ALBANY 93, PUERTO RICO-MAYAGUEZ 50X-rays pass easily through biological materials to provide unprecedented insight into the internal structure of everything from biological structures in living cells to broken bones in damaged bodies. But biologists face something of a dilemma in making these images. The ionizing nature of X-rays can break chemical bonds, damage living cells and distort the biological structures under investigation. So biological imaging experiments must balance the need for clear images against the inevitable damage X-rays cause. That boils down to finding ways of increasing resolution while reducing exposure. “New experimental methods to allow for low-dose, high precision measurements are urgently needed,” say Justin Goodrich at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton and colleagues. Clear Image As luck would have it, they have pioneered an innovative approach to X-ray imaging that uses the quantum properties of light to produce images with greater resolution with lower doses of radiation, which has the potential to transform medical imaging. So-called quantum imaging exploits the unique properties of quantum entanglement and correlation to gather information about objects with higher resolution and reduced noise. Unlike classical imaging, quantum techniques allow researchers to bypass some limitations of traditional optics, such as the diffraction limit and signal-to-noise constraints. These techniques have been used for some time at optical wavelengths. But the X-ray regime has proved harder to tame because the technologies for producing and detecting entangled photons are much less mature. Now the Brookhaven team has taken the first steps to change that. Quantum imaging works by creating a stream of entangled photons and allowing one of each pair to interact with the object in question. By then detecting both photons and studying the correlation between them, it is possible to build an image of the target with enhanced resolution. The extra resolution is the result of lower background noise because any photons that don’t arrive as a pair can be ignored. And because only one of the pair interact with the sample, the radiation dose is lower too. The problem for X-ray quantum imaging is that it has been hard to produce entangled photons efficiently. They are traditionally produced by passing a high energy beam through a non-linear medium, which converts single high energy photons into pairs of lower energy photons. Goodrich and co get around this using a synchrotron to produce 10^11 X-ray photons per second and then bouncing them off a single crystal of diamond grown artificially. In theory, this can turn a high energy photon into two lower energy, entangled photons but only when the reflecting angle and contact point in crystal structure meet specific criteria. But in practice this point is hard to achieve exactly because of imperfections in the arrangement of planes within the crystal. But by using a specially grown crystal and by scanning the X-ray beam across the surface, Goodrich and co were able to find the sweet spot where the photon conversion process is maximized. “Multiple positions along the surface of the diamond were probed to find the area with the highest quality,” they say. Once this was established, Goodrich and co directed the entangled pairs towards an X-ray sensitive pixel array, while ensuring that one photon interacted with the target on the way. They then processed the results to generate images of the various targets, including a biological sample in the form of a cardamom seed. They then compared the resulting images with those recorded using classical X-ray photons and by computer simulation. Quantum Seed The results clearly show the potential of X-ray quantum imaging. The quantum images show more detail within the cardamom seed than classical images produced with the same number of photons. ”To our knowledge, this is the first quantum correlation X-ray imaging experiment performed on a biological object with a complex, low density internal structure,” say the researchers. The team say this is just the first step towards significantly better images and paves the way for a number of applications. “This research sets the stage for innovative applications in quantum imaging, especially in fields where reducing radiation exposure is critical, such as in the study of sensitive biological materials,” say Goodrich and co. “Our achievements pave the way for the development of superresolution imaging and diffraction methods, offering a novel approach to viewing complex structures with unprecedented detail and reduced dose.” That looks promising. Expect to see the fruits of their labor in improved X-ray imaging techniques in the not too distance future. Ref: Quantum Imaging with X-rays : arxiv.org/abs/2412.09833pasha global suribet online games slot game 。

Hot honey is everywhere. The condiment that people are dying to try isn't exactly new, but in recent years it feels like it's come into its own, with everyone from Wendy's including it in its sandwiches to Dunkin' teaming up with hot honey brands . Honestly, though, we're kinda surprised it's taken people this long to realize how delicious hot honey is. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy, hot honey provides any meal with a double-punch of flavor, and a drizzle of the piquant sauce can complement both savory and sweet menu items with its innovative profile. As with any culinary sensation that takes the world by storm, though, it's natural to want to get to the bottom of what this fiery honey actually is — and where it came from. Is it the brainchild of a single food trailblazer, or does it have more established roots? Is making it really just as simple as combining chilies with honey and hoping for the best? Plus, if you're not making it, what's the best hot honey brand to go for, and how do you use it once it's in your kitchen? With our one-stop-shop guide to hot honey, you'll never be wondering any of these things again. What is hot honey? First things first: Is hot honey really what it sounds like? In short, yes. Hot honey is, in its simplest form, a combination of honey and a heat source – usually fresh chilies or chili flakes, although it may also generate its fieriness from the addition of hot sauce. That's ... Kinda it, folks. If that sounds too simple, though, that simplicity is what's behind the appeal of this condiment. By keeping recipes to just the basic ingredients, you allow the heat of the chilies and the sweetness of the honey shine in full, and simultaneously prevent them from being too intrusive: Instead of overpowering your food, it works as a complement to whatever you're smothering it on. Having said this, more complicated versions of hot honey may also have additional ingredients, with vinegar or lime juice being a common addition or a pinch of salt being used to intensify the main flavors. Some folks also mix in additional seasonings or spices to give it a little more complexity and depth. What are the origins of hot honey? Because hot honey's so popular nowadays, it's easy to assume that it must be a new invention. After all, if it was more than a few years old, then surely we'd have been using it our whole lives, right? Well, the truth is that forms of hot honey have been around for longer than we think. The mixing of sweet syrups like honey and spices is a practice that's appeared time and time again throughout history, popping up in ancient China as well as Medieval-era Europe and Northern Africa. The predecessor that has the closest link to hot honey as we now know it, though, is "pepperoncini honey," an Italian infusion of peppers and honey that's been around for centuries. The existence of Italian pepperoncini honey also hints towards the most established use of hot honey today, which is to put it on pizza. That's something that food entrepreneur Mike Kurtz discovered when he was on a trip to Brazil and encountered a chili-infused honey in a pizzeria. When Kurtz came back to the United States, he started perfecting his version of hot honey, selling it in his own pizza place – and things soon took off. Soon, Mike's Hot Honey was making waves in the American food scene, and hot honey began to grow in popularity nationwide before becoming the culinary giant we know it as today. Why is hot honey so popular all of the sudden? Hot honey's popularity in the United States, and indeed around the world, has been largely driven by the success of the Mike's Hot Honey brand. However, it's a little more complicated than that. While Mike's Hot Honey has gradually been growing in size over the past decade or so, things really took off when social media started to take note of the flavor combination. Once influencers and general users alike caught wind of hot honey, things exploded online, with the #hothoney hashtag generating well over 900 million engagements on TikTok, and Google searches of the condiment skyrocketing. With the increased attention on hot honey, mainstream companies started to take note, with more and more businesses fighting to include it in their output, sell it in their stores, or collaborate with Mike's Hot Honey itself. As you can expect, this led to a gold rush on the making of the product. Nowadays, there are plenty of hot honey brands out there vying for people's attention, with some of them seeing a tenfold increase in growth in just 12 months as everyone fights to stock their shelves with the condiment. This has been facilitated by the inability of Mike's Hot Honey to trademark the recipe and flavor combo, which has opened the doors for other people to get involved. What types of hot honey are available? Hot honey thrives on simplicity, and the temptation to fuss around with its flavors will only result in disappointment. Having said this, though, there's likely more variety to be found than you think. Both of the two main ingredients in hot honey, chilies and honey, come in a range of varieties — and changing them up will result in different flavor profiles. Making hot honey with cayenne chili peppers, for instance, will result in a deep, slightly fruity flavor and a slow-developing heat. Conversely, going for scotch bonnet peppers will make your hot honey intensely spicy and fiery, with their gentle hint of sweetness playing very well with the syrupy tones of the honey. The question of which honey you use will be answered by how deep and rich you want your hot honey to be. Most hot honeys use light varieties, which have floral flavor notes and scents and an immediate sweetness, as well as an easily pourable consistency. However, if you use manuka or buckwheat honey, you'll get a more treacly result, with these darker varieties having a slightly more caramelized taste and a slightly creamier texture. Ultimately, though, you don't want one flavor element to dominate here, so don't be tempted to go for an ultra-strong honey or peppers that are way too spicy. What is the nutritional content of hot honey? We don't think enough about the nutrition in our condiments, folks. With something like hot honey, you kinda need to though. This delicious drizzle can make an impact with just a small amount, but if you really want your food to pop you don't wanna skimp on things. As such, it's important to know what's in it — and the answer is a whole lotta sugar. It's likely no surprise, but hot honey is basically pure carbs. In 1 tablespoon of Mike's Hot Honey there are 18 grams of carbohydrates, with 14 of those grams being composed of sugar. It also comes in at 72 calories per tablespoon. Plus, other hot honey brands may have added ingredients like salt or other flavor enhancers that change up their nutrition even further. Having said this, it's also important to remember that there are some benefits to eating hot honey over more basic or processed sweeteners. Honey is well known for having antioxidants in it, and these antioxidants could have protective benefits for your heart health. They might also make it a more beneficial sweetener if you're trying to keep your blood sugar in check. It's worth remembering, though, that these benefits are only really true for honey that's only been lightly processed. If you're buying cheaper varieties of hot honey that use low-quality honey, they may not have the same antioxidant levels as raw honey. What dishes and drinks can you make with hot honey? When it comes to using hot honey, the possibilities are kinda endless. This condiment is most commonly used as a pizza topping or drizzled onto fried chicken, where its sweet spiciness somewhat tempers the salty, fatty notes of these foods. However, it's just at home on healthier dishes and can be used to make a sweet, hot salad when incorporated into your dressing . Hot honey is also excellent when incorporated into snack foods. Next time you make some gourmet popcorn, spoon over some hot honey . The relatively neutral flavor of the corn will allow the spicy honey to shine, while the corn's gentle nuttiness will help to moderate the honey's heat and sweetness. The condiment can also be used to season homemade potato chips or as a component in spiced nuts. Plus, who said that you can only use hot honey in your food? It's also an excellent addition to drinks, where its sweet heat infuses and adds ridiculously delicious layers of flavor. Next time you make a spicy margarita, incorporate some hot honey and watch your guests go wild. For a slightly less alcoholic, but no less punchy beverage, pour a tablespoon of hot honey into some lemon and ginger tea. We guarantee that it'll soothe you, while also tickling your tastebuds. How do you make hot honey? Although there are plenty of places to buy hot honey these days, making it at home is a breeze. You simply need to pour honey into a pan, and then add freshly chopped chilies or chili flakes. For every cup of honey, you should add about 2 tablespoons of chili flakes or one to three chili peppers, although you can of course add more or less depending on how spicy you like things. The ingredients are cooked together briefly before being left to infuse, and the chilies or chili flakes are then strained out, leaving a smooth, punchy sauce. However, using chilies or chili flakes isn't the only way to make it. Making homemade hot honey with hot sauce is a good way to add intense heat while also incorporating vinegary notes, and you also get the added advantage of not having to cook the two together. If you're using hot sauce, it's generally best to opt for a thinner, fairly tart variety. For a totally different type of heat, you can also make hot honey with gochujang, again by simply mixing the two together. Bear in mind that this can produce a hot honey that's pretty thick, so you may want to thin things out with some water. What's the best store-bought hot honey? We're pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to store-bought hot honey, and nowadays supermarket shelves are bulging with different brands. As this condiment can be fairly pricey, though, you want to make sure you're making the right choice. While you can't go wrong with Mike's Hot Honey, the classic version may not be the best kind out there, as it can be fairly innocuous and not make that much of an impact on stronger-tasting dishes. We prefer Mike's Hot Honey Extra Hot , which has a seriously punchy flavor and doesn't hold back on the spice. Stepping away from the Mike's brand, Bushwick Kitchen's Bees Knees Spicy Honey is also a superb choice, with a slowly-developing heat and a deep sweetness that makes this sauce a real event. Trader Joe's Organic Spicy Hot Honey Sauce is also a great store-brand option, with a citrusy pop that cuts through the heat and sweetness. If you're lucky enough to find it, Aldi's hot honey is not only very spicy but very reasonably priced. Be warned, though: You may have to be prepared to scour the shelves of a few stores, as there's no telling what Aldi will have in stock. What to do if your hot honey crystallizes Hot honey, like other types of honey, can end up crystallizing if you're not careful. Crystallization occurs naturally over time when it sits in your pantry, as the glucose molecules in the liquid pull away from the water. As they do this, they turn into small crystals, which are just as tasty but which obviously don't have the runny consistency that you expect. It's important to note that crystallized hot honey hasn't gone bad in any way, but it makes it harder to use. Luckily, you can quickly turn it back into liquid. The easiest way to do this is to place your bottle of hot honey in a sous vide or a warm water bath and gently heat it to about 110 degrees F. You'll want to be careful with this, as some plastic bottles can melt if the water's any hotter, and glass jars can crack if you plunge them into ultra-hot water. If you're worried about this, spooning the crystallized honey into a heatproof Ziploc bag and putting it in warm water can be a good move. Don't be tempted to microwave your hot honey bottle, as this may cause it to overheat and melt. How to store hot honey You can store hot honey in the same way that you store regular honey: in your pantry. Honey doesn't go bad, and unless you've included a load of rogue ingredients in it, there's no reason why it should either — so there's no need to put it in the fridge. Furthermore, putting hot honey in the fridge can cause it to crystallize, which will leave you with an annoying job to liquify it further down the line. It's best to keep it in a pantry in a room that's normally above 70 degrees F. While you can keep hot honey for a good length of time, it's worth pointing out that while it may not necessarily go bad, its flavor might deteriorate the longer it's kept. As such, you should use homemade hot honey within three months to get the best taste. Store-bought hot honeys might have a longer expiration date, but you should taste-test them periodically to ensure that things haven't deteriorated. Like regular honey, you can also freeze hot honey if you're so inclined. We'd argue that's generally not necessary though, unless you're planning on making a batch to use years down the line.KVKs did 1.32 lakh assessment trials of technologies at farmers’ fields in last 3 yrs: Centre

WASHINGTON — As senators prepare to consider President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his Cabinet, they will likely be doing so without a well-established staple of the confirmation process: an FBI background check. The Trump transition team so far has not signed the requisite agreements with the White House or Justice Department to allow the FBI to screen his personnel choices , both for the process of obtaining security clearances and meeting the Senate's usual standards for nominations. That means the Senate could be asked to vote on Trump's picks without the usual rigorous background checking meant to uncover personal problems, criminal histories or other red flags that would raise questions about a nominee's suitability for the job. There already are questions about problematic issues related to a number of the people Trump wants in his administration. "There are very real liabilities on the security side if you don't get this right," said Dan Meyer, a Washington lawyer at the Tully Rinckey law firm who specializes in background checks, security clearances and federal employment law. President-elect Donald Trump arrives Tuesday before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Boca Chica, Texas. At issue is a memorandum of understanding under which a president — or in this case, an incoming one — submits requests for name and background checks and the FBI commits to flagging any adverse information uncovered during the process. That document has not yet been signed, with the Trump transition team relying instead on internal campaign aides, allied groups and law firms on the outside to support the personnel effort. Trump regards FBI leadership with suspicion, in part because of the Russian election interference investigation that shadowed his first term and more recently because of FBI investigations into his hoarding of classified documents and his efforts to undo the results of the 2020 election that led to his indictment last year. A Justice Department spokesperson said Wednesday that discussions were ongoing with the Trump transition team about signing the memo. Last week, the department said it was "committed to ensuring an orderly and effective transition" to the next administration. "We are prepared to deliver briefings to the transition team on our operations and responsibilities, and we stand ready to process requests for security clearances for those who will need access to national security information," its statement said. For those appointees whose jobs involve a security clearance, a background check would be required. However, once Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2025, he could simply order that people be given a security clearance, as he was reported to have done for son-in-law Jared Kushner during his first term. "The president is the head of the personnel security system," Meyer said. "The director of national intelligence is his executive agent for that. The president could issue an executive order and he could change the security system in two seconds. It's all his." Lawmakers are complaining about what they see as insufficient screening of the picks they're being asked to consider. Two Democratic House members, Don Beyer of Virginia and Ted Lieu of California, introduced a bill Tuesday that would codify the FBI's role in the background check process for political appointees of the president. The issue is of particular relevance given the eyebrow-raising backgrounds of some of Trump's picks. Trump's choice for attorney general, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, faced a Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into allegations involving underage girls that ended with no federal charges against him. There was also a House Ethics inquiry into whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct — allegations he denies. Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration Thursday after those issues cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. Pete Hegseth walks to an elevator Dec. 15, 2016, for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York. Pete Hegseth, picked for defense secretary, was accused of sexual assault in 2017 after a speaking appearance at a Republican women's event in Monterey, California, but was not charged after a police investigation. His lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, described the sexual encounter as consensual and confirmed that Hegseth paid the woman a sum as part of a confidential settlement. Hegseth did so to head off a threatened lawsuit, according to Parlatore, who said his client was the victim of "blackmail." Democrats signaled their interest in rigorous exploration of potential problem areas. "If there's a cursory background check, like we call 20 people — that's not going to be appropriate," said Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, current chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He will be the committee's top Democrat next year, as Republicans regain the majority, when it takes up Hegseth's nomination. The selection of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence alarmed U.S. intelligence analysts who point to her past criticism of Ukraine, comments supportive of Russia and secret meetings with Syrian President Bashar Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran. Tulsi Gabbard speaks Oct. 27 before then-Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Senate has a responsibility to closely examine Gabbard and should not approve the confirmation just because Republicans feel a loyalty to Trump, said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., his party's ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee. "The Republican senator who votes to confirm Matt Gaetz or Robert Kennedy or Tulsi Gabbard will be remembered by history as somebody who completely gave up their responsibility to Donald Trump," Himes said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

The maritime industry is at a pivotal moment in its decarbonisation journey. Over the past decade, the sector has transitioned from focusing solely on air pollutants like sulphur oxides to adopting comprehensive strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This evolution presents both significant challenges and transformative opportunities for stakeholders across the globe. When the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) were introduced in 2013, they did more than establish new global benchmarks. They catalysed a shift in the industry’s approach to energy efficiency, laying the groundwork for operational performance measures like the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and an increased focus on GHG emissions reduction for the sector using alternative fuels and innovative technologies. The introduction of regional regulations such as the EU’s maritime requirements, which could affect up to 30 per cent of the global fleet, have sharpened that focus. Dr Edmund Hughes, Director, Green Marine Associates Ltd Amid this focus, the critical role of the human element often remains underappreciated. Yet, it is clear that the success of maritime decarbonisation efforts depends not just on fuels, innovative energy systems and technological solutions, but also on the actions of shore staff and seafarers. These professionals are not merely operators of new systems – they are the key enablers of the industry’s sustainable future. Their decisions, from route planning to fuel management, determine whether advanced technologies achieve their full potential or fall short. This human-centric reality demands a fundamental shift in approach. Training must evolve from basic operational competencies to fostering a deep understanding of the systems they have to manage and energy efficiency principles. Shore teams need advanced skills to analyse complex performance data and optimise vessel operations, while seafarers require knowledge to align everyday practices with emissions goals. Most importantly, the industry must cultivate a culture where environmental protection becomes as integral to operations as safety awareness. Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving this transformation. Maritime executives must champion an organisational ethos that integrates environmental considerations into decision-making. This includes incentivising energy-efficient practices, fostering collaboration between ship and shore teams, and embedding environmental performance as a core metric of operational excellence. However, balancing regulatory compliance with operational realities remains a pressing challenge. For instance, fuel wasted by ships awaiting berth availability highlights inefficiencies that undermine sustainability efforts. The industry’s response, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mandated Single Maritime Window for streamlined data exchange, exemplifies how digitalisation can address such issues. Similarly, Singapore’s upcoming requirement for electronic Bunker Delivery Notes underscores the shift toward digital solutions in emissions monitoring and compliance. Looking ahead, maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanisms will play a vital role in bridging the cost gap between traditional and green fuels. To be effective, these mechanisms must provide an enabling pathway, with funds allocated to incentivise green fuel adoption and mitigate investment risks for shipowners and fuel producers. The fundamental shift for shipping from Tank-to-Wake to Well-to-Wake compliance further underscores the need for advanced digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to navigate regulatory complexities. Front cover – Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance, Second Edition The path to maritime decarbonisation hinges on unprecedented collaboration. Sharing information across industry actors will enhance risk management and inform investment decisions, especially as the finalisation of IMO’s mid-term regulatory measures approaches. Resources like The International Chamber of Shipping’s ‘Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance, Second Edition’ offer invaluable guidance for navigating these challenges, providing stakeholders with actionable insights and a clear roadmap. The journey toward decarbonisation is not merely about compliance – it’s about building a sustainable, efficient future for shipping. Success will depend on the sector’s ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and environmental stewardship. Source: By Dr Edmund Hughes, Director, Green Marine Associates Ltd, and contributor to ‘Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance, Second Edition’

NoneAustralia and Canada will enter a new partnership for air and missile defence research as part of a joint aim for security in the Indo-Pacific region. or signup to continue reading Defence ministers for Canada and Australia, Bill Blair and Richard Marles, announced on Saturday that each country will contribute $C237 million ($A260 million) over five years on a project to understand emerging missile threats. Under the arrangement, the nations will collaborate on developing detection, monitoring, targeting and counter-measure technologies. "As potential adversaries continue to develop more advanced missiles... new solutions are required to defeat these threats," the ministers wrote in a statement. "This collaboration on integrated air and missile defence research and development is mutually beneficial, contributing directly to our shared objective of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond." The agreement aligns with both governments, with missile defence has been prioritised in Australia's National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment program. Defence against advanced cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons which combine high speed, increasing range and manoeuvrability will be included in the research, with the latter marked as a priority for Canada's billion-dollar science and technology . The statement highlighted the "long history" of Canada-Australia collaboration on defence science and technology, including under the science and technology alliance. The ministers added the partnership "will fast-track understanding of advanced missile technologies and inform next-generation defence solutions". DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementTORONTO — Recently passed Ontario legislation that will shutter several supervised consumption sites and effectively prevent new ones from opening in the province violates both the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Constitution, a community organization argues in a legal challenge filed this week. The Neighbourhood Group Community Services agency, which operates a privately funded supervised consumption site in Toronto's Kensington Market area, launched the challenge alongside two people who use or have used such sites. They argue the law infringes on several Charter-protected rights, including the right to life, liberty and security of the person. Closing supervised consumption sites violates that right by forcing people who use them to resort to unhealthy and unsafe consumption, which carries a higher risk of death from overdose and increases the risk of criminal prosecution, they argue. The challenge also argues the legislation goes against the division of powers between Ottawa and provinces, in that only the federal government can make criminal law and try to suppress what it considers a "socially undesirable practice." "The research and the experts prove that supervised consumption sites make a positive difference, both for the individuals we meet and for their whole neighbourhood," Bill Sinclair, the organization's president and CEO, said in a news conference Tuesday. "With this court case, we're demanding our right to continue to provide this care and save lives." Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said he could not comment on the legal action, but added the province has made it clear it wants parks to be safe for children and families. The Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site run by the Neighbourhood Group Community Services agency is one of 10 supervised consumption sites set to close by March 31, 2025 under legislation fast-tracked by Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government and passed last week. The legislation prohibits any supervised consumption sites within 200 metres of a school or daycare. The Kensington site is next to a child-care centre operated by the same community agency. The law also requires municipalities to get the health minister's approval to apply for an exemption from the federal government to launch new supervised consumption sites, something Health Minister Sylvia Jones has said she would not approve in any situation. The government favours an abstinence-based model for treatment, and plans to put in place 19 new "homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs," plus 375 highly supportive housing units at a planned cost of $378 million. Katie Resendes, who has been coming to the Kensington site for a few years, said simply offering more treatment sites isn't the answer. "If you're not ready (for treatment), you're not ready, and what these safe consumption sites allow is, for those of us that are not ready, to be safe and reduce harm as much as possible," said Resendes, who is one of the applicants in the court challenge. Resendes, a self-described high-functioning substance user for more than 15 years, said supervised consumption sites have helped her maintain a job and stay safe in that time. She said she takes the subway to the Kensington location because there is no site near her home, and she's not sure what will happen if it closes. "I don't know what I'll do to access harm-reduction supplies. I don't know what I'll do to access naloxone. I don't know what will happen and that's pretty scary." The legal challenge further argues the Ontario government knowingly passed a law that will expose people who use drugs to an increased risk of death and other harms, which violates the Charter right to protection from cruel and unusual punishment The law also discriminates on the basis of substance abuse disorder, which breaches the right to equality, it argues. "It also reinforces the unjustified and unsubstantiated stereotype that people who use drugs and who suffer from substance use disabilities are a danger to society, and in particular to children, and are therefore not worthy of the care they need to survive," the court filing reads. Rahool Agarwal, one of the lawyers representing the applicants in the challenge, said they'll rely on the Supreme Court of Canada decision in a case regarding the country's first supervised injection site as "a strong precedent." Canada's top court ruled in 2011 that the federal health minister's decision not to exempt the Insite facility in Vancouver from the application of criminal drug laws breached the Charter right to life, liberty and security of the person — one of the rights invoked in the Ontario challenge. Lawyers for the applicants said they are hoping to have the case heard in Superior Court before the end of March, the deadline to close the sites. They're also seeking an injunction to prevent the restrictions in the law from taking effect until the case is decided. Last week, Ontario's auditor general said the province's opioid strategy is outdated and a new, comprehensive approach is needed to deal with the ongoing crisis. In her latest report, Shelley Spence also found that more than 1,600 overdoses were reversed in 2022-23 at the sites slated to close, and no one died of an overdose at those locations in the same time frame. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press

Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back lossAECOM (NYSE:ACM) Shares Sold by Victory Capital Management Inc.