mnl168 app download for android Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought,” roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump last year as well as inquiries into Biden and his son. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” The intended resignation was not unexpected considering that Trump had settled on Patel to be director and had repeatedly aired his ire at Wray, whom he appointed during his first term. But his departure is nonetheless a reflection of how Trump's norm-breaking style has reshaped Washington, with the president-elect yet again flouting tradition by moving to replace an FBI director well before his term was up and Wray resigning to avert a collision with the incoming administration. “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me," Wray said. “I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorized to discuss the private gathering by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice" and saying that Patel's confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again.” If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI's Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators," raising alarms that he might seek to wield the FBI's significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Trump's perceived enemies. Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to "a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one.” It's extremely rare for FBI directors to be ousted from their jobs before the completion of their 10-year terms, a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations. But Trump has done it twice, placing Wray in the job in 2017 after firing Director James Comey amid an investigation into ties between Russia and the Republican president’s campaign. Despite having appointed Wray, Trump had telegraphed his anger with the FBI director on multiple occasions throughout the years, including as recently as the past week. In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, Trump said, “I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home,” a reference to the FBI search of his Florida property , Mar-a-Lago, two years ago for classified documents from Trump’s first term as president. That search, and the recovery of boxes of sensitive government records, paved the way for one of two federal indictments against Trump. The case, and another one charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, have both been dismissed by the Justice Department special counsel that brought them in light of Trump's November victory. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray for having “served our country honorably and with integrity for decades.” He said: “Under Director Wray’s principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, protect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law.” Natalie Bara, the president of the FBI Agents Association, said in a statement that Wray had led the FBI “through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe. ” Throughout his seven years on the job, the self-professed "low-key, understated" Wray brought a workmanlike approach to the job, repeatedly preaching a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra to bureau personnel despite a steady drumbeat of attacks from Trump and his supporters. He also sought to avoid public conflict when possible with the Trump White House, distancing himself and his leadership team from the FBI's Russia investigation over errors that took place before he took office and announcing dozens of corrective actions meant to prevent the recurrence of the surveillance abuses that plagued the inquiry. But there were other instances when he memorably broke from Trump — he did not agree, for instance, with Trump’s characterization of the Russia investigation as a “witch hunt." He made known his displeasure when the White House blessed the declassification of materials related to the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide and contradicted a Trump talking point by stating that Ukraine had not interfered in the 2016 election. He repeatedly sought to keep the focus on the FBI's day-to-day work, using the bulk of his resignation announcement to praise the bureau's efforts in countering everything from violent crime and cyberattacks to Chinese espionage and terrorism. Yet as he leaves office at a time of heightened threats , much of the public focus has been on the politically sensitive investigations of his tenure. Besides the inquiries into Trump, the FBI in recent years also investigated Biden's handling of classified information as well as Biden's son Hunter for tax and gun violations. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father last week. A particular flashpoint came in August 2022, when FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago — an action officials defended as necessary given the boxes of documents that were being concealed at the Palm Beach property and the evidence of obstruction that the Justice Department said had been gathered. Trump railed against the FBI over that search and has kept up his criticism ever since. Trump was angered by Wray's comment at a congressional hearing that there was “some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel” that struck Trump's ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. The FBI later stated unequivocally that it was indeed a bullet. Before being named FBI director, Wray worked at a prestigious law firm, King & Spalding, where he represented former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during the “Bridgegate” scandal. He also led the Justice Department’s criminal division for a period during President George W. Bush’s administration.VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Legible Inc. (CSE: READ) (OTCQB: LEBGF) (FSE: D0T) ("Legible” / “Company”), a global digital reading platform known for its innovative eBook and audiobook offerings, and Cristina Ferrare, New York Times bestselling author, celebrity chef, iconic supermodel, and acclaimed TV host, are delighted to announce the release of My Model Kitchen - Thanksgiving , the third all-digital “Living Cookbook” in Cristina’s My Model Kitchen series, exclusively available to Legible Unbound subscribers. Cristina Ferrare's Thanksgiving is a celebration of family, food, and tradition, with a legacy rooted in the honor of preparing a turkey feast for many friends, who one year included Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham. Throughout the book, Cristina’s world-first AI Sous Chef, which Cristina calls Chef “AL”, provides real-time support for every recipe, creating a fun and interactive cooking experience. Cristina Ferrare said, “Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful release! My buddy, Chef AL, has been by my side throughout the entire process. He is so helpful and never disappoints!” The launch of My Model Kitchen - Thanksgiving coincides with Cristina’s third appearance on the highly rated Drew Barrymore Show, on November 27th, the day before US Thanksgiving. Perfect for seasoned chefs or Thanksgiving newcomers, and featuring classics including her famous turkey marinade plus dishes designed for all dietary needs, the easily accessible digital cookbook promises to make Thanksgiving a beloved and stress-free occasion. With Cristina's signature warmth, each recipe brings out the rich, traditional flavors we love, featuring vibrant, kid-friendly (low sugar!) Cranberry Sauce, Caramelized Sweet Potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, salads and creative desserts. Don’t miss Cristina’s ultimate guide to post-Thanksgiving treats like hearty Turkey Soup with Dumplings and Perfect Gameday Turkey Sandwiches. Ross Mathews, co-host of The Drew Barrymore Show, comments, “There is no one more fabulous, chic or kind than Cristina Ferrare. It’s almost not fair that she’s also a phenomenal cook! The world is a better, yummier place with Cristina in it.” Kaleeg Hainsworth, Co-Founder and CEO of Legible, stated, “Legible is honored to be the publisher of Cristina’s amazing Living Cookbooks. With the upcoming launch of the third in Cristina’s 15-book My Model Kitchen series, we are excited to showcase our signature AI and rich media innovations, not only to our valued Legible Unbound member readers, but also to established authors interested in expanding their readership worldwide. ” The new My Model Kitchen book is a foretaste of the Christmas edition coming in December, completing a dual Holidays edition. This Thanksgiving, let Cristina’s recipes bring warmth, ease, and delicious memories to your table. Please visit www.legible.com/mymodelkitchen to sign up to Legible Unbound for only US$9.99 per month, and start cooking your way to a healthier, happier lifestyle with Cristina Ferrare's delicious creations. About Cristina Ferrare Cristina is an accomplished author. Her book “A Big Bowl of Love”, based on her show of the same name on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and published in 2011, enjoyed an enthusiastic reception across the US. Her books “Okay So I Don’t Have a Headache”, a New Times Best Seller, “Food For Thought”, which reached #1 on Amazon for Brain Health and “Realistically Ever After: Finding Happiness When He's Not Prince Charming, You're Not Snow White, and Life's Not a Fairy Tale”, are all bestsellers. Her first two My Model Kitchen Living Cookbooks – Volume 1: Pasta, and Volume 2: Vegetables - The Garden of Earthly Delights - have been featured on the Drew Barrymore Show, the Daily Blast, the Liftoff podcast with Jeanniey Walden, and EXTRA!, as well as top morning show Good Day New York, with host Rosanna Scotto, owner of Fresco by Scotto restaurant, commenting, “Cristina Ferrare is the ultimate hostess. We love when she shares her recipes on Good Day NY. They are simple, creative, and delicious!” Cristina started modeling with the New York-based Ford modeling agency aged 16, launching a 25-year supermodel career that included gracing the covers of leading fashion magazines including Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, and Ladies Home Journal, among others. She appeared in Kellogg commercials for OWN and was featured on over 20 million Kellogg cereal boxes along with her recipes. Cristina has recently signed with top New York modeling agency Iconic Focus. In the early 80s, Cristina worked as a co-host of the show “AM Los Angeles”, which was rated the number one morning television show throughout her five-year tenure. She has hosted her own shows - “Cristina and Friends” and “Home and Family” - a two-hour Universal Studios live show. She was also a substitute co-host on “Good Morning America” and co-hosted “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” numerous times. Cristina has spoken at many conventions including “The Women’s Conference” in 2004. In 2007, alongside Chef Art Smith, she hosted a cooking session for over 300 women. She was the keynote speaker at the Creative Connection annual meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2011. In 2023, she was the keynote speaker at the Influencers of Midlife Summit for women over 40. The success of Cristina’s authoring, cooking and modeling careers highlights her unique breadth of knowledge and expertise on women’s health, culinary arts, wellbeing, stylistic design all brought to enthusiastic audiences through her sense of humor and great passion for life. For more information, please follow Cristina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cristinacooks About Legible Legible is a groundbreaking, mobile-centric global company specializing in eBooks and audiobook entertainment. Its extensive partnerships encompass four of the Big 5 Publishers, the world's largest eBook distributor, and a wide range of outstanding and innovative publishers of all sizes, enabling Legible to seamlessly deliver millions of multilingual eBooks and audiobooks, transforming any smart device into a source of cutting-edge infotainment. Legible is revolutionizing mobile-centric eBook and audiobook experiences with interactive AI-driven content. Its latest release, FrankensteinAI , third in the AI Classics series, reimagines Mary Shelley's masterpiece with animated AI art developed by digital artist Remo Camerota and immersive character-driven AI chat, offering readers a uniquely engaging journey through the classic horror tale. Legible is also developing My Model Kitchen , a series of video-enriched Living Cookbooks by former supermodel, bestselling author, and celebrity chef, Cristina Ferrare, with an AI Sous Chef for each recipe, which have already been featured twice before on the Drew Barrymore Show and in many other major US media outlets. As first mover in the rapidly expanding automotive infotainment market, Legible has partnered with media providers Faurecia Aptoide, Harman Ignite, LiveOne, and Visteon. Legible has the only Android Automotive app with the capacity to deliver both audiobooks and eBooks to drivers and passengers in tens of millions of vehicles around the globe, positioning Legible at the forefront of the new world of in-car infotainment experiences. A recent EdTech Breakthrough Award winner for eLearning Innovation of the Year, Legible is reshaping the digital publishing landscape, committed to gaining a significant market share by providing innovative 21st-century publishing solutions and enriching global reading experiences. Please visit Legible.com and discover the place where eBooks come to life. Contacts Legible Inc. Ms. Deborah Harford, EVP, Global Strategic Partnerships Tel.: +1-604-283-2028 Email: invest@legible.com Website: https://invest.legible.com Krupp Kommunications, Inc. Ms. Kathy Giaconia, VP Media Relations Tel.: +1-213-324-5665 Email: kgiaconia@kruppagency.com Website: www.KruppAgency.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This Press Release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (“forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding Legible’s business. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Legible's control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, currency fluctuations, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Legible believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward- looking information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward- looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Legible does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60234ac8-771d-4f5c-a1f4-da5f0857d7ef https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ff6ac2c0-3044-4ad4-8e07-a1841fc1400eCompany illegally hired minors to sanitize ‘kill floor’ equipment at Iowa meat processing plant, US Dept. of Labor finds

Jaylon Johnson isn't interested in bright spots with the Bears' skid at 5 gamesNintendo is waiting to announce its next console. Its last console, the Switch, has been on the market for seven years, and with its first-party release calendar looking empty for the rest of 2024, it seems very much like the calm before the storm. However, even before Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2/Super Switch (or whatever it'll be called) leaks from various sources have already started to set expectations for the upcoming console. Here's everything we know about Nintendo's next console. Nintendo Switch 2 Specs It started last year when Eurogamer reported that Nintendo showed off the new hardware to developers behind closed doors. The console was reportedly shown running an enhanced version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild along with a real-time demo of The Matrix Awakens demo. The demo was reportedly using NVIDIA's DLSS technology to upscale image quality and improve frame rates. A few weeks later, Digital Foundry reportedly confirmed with their sources that the Switch 2 will be using the NVIDIA T239 processor - not a confirmed, "real" GPU but a projected one. This along with some custom hardware would put the Switch 2 roughly in the same ballpark as the last-gen PS4 console, but with modern features like AI upscaling and faster storage. Being on par with the PS4 is also what was hinted at in the publicized documents that came to light following the FTC vs. Xbox trial last year. An email from Activision CFO Armin Zerza to former CEO Bobby Kotick revealed that the next Switch was expected to be in "closer alignment to Gen8 platforms in terms of performance". Nintendo Switch 2 Backward Compatibility One major point of concern about the next console was backward compatibility, or lack thereof, for Switch games. Thankfully, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch successor will have backwards compatibility with Switch games, although we don't officially know exactly how that will work just yet. One report from Mobapad claims that the Switch 2's cartridge slot will support original Switch cartridges. However, as expected, Switch 2 cartridges won't be compatible with the original console. The report also claims that it will extend to digital games as well, so your entire Switch library will be supported by the new console. The Switch's Joy-cons are also claimed to be supported in Bluetooth mode, but the new console will feature redesigned Joy-cons. In the age of live service, with cross-generational games dominating the market, it wouldn't make sense for Nintendo to completely abandon the user base it has accumulated with the Switch. Of course, offering full backward compatibility also means that the Switch 2's "gimmick" may be an evolution of the current experience, rather than offering something new. It's also claimed that like with the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, developers will be able to update existing Switch games to offer improved performance/image quality on the new console. Playing the new Zelda games or Pokémon at a consistent 60fps does sound exciting. Nintendo Switch 2 Design and Features The Switch 2 is rumored to launch with an 8-inch 1080p, but whether it will have an LCD screen or an OLED display is up in the air. Should it be the former, then it'll certainly be a step down from the Switch OLED's display as far as color accuracy is concerned, but the increased screen size and resolution should make up for it. A report from Spanish outlet Vandal states that the console's new joy-cons will attach magnetically to the console. This would mean the original Joy-cons won't be physically supported by the console's design. As for joy-con drift, Nintendo filed a patent last year that has seemingly solved the problem by using hall-effect sticks. That report also claims a new 'C' button has been added below the HOME button, though its function remains a mystery. The Switch 2 will include two USB-C ports at the top, and the new dock will get a minor redesign. These rumors got more validity following Dbrand's unveiling of the Killswitch 2 case . The new dock reportedly supports a 4K resolution output, while its design with a damping bracket ensures it can be readjusted in more ways. It's worth noting that reputed Nintendo leaker Pyoro has claimed that there may be some truth to these reports, although they haven't been able to verify them with their sources. Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Games A console is nothing without good games. Nintendo knows that which is why the original Switch, despite its outdated hardware, sold like hotcakes. The Switch's first year gave us games that are still some of the best in the industry, let alone just throughout the console's life cycle. So what will Switch 2's launch lineup look like? For starters, Xbox's Hi-Fi Rush was heavily rumored to launch on the Switch earlier this year but ended up only arriving on PlayStation. A port of the game may be in the works for Switch 2, given the many in-game hints of it happening. If the rumor of The Matrix Awakens demo running on the Switch 2 is true, then expect tons of ports of games made with Unreal Engine. This would open up the Switch 2 to receive ports of games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Final Fantasy 7 Remakes, Persona 3 Reload, Lies of P, and more. Could Xbox's rumored Gears of War Remastered collection be making a debut on the next Switch? It's technically possible, though we wouldn't count on it. Following that, there's the question of Nintendo's first-party lineup. We know that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is confirmed for an early 2025 release and would be a perfect candidate for a cross-gen release. Metroid Prime 4 would also make a big splash, as would a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey. Don't expect a Zelda game at launch, although who knows if Nintendo is cooking a remake of Twilight Princess? We're also due for another Animal Crossing game and after the wild success of New Horizons, a next-gen game could significantly improve upon the social simulation aspects of the franchise. According to a post on a popular internet forum following the Switch 2, the console will also get a Mario Kart 9-themed bundle around launch. Nintendo Switch 2 Price It's hard to predict what the Switch 2 will cost consumers, but several industry analysts have predicted that it will be cheaper than the PS5 and Xbox Series X. One such analyst, Dr. Serkan Toto, predicts that the Switch 2 will cost $400. "I believe the next hardware will drop next year for $400," he said in a recent annual predictions feature on GamesIndustry . "There is a high chance that games will cost more, too: $70. The next system is also likely to be an iteration rather than a revolution." While not confirmed by any means, the company is expected to price its next console below that of the PS5, following the same pattern that led the Switch to become one of the most successful consoles of all time, following the PS2 . Nintendo will release the successor to the Switch home console in 2025.

The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse?Biden Pulled Off a $370 Billion Miracle for the Climate. Where Did the Money Go?EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

UnitedHealthcare CEO Assassin’s Surprise Stop Before Shock Killing of Brian ThompsonForeign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith says she is "very concerned" about reports of the immigration challenges faced by Jamaicans in Mexico and some Central American countries and that her ministry is actively working to address them. At the same time, she is reminding Jamaicans to observe the immigration laws of the countries they visit, which in instances may change over time. She stressed that “While we stand ready to defend and protect the rights of our citizens overseas, we regret to remind that the Government of Jamaica cannot insist that any state allow non-nationals to enter that state." "No citizen has a right to enter another country other than their own. We can therefore only work to prevent the contravention of basic rights, particularly in terms of unlawful detention or mistreatment”, Johnson Smith added. She said the Government has been engaging with relevant authorities to resolve the issues reported via social media and is encouraging Jamaicans who believe their rights have been infringed, to make reports by email to consular@mfaft.gov.jm for investigation. “We are very concerned by the reports we are hearing of in social media. In 2023, the Ministry advised that a more restrictive approach was being taken by Mexico and other Central American authorities to reduce the misuse of their borders to enter the United States of America illegally. The Government therefore strongly urged and continues to encourage Jamaicans to refrain from this practice, which negatively impacts the travel experience for law-abiding Jamaicans at these ports of entry,” said Johnson Smith. She advised Jamaican travellers to ensure they meet all entry requirements before embarking on trips, to avoid complications such as detention or deportation and ensure safe and trouble-free journeys. Johnson Smith said as part of good travel planning, Jamaicans should also assess their destinations according to various indicators. Travellers are also encouraged to stay updated on immigration trends in the countries they wish to visit, so that they can make the best travel decisions. Jamaicans encountering difficulties while abroad are encouraged to contact the nearest Jamaican mission - Embassy, High Commission, Consulate-General or Consulate, for assistance. Contact details for these offices are available on the Ministry's website at www.mfaft.gov.jm . For immediate assistance during emergencies overseas, nationals may also reach the Ministry via WhatsApp messages at +1 876 391-8105. On Tuesday, Jamaican Tarrick Hamilton told The Gleaner he faced mistreatment and harsh conditions after being denied entry by immigration in Mexico. READ: 'Dem mek me feel like I am a criminal', says Jamaican man refused entry to Mexico Hamilton and another family member left Jamaica on November 29 for an eight-day stay at one of the RIU Resort hotel in Cancun, an all-inclusive vacation paid for by relatives in the United States. However, his vacation quickly turned into a nightmare. He recounted that shortly after landing in Mexico, his passport and mobile phone were confiscated by immigration authorities amid initial enquiries about his name and reason for entering that country. Hamilton is among scores of Jamaicans who have complained in a slew of videos posted on social media platforms recently claiming that they were mistreated by immigration authorities in Mexico before they were denied entry. Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com .ICYMI: Kogi Shuts Down Zango market As kidnapping Persists

Maj General Dr Ashok Kumar (Retired), Director General Centre of Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), speaks to businessline on what 2024 means for Indian defence sector. Edited Excerpts: 2024 undoubtedly has been an year for re-calibration of defence engagements. Russia-Ukraine war is still continue to impacting the world in multiple ways. India has to continue not only maintaining the strategic balance but has to focus on indigenisation of defence equipment as majority inventory is imported that too from Russia. The stand off with China continuing since April 2020 has been largely resolved on October 21, 2024, with more progress being made during Special Representatives meeting held on 18 December 2024. While there are still certain issues to be resolved, this emerging situation will help Indian defence forces to undertake major organisational reforms related to theaterisation in the coming year. India has also focused on defence exports which has been the highest in this year. The current standoff with China in High Altitude Areas (HAA) had resulted in both sides almost being face to face and maintaining more than 50,000 troops. The current developments on October 21 and December 18, and positive steps to revert back to pre-April 2020 positions as well as number of other issues are also required to be resolved. The direction of relationship in the end of year 2024 has definitely been encouraging with both parties showing more maturity. Emerging contours of peace and tranquillity do enable India to divert its expenditure towards organisational reforms, force restructuring, infrastructure growth and capacity building. While the emerging situation has to be leveraged constructively but one has to be always ready as China cannot be trusted given its historical conduct. With the stature of defence forces rising in 2024 and India being able to maintain strategic autonomy despite multiple geo-political, geo-economic and technological challenges, I expect major structured reforms including operationalisation of theaterisation and development of whole of Nation Approach (WONA) in all our defence endeavours, a more robust infrastructure having dual use profile to see all weather connectivity, even to the remotest places where the defence forces are deployed can be expected. Force accretion in Army, Navy and Air Force as per emerging threat, indigenisation reaching critical threshold in defence manufacturing might also happen. Defence exports might reach minimum 50,000 crore. Comments

Bill Belichick live updates: UNC, former Patriots coach agree to deal — latest news and reaction

These interviews come on the heels of the expiration of theterms of the current Commissioners, marking a pivotal moment for ZACC’s future. This announcement was made by the Chief Secretary to thePresident and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, in an official communication to theParliament of Zimbabwe. The process began with a public call for nominations, asrequired by Section 237(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The Committee onStanding Rules and Orders (CSRO) received an overwhelming response — 145nominations in total, comprising 112 men and 33 women. After a rigorous screening, the CSRO whittled down the listto 47 suitable candidates, who now prepare to face the nation in publicinterviews. These interviews will take place at Committee Room Number 3 of theNew Parliament Building in Mt Hampden. Candidates must be in their seats by 7 am sharp, as DrRushwaya made it clear that late arrivals will be disqualified withoutexception. The list of contenders reads like a who’s who of thecountry’s legal, political and civic leadership. Former legislators such as Gabriel Chaibva, MayorWadyajena, Tongai Matutu, Kindness Paradza, and Zalerah Makari, are among thosevying for the prestigious positions. The legal fraternity is well-represented with figures likeBrian Kashangura, Caroline Chigumira, Doreen Gapare, Meme Zvimba and AdvocateWilbert Mandinde. The diverse line-up also includes religious leaders likeRev Jeremiah Doyce and Rev. Dr. Chiropafadzo Moyo, retired military personnelsuch as Major Michael Santu, academics like Dr Tinashe Rukuni, and variousother professionals and community leaders. The full roster, a mosaic of expertise and backgrounds,underscores the importance of this selection process for the Commission’smandate to combat corruption. For those curious to witness the process unfold, Parliamenthas made arrangements to accommodate members of the public in the Multi-PurposeHall of the New Parliament Building. But for those who cannot attend in person, technologybridges the gap. Proceedings will be streamed live across multipleplatforms, including Zoom, Twitter, and Facebook Live. Access links can befound on the Parliament’s official website, www.parlzim.gov.zw, ensuringtransparency and public engagement in this critical national decision. As the countdown to December 19 continues, the shortlistedcandidates prepare to face public scrutiny, and the nation eagerly awaits theoutcome. This process is not just about filling vacancies; it isabout shaping the future of an institution tasked with safeguarding thecountry’s integrity. HeraldThe A.M.E. Zion Church Adopts New Common Measurement for the Health of its Churches and CongregationsOn first thought, late November seems like a strange time to release Gladiator II , Ridley Scott ’s plus-size return to the blood-and-mud thunderdome of Ancient Rome. The original Gladiator was a quintessential summer movie — the very first of the 21st century, you could argue, given its May 2000 release. Is the sequel landing in the vicinity of Thanksgiving instead of Memorial Day proof that every month is now blockbuster season? Or have we reached the point where a historical epic, even one as goofy and educationally worthless as Gladiator II , looks automatically prestigious compared to everything else Hollywood is churning out these days? People wear togas in this movie. It must belong in awards season, right? The month is fast becoming Scott’s annual window. Gladiator II is his third consecutive movie to open in late November, following last year’s similarly battle-heavy Napoleon and 2021’s House of Gucci , which is battle-heavy in a very different sense. Increasingly, the British octogenarian has staked out the Thanksgiving holiday, the way Will Smith once had the weekend of Independence Day on lockdown. And somehow, that seems oddly fitting for the career Scott has carved out for himself over nearly 50 years. He doesn’t really make summer movies in the traditional sense, even when he makes movies — like Gladiator or Alien , like Blade Runner or Thelma & Louise — that happen to open in the summer. What Scott specializes in are blockbusters for grownups: big, accessible, sometimes very loud genre pictures that rarely feel like they’re aiming to entertain every demographic, the way so many studio releases now do. He is not entirely alone in this lane. Christopher Nolan has found great success making popcorn movies that hardly qualify as fun for all ages. Ditto Jordan Peele, whose high-concept horror is adult in violence and theme. But Scott has been doing this for nearly half a century. And even as the industry has become increasingly infantilized, he’s continued to cater to slightly more mature sensibilities. Not too mature. To be clear, Scott is not exactly a highbrow filmmaker. He got his start in advertising, and as he moved into moviemaking, he never lost that commercial instinct. Every Ridley Scott picture is slick entertainment, even when it wants to do more than entertain. He makes thrillers, action movies, and tense melodramas. Even when the subject matter is serious, the approach is rarely alienating; his most acclaimed work — his Oscar winners — aren’t exactly intellectually ambitious. Black Hawk Down might be a harrowing depiction of war, but it also doubles as a rousing band-of-brothers adventure story. Gladiator , which won Best Picture, is a shameless crowdpleaser at heart. Even Thelma & Louise , the rare Scott movie that goes very light on special effects, was built to thrill. But as other directors have been pulled head first into the PG-13 industrial complex, Scott has steered clear of glorified babysitting duty, threading the needle of making mainstream movies without spending his time and talents on purely adolescent distractions. He’s turned down superhero movies. And the franchise pictures he has made are proudly R-rated: those squishy Alien movies; the limb-chopping Gladiator films; and his one-entry detour into the Hannibal Lecter universe, which features a set-piece so graphic — a Grand Guignol money shot that gives new meaning to the term “food for thought” — that it practically felt like a nationwide test of every mall movie theater’s carding policy. Somehow, Scott still manages to secure enormous budgets, even though he misses as often as he hits, and shows no interest in laboring much in the IP-development salt mines. His last four movies all cost between $75 and $250 million. Few of them have what you would call four-quadrant appeal, though Lady Gaga’s scenery-chewing star performance in House of Gucci probably drew some teenage stans, while swordplay of the kind seen in The Last Duel , Napoleon , and Gladiator II doesn’t exactly repel boys of a certain age. By virtue of clout, Scott seems to have earned the rare privilege to spend boatloads of studio cash on projects at least superficially out of fashion with audiences and execs. A quick scan of his filmography reveals a lot of dabbles in genres now considered old-fashioned or even extinct. He’s made biopics of historical figures ( 1492: Conquest of Paradise ), Biblical epics ( Exodus: Gods & Kings ), halfway-cerebral science fiction ( The Martian ), survival thrillers ( White Squall ), and juicy ripped-from-the-tabloids dramatizations ( All the Money in the World ). There’s an out-of-time quality to his career, made up of films that seem distinctly modern only in the technology used to get them off the ground. What he’s consistently flashing back to is an era when Hollywood seemed comfortable bankrolling expensive productions that didn’t treat the whole American public like 12-year-olds. Because of his interest in war and history, Scott is sometimes said to make Dad Movies. The larger truth is that he doesn’t handle his audience with kid gloves. A philosophical darkness, and sometimes a real mean streak, runs through his thrillers. An avowed atheist, Scott isn’t afraid to depict a godless world — or, in the case of his unsparingly bleak Alien prequels , to paint God as sadistic and indifferent. The Counselor , his underrated collaboration with Cormac McCarthy, might be the most pitilessly cynical studio film of the new millennium ... though it has some competition from another Scott movie, the rape-culture origin story The Last Duel . Even his less heavy stuff, like Gladiator II , dispatches characters with a ruthlessness that would shake younger viewers. They are not the target audience. Unlike almost everyone else in Hollywood, Scott doesn’t make movies for them. And that’s rather welcome at a moment when the box office is largely dominated by Avengers and Minions. You don’t have to love Scott’s films; he’s made his fair share of workmanlike, bloated, or plodding stinkers, like that dreadful Robin Hood reboot starring Russell Crowe. Frankly, the new Gladiator II is very far from his best work. But at 86, he remains a welcome anomaly of the current showbiz ecosystem: a craftsman of big-budget spectacle who funnels all his career capital and resources toward adult interests. Yes, House of Gucci might be ridiculous, sensationalized pulp, but it’s pulp for grownups. Don’t we deserve some dumb fun? This Thanksgiving, or any other, that’s worth a little thankfulness. Gladiator II is now playing in theaters everywhere. For more of A.A. Dowd’s writing, visit his Authory page .Northern Illinois rallies to beat Fresno State 28-20 in double overtime in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it heads for a winning week

During her time as a high school teacher, Alison Pappavaselio says she saw firsthand the negative impacts of unfettered technology access. When the 35-year-old’s own children, now 4 and 6, showed an interest in music, she decided to do things differently. Instead of a tablet, smartphone or even a smart speaker, Pappavaselio handed her older child a used Walkman she purchased on eBay and a handful of cassette tapes. "I went a little bit more into the technology that I grew up with because it felt safe to me,” said Pappavaselio, who lives in Somerville, Massachusetts. "But you do have to teach them not to rip the tape out.” Some modern parents are trying to give their children access to music without the temptations of a screen and internet access. Facing a lack of stand-alone options, they’re digging into their pasts and dusting off Walkmen, portable CD players and record players, along with their own dated album collections. Some are experimenting with voice-activated speakers such as Amazon’s Echo and Google Home, while others are relearning how to rip MP3s. While some adults are just nostalgic for their own childhood experiences with music, others want to protect their children’s attention spans or minimize screen access before the teen years. According to Pew Research, the vast majority of teens are online every day, with 96 percent saying they check it daily. Almost half say they’re online constantly. Even the way children discover music has changed. They still hear hits on the radio during car rides and get recommendations from friends, but they’re also picking up artists and songs from video games such as "Fortnight” or the algorithms in their music apps. A broad affection for ’80s music, however, has made their parents old collections cool again. - - - The consolidation of technology into smartphones and tablets has made screens nearly impossible to avoid. They have become so powerful, they’ve made a number of stand-alone devices practically obsolete: home phones, alarm clocks, point-and-shoot cameras and voice recorders. And, of course, the dedicated portable music player. Apple discontinued traditional iPods in 2017, and most online music consumption has migrated from buying music files to streaming subscriptions - something Apple also sells. The old devices still have some loyal users, but they take a little work to get running. More recent iPods can usually be fired up to work with iTunes, assuming you have all the relevant cables and ports on your computer. Some might need battery replacements, which you can get from a third party like iFixIt. There are also third-party apps for giving them a second life like Rockbox. When Eileen Keribar İsvan’s 8-year-old daughter wanted a way to listen to music on the bus to school, she knew just where to look. İsvan’s mother had an old iRiver MP3 player that was up and running with a pair of fresh batteries. "Part of the charm for me was giving her something that takes a little bit more effort,” said İsvan, a Montessori preschool teacher who lives in Istanbul. "And it’s a very sensorial experience, music. It’s better when you can isolate it from any distractions.” Stores still sell some new digital music players, often for less than $50. Where do kids get MP3s in a post Napster world? You can still buy them, but at 50 cents to a dollar a piece, that can add up quickly. Multiple parents we spoke to use free tools that turn YouTube music videos into MP3s, or burn their own old CDs. Local libraries also have free options for downloading music files; all you need is your library card. Even the companies trying to fill the gap left by the iPod are embracing old ways. The Yoto ($100) and Yoto Mini ($70)are simple music devices aimed at younger listeners. The devices are designed to look like retro toy radios. Children pop in small cards for the music they want, which you purchase separately - just like the old days. It also has a tiny screen that shows different images as the music plays, for a splash of screentime. "My daughter, who’s 41⁄2, will just keep pressing the button so it stays illuminated,” says Pappavaselio. The company recently issued a recall for it smaller Yoto Mini players sold between November 2021 and April 2024 as the batteries could overheat and even catch fire. But the company says old players can get a replacement battery and new devices are not at risk. Another fresh option is the $115 Mighty, a digital music player that kids like because they load it up with a handpicked Spotify or Apple Music playlist instead of listening to their parents’ favorites from the 1900s. It can hold more than 1,000 songs and looks like an iPod Shuffle. "To give your kids access to find their own taste in music is so important and was such a rite of passage,” says Rachel Childers, a musician with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. "Learning about yourself and what you’re drawn to is one of the cool things about growing up.” - - - Screen time experts say that it’s not necessarily the amount of time a child spends on a screen that’s worrying, but the quality of that time. For example, a FaceTime chat is better than watching videos, and creating or reading are better than social media. Music falls on the positive end of the spectrum, but the experience is still different on tablet or phone. For some parents, it’s not the screens but tech companies’ opaque algorithms. Childers and her musician husband naturally expose their kids, 9 and 12, to music through their jobs and practicing at home. When it came to access, they tried to move away from apps feeding their kids artists. During the pandemic, their son started watching music videos on his school Chromebook and got into ’80s hair metal and Gene Simmons, but they wanted to expand his horizons. "For us that’s translated to taking YouTube off things,” said Childers. "It’s the opposite of deciding your own taste. It’s a computer’s idea of your own taste fed to you.” Now their kids have access to a record player, a CD player, an extensive library of classic rock CDs, and a transparent FM/AM radio from the MoMA Design Store. "I don’t think I am as opposed tostaring at the screen of Spotify as I am to staring at a screen of ‘Fortnight,’” says Chris Mayfield, a 51-year-old musician and UX designer. For his two children, Mayfield has been experimenting with the right balance of control and freedom when it comes to technology. The family tried a Bark Phone and Mighty player but eventually let the 12-year-old be more in control of his own digital life. He’s now obsessed with Peter Gabriel and The Police. Professor of music education Sarah Perry isn’t worried about her son, 11, looking at screens as he listens. Perry has cycled through all the classics, giving him a CD player and an old MP3 player. Now he’s on an old iPhone set up just for music where he likes to read lyrics, something not so different from how Perry used to listen. "I remember sitting on the bus and listening on my headphones, and we’d bring the album cover and look at the lyrics and sing,” says Perry. "He’s doing the same thing, he’s just looking at it and scrolling through it.”Trump's game, China's move

Packers getting healthier as season winds down

Millions of people across the country are longing for one thing this Christmas - a safe place to call home. 160,000 children living in temporary accommodation. Veterans who have served our country, now living on our streets. A record number of families in temporary accommodation . This is the face of the housing crisis . People shivering in the streets at Christmas . Families cramped into a single mouldy room, locked out of the safe, secure housing every person deserves. And it’s not just at Christmas – there is a generation of aspirational young people who can’t afford to put down roots and start a family of their own. READ MORE ON UK HOUSING They’re doing all the right things, but not getting anything to show for it. Successive governments have left this problem to fester for too long. This government is putting people first by backing builders. We’re taking on the blockers, the nimbys and the naysayers to build the houses and communities we desperately need. We’re rewarding the aspiration and hard work of people across the country with the good, affordable housing people deserve. Most read in The Sun Last week, I announced our milestone to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years. It’s an ambitious target, I won’t deny it. But I won’t settle for less than the British people deserve. I’m putting an end to the ‘no can do’ culture that stops us reaching our potential. It’s time to inject ambition back into Britain. So we’re announcing sweeping reforms to unclog our blocked up planning system. We’ll deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation, with £500 million already unlocked to build new affordable housing. We will build more quickly, more easily and more cheaply. That doesn’t just mean new homes. We’re fast tracking 150 infrastructure projects, almost three times as many as the Tories managed in 14 years. That will give us the GP surgeries, the roads and railways, and the reservoirs and grids to support the new towns and villages we’re going to build. READ MORE SUN STORIES This will build growth and boost living standards across the country. It will make the dream of home ownership a reality for hardworking Brits. And it will get our country building again after a decade of decline. This is all part of our plan for change. We’ll build a better future , together.

By the early 1900s, Argentina was in a golden age. It rose to become a top 10 nation in global wealth. The country had a top-notch railway system, rich agricultural yields, bountiful mineral wealth, and a high-growth economy. Its middle class grew by leaps and bounds. Laissez-faire capitalism had done wonders for the country. Following the Great Depression in 1929, everything changed. The state took over economic planning. Social and welfare programs were dramatically expanded. Industries were nationalized. Government spending soared. As wealth was redistributed, corruption spread like a plague. A long period of instability followed, extending up until today. There were 7 military coups in Argentina during the 20th century. Much of the time the economy was in shambles. Inflation spiraled out of control, often surpassing 100% annually. The past 8 decades have been a very difficult period for Argentinians. A Chainsaw Massacre (For Bureaucracy) Things have finally begun to look up for Argentina. In December of 2023, President Javier Milei took office and began a libertarian reform program. The shift is reflected in the country’s stock market, as shown by the chart below. It shows the price of ARGT, the largest Argentina ETF, since its launch in 2011. Source: Yahoo Finance As you can see, Argentine stocks were basically flat for an entire decade (priced in US dollars). But since Milei took over, shares have more than doubled as foreign investment flooded into the country. What has Milei done to change Argentina’s path so dramatically? In October, Daily Reckoning contributor Joel Bowman explained in The Greatest Political Experiment of Our Age : All of that was within the first 48 hours of his presidency. Milei has taken a metaphorical chainsaw to government spending. The country just emerged from recession, and its public sector has posted a financial surplus for the first time since 2008. Impressively, inflation is down from a recent high of 25% per month to 2.5% in the most recent data. Not All Sunshine Change of this magnitude is not easy. I have spoken with a few Argentine friends recently, and every one of them has a story about people they know getting fired from their government jobs. Argentina’s poverty rate increased by 11% to 53% earlier this year. Slashing government spending will increase productivity over the mid and long term, but in the short term, it does harm employment and GDP. Despite this, all the Argentinians I talked with expressed hopefulness going forward. They acknowledge the system had to change and seem willing to bear the consequences in exchange for a shot at long-term stability. As we await Donald Trump’s second term, it is worth studying Argentina. Milei and Trump have much in common. They both campaigned on eliminating government waste and revitalizing their respective economies. Milei has a ~13-month lead on us. So if Trump does follow through with his promise to slash federal spending, we can expect a somewhat similar path. Short-term pain is traded for long-term growth. I think that’s a price well worth paying. The question is: can the U.S. government oversee its own downsizing? We shall see. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Communication is key