“Hunter was singled out only because he is my son,” Joe Biden said on Sunday, when he issued a pardon that saved Hunter Biden from serving time for his gun and tax crimes. That much was accurate, but not in the way the president meant. Naked nepotism allowed Hunter Biden to avoid the consequences of a criminal justice system that punishes people for conduct that violates no one’s rights and compounds that punishment when they demand the trial to which they are entitled under the Sixth Amendment. While the pardon was undeniably hypocritical, those injustices are real, and they affect many people who lack the political connections to escape them. Last June, a federal jury convicted Hunter Biden of three felonies based on his 2018 purchase of a revolver, which was illegal because he was a crack cocaine user. The case sits at the intersection of two policies that punish people for actions that are not inherently criminal. As the philosopher Douglas Husak has observed, drug and gun possession laws forbid “inchoate offenses,” which involve conduct that is not necessarily harmful. They “do not proscribe harm itself,” Husak notes, “but rather the possibility of harm — a possibility that need not (and typically does not) materialize when the offense is committed.” Since Hunter Biden’s possession of a revolver harmed no one, his father argues, a prison sentence was not justified for that offense. Although the president is right about that, his position is blatantly inconsistent with his support for gun laws that authorize such penalties. The Biden administration has vigorously defended the arbitrary, constitutionally dubious gun law that Hunter Biden violated, insisting that cannabis consumers are so untrustworthy and dangerous that the government is justified in threatening them with prison if they dare to exercise their Second Amendment rights. And in 2022, the president signed a law that increased the maximum penalty for drug users who possess firearms while creating an additional potential charge against them. Joe Biden also complains that prosecutors threw the book at his son after a proposed plea deal fell apart under judicial scrutiny last year. But that is par for the course when defendants insist on exercising their constitutional right to trial by jury. In the gun case, a single felony charge that Special Counsel David Weiss was initially prepared to drop after Hunter Biden completed a pretrial diversion program became three felony charges, all based on the same transaction. As a result, Biden faced up to 25 years in prison, quite a jump from zero time behind bars under the nixed diversion agreement. In the tax case, two misdemeanors became three felonies and six misdemeanors, all of which were covered by a guilty plea that Biden entered in September. That increased the maximum penalty to 17 years in a case where Weiss initially was prepared to recommend probation. The dramatic escalation in potential punishment vividly illustrated the “trial penalty” that prosecutors routinely impose on defendants who make the government prove its case. That threat helps explain why 97% of federal felony convictions are based on guilty pleas, a reality that transforms trial by jury from a promise to a fantasy. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | California politicians suddenly discover inflation in aftermath of election Opinion Columnists | How California ranks as the most active political state Opinion Columnists | Donald Trump must replace Pete Hegseth with Ron DeSantis Opinion Columnists | Larry Elder: Biden breaks his promise and pardons his son Opinion Columnists | California’s unaccountable homeless industrial complex A president cannot unilaterally change the laws that authorize draconian punishments for inchoate offenses and give prosecutors enormous power to coerce guilty pleas. But they can ameliorate the resulting injustices by exercising his clemency powers, which Joe Biden so far has largely failed to do. During his 2020 campaign, Biden promised that he would “use the president’s clemency power to secure the release of individuals facing unduly long sentences for certain non-violent and drug crimes.” But as of this week, he had received more than 10,500 petitions for commutations and granted just 132, or about 1%. That is roughly the same as Donald Trump’s rate and one-fifth Barack Obama’s. But Biden still has a few weeks to show that his mercy extends beyond his own kin. Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @jacobsullum.If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 5 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Todaybmy88.com app 。

The Nigerian Bar Association has called on Nigerians and members of the legal profession to take affirmative steps towards eradicating corruption. NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, made this appeal on Monday in Abuja while joining the global community to commemorate the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Uniting with Youths Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” He emphasised that Nigeria’s survival as a nation depends on its ability to rid itself of corruption. Describing corruption as a complex phenomenon involving fraud, embezzlement, illicit financial flows, administrative malpractice, mismanagement of public resources, lack of transparency, and impunity in public service, Osigwe asserted that a corruption-free society is achievable if all stakeholders work collectively. He stated, “Corruption is undoubtedly the most potent threat to governance and development. It undermines democracy, creates unstable governments, sets countries back economically, and disproportionately affects the poorest and most marginalised people. “Notably, our nation has been plagued by corrupt practices such as budget padding, rampant kidnapping, and the illicit enrichment of public officials.” Osigwe highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, stating that the fight against corruption is not the sole responsibility of policymakers, activists, and enforcement agencies but also rests heavily on today’s youth. Related News NBA returns to China after six years NBA demands justice as Yobe police deny disrupting court proceedings Rivers crisis: Stop giving biased judgments, NBA tells judges He remarked, “The digital revolution has amplified the reach of corruption while simultaneously providing powerful tools to combat it. Digital natives are uniquely positioned to harness technology for accountability. Their expertise in social media, data analysis, and online platforms can expose corrupt practices, monitor government spending, and promote ethical leadership.” Osigwe urged young people to actively join the campaign against corruption, noting that their role goes beyond technological skills. He described youths as invaluable assets in the fight and challenged Nigerians to speak out against corruption instead of remaining silent. He said, “The global observance of International Anti-Corruption Day reaffirms that a corruption-free society is possible if we work together. It encourages courage to speak up against corruption rather than succumb to its effects. “As a body mandated to uphold the rule of law, we must actively engage young people in combating corruption by empowering them with knowledge through comprehensive education on its impact and mechanisms for reporting it. “As lawyers and stakeholders in Nigeria, we all encounter some form of corruption in our dealings. However, we often overlook its consequences to get things done. “Bar associations should explore ways to guide and support young lawyers in taking affirmative action against corruption. “We therefore urge and encourage all Nigerians, as well as our partner bar associations worldwide, to take decisive steps to support the legal profession and unite with young people in fighting corruption,” Osigwe stated.

MedMira receives Health Canada approval for its Multiplo(R) Rapid (TP/HIV) Test for Syphilis and HIVI'm A Celebrity fans agree on who should leave first as Ant McPartlin says 'I don't get it'Singer dedicated his Guwahati concert on Sunday night to the late Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on December 26. He also paid a moving tribute to former Prime Minister while admiring his contribution to the country and his resilience. He also listed life lessons that can be learned from the life of Manmohan Singh, who left for his heavenly abode on Thursday at 92 in Delhi after a prolonged illness. On Sunday evening, Diljit dropped a video from his Dil-Luminati gig on his Instagram account, saying that his Guwahati concert was dedicated to the life of the late economist. In the video, the 'Naina' hitmaker could be seen paying respect to Manmohan Singh with a picture of the former PM in the background on the stage. Talking about the simplicity of the former politician, Diljit said, " Agar main unki life ki journey ki taraf dekhu, toh unhone itna saada jeewan jia hai, agar unko kisi ne bura bhi bola, toh unhone kabhi ulta jawaab nhi diya. Halanki politics ke career me ye sabse mushkil kaam hai. (He led a very simple life. He never used to answer back or talk ill about anyone...Even though this is tough thing to do in politics.) Diljit even urged the youth including himself to learn such etiquette from the life of . He also compared that politicians in Lok Sabha fight like nursery kids while Dr Singh has never even said anything in triggered retaliation. He also said that Singh was the first Indian Sikh to have their signature on the currency. "I bow down to such a person who dedicated their entire life to the service of the country," he said dedicating the concert to the late PM. About Dr Manmohan Singh Singh's political career spanned several decades, with notable positions including Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, during which he spearheaded economic reforms that transformed India's economy. He served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His tenure is particularly remembered for his steady leadership during economic crises and his contributions to modernising India's economy. After his second term, Singh retired from public life, having led India through a period of unprecedented growth and international recognition. He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections.Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.

In pro golf parlance, Saturday is “moving day,” the penultimate day of a tournament when players try to improve their standing to make a run at the title in the final round. For the Steelers, this time of year is similar. Particularly under Mike Tomlin, the stretch between mid-November and mid-December typically has played a major role in defining the vast majority of the past 17 seasons. Since Tomlin was hired in 2007, the Steelers have had a tendency to either salvage a foundering season by triggering a late run or have undergone some degree of a collapse to sully what had the appearance of a successful campaign. On seven occasions under Tomlin, the Steelers have started runs that included a winning streak and/or stretch of at least six wins in eight games at some point between Week 10 and Week 13. But Tomlin also has presided over six seasons that went the other way: Steelers teams with winning records have, between Weeks 10 and 13, started streaks of three straight losses or started skids of 1-3, 1-4 or 1-5. During four of those instances, the Steelers went from playoff position to missing the postseason. This is all relevant to these 2024 Steelers, who, after 11 weeks, sat at 8-2 and held a 1 1/2-game lead in the AFC North. That was until Thursday night’s 24-19 defeat at the Cleveland Browns. A solitary loss, in the big picture, might not define the season, particularly one on a short week to a division rival in a snowstorm. Chalk it up as “stuff happens,” right? Maybe, but the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers of 2009 probably were telling themselves that when, at 6-2, they lost a divisional home game to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was the start of the five-game losing streak, and the Steelers missed the playoffs. Or what about three years later? The Steelers were riding high on a four-game winning streak when, during Week 11, another AFC North foe, the Baltimore Ravens, won at Heinz Field. It was the start of a stretch of five losses in six games, again costing the Steelers a playoff berth. The 2018 Steelers were 7-2-1 and, on Thanksgiving weekend, lost in Denver to begin a three-game slide that kept them home in January. Stumbles late in the 2007, 2019 and 2020 seasons also screeched the brakes on encouraging seasons of varying degrees. Can these Steelers — winners of five straight before Thursday — avoid a similar fate? They insist so. “We have a lot of football left. We have a lot of opportunities to respond in the highest way, highest level,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “Everything that we want is still in front of us. We have to be able to refresh after this weekend. After these Thursday night games, just played a tough game on Sunday and you come back and have another game Thursday night, it’s a lot of games in a short amount of days. We have to let our bodies recover, reset mentally, and then come back and push for the stretch.” Tomlin gave the Steelers a four-day respite from practice. But he has no way of offering relief from the gauntlet of games that awaits. Three of the remaining six opponents are among the five biggest favorites to win the Super Bowl (per FanDuel betting odds): the Kansas City Chiefs, Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles. Another is against the team that just beat them, the Browns. And the remaining two are against one of the NFL’s best offenses — and best quarterbacks — Joe Burrow and the rival Bengals. When the schedule was released in the spring, it had been anticipated that the Steelers’ late-season run would be a challenge. “That’s the great part of it: We have the guys to do it,” Wilson said. “We have the mentality to do it. We have the edge to do it. We have the response to do it.” These Steelers have proven their worthiness as contenders. They are 5-0 against teams sitting in playoff positions. That means just as much as questionable defeats to the likes of the Indianapolis Colts (5-6), Dallas Cowboys (3-7) or Browns (3-8). Longtime captain Cameron Heyward said Thursday’s loss won’t affect the team’s focus or preparation. “If you’re not learning from your wins and you’re only learning from your losses, shame on you,” Heyward said. “You can be humbled in every game. You try to learn something in every game.” The same can be said for seasons. And as much as the collapses of 2009 or 2018 or, say, 2020 (when the 11-0 Steelers lost five of their final six) can trigger fear among fans that the Browns loss portends another late-season swoon, the Steelers under Tomlin also have more than a half-dozen cases in which they turned things around down the stretch. Then there’s the Steelers of 2011 and 2017, who were cruising by the time they reached Thanksgiving and kept riding that wave through the end of their regular seasons (finishing 12-4 and 13-3, respectively). “Any game, you’ve gotta have short-term memory,” outside linebacker Nick Herbig said. “Regardless of who it is, win or loss.” The Steelers vow that when they return to practice Tuesday that the discomforting loss in Cleveland will be well behind them. “I love this football team,” Wilson said. “(These are) the right guys, the right energy. This is the right response. We are disappointed, but we’re not discouraged. We’re not flinching in the midst of it. We’ll respond the right way.”

As the crypto market continues to evolve and expand, investors and analysts alike are constantly seeking the next big breakout opportunity. With established players like Ripple (XRP) and Polygon (POL) holding strong positions, and emerging projects like Pepe (PEPE) and Lightchain AI (LCAI) gaining traction, the question on everyone’s mind is - Which crypto is set to dominate in 2025? We asked ChatGPT 4.0 to analyze the current trends, technological advancements, and growth trajectories of these tokens. Here’s what it had to say about Ripple (XRP), Polygon (POL), Pepe (PEPE), and Lightchain AI—and which one might come out on top in 2025. Ripple (XRP) Legal Battle and Its Impact on Long-Term Potential Mostly driven by its goal on cross-border payments and money transfers, Ripple (XRP) has become well-known as a major participant in the crypto scene. XRP has maintained its value despite the SEC court action because of its ties to banks and financial institutions. Clearly used in global financial systems, it is among the best goods available on the market. Still, problems follow around. The SEC lawsuit has reduced prospects; while Ripple's job is good, it hasn't received the broad adoption required for global domination. On the other hand, XRP may gain popularity should Ripple prevail, therefore strengthening global money. Legal problems, however, might prevent its expansion next to other plans, leaving the 2025 leader unclear. Polygon And PEPE’s Strong Technological Foundations In 2024 both PEPE and Polygon (MATIC) saw notable market volatility. The price of Polygon has changed; predictions point to it possibly reaching between $0.48 and $0.50 by early 2025. Polygon keeps strengthening on its solid basis in spite of these swings by improving its Layer-2 solutions and creating strategic alliances, which are supposed to propel long-term expansion. Comparably, PEPE, a meme-inspired cryptocurrency, has demonstrated great volatility; its price has surged then dropped. Forecasts by analysts show PEPE trading between $0.0000144 and $0.0000666 in 2025, suggesting possible for both big losses and profits. While making investment selections, investors in both assets should take into account the underlying principles and long-term prospects as well as be ready for changes in the market. Lightchain AI Future of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence Lightchain AI (LCAI) is an exciting newcomer to the crypto space, merging artificial intelligence (AI) with blockchain technology. By combining AI with decentralized systems, Lightchain AI aims to revolutionize industries like finance, healthcare, and automated decision-making through innovative decentralized applications (dApps). Its unique Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism rewards nodes for performing valuable AI computations, setting it apart in the competitive blockchain landscape. Positioned as a leader in the next blockchain revolution, Lightchain AI leverages AI’s efficiency and blockchain’s transparency to create scalable, cutting-edge solutions. With a clear roadmap and key milestones, including the launch of its testnet in 2025, Lightchain AI is poised for real-world adoption and industry leadership. Its innovative approach could make it a frontrunner in the blockchain space by 2025. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol 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.MALAGA, Spain (AP) — No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner won matches in singles and doubles to lead defending champion Italy to a 2-1 comeback victory over Argentina on Thursday, earning a return trip to the Davis Cup semifinals. “I’m here trying to do the best I can in the singles,” Sinner said. “If they put me on the court in doubles, I’ll also try my best.” On Saturday, Italy will face Australia in a rematch of last year's final, but this time it will only be for a chance to play for the championship. Australia eliminated the U.S. 2-1 earlier Thursday to reach the final four at the team competition for the third consecutive year. The other semifinal, to be contested Friday, is the Netherlands against Germany. The Dutch got past Rafael Nadal and Spain in the quarterfinals earlier in the week, sending the 22-time Grand Slam champion into retirement. Italy fell behind 1-0 in the quarterfinals when Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1 on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martina Carpena in southern Spain. But then in stepped Sinner, whose season already includes two Grand Slam trophies — at the Australian Open and U.S. Open — plus the title at the ATP Finals last weekend in Turin, Italy. First he overwhelmed Sebastián Báez 6-2, 6-1. Then Sinner teamed with 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the deciding doubles match to win 6-4, 7-5 against Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez. “He carried me today,” Sinner said about Berrettini. After arriving late to Malaga from Turin, Sinner did not get a chance to practice on the Davis Cup competition court before taking on Báez and stretching his streak to 22 sets won in a row. “In three minutes, he was perfectly comfortable on court,” Italy captain Filippo Volandri said. “He’s a special one.” Volandri swapped out his original doubles team, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, for Sinner and Berrettini, and the change paid dividends. Australia, the Davis Cup runner-up the last two years, advanced when Matt Ebden and Jordan Thompson beat the surprise, last-minute American pairing of Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4 in that quarterfinal's deciding doubles match. The Shelton-Paul substitution for Paris Olympics silver medalists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram was announced about 15 minutes before the doubles match began. Ebden and John Peers beat Krajicek and Ram in the Summer Games final in August. The Australians broke once in each set of the doubles. In the second, they stole one of Shelton’s service games on the fourth break opportunity when Ebden’s overhead smash made it 5-4. Thompson then served out the victory, closing it with a service winner before chest-bumping Ebden. The 21st-ranked Shelton made his Davis Cup debut earlier Thursday in singles against 77th-ranked Thanasi Kokkinakis, who emerged from a tight-as-can-be tiebreaker by saving four match points and eventually converting his seventh to win 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (14). No. 4 Taylor Fritz , the U.S. Open runner-up, then pulled the Americans even with a far more straightforward victory over No. 9 Alex de Minaur , 6-3, 6-4. When their match finally ended, on a backhand by Shelton that landed long, Kokkinakis dropped onto his back and pounded his chest. After he rose, he threw a ball into the stands, then walked over to Australia’s sideline, spiked his racket and yelled, before hugging captain Lleyton Hewitt. “I don’t know if I’ve been that pumped up in my life. I wanted that for my team,” said Kokkinakis, who won the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title with Nick Kyrgios. “It could have gone either way, but I kept my nerve.” AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennisTRACCOM INC. (Pink Open Market Symbol: TRCC) COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF VULCAIN, INC.

Georgetown ventures out of D.C. for first time to face West VirginiaQatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE) has partnered with Management Centre Europe (MCE), a global leader in talent development. This partnership offers professionals in Qatar Foundation access to a unique global accreditation program, setting a global standard for managerial excellence and equipping them with essential leadership skills. This partnership will strengthen leadership capabilities by equipping leaders with the expertise to harness AI for improved decision-making, streamlined processes, and innovation. In addition to other learning and development programs, it focuses on integrating AI technologies into leadership practices, providing a unique approach that strengthens leadership. The agreement was signed by Abeer Al Khalifa, president of Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Pre-University Education, and Patrick Faniel, managing director of MCE. As part of the signing event, a workshop titled ‘How AI is Changing the Leadership World’ was held to explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on leadership and its implications for managing teams in an era of rapid technological advancement. Abeer Al Khalifa, president of Pre-University Education, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership in advancing the evolution of education, stating, “This collaboration marks a pivotal step in fostering innovation within education, equipping educators and staff with cutting-edge tools and technologies that enable them to deliver a forward-thinking educational experience.” She further emphasized, “This partnership offers professionals at Qatar Foundation, particularly within Pre-University Education, the opportunity to engage with a distinguished international accreditation program. With global standards for administrative excellence, it provides them with the essential leadership skills needed to drive innovation and creativity, ultimately enriching the educational landscape as a whole.” On this occasion, Dr. Saheim Khalaf Al Tamimi, director of ABP, said: “This workshop offered valuable perspectives on how artificial intelligence is reshaping leadership and management approaches. As a leader, it is crucial to stay informed about emerging trends and technologies to ensure that our operations remain both efficient and innovative while being prepared for the future.” Dr. Al Temimi highlighted the essential need for leaders to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of AI-driven transformations confidently and effectively, stressing that this is a step every leader should take. “Through the workshop, I gained a deeper understanding of how AI can enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and drive innovation within Qatar Foundation. This knowledge will be crucial in designing programs that address the evolving needs and challenges of our teachers and staff.” “This initiative enhances our current Learning and Development programs by focusing on the integration of advanced technologies into leadership practices, further solidifying our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in the education sector.” During the workshop, Patrick Faniel, managing director of MCE, said: “Leadership is no longer just about managing people; it’s about navigating change and understanding the technological forces shaping our world. “We live in an era of unprecedented change. Technology has completely altered the way we interact and work. As leaders, we must adapt, not just react. The speed at which change is occurring demands a proactive approach to managing teams and businesses.” Faniel emphasized that the speed of technological evolution is palpable, and leaders must not only keep up with the changes but also anticipate what’s next, ensuring their teams are prepared for future challenges. “It’s about using AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replacing them. Leaders must focus on how we can leverage AI to improve operations and better support their teams.” Faniel emphasized that the real challenge is ensuring that our people are prepared for the changes AI will bring, saying: “We can’t assume they will adapt on their own. As leaders, we must guide them through this transition and help them acquire the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.” Faniel also addressed the fear many have about AI, saying: “Some worry AI will lead to job losses, but in reality, it will create new opportunities. The key is preparing and empowering employees to thrive in this new landscape.” Copy 06/12/2024 10

Tyson Fury is working hard ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk next month, and he has been showing off the results of his efforts so far. 'The Gypsy King' fell to the first defeat of his professional career against the Ukrainian in May, but he will have the opportunity to exact his revenge on the 21st of December when they run it back in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fury has told his fans to expect a more aggressive approach to the rematch, after admitting he 'got it wrong' in his preparations for the first fight earlier this year. Tyson Fury's professional boxing record (as of 25/11/24) 36 fights 34 wins 1 loss By knockout 24 0 By decision 10 1 Draws 1 "I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old; a few years off 40, but I like to say that," Fury told TNT Sport. "I’m going to go in there with ‘destroy mode’. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious. I boxed the head right off him. Let’s talk facts. Anyone can get caught, as we’ve seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights. But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock a m**********r out. "For the first time in years, I’m going in there as a challenger, not a champion. And I believe that I’m better as a challenger, always, because I’ve got that goal of achieving something and it’s giving me a fire underneath." Fury's never been afraid to make big predictions before his fights, but recent images taken from his camp for the Usyk bout suggests that he's taking his shot at redemption very seriously. GIVEMESPORT's Key Statistic: Tyson Fury has won every rematch he has ever had in his career by stoppage. Tyson Fury Looks in Some of the Best Shape of his Career Ahead of Usyk Rematch Fury has enlisted the help of Kevin Lerena, the current WBC Bridgerweight champion, as a sparring partner for the contest. A picture was posted by Lerena of the pair, with Fury looking in impressive shape by his usual standards, with a bulkier upper body and the noticeable absence of a gut. Alongside the striking image, Lerena wrote: "Life in the camp is buzzing. Only a month left until the heavyweight championship fight. The energy in the gym is electrifying. The preparation matches the determination, desire, and will to succeed. We’re working hard during training." Boxing heavyweight Tyson Fury has threatened to burn one of the titles should he ever win it back. A southpaw with a similar stature to Usyk, Lerena is the ideal style of fighter for Fury to work with as he bids to reverse his split decision defeat from earlier this year. This wouldn't be the first time that the Morecambe man has packed on weight for a rematch, either. After drawing with Deontay Wilder in 2018, Fury packed on 17lbs for their 2020 sequel and blasted out 'The Bronze Bomber' in seven rounds. And 'The Gypsy King' is hoping that a similar approach can work against the dangerous Usyk. Fury's coach, Andy Lee, has claimed that his fighter was unable to do any proper sparring ahead of his last outing with Usyk, after sustaining a cut above his right eye before their initial planned meeting. From the looks of the photos coming out of Fury's camp, that won't be an issue this time around. The 36-year-old even shared a defiant message on social media while topless, where he vowed to even the score with Usyk. He declared: "Four weeks to go to the biggest fight of the year. The biggest fight in boxing. Me and Usyk, and I’m coming in hot. I’m coming in hot! Get up, can’t wait. December 21... the belts are gonna be mine again! Get up!" The greatest British heavyweights ever to grace the squared circle have been ranked...Orcas surprise ferry passengers in Vancouver's False CreekCesar Hernandez, who was sentenced in 2019 to 80 years to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, escaped Monday morning shortly after arriving at the Kern County courthouse in Delano, a city of around 50,000 in central California. As of Thursday, he had still not been found. He was being transported to appear in court after pleading no contest to manufacturing a weapon and possessing alcohol or drugs in prison when he evaded staff and jumped out of the van, officials said. Cesar Guzmán, 32, was only blocks away at his barber shop from the intersection where Hernandez escaped. It’s been the “number one topic at the shop” since. “Everyday we talk about it,” Guzmán said. “The clients are, they’re scared because they haven’t found him. We’re really close to where it happened.” Delano has been inundated with a heavy law enforcement presence since Hernandez’s escape, with police knocking on doors and helicopters whirring overhead. Guzmán said it’s the first time something like this has happened in the town, where he has lived his whole life. Several local schools locked down Monday, and they remained closed through Thursday as the search continued, local school districts posted on Facebook. The city postponed its tree-lighting ceremony originally scheduled for Wednesday, and the Delano Chamber of Commerce delayed its annual Christmas parade scheduled for Thursday night. Hernandez remaining at large puts a damper on the festivities, which Guzmán and his family have attended every year. “Honestly, now we’re kind of like, ‘How can he get away from them? What the heck happened?’" Guzmán said. Hernandez, 34, was last seen wearing an orange top and pants. He is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. He was transferred from Los Angeles County in June 2019. “Hernandez is considered dangerous,” Delano police said in a social media post. “If you see him, do not approach.” Anyone who sees Hernandez or has knowledge of his location is asked to contact law enforcement or call 911. On the other side of the country, another search was underway for the man who gunned down United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York on Monday. Police were following tips related to his whereabouts, including searching two hostels where the man may have stayed.

By CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.Six Canadian writers were the recipients of the prestigious Canada Prizes award in recognition of their inspiring, impactful and transformative scholarly books. Deanna Reder, professor of Indigenous Studies and English at Simon Fraser University, was recognized for her book, Autobiography as Indigenous Intellectual Tradition: Cree and Métis âcimisowina , published by Wilfrid Laurier University Press. By exploring unknown, little known and neglected works by a range of Cree and Métis writers from the 1890s to the 1980s, Reder fills a Canadian literary gap. Her unique monograph introduces readers to the works of significant Cree and Métis authors like Métis author, playwright, filmmaker and Elder, Maria Campbell; Canadian Cree Anglican clergyman Edward Ahenakew, who transcribed stories and myths of Indigenous peoples of Western Canada; and James Brady, a famous Métis political activist, leader and photographer who mysteriously disappeared while prospecting in Saskatchewan in 1967. Reder’s book reveals a rich array of Cree and Métis, or nêhiyawak, writings interwoven with the authors’ life experiences. Using Cree concepts to understand texts ranging from journals, manuscripts and sermons, to unfinished, unpublished, censored or limited circulation short stories and novels, Reder sheds light on the richness of Indigenous life and philosophies. “Through my research, I found that understanding who you are, and who you’re related to, is foundational to Indigenous understandings of the world,” said Reder. “The book provides understudied and undervalued evidence of the longstanding autobiographical practices that are engrained in Cree and Métis, and these life stories serve as an intergenerational conduit to pass on invaluable knowledge,” she added. Despite Canada having the largest wolf population in the world, Stephanie Rutherford , associate professor in the School of the Environment at Trent University, is the first to explore the social history of wolves in her book, Villain, Vermin, Icon, Kin: Wolves and the Making of Canada , published by McGill–Queen’s University Press. The revelatory work underscores how Canada was largely made through relationships with animals and offers a model for more ethical ways of interacting with wildlife in the face of a global biodiversity crisis. Rutherford’s work delves into the range of emotions and changing relationships Canadians have with wolves spanning the late the 1800s to the present. While early settlers were afraid of wolves and the prospect of being eaten by them, by the 1920s, wolves were perceived as vermin targeted for elimination. Then, the 1950s saw an emerging trend towards conservation as people began recognizing the value of wolves in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Today, public anxiety over wolves is heightened due to the growing prevalence of coywolves — coyote-wolf hybrids — in urban areas. Villain, Vermin, Icon, Kin: Wolves and the Making of Canada helps people learn to co-exist with, rather than dominate, wildlife by learning from Indigenous ways. “I undertook this work because I was interested in understanding the level of emotions people feel when it comes to wolves. What is it about this animal that generates either deep love or deep hate?” said Rutherford. Celeste E. Orr, assistant professor of Sociology and the Wendy J. Robbins Professor in Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of New Brunswick and first-time author, won for their book, Cripping Intersex , published by the University of British Columbia Press. This work explores the connection between intersex and disability, dismissing society’s common view of those whose anatomy doesn’t fit into a traditional Western male-female sex binary as having a disability, disease or disorder that must be cured by medical intervention. Orr points to studies showing that medical procedures done non-consensually on intersex infants or youth often lead to them having short or long-term disabilities including sterilization and increased infection, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Drawing attention to societal discrimination and oppression against intersex people, Orr argues those negative views and actions are rooted in racism, ableism, queer phobia and colonialism. “My book demonstrates that there is a concerted eugenic effort aimed at eradicating intersex people and intersex variations. The hope is that this work will help combat the ableism that fuels interphobia — discrimination against people who have intersex traits — and contribute to ongoing conversations that will help bring about a more equitable and just world.” Orr said. In addition to investigating medical treatment of intersex people, Cripping Intersex also reviews protocols and policies surrounding sports sex testing and segregation, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, a reproductive screening technology that can accompany in vitro fertilization to detect “undesirable” characteristics. First-time author, Nicholas Cotton, teacher-researcher in literature at Collège Édouard-Montpetit with a doctorate in French-language literature from the Université de Montréal, was recognized for his book, Penser la «pervertibilité» – Avec Jacques Derrida , published by Les Presses de l’Université de Montréal. Cotton’s book, which translates to Thinking “pervertibility” – With Jacques Derrida, explores more than 80 titles by French philosopher Jacques Derrida, who developed the philosophy of deconstruction – a set of approaches to understand the relationship between text and meaning. Cotton explores the notion of “pervertibility,” one’s ability to be perverted or corrupted, which he found to be a common idea throughout Derrida’s writings. Cotton is the first to draw on these works from the second half of the 20th century to demonstrate the “perverse” devices of philosophical thought intertwined in the writings in order to give readers a better understanding of the world and its history. He also sheds light on how the philosopher described “pervertibility” – which takes several forms throughout his works and explores the link between this concept and psychoanalysis. “My book provides a better understanding of Derrida’s thought and style, and how both evolved,” Cotton said. “It makes a substantial contribution to current work in literature and philosophy, the fields of knowledge and practice to which the works primarily belong, but also in psychoanalysis and, more generally, to the history of ideas.” R egards sur le monde. Conflits éthiques et pensées romanesques dans la littérature française contemporaine , published by Les Presses de l’Université Laval, was authored by Pascal Riendeau, professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough. The English translation would be, Views of the world. Ethical conflicts and romantic thoughts in contemporary French literature . Riendeau found that ethical issues play an important role in many late-20th to early-21st century works of fiction. So, he set out to analyze the texts of five contemporary novelists in order to gain a better understanding of the function of ethics in the writings of our time. The result was a first-of-its-kind book that explores the work of contemporary authors Milan Kundera, Michel Houellebecq, Camille Laurens, Éric Chevillard and Pascal Quignard, focusing on themes, situations and discourses. Riendeau assesses the works’ structure and situations based on conflict and reflection. “I’m a literature professor who sincerely believes in the importance of literature – for pleasure, learning and above all, understanding the world. I think it’s highly relevant to take an interest in all art forms (literature, film, visual arts) in order to better interpret the state of the world around us,” Riendeau said. Presented by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences – a national non-profit voice for researchers in the humanities and social sciences in Canada – the award recognizes outstanding authors and works that provoke and inform national conversations on important topics while focusing attention on the contribution scholarly writing makes to Canadian society. Each author was awarded $4,000 with Robbins and Orr sharing the prize. The Prizes celebrate a range of voices, from first-time authors to established scholars, while championing French and English language works and amplifying a broad scope of perspectives across disciplines, in line with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences’ commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. The Prizes are independently juried by the Scholarly Book Awards Academic Council. Support rabble today! We’re so glad you stopped by! Thanks for consuming rabble content this year. rabble.ca is 100% reader and donor funded, so as an avid reader of our content, we hope you will consider gifting rabble with a donation during our summer fundraiser today. Nick Seebruch, editor Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet. Become a rabble rouser — donate to rabble.ca today. Nick Seebruch, editor Support rabble.ca

Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after they say a Pennsylvania McDonald's worker alerted authorities to a customer who resembled the suspected gunman. The suspect, identified by police as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, had a gun believed to be the one used in Wednesday’s attack on Brian Thompson , as well as writings expressing anger at corporate America, police said. Here are some of the latest developments in the ongoing investigation: Where was the man captured? Mangione was taken into custody at around 9:15 a.m. after police received a tip that he was eating at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh, police said. Mangione was being held in Pennsylvania on gun charges and will eventually be extradited to New York to face charges in connection with Thompson’s death, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. What evidence did police find? In addition to a three-page, handwritten document that suggests he harbored “ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said Mangione also had a ghost gun , a type of weapon that can be assembled at home and is difficult to trace. Officers questioned Mangione, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. Officers also found a suppressor, “consistent with the weapon used in the murder,” the commissioner said. He had clothing and a mask similar to those worn by the shooter and a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting, Tisch said. What do we know about Mangione? Kenny said Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and that his last known address is in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mangione, who was valedictorian of his Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press on Monday. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts also suggest that he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. Some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent people, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have had children attend the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things,” according to a post on the school website. He praised their collective inventiveness and pioneering mindset. Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. A swarm of reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione, according to his obituary. Luigi Mangione's grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes ranging from Catholic organizations to colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione. A spokesman for the lawmaker's office confirmed the relationship Monday. The shooting and a quick escape Police said the person who killed Thompson left a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5:41 a.m. on Wednesday. Just 11 minutes later, he was seen on surveillance video walking back and forth in front of the New York Hilton Midtown, wearing a distinctive backpack. At 6:44 a.m., he shot Thompson at a side entrance to the hotel, fled on foot, then climbed aboard a bicycle and within four minutes had entered Central Park. Another security camera recorded the gunman leaving the park near the American Museum of Natural History at 6:56 a.m. still on the bicycle but without the backpack. After getting in a taxi, he headed north to a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, arriving at around 7:30 a.m. From there, the trail of video evidence runs cold. Police have not located video of the suspected shooter exiting the building, leading them to believe he likely took a bus out of town. Police said they are still investigating the path the suspect took to Pennsylvania. “This just happened this morning," Kenny said. "We’ll be working, backtracking his steps from New York to Altoona, Pennsylvania,” Kenny said. ___ Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore and Cedar Attanasio in New York contributed to this report. Sean Murphy And Maryclaire Dale, The Associated PressTrump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next

Brazilian police formally accuse former President Bolsonaro and aides of alleged 2022 coup attempt

Vote counting for Jharkhand's 81 assembly constituencies commenced at 8 AM on Saturday, according to the Election Commission officials. Elections spanned two phases on November 13 and 20, covering first 43 and then 38 seats. Postal ballots are being prioritized, and trends from the Electronic Voting Machines are expected by 9.30 AM. The Chief Electoral Officer, K Ravi Kumar, projected that the counting process would wrap up by 4 PM. Counting configuration varies, with Torpa requiring 13 rounds and Chatra needing 24. Stringent measures are in place at the counting centers, with only specific officials allowed mobile phones. Observers and ARO-headed tables ensure transparent counting. This election has seen a record voter turnout of 67.74%, reflecting heightened public engagement. Results are pivotal for 1,211 candidates, including key political leaders such as current Chief Minister Hemant Soren, vying for Barhait. Other notable figures in the race include his wife Kalpana Soren at Gandey and BJP's Babulal Marandi. (With inputs from agencies.)Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha As Qatar continues its drive for a sustainable and diversified economy, the logistics and transportation sector must actively contribute to this transformation, Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, GWC Group Managing Director, has said. He was addressing the third Qatar Supply Chain Management Conference (SCMC), which was supported by Gulf Warehousing Company as a platinum sponsor. Under the patronage of Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, the event took place on Monday, highlighting best practices for enhancing supply chain sustainability. it also highlighted the role of digital transformation in facilitating supply chains and ensuring the flow of goods amid global challenges as well as strategies to enhance recovery and sustain supply chains. Sheikh Abdulla said: “Our sponsorship of this conference aligns with the company’s strategic objectives to support initiatives that drive supply chain development, especially amid the challenges facing the logistics sector. “The need to effectively manage and optimize the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers has never been more critical.” In Qatar, he added, logistics services play a vital role, extending beyond the transportation of goods from one point to another to include bolstering trade flows, supporting sustainable development goals, and driving economic diversification. “This highlights the key role our work in the logistics sector plays in building a competitive, resilient, and diversified economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. “This vision serves as a guiding compass, steering us toward sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. “Today, our sector is at a crucial crossroads, amidst rapid transformations driven by digitalization, the growing demand for sustainability, and the urgent need to minimize environmental impact. These evolving trends present both challenges and opportunities, and how we navigate them will ultimately define the future of logistics in Qatar.” Sheikh Abdulla emphasized the importance of focusing on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, saying: “In line with our national objectives and the global agenda, we must diligently work towards achieving sustainability across all aspects of operations. To aid sustainable transformation, he said prioritizing green technology, renewable energy solutions, and carbon emission reduction strategies is necessary. The accelerating pace of digitalization in this sector has already led to a substantial shift in business practices, enhancing operational efficiency, service quality, and overall performance. “By leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and IoT solutions, we can achieve greater efficiency and respond to challenges with agility and flexibility,” Sheikh Abdulla said. “Moreover, agility is becoming increasingly critical, with the key lesson from recent years being the importance of resilience in the face of both positive and negative challenges. For instance, the global COVID-19 pandemic triggered sudden disruptions in supply chains, severely impacting the logistics sector.” Conversely, hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 catalyzed a significant positive transformation in Qatar’s logistics landscape through innovative solutions, He said. “The logistics sector requires strong and agile supply chains capable of withstanding future disruptions. This ability to adapt is particularly vital for Qatar as we expand our partnerships and explore new markets. “GWC’s role goes far beyond just transporting goods; we are dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that drives economic growth, pioneering sustainable practices, and making significant contributions to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. “This is not only a great honor but also a profound responsibility. It is up to all of us in this sector to embrace emerging trends, innovate, and act with purpose.” Copy 10/12/2024 10

By CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.I'm A Celebrity fans agree on who should leave first as Ant McPartlin says 'I don't get it'