are supposed to have left for Spain right after sacking everyone”. The Glasgow -based parent company also has a base in Torremolinos in Malaga. Absolute scumbags Pursuit Marketing. Leaving people with no pay or wages in December. How can you look at yourselves in the mirror! Messages from affected staff Messages from affected staff, seen by the Scottish Sun, said: “Looks like my employers have liquidated and are now in Spain . “Absolute scumbags Pursuit Marketing. Leaving people with no pay or wages in December. Most read in The Scottish Sun lew's new love Lewis Capaldi grows close to influencer as they party with Noel Gallagher STRIP SEARCH Gers ‘to ditch Castore for major kit brand' next season but there’s a catch CRYSTAL BALL Celtic vs Rangers score predictions as SunSport writers have their say CUP CROCK Rodgers issues major update on Johnston ahead of Rangers cup final showdown “How can you look at yourselves in the mirror! Absolutely no accountability whatsoever. “Do not trust any of these absolute charlatans in any future business incarnation”. Shocking moment McDonald's worker soaks homeless man with a mop & kicks sleeping bag - as bosses reveal he's been sacked Another message read: “I have 60-odd friends who have families who will not get their December salary this Christmas. Or any financial support. “I’m standing up for what is right... This behaviour has to be called out. Currently all of this was done via a WhatsApp Group. These people have no voice”. The firm, which has offices in the Finneston area of the city, is a marketing consulting company that specialises in “demand generation, telemarketing, digital marketing and creative design”. Pursuit Marketing is one of two brands that operate under The 4ICG Group, which described itself as being “the driving force behind the most talked-about B2B marketing brands” in over 32 countries. I have 60-odd friends who have families who will not get their December salary this Christmas... This behaviour has to be called out Messages from affected staff The other brand that is part of the group is called YourShortlist and it is said to offer “non-chargeable, expert, technology-buying advice.” Furious workers claim co-founder and director Robert Copeland and chief operating officer Lorraine Gray went to Spain after delivering the news . Workers have been trying to get in touch with HR since bosses delivered the news. Pursuit Marketing has since removed its Facebook page. Their website has also been wiped and the phone lines rang out before eventually going to voicemail with an automated message saying “all agents are busy”. ALL EXPENSES PAID TRIP THE mass layoffs come six years after bosses at Pursuit Marketing treated over 40 members of staff to an all-expenses paid luxury sunshine break to thank them for their hard work. Back in February 2018, the firm flew out their entire staff to Tenerife to celebrate for a long weekend as part of the company's seventh-anniversary celebrations. The team spent four days at the holiday resort as a reward for smashing sales targets the year before. At the time, COO Lorraine Gray said: "They are an outstanding team, and we wanted to say a very big 'thank you' for all their hard work. "Taking them away from winter conditions for a break in the sun seemed like the best way to let them know how much we appreciate their efforts." The agency, which was created in 2011, has also previously picked up gongs including SME Employer of the Year and Glasgow's Best Workplace. Connected brand YourShortlist, which has its offices in the same building as Pursuit Marketing, has also had its website taken down. It was unreachable over the phone with an automated message saying “Number not assigned, goodbye” when tried by the Scottish Sun. Alistair McAlinden, managing director at Interpath and joint provisional liquidator, added: “We understand news of the Companies’ closure will be distressing to their dedicated employees. "Our priority will be to support all those impacted by redundancy, including supporting them with applications to the Redundancy Payments Service.” Read more on the Scottish Sun BATTY WEATHER Record-breaking snow & temps on the way for Scotland as expert issues warning GER KIDDING Tottenham fans blast ex-Spurs star as he's spotted wildly celebrating Gers goal Geoff Jacobs, managing director at Interpath and joint provisional liquidator, said: “The Companies have an extensive database utilised by providers and buyers of IT solutions as an online marketplace, as well as white labels marketing campaigns for large global customers. "Parties interested in acquiring the business should contact us at the earliest opportunity.” 8 Pursuit Marketing is one of two brands that operate under The 4ICG Group Credit: Linkedin 8 Workers claim bosses laid off 60 members of staff two weeks before Christmas Credit: Facebook 8 It is claimed they sacked staff in a WhatsApp group chat Credit: Facebook 8 Staff have hit out at bosses Credit: Facebook

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The counting of votes will be undertaken at 8 am on Saturday in where the election is witnessing a major battle. Malabar Hill (number 185), one of Mumbai’s most affluent and politically significant constituencies, is gearing up for a high-stakes battle in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The constituency, part of the Mumbai South Lok Sabha region, is a General category seat, with a mix of urban and affluent voters. It has gained attention due to its prominent residents, including influential business figures and politicians. With 277 polling booths, Malabar Hill’s electorate is highly engaged, making it a closely watched contest in the upcoming elections. The 2024 contest pits six-time incumbent MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha of the BJP against Bherulal Choudhary of Shiv Sena (UBT). Lodha, a well-established figure in the constituency, has dominated the seat for over a decade, winning six consecutive terms. Only three candidates are contesting from the constituency. In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Mangal Prabhat Lodha won a landslide victory with 93,538 votes (75.9 percent vote share), defeating Congress’s Heera Navaji Devasi, who secured only 21,666 votes (17.6 percent). Lodha’s margin of victory was over 70,000 votes, underscoring his dominance in the constituency. Key issues in the 2024 campaign include the redevelopment of ageing parts of Malabar Hill, as well as concerns about urban infrastructure, housing, and access to basic amenities. Choudhary has focused on these local issues in his campaign, hoping to tap into growing dissatisfaction with the status quo. Meanwhile, Lodha’s longstanding popularity and connections among the affluent electorate give him a solid base. In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Malabar Hill had a total electorate of 295,577 voters. The voter turnout was relatively low at 41.71 percent, though turnout in the 2019 parliamentary election was higher at 56.11 percent. The constituency is home to around 7.3 percent Muslim voters, 5.37 percent SC voters, and 0.26 percent ST voters. Malabar Hill went to polls on November 20. The results will be announced on Saturday, 2024. With both candidates vying for the prestigious seat, this race is expected to be a tightly contested battle. Malabar Hill emerged as a key battleground, recording a voter turnout of 52.53 percent.

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The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as US markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. US-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4% respectively. The Japanese car makers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street also got a labour market update. US applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labour Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late on Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar.

MANILA, Philippines — The new polymer banknotes featuring the country’s endangered species were unveiled by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last week, with designs that did not sit well with many because they no longer bear the portraits of Filipino patriots and former presidents. Now comes the high price tag behind the new peso bills. In a report published on its website on Dec. 2, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the BSP shelled out nearly P6 billion to foreign suppliers to cover the cost of production and materials used for the new plastic bank notes. READ: New peso bills focus on PH fauna; heroes, leaders gone In its annual audit report on the BSP for 2023, particularly in its notes to the financial statements, state auditors said the Monetary Board (MB), chaired by the BSP governor, approved supply contracts during the third and fourth quarters of 2023 for the production and procurement of materials for the new banknotes. The new banknotes are under the BSP’s new generation currency series for the P1,000, P500, P100 and P50 bills, all of which were introduced and received by President Marcos last week. According to the report, the first contract was awarded on July 13, 2023, to De La Rue International Ltd., a British company that produces digital and physical protections for goods, trade and identities. The company got the contract for being the “lowest calculated responsive bidder” who offered its services for 4.497 million euros, or P269.524 million, based on the June 5, 2023, BSP reference rate of 1 euro to P59.934. De La Rue was responsible for the supply and delivery of 150,000 bundles of banknotes in the P50 denomination. The board also approved on Aug. 11, 2023, the contract with Swiss firm Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA for the new generation currency equipment. The contract was worth 16.196 million euros (P973.643 million) and covered technical and maintenance support, training, supply, and delivery of raw materials, consumables, and wear-and-tear spare parts lasting for 12 months or a year, the COA report added. On Sept. 28, 2023, the MB awarded another contract, this time to German company Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology GmbH, for the supply and delivery of 200,000 bundles of the new P500 bill. The deal amounted to 11.751 million euros, or P727.475 million. For the P100 bills, the board awarded the contract on Oct. 19, 2023, to Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, another German company, for the supply and delivery of 75,200 reams of the enhanced P100 banknote. For this, the BSP spent 42.4 million euros, or P2.605 billion. The same manufacturer was awarded another contract worth 18.54 million euros (P1.113 billion) on Nov. 16, 2023, for 51,020 reams of the new P50 bill. The last contract, for the P1,000 bills, went to the French company Surys for the supply and delivery of 3,040 rolls of “optically variable device patch,” the reflective foil that serves as a major security feature of the banknotes. This contract was for 4.432 million euros (P269.028 million). In total, the BSP spent at least P5.95 billion for the entire project. While highly praised by President Marcos when launched in Malacañang on Dec. 19, the new banknotes drew criticism for breaking the decades-old tradition of featuring historic Filipino figures. Among the first to protest was the August Twenty-One Movement, the anti-Marcos group created in 1983 after the assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The image of Ninoy and that if his widow, the late former President Cory Aquino, were among those dropped in the new banknotes. Senate President Chiz Escudero and Sen. Koko Pimentel have also asked the BSP to explain the change.

NBA's Christmas Day ratings skyrocket, even going up against NFL gamesMILWAUKEE (AP) — Themus Fulks' 26 points helped Milwaukee defeat IU Indianapolis 88-81 on Sunday. Fulks also contributed five rebounds and five assists for the Panthers (10-4, 3-0 Horizon League). Kentrell Pullian scored 20 points while going 5 of 9 from the floor, including 4 for 7 from 3-point range, and 6 for 8 from the line. Erik Pratt shot 5 for 9, including 1 for 4 from beyond the arc to finish with 11 points. Sean Craig led the way for the Jaguars (5-10, 1-3) with 22 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Paul Zilinskas added 21 points and three steals for IU Indianapolis. Jarvis Walker finished with 12 points and four assists. Milwaukee's next game is Thursday against Oakland on the road. IU Indianapolis hosts Youngstown State on Wednesday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press

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Optical Cable Stock Doubles To 2-Year Highs As Company Swings To Profit In Q4: Retail Eyes More UpsideWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump offered a public show of support Friday for Pete Hegseth, his choice to lead the Defense Department, whose confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat roles. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, Army National Guard major and combat veteran, spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and privately reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead Trump's Pentagon. "Pete Hegseth is doing very well," Trump posted on his social media site. "He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense." The president added that "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!" The nomination battle is emerging not only as a debate about the best person to lead the Pentagon, but an inflection point for a MAGA movement that appears to be relishing a public fight over its hard-line push for a more masculine military and an end to the "woke-ism" of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, responds to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Military leaders are rattled by a list of “woke” senior officers that a conservative group urged Pete Hegseth to dismiss for promoting diversity in the ranks if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon. The list compiled by the American Accountability Foundation includes 20 general officers or senior admirals and a disproportionate number of female officers. It has had a chilling effect on the Pentagon’s often frank discussions as leaders try to figure out how to address the potential firings and diversity issues under Trump. Those on the list in many cases seem to be targeted for public comments they made either in interviews or at events on diversity, and in some cases for retweeting posts that promote diversity. Tom Jones, a former aide to Republican senators who leads the foundation, said Friday those on the list are “pretty egregious” advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies, which he called problematic. “The nominee has been pretty clear that that has no place in the military,” Jones said of Hegseth. Hegseth embraced Trump’s effort to end programs that promote diversity in the ranks and fire those who reflect those values. Other Trump picks, like Kash Patel for FBI director, have suggested targeting those in government who are not aligned with Trump. Trump's allies forcefully rallied around Hegseth — the Heritage Foundation's political arm promised to spend $1 million to shore up his nomination — as he vows to stay in the fight, as long as the president-elect wants him to. Vice President-elect JD Vance offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, the embattled choice to lead the Defense Department. "We're not abandoning this nomination," Vance told reporters during a tour of western North Carolina. "We're not abandoning this nomination," Vice-President-elect JD Vance said as he toured post-hurricane North Carolina. He said he spoke with GOP senators and believes Hegseth will be confirmed. The effort became a test of Trump's clout and of how far loyalty for the president-elect goes with Republican senators who have concerns about his nominees. Two of Trump's other choices stepped aside as they faced intense scrutiny: former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., his first choice for attorney general, and Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff who was Trump's first choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration. Thanking the president-elect for the support, Hegseth posted on social media, "Like you, we will never back down." Hegseth faces resistance from senators as reports emerged about his past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. He promised not to drink on the job and told lawmakers he never engaged in sexual misconduct, even as his professional views on female troops came under intensifying scrutiny. He said as recently as last month that women "straight up" should not serve in combat. He picked up one important endorsement from Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, whose support was seen as a potentially powerful counterweight to the cooler reception Hegseth received from Sen. Joni Ernst, a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel. Ernst, who is also a sexual assault survivor, stopped short of an endorsement after meeting with Hegseth this week. On Friday, Ernst posted on X that she would meet with him again next week. “At a minimum, we agree that he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing,” she wrote. On Friday, Trump put out the statement in response to coverage saying he lost faith in Hegseth, according to a person familiar with his thinking who was not authorized to discuss it publicly. The president-elect and his team were pleased to see Hegseth putting up a fight and his performance this week reiterates why he was chosen, the person said. They believe he can still be confirmed. Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, left, joined by his wife Jennifer Rauchet, attends a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) If Hegseth goes down, Trump's team believes the defeat would empower others to spread what they cast as "vicious lies" against every candidate Trump chooses. Still, Trump's transition team is looking at potential replacements, including former presidential rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis plans to attend the Dec. 14 Army-Navy football game with Trump, according to a person familiar with the Florida governor's plans who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. DeSantis and Trump spoke about the defense secretary post Tuesday at a memorial service for sheriff deputies in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to people familiar with the matter who said Trump was interested in DeSantis for the post, and the governor was receptive. DeSantis is poised to select a replacement for the expected Senate vacancy to be created by Marco Rubio becoming secretary of state, and Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump is seen as the preferred choice by those in Trump's orbit. 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.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “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. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. 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. 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. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “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. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed 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 state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the 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. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton surrendered in a multi-million dollar civil lawsuit filed by whistleblowers, 24 days after a controversial acquittal. AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won't testify under oath in a lawsuit filed by former office employees turned whistleblowers, the state's Supreme Court said Friday. The court on Friday granted Paxton's request for a writ of mandamus, an order that would require a trial court to vacate its order that would have forced Paxton and three top employees – Brent Webster, Lesley French Henneke and Michelle Smith – to testify under oath in a lawsuit claiming the whistleblowers were fired in retaliation for reporting Paxton to the FBI. Paxton agreed not to contest the lawsuit and the court determined that with the office's liability no longer contested, the depositions were unnecessary. "While we agree with the former employees that OAG's concessions do not preclude all discovery, we agree with OAG that the trial court abused its discretion in ordering the depositions of these four witnesses without considering that the only fact issue on which those witnesses are likely to provide information--OAG's liability under the Whistleblower Act--is now uncontested," the justices wrote. Thomas Nesbitt, attorney of whistleblower James Brickman, said Paxton was trying to change the stipulations of the whistleblowers' lawsuit and settlement. "He is doing so for one reason: to save himself from having to give testimony about his own corruption," Nesbitt said. "That is an act of malpractice and self-interest so pathetic it could only have sprung from the mind of Ken Paxton. And today the Texas Supreme Court endorsed it." The whistleblowers — Brickman, David Maxwell, Mark Penley and Ryan Vassar — were among a small group of top Paxton deputies who had first-hand knowledge of his relationship with real estate investor Nate Paul. At Paxton’s impeachment trial they each testified about their growing concerns in 2020 that Paxton was illegally using his office to help Paul, a friend and political donor, as the real estate investor’s faltering business empire faced an FBI investigation, looming bankruptcies and a litany of related lawsuits. The whistleblowers sued Paxton for wrongful termination and retaliation and reached a settlement for $3.3 million. When Paxton asked the state legislature to use taxpayer money to pay for the settlement, the Texas House of Representatives opened an investigation that resulted in 21 articles of impeachment. Paxton beat the impeachment in the Senate and was acquitted of the 16 articles he was eventually tried on, which included allegations of bribery and abusing his office on behalf of his friend and campaign donor Nate Paul. Paul goes to trial for felony financial crimes on Feb. 19, 2025. In January, Paxton called the lawsuit a "waste of taxpayer resources" since it argued many of the same points that were brought up during his impeachment trial. Court records indicate that the federal criminal investigation into Paxton and the attorney general's office is still ongoing as of June 2024. The agency was denied a petition to prevent grand jury testimony under attorney-client privilege in June when the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals stated they had failed to show a "clear and indisputable right" to end the testimony. Information in this article comes from previous reporting, court filings and statements from involved parties.

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king online games I t is easy to forget how many of the rights and liberties that our modern society holds dear were illegal not so long ago. For a young person reaching adulthood today, the idea that the state could wield its power to prohibit them from marrying the person they love, dissolving a marriage when love is absent, or choosing when and whether to have children would be viewed as not just alien but irrational. Yet there are people alive today, my generation among them, who faced each and every one of these restrictions on rights that most would now consider fundamental. It is no coincidence that, in each of these areas, the legislative vehicle for reforming the law was a private member’s bill introduced by a backbench MP. Indeed, it is hard to think of a great social reform that cannot trace its origins to these longshot bids to focus parliament’s attention on an urgent social problem of the day. And while most PMBs do not succeed, those that do have almost always shaped our society for the better.

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Sony to Take On Nintendo with New PlayStation Handheld - IGN Daily FixThe Sri Lanka Law College will celebrate its 150th anniversary, a landmark achievement that reflects its rich history, enduring legacy and continuing commitment to shaping the future of legal education in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Law College has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most respected institutions for legal studies in the country. The zenith of the anniversary celebrations is the inaugural International Research Conference, titled ‘Law in the 21st Century: Exploring New Frontiers’ to be held from November 28 – 29 2024 at the BMICH. Legal professionals In the last 150 years, Sri Lanka Law College has produced generations of legal professionals, scholars, judges and leaders who have gone on to shape the legal landscape locally and globally. Its alumni can be found in every area of legal practice—from the highest courts to public interest law, academia, corporate law and beyond and is now looking further to add to this illustrious tradition with the inauguration of the International Research Conference. The central theme for this year’s conference, ‘Law in the 21st Century: Exploring New Frontiers’, is focused on the emerging challenges in domestic and international law, considering the rapidly changing geopolitical, environmental and technological landscape. It will delve into key topics such as Constitutional and Human Rights, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Maritime Law and Law of the Sea, Legal Education and Legal Profession, Air and Space Law, Information Technology and Cyber Law, Corporate, Banking and Finance Law, Bribery and Anti-Corruption Law, Construction Law, Environmental and Natural Resources Law, Sports and Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Trade and Investment Law, Children’s’ Rights and Gender Justice and Media and Freedom of Expression. Legal luminaries and academics from across the globe will converge at the BMICH to deliberate on the latest developments and trends and provide a rare opportunity for thought-provoking and invigorating legal discourse on the ever-evolving landscape that is the Law. The conference seeks to carry out 15 parallel sessions and will feature foreign keynote speakers who are leading experts in various fields of domestic and international law. The conference opens with the keynote address by Justice Anselmo Reyes, International Judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court. Foreign experts There are several other foreign experts who will make keynote addresses at the sessions including Justice Anthony Fernando, Prof. Rosalind Dixon, Prof. Matthew Harding, Dr. Nilüfer Oral, Prof. Jack Anderson, Prof. Christina Voigt, Prof. Chester Brown, Prof. Payak Akhavam, Prof. Julian Bailey, Prof. Rosemary Langford, Prof. (Dr.) S.G. Sreejith, Prof. Zachary Douglas, K.C., Dr Arthur E Appleton, Dr. Dilan Thampapillai, Sam Townend K.C., V.K. Rajah, Paul Mylvaganam, Raj Choudry,Dimitrios Lyratzakis, Shaun Langhorneas, Ignacio de Castro, Nicky Balani, James Moller and Ms, Teona Aslanishvill as well as Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, Justice Buvaneka Aluwihare P.C., Justice Yasantha Kodagoda P.C., Justice Arjuna Obeysekere, Dr. K. Kang-Isvaran, P.C., Mrs. Dhara Wijayatilake, Prof. Sampath Punchihewa, Prof. Deepika Udugama, Prof. Camena Guneratne, Prof. Sanath Wijesinghe, Prof. Dinesha Samararatne, Dr. Lalanath De Silva, Mrs. Farzana Jameel, P. C., Susantha Balapatabendi, P. C., MilindaGunathilaka, P. C., Vikum De Abrew P. C., Dr. Gehan Gunatialake, Nihal Jayawickrama, Associate Prof. Althaf Marsoof, Senarath Liyanage, R. M. R. B. Nawinne, Dr. Ramani Jayasundere and Chanakya Jayadeva. The unique feature of the conference is that it breaks new ground in having experts from other disciplines such as Kumar Sangakkara at the Sports and Entertainment Law session and Mrs. Subhashini Abeysinghe at the International Trade and Investment Law session. The conference will feature interactive sessions and workshops designed to foster dialogue, critical thinking and collaborative research. These will include presentations by domestic and international keynote speakers and presenters and will provide a platform for the discussion of legal academic research before a forum of peers and industry experts. The Sri Lanka Law College International Law Research Conference is not only a platform for research but also for fostering global connections. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers from around the world, building relationships that may extend beyond the conference.

Jonathon Brooks injury status: Latest from Panthers coach Dave Canales on rookie RBAfter three months of bargaining over issues like artificial intelligence, wages, shrinking crews, and more, The Animation Guild has reached a tentative agreement for a new three-year contract with the group that represents Hollywood's studios, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Negotiations initially began on August 12 between TAG and the AMPTP, although the two organizations did not come to an agreement in the five days allotted for bargaining. Negotiations resumed on September 16, with the tentative agreement being reached on Saturday morning and announced on Monday, per a email from TAG sent to guild members. Among the issues that TAG touts gains in are stronger AI guardrails, including consultation and notification provisions; health and pension fund improvements; wage increases; protections for remote work; additional sick days; and the recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday. They also note "craft-specific gains," including staffing minimums for writers rooms. A tentative agreement between TAG and the AMPTP is a massive step forward, but it doesn't mean the new contract is set in stone quite yet. The next step will be a ratification vote by the members, which is currently being scheduled. While there were many issues at play, getting stricter protections for generative AI was a major one for this round of negotiations, something that also played a large role in last year's writers' and actors' strikes and the ongoing video game actor strike . IGN ran a comprehensive report last year about how it's become a hot-button topic in the animation industry specifically, with some believing the technology could make their work more efficient and others arguing it's not worth risking jobs or artistic integrity. “After weeks of negotiations that covered months in the calendar, I am very proud of the agreement that we reached with the studios for our new contract,” said Steve Kaplan, TAG Business Representative, said in a statement. “Not only have we seen the inclusion of the advancements in the industry realized by the other Unions and Guilds, but we were able to address industry-specific issues in a meaningful way. The animation industry at large has been facing issues like crunch, layoffs, and low pay for years now, spawning an entire #StandWithAnimation movement. For more, check out our report about the tumultuous making of Inside Out 2 . Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Adam Jones ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns and Montana State ran over Montana 34-11 on Saturday to reclaim the Brawl of the Wild trophy. The Bobcats (12-0, 8-0 Big Sky Conference) wrapped up the 123rd meeting in this rivalry with 420 yards, 326 on the ground. Montana State capped its first unbeaten season and can match the school record for consecutive wins with a playoff win in two weeks. The Bobcats, ranked second in the FCS coaches poll, should be the top seed in the playoffs after top-ranked North Dakota State lost its finale to fifth-ranked South Dakota. Montana (8-4, 5-3), ranked 10th, is expected to add to its record 27 FCS playoff appearances but will not have a first-round bye in the 24-team bracket. Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott was 6-of-12 passing for 94 yards with a touchdown in poor conditions and added 50 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He has helped the Bobcats score at least 30 points in every game this season Mellott had a 5-yard touchdown run on MSU's first possession and Mellott found Jones for a 35-yard touchdown early in the second quarter for a 14-3 lead. Myles Sansted had two field goals in the final two minutes, including a 49-yarder as time expired for a 20-3 halftime lead. Jones dominated the second half and scored two short touchdowns. Eli Gillman scored on a 1-yard run for Montana's touchdown between the Jones' touchdowns. The Grizzlies had just 234 yards and went 2 of 12 on third down. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink

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NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of Microsoft 365 customers worldwide reported having issues with services like Outlook and Teams on Monday. In social media posts and comments on platforms like outage tracker Downdetector, some impacted said that they were having trouble seeing their emails, loading calendars or opening other Microsoft 365 applications such as Powerpoint. acknowledged “an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar” earlier in the day. In updates on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the company’s status page said it identified a “recent change” that it believed to be behind the problem — and was working to revert it. Microsoft shared that it was deploying a fix — which, as of shortly before noon E.T., it had reached about 98% of “affected environments.” Still, the company’s status page later , targeted restarts were “progressing slower than anticipated for the majority of affected users.” As of midday Monday, Downdetector showed thousands of outage reports from users of , particularly .BitMart Unveils Black Friday Campaign with 200,000 USDT Reward Pool and Exclusive Crypto Deals