super. ace FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Republican senators pushed back on Sunday against criticism from Democrats that Tulsi Gabbard , Donald Trump's pick to lead U.S. intelligence services , is “compromised” by her comments supportive of Russia and secret meetings , as a congresswoman, with Syria’s president, a close ally of the Kremlin and Iran. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, a veteran of combat missions in Iraq, said she had concerns about Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's choice to be director of national intelligence . “I think she’s compromised," Duckworth said on CNN’s “State of the Union," citing Gabbard's 2017 trip to Syria, where she held talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Gabbard was a Democratic House member from Hawaii at the time. “The U.S. intelligence community has identified her as having troubling relationships with America’s foes. And so my worry is that she couldn’t pass a background check,” Duckworth said. Gabbard, who said last month she is joining the Republican party, has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades. She was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait and, according to the Hawaii National Guard, received a Combat Medical Badge in 2005 for “participation in combat operations under enemy hostile fire in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III." Duckworth's comments drew immediate backlash from Republicans. “For her to say ridiculous and outright dangerous words like that is wrong," Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, said on CNN, challenging Duckworth to retract her words. “That’s the most dangerous thing she could say — is that a United States lieutenant colonel in the United States Army is compromised and is an asset of Russia.” In recent days, other Democrats have accused Gabbard without evidence of being a “Russian asset.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, has claimed, without offering details, that Gabbard is in Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s pocket.” Mullin and others say the criticism from Democrats is rooted in the fact that Gabbard left their party and has become a Trump ally. Democrats say they worry that Gabbard's selection as national intelligence chief endangers ties with allies and gives Russia a win. Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat just elected to the Senate, said he would not describe Gabbard as a Russian asset, but said she had “very questionable judgment.” “The problem is if our foreign allies don’t trust the head of our intelligence agencies, they’ll stop sharing information with us,” Schiff said on NBC's “Meet the Press.” Gabbard in 2022 endorsed one of Russia’s justifications for invading Ukraine : the existence of dozens of U.S.-funded biolabs working on some of the world’s nastiest pathogens. The labs are part of an international effort to control outbreaks and stop bioweapons, but Moscow claimed Ukraine was using them to create deadly bioweapons. Gabbard said she just voiced concerns about protecting the labs. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri, said he thought it was “totally ridiculous” that Gabbard was being cast as a Russian asset for having different political views. “It’s insulting. It’s a slur, quite frankly. There’s no evidence that she’s a asset of another country,” he said on NBC. Sen. James Lankford, another Oklahoma Republican, acknowledged having “lots of questions” for Gabbard as the Senate considers her nomination to lead the intelligence services. Lankford said on NBC that he wants to ask Gabbard about her meeting with Assad and some of her past comments about Russia. “We want to know what the purpose was and what the direction for that was. As a member of Congress, we want to get a chance to talk about past comments that she’s made and get them into full context,” Lankford said.

Furthermore, the new loans injection signifies a strong commitment to providing a stable and conducive financial environment for small and micro enterprises to thrive. By channeling significant resources into supporting their financing needs, the government demonstrates its recognition of the crucial role played by these enterprises in driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic development at the grassroots level.

Angel Yin and Jeeno Thitikul take a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship, with England's Charley Hull four shots behind. Yin threatened to build a commanding lead on day three at Tiburon Golf Club, Florida until Thitikul finished with an eagle and a birdie for a nine-under 63 to share the lead ahead of Sunday's final round. Yin shot 69 after another day of big putts and one chip-in from some 60 feet for eagle on the par-five sixth put her comfortably ahead. She holed a 30-footer on the eighth hole, another birdie from about 25 feet on the ninth hole and another one from the 30-foot range on the 12th. Thitikul seemed to be an afterthought until she lit it up on the back nine. The Thai started the back nine with three straight bogeys, but she made up quick ground at the end with her eagle on the reachable par-five 17th and a birdie on the closing hole. Trending The birdie briefly gave her the lead until Yin made birdie on the 17th to join her tied on 15-under at the top of the leaderboard, three shots ahead of Ruoning Yin, who birdied her last two for a third-round 66. England's Hull shot seven birdies as her round of 66 left her at 11-under alongside Narin An of South Korea. Also See: CME Group Tour Championship leaderboard Stream LPGA Tour and more with NOW Get Sky Sports Live golf on Sky Sports Nelly Korda, who got back into the mix on Friday after a sluggish start, lost ground with a 69 on a pleasant day that left her six shots back going into the final round. Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland Enter Course, City, or Postal Code Courses Locations No results found. Please try another search. Korda has come from behind to win four of her seven LPGA titles this year but replicating that in Florida appears to be a tall order. At stake is the richest purse in women's golf, with the winner landing $4 million, nearly as much as Korda has made all year in her seven-victory season. Watch the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship, from Naples in Florida, live on Sky Sports Golf from 6pm on Saturday or stream with NOW.

As the situation escalated, tensions ran high, leading to a clash between the city management officer and the onlooker. The presence of bystanders further complicated the situation, creating a chaotic scene that posed risks to both the officer and the public. The lack of de-escalation techniques and respect for authority contributed to the deterioration of the conflict, highlighting the need for improved communication and conflict resolution skills among all parties involved.

EACH December, lines of a song keep coming back to me: “And so this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over, a new one’s just begun.” Beyond the “year-that-was” accomplishment reports for businesses or chatty missives to family and friends, Christmases present us with an opportunity to take stock, perhaps in the quiet of the evening as one watches the blinking Christmas lights or in the crispness of the morning as the city gradually awakes. Enter the book, Brick by Brick: Building the Change You Want by a young professional of deep insight, Myke Santos. First on Myke. I first met him as a shy little boy who would quietly observe us adults conversing. His Mom was a dear friend with a vibrant presence, and his Uncle is my BFF (Best Friends Forever) with a passion for writing, stage, and the arts. It is a joy to see that Myke is now a: strategy and HR consultant, certified coach for Transformative Coaching and The Leadership Circle, and certified facilitator of the Lego: Serious Play Method that he pioneered in the Philippines; university faculty member, and founder of Brick Consulting. It turned out to be a natural progression for him to write a book. AS THE YEAR WINDS DOWN I chose to write about this in this column as PR and communication activities wind down these holidays, replaced by family and friend reunions, the reunions being chicken soup for the soul, borrowing from another book’s title. These present a bit of a respite before we begin 2025. Optimism usually characterizes the start of a new year, as it offers a fresh start. We want all to have a better self, better opportunities, and less, or best, none of the grating or incessant difficulties that douse cold water on our dreams and plans. And then, there is change. Myke’s take on change: “CHANGE doesn’t happen overnight, we must build it brick by brick.” This is something we instinctively know, but still, because of the twists and turns it takes to change, it becomes something that we wish we could just do in a quick reboot. It could be an exciting and happy change as in a promotion, or a challenging one as in an issue and crisis management situation. He clarifies: “This is not a book about changing careers or making the great leap to entrepreneurship, though you could use it that way. This book is meant for anyone feeling disoriented and out of sorts about change, and wanting to embrace and shape change rather than being a hapless victim or bystander of it.” “It is about changing the way we look at change to be more purposeful about how we create and manage it, no matter how challenging it can be.” THE EVOLVING WORKPLACE HE recalls feeling disoriented upon reporting back to work here at the mother company after a two-year regional assignment. “Suddenly I felt out of place,” he wrote, adding, “I felt this strange sense of unfamiliarity. As if the company I had been a part of for the past 10 years had changed so drastically without me...this experience of change disrupted not only my career trajectory, but also my peace of mind and sense of self.” Discomfort, he recalled, led him to three options: Either “Don’t rock the boat.” or “Fight fire with fire.” or “Build the change I wanted.” He chose to build the change he wanted because, “change is thrust upon us and awaits our response,” and that in his case, it was adjusting from the corporate ways he had become used to, to becoming an independent consultant and entrepreneur with many hats and functions. He cites one earlier brick, lifetime employment, deemed the foundation for a good life, and how this has evolved into the brick of lifelong learning. “All around us, we have seen other new bricks slowly replacing old bricks, such as the pursuit of purpose and meaning instead of climbing the corporate ladder; working anywhere and anytime...putting a premium on health and well-being instead of keeping your professional and personal selves completely separate; failing fast and learning instead of putting a premium on strict compliance and punishing experimentation.” He goes on to identify new bricks like “the power of influence in a digital world, human-centric design, open and authentic leadership, diverse and inclusive cultures.” 5 NEW BRICKS And thus, the book and the action and advocacy he espouses, and these five bricks to change, “new bricks for a new world:” 1. “INTENTION— Beyond setting goals and listing resolutions, think about your INTENTIONS for next year, whether it is a small intention of making better decisions day-to-day, meeting a major milestone, or simply being more aware and mindful of what is important for you. How you would define a ‘better’ year for you whether in your personal life or as a PR and communications practitioner in your field and organization.” ACTION: Articulate your intention. 2. “IDENTITY— To embark on change, one must remember that you are not starting from zero. Who you are and what got you to where you are today are all capabilities that will help bring you forward. In PR and communication what skills and experiences can you leverage on? What message does your organization convey in terms of who you are and what you stand for?” ACTION: Revisit your identity. 3. “FOCUSED ACTION— Between your INTENTION and IDENTITY are deliberate, tiny steps that will get you to where you are going. In this age where there is a lot of COMMUNICATION NOISE, what is important is to develop a sense of FOCUS and then work towards it even if every slowly. ACTION without FOCUS is a busyness. FOCUS without action is a distraction.” ACTION: Identify what focused action you can take. 4. “CONNECTION— As we take focused actions towards our intentions, we will impact others just as others impact us. CONNECTION means ensuring that we meet our audiences where they are and connect with them to get feedback – whether positive or negative – for us to RESPOND and ADAPT while constantly engaging with those that matter to us.” ACTION: Engage with those who matter. 5. “PLAY— As children we are ever curious, immensely creative, and always learning new things. In our professional world where business models, technology, and ways of working are constantly in flux, instead of facing change with fear or the need to control, we can maintain a mindset of play by being curious about what change can mean for us and what it is nudging us to do. Whether it is learning more about disruptive technologies i.e., AI in our field to understand rather than to hide from it or being open to industry/social media trends that helps us anticipate change and become more resilient as people and professionals.” ACTION: Step back, recharge, refocus and get into the mindset of play to treat yourself with compassion and humor. REINVENTING, REBUILDING I end this column with Myke’s words: “I invite you to reflect on the current bricks that you may have built your identity, your relationships, and your work around; the subtle or overwhelming change that you may be experiencing today; and what new bricks you may need to reinvent or rebuild to generate positive change in your life. Change in our lives is constant, but so too is our capability to imagine, respond, and create...a new world awaits!” Myke’s insightful, inspiring book, Brick by Brick: Building the Change You Want, is available at Fully Booked branches. You can hear more of his thoughts on the 5 Brick Change Framework as a Philippine speaker at the Fusion 2025 regional conference of the International Association of Business Communicators Asia Pacific (IABC APAC) on March 17 and 18, 2025 at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel. See you there! https://iabcfusionconference.com/ PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of IPRA Philippines, the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association, the world’s premier association for senior communications professionals around the world. Ritzi Villarico-Ronquillo, APR, IABC Fellow is a Consultant, Coach and Speaker on Business Communication and Strategic Public Relations with 43 years of experience in leading internal and external communication and PR in corporate, communities, academe and associations. We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds. Your pet's health and safety are our top priority.

As the years passed, Mr. and Mrs. Li's business flourished, giving them a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment. They no longer struggled to make ends meet but instead found themselves at the helm of a thriving enterprise that brought joy and prosperity to their community. Their radish meatballs became a symbol of resilience and innovation, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Li Ming, "Full Moon Outside the Window, Bang!" is a comedy that revolves around a series of hilarious mishaps and misadventures that take place on a fateful night under the full moon. The film's tagline, "When the moon is full, anything can happen!" sets the tone for a wild and unpredictable ride filled with laughter and unexpected twists.TORONTO — Canada's main stock index gained more than 350 points Thursday in a broad rally led by energy and technology stocks, while U.S. markets also rose, led by a one-per-cent gain on the Dow. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 354.22 points at 25,390.68. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 461.88 points at 43,870.35. The S&P 500 index was up 31.60 points at 5,948.71, while the Nasdaq composite was up 6.28 points at 18,972.42. The Nasdaq lagged an otherwise decent day for Wall St., rising just 0.03 per cent as it was dragged down by Google parent Alphabet and some of its tech giant peers. The tech company’s stock fell 4.6 per cent after U.S. regulators asked a judge to break it up by forcing a sale of the Chrome web browser. Amazon shares traded down 2.2 per cent while Meta and Apple both moved lower as well. After a substantial run for major tech stocks this year, that kind of news “shakes people a bit,” said John Zechner, chairman and lead equity manager at J. Zechner Associates. Meanwhile, semiconductor giant Nvidia saw its stock tick up modestly by 0.5 per cent after it reported earnings Wednesday evening. The company yet again beat expectations for profit and revenue, and gave a better revenue forecast for the current quarter than expected. But expectations for Nvidia have been so high amid the optimism over artificial intelligence that even beating forecasts wasn’t enough to send its stock flying the way it has in previous quarters, said Zechner. Nvidia essentially caps earnings season in the U.S., with companies largely beating expectations, said Zechner — though those expectations weren’t exactly lofty for companies outside the tech and AI sphere, he added. The Dow led major U.S. markets as the post-election hopes for economic growth continued to fuel a broadening of market strength, said Zechner. There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, said Zechner, and there’s no guarantee he will do what he’s promised. “There’s a lot of unknowns, but for now the markets seem to be assuming that whatever comes of this, the U.S. will continue to lead global growth,” he said. However, some of Trump’s promises — chief among them widespread tariffs on imports — have sparked bets that inflation may rear its head again. The market has pared back its expectations for interest rate cuts as a result, said Zechner. “Nobody’s talking about a half-point cut, that’s for sure,” he said. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.63 cents US compared with 71.46 cents US on Wednesday. The January crude oil contract was up US$1.35 at US$70.10 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up nine cents at US$3.48 per mmBTU. The December gold contract was up US$23.20 at US$2,674.90 an ounce and the December copper contract was down three cents at US$4.13 a pound. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press

Thirdly, structural reforms and innovation are driving economic transformation. China has been actively promoting structural reforms to enhance the efficiency and quality of economic growth. In November, the government emphasized the importance of technological innovation, green development, and high-quality manufacturing. Initiatives such as the Made in China 2025 strategy and the development of a digital economy ecosystem have been accelerating, indicating China's commitment to upgrading its industrial structure and fostering innovation-driven growth.WINTER viruses and bugs are spreading around the country – but there is a way to remain well by simply reaching into your kitchen cupboard. Luckily, fuelling your body from the inside out to fight off nasties does not have to cost a fortune if you know what to buy . Laura Stott looks at the best budget supermarket foods you can buy that will help you combat common cold-weather worries, all for around a pound. NUTRITIOUS broth is cheap to make or buy, will warm you up and is perfect for winter-proofing health. Experts agree its vitamin, amino acid and mineral density can boost your immune system to prevent cold and flu bugs taking hold, bolstering levels of vitamin A, B, K and E as well as providing helpful calcium, selenium and zinc. Buy ready-made from supermarkets or make your own by simmering chicken, beef or pork bones along with veggies and herbs in a large stock pot over a low heat for 20 minutes. You can even dissolve a stock cube in boiling water for benefits . Try: Asda beef stock cubes (12-pack) 80p. A TRAY of sushi wrapped in nori seaweed can provide helpful vitamin B12. It is scientifically proven to benefit those who suffer from depression or anxiety brought on by Seasonal Affective Disorder or winter blues. Upping levels of B12 will also help strengthen the immune system to fight off seasonal viruses. Seaweed, used as an ingredient in most packets of supermarket sushi, contains a compound shown to reduce viral loads, with some studies also suggesting it can shorten the lifespan of a cold. Swap your sandwich for sushi once or twice a week, or switch ready salted for seaweed crisps instead. Try: Tesco veggie sushi, 55g, £1.30. ONE study found the mineral zinc can help shorten the life of a common cold by as much as 30 per cent. Making sure you have a healthy amount in your diet is sensible for combating bugs. Oysters are one of the most well-known dietary sources of zinc. But as well as being an acquired taste, shelling out on them won’t come cheap. Instead, up your levels with eggs. A large one provides around seven per cent of your RDA of zinc. So whether you fry, boil or whisk up a few for an omelette, they are a great way to stay well over winter. Try: Free-range medium eggs (six-pack) £1.60, Sainsbury’s. A BOWL of cornflakes for brekkie over the winter could be just as beneficial for your health as shelling out for a winter multivitamin. Most UK cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them a great way to up your intake of natural essentials such as iron, calcium, vitamin B6 and folic acid. Iron aids energy levels by boosting red blood cell proteins, and helps circulation for when the temperature drops. A standard-sized bowl of supermarket flakes provides almost 3mg of iron – the same as a serving of spinach. Try: Morrisons cornflakes, 79p. NHS guidelines recommend all adults in the UK should increase their intake of food rich in vitamin D, or consider taking a 10mg supplement daily from October to March. Vitamin D is crucial for bone, teeth and muscle health but our bodies cannot make it naturally without enough sunlight. Food sources include oysters and steak fillets but one rich source is available for less than £1. Tinned sardines contain around 40 per cent of an adult’s recommended daily allowance in one can, making them a great, healthy budget buy. Have them on toast, mixed into a pasta sauce or enjoy on a pizza. Try: Aldi sardines in tomato sauce, 49p. NATURALLY high in potassium and vitamin C, the humble spud is the perfect winter warmer. They cost pennies but help to boost our immune system, fight off infections and provide the comforting starchy carbs many of us will find ourselves craving for energy at this time of year. Around 100g of spuds will give you 20mg of vitamin C and 421mg of potassium. But whether you opt for roast, boiled or chipped tatties, for maximum benefits make sure you leave the skin on. A jacket spud is ideal, and you can add baked beans for protein and fibre. Try: Baking potatoes (four) 59p, Asda. IF you suffer with itchy, flaking, dry and chapped skin in the winter, increase your levels of vitamin E, which is a vital component to keep it healthy. It helps skin hold on to water and naturally boosts moisture levels. All nuts are a great source but can be expensive. A jar of supermarket own-brand peanut butter will save you pounds. Around two tablespoons give you almost 20 per cent of an adult RDA of vitamin E and will taste great. Jars with a low sugar content will be even better for you. Try: Tesco crunchy peanut butter, 340g, £1.09. VITAMIN C helps keep our immune systems fortified so we have the best chance of swerving those pesky cold and flu bugs. It will also combat rough and itchy seasonal skin conditions. A medium-sized tomato contains 17 per cent of an adult’s RDA of vitamin C, and tomato sauce is a great way to get a boost. Use fresh tomatoes for maximum benefit by making a sauce for spag bol, scattering into a lasagne or dicing and adding to stews. Or stock up on tinned tommies for the winter months. Try: Sainsbury’s tinned chopped tomatoes, 400g, 47p.

The auction took place at a prestigious auction house in New York City, with bidders from around the world vying for the chance to own a piece of movie history. The bidding was fierce, with multiple parties competing for the ruby slippers, driving the price higher and higher with each bid.

As the countdown to the release of "Moonshine Madness" begins, anticipation is running high among moviegoers eager to usher in the new year with a hearty dose of laughter and entertainment. Whether you're a fan of slapstick comedy, heartfelt storytelling, or simply looking for a feel-good movie to enjoy with friends and family, "Moonshine Madness" promises to deliver all that and more.The success of this initiative hinges not only on the scale of the financial support provided but also on the effectiveness of the mechanisms put in place to ensure that the funds reach those who need them most. To this end, a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework has been established to track the utilization of the loans and assess the impact on the growth and sustainability of small and micro enterprises.One key focus of the meeting was on promoting the sustainable development of the real estate market. This includes measures to control housing prices, prevent market volatility, and ensure the steady growth of the sector. The government aims to strike a balance between meeting the demand for housing and preventing excessive speculation that could lead to instability in the market.

The Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock. Swansea boss Luke Williams thought his side were second best for the majority of the contest despite earning a 2-1 win at Derby. The Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock when Zan Vipotnik sent a bullet past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Ronald slotted home his first of the season in the 14th minute. Cyrus Christie brought Tom Barkhuizen down inside the box and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit in half and, despite piling on the pressure, Derby succumbed to a second home defeat of the season. Williams told a press conference: “We started the game very well, we were good up until we scored the second goal then we lost the grip on the game and I thought Derby were the better team. “The next thing for us we have to be able to maintain that level throughout the game and we weren’t able to do that to be quite honest today. “They made it difficult, reacted very well after the second goal and didn’t go under, far from it.” Swansea leapfrogged their opponents into the top half of the table with their sixth win of the season and took three points back to south Wales following two last-minute defeats by Burnley and Leeds heading into the match. Williams added: “We’ve recently conceded late goals but they’re a very resilient group and we saw it out in the end. “We’ve dominated games a lot but probably failed to score when we’ve been that dominant and tonight we managed to score the goals when we were dominant. “We scored the goals at the right time today.” Derby had been unbeaten in their last three matches coming into this one but Paul Warne put defeat down to a poor start. He said: “We conceded two and didn’t get close enough, weren’t aggressive enough, not enough body contact and looked soft, that’s my fault. “Maybe I didn’t message it properly. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to shape and tactics but I thought that was what the difference was. “Credit Swansea for the win but after the 25 mins it looked like we would score. I really enjoyed it, that’s the truth. I had 70 minutes of a team giving everything, I don’t think we’ve had that many attempts in the Championship this season. “It’s a rude awakening, last year we would’ve won that 4-2.”After-hours movers: Intuit, NetApp, Ross Stores, GAP

Cristiano Ronaldo To Collaborate With MrBeast on YouTube to ‘Break the Internet’ By teamed up with one of ’s biggest stars, , for a highly anticipated . The unexpected partnership has sparked excitement across social media, with fans speculating about what the two might have in store. This unique collaboration marks a blend of sports and digital media for both Ronaldo and MrBeast. Let’s take a closer look at the collaboration between Cristiano Ronaldo and MrBeast. Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he is collaborating with MrBeast Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed his next YouTube video will feature an unexpected guest: MrBeast, the internet sensation with over 331 million subscribers. This unexpected crossover between the world’s most famous footballer and one of the platform’s top creators has set fans abuzz. Ronaldo’s channel, , has garnered over 67 million subscribers since its launch in August 2024. The channel has been teasing this reveal, sparking wild speculation about possible football reunions or rivalries. While many speculated about a potential reunion with Lionel Messi or collaborations with former teammates, the announcement of MrBeast caught everyone off guard. Ronaldo called MrBeast his “greatest rival” in the YouTube space. He jokingly warned the YouTuber to “watch out” as he sets his sights on surpassing MrBeast’s subscriber count. The football star said, “He is the man I have to beat on YouTube, and I want to beat him—watch out (laughs). My kids tell me I’ve become a YouTuber! Above all, I want to be close to my fans.” The video premiered on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 8 AM EST. Fans are buzzing with curiosity, eagerly guessing what this collaboration could bring and what surprises the TWO might reveal. It is titled “I Meet MrBeast To Break The Internet!!”. From challenges to candid discussions, the new partnership is expected to set new records. Disheeta is an SEO Contributing Writer for ComingSoon, with over three years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content. A graduate with honors in Political Science and Economics, she brings a unique analytical perspective to her writing. Disheeta is passionate about movies, coffee, and traveling, constantly seeking new experiences to inspire her work. Share article

Throughout his NBA career, Yao Ming was a dominant presence on the court, earning multiple All-Star selections and solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant centers of his era. His impact extended far beyond the basketball court, as he played a pivotal role in expanding the NBA's reach into the Chinese market and fostering cultural exchange between East and West.Topline President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to serve as U.S. attorney general on Thursday—hours after Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration amid sexual misconduct allegations. Key Facts Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . Attorney General: Pam Bondi Trump announced former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his pick to lead the Justice Department—elevating an ally shortly after former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal. Bondi served as Florida’s top lawyer from 2011 to 2019, and later joined Trump’s defense team in his first Senate impeachment trial in 2020. She also served on a Trump-era commission on opioids and drug addiction. Attorney general is one of the most high-profile and highly anticipated appointments, as Trump has fiercely criticized the Justice Department for prosecuting him and is expected to drastically change its makeup—and possibly push for retribution against his opponents. In a Truth Social post , Trump said Bondi will “refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.” Treasury Secretary: Unclear Trump hasn’t nominated anyone yet, but Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan and former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh have emerged in recent days as potential picks . Hedge fund executive Scott Bessent —who spoke recently with Forbes—has long been seen as one of the top choices. Musk appeared to support Lutnick over Bessent, saying Bessent would be a “business-as-usual choice” whereas Lutnick “will actually enact change.” Trump is leaning toward someone with Wall Street experience, Bloomberg reported. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., former ambassador to Japan under Trump, is also on the speculative short list, along with former Trump-era U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer . Secretary Of Defense: Pete Hegseth Trump selected Pete Hegseth as his secretary of defense, praising his status as a combat veteran and role as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend. Revelations subsequently emerged that Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Monterey, California, hotel in 2017. The Monterey Police Department confirmed in a statement that it investigated the incident, but did not bring charges. Hegseth has denied the allegations through his attorney, Timothy Parlatore, who told multiple outlets last week he paid his accuser a settlement to avoid a lawsuit over the matter. Health And Human Services Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department, making good on his promise to give Kennedy broad leeway over public health. Kennedy, who ran for the Democratic nomination then as an independent candidate before dropping out and endorsing Trump, espouses debunked views on public health—including skepticism about the efficacy of childhood vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. He has also advocated for removing fluoride from public water, an idea Trump said he as open to. As HHS secretary, Kennedy would oversee 13 public health-related agencies, and has expressed plans to upend many of them, telling an audience at a conference in November he would halt infectious disease studies at the National Institutes of Health if given a role in the Trump administration. “I’m going to say to NIH scientists, God bless you all . . . thank you for your public service,” NBC reported. The surprise selection drew criticism from many Democrats, and some Republicans expressed wariness about the pick. Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence spoke against Kennedy as the pick to lead HHS in a statement and urged Senate Republicans to reject the nomination, citing Kennedy’s support of abortion rights. Secretary Of State: Marco Rubio Trump nominated Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla., as secretary of state. Rubio and Trump feuded when they both ran for president in 2016, but the two smoothed over their relationship during Trump’s most recent White House run. Rubio frequently campaigned for Trump and was said to be in the running to be his vice presidential pick. Some of Rubio’s foreign policy stances break with Trump, including his co-sponsorship of legislation last year that would prohibit a president from exiting NATO without congressional approval. Rubio would be the first Latino to hold the position, which is subject to Senate confirmation. Forbes estimated Rubio’s net worth at over $1 million—significantly less than some other members of Trump’s inner circle, but a jump since 2015, when he was worth just $100,000. Director Of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard Trump announced Tulsi Gabbard will serve as his Director of National Intelligence, a role that puts her at the head of the U.S. intelligence community. Gabbard is a former Democratic representative from Hawaii and a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, perhaps best-known for clashing with Kamala Harris on the debate stage in 2019. She left the party in 2022 and became an independent, before endorsing Trump in August and announcing she had joined the Republican Party. A critic of U.S. military interventions, Gabbard has drawn intense scrutiny for her foreign policy views, including for meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017 . Education Secretary: Linda Mcmahon Trump tapped former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as secretary of the Department of Education in an announcement Tuesday. McMahon is Trump’s transition co-chair alongside Lutnick and served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. The nomination came after Lutnick was picked as commerce secretary over McMahon, who was “privately frustrated” she was not offered the position before Lutnick was tapped for it, Semafor reported, citing two unnamed people familiar with the matter. McMahon is also the America First Policy Institute’s board chair, helping lead the think tank that has raised millions in support of Trump, according to CNN . Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick Howard Lutnick is Trump’s pick for commerce secretary, Trump confirmed Tuesday—picking him for the commerce role instead of treasury secretary. Trump, in a statement, called Lutnick “the embodiment of resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy,” referencing his charitable contributions to 9/11 families after 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees, including Lutnick’s brother, died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, while Lutnick was CEO. Lutnick, who rebuilt the company after 9/11, has spent his entire career at Cantor Fitzgerald and became president and CEO of the financial services firm at the age of 29. His special purposes acquisition company, Cantor Fitzgerald Acquisition Corp., took the Rumble video platform popular among right-wing influencers public in 2022. As commerce secretary, Lutnick will play a role in implementing Trump’s plans for steeper tariffs and he has expressed broad support for the proposal. Lutnick was previously under consideration for treasury secretary—typically a more prominent Cabinet job—and earned support from Musk and Kennedy, but Trump ultimately turned his attention to other candidates after he reportedly became annoyed with Lutnick’s aggressive campaign for the treasury role. Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for the role of secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem is a long-time Trump loyalist who was believed be a contender for Vice President. The appointee will be essential in carrying out Trump’s aggressive immigration plans, in addition to the agency’s duties surrounding cybersecurity, antiterrorism and emergency response. Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services Administrator: Mehmet Oz Trump announced Tuesday that Mehmet Oz , the celebrity doctor who lost his 2022 Senate bid to Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., will fill the role. Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump announced last week as his pick for Health and Human Services secretary. Oz’s rise to fame is largely tied to his frequent appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show in the early 2000s and his own subsequent daytime talk show. He’s accused of espousing questionable medical claims, including promoting the debunked theory that the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine could treat Covid-19, and pushing so-called miracle weight loss products unsupported by scientific research. Trump endorsed Oz in his 2022 Senate campaign. Chief Of Staff: Susie Wiles Trump named his campaign co-manager Susie Wiles chief of staff two days after his election win, marking his first major administrative pick. Wiles will be the first woman to hold the position. Department Of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk And Vivek Ramaswamy Trump announced Elon Musk , the world’s wealthiest person, will run a new Department of Government Efficiency (or “DOGE”) alongside investor and former Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy . Trump said in a statement the department—which has not yet been created—will offer “advice and guidance from outside of Government” and focus on “making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency,” including through spending and regulatory cuts. Musk, a vocal Trump backer who donated over $100 million to a pro-Trump super PAC, has pitched the department in the past, seemingly naming it after the meme cryptocurrency dogecoin. Homeland Security Adviser And Deputy Chief Of Staff For Policy: Stephen Miller Trump announced Stephen Miller as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, plus the additional role of homeland security adviser. Miller was a senior adviser to Trump during his first administration and one of the architects of some of his most controversial immigration policies, including his family separation program. Border Czar: Tom Homan Trump appointed his former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan to newly created role, he announced , as Trump plans a mass deportation of undocumented migrants during his second term. National Security Adviser: Mike Waltz Trump appointed Rep. Mike Waltz , R-Fla., to serve as his national security adviser. In recent months, Waltz—a former Army Green Beret—has frequently criticized China, urged NATO members to pay more for defense and said he expects Trump to push Ukraine and Russia toward a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine. Interior Secretary: Doug Burgum (and Head Of New National Energy Council) Trump nominated North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as secretary of the interior. If confirmed by the Senate, he’ll be responsible for managing vast swaths of federally owned land, administering national parks and handling oil and gas drilling on federal property—which Trump has vowed to ramp up . Trump also tapped Burgum as chairman of the new National Energy Council, which will cut down on regulations and “oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE,” according to Trump . The position will also provide Burgum a seat on the National Security Council. First elected North Dakota governor in 2016, Burgum briefly ran against Trump in the 2024 GOP primaries, but dropped out and endorsed Trump. A tech executive and investor by trade, Burgum previously ran Great Plains Software, remaining at the company after it was acquired by Microsoft. Last year, Forbes estimated his net worth at at least $100 million. Energy Secretary: Chris Wright Chris Wright , chief executive of the oilfield services group Liberty Energy, was named Trump’s nominee for secretary of energy. Wright has argued against climate change’s role in causing extreme weather events, saying in a video posted to LinkedIn last year “there is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition either.” He later disputed he was “[fighting] climate science,” despite saying the claims he made were “correct.” Transportation Secretary: Sean Duffy Trump nominated former Rep. Sean Duffy , R-Wisc., as secretary of transportation, lauding his time in Congress and his role as a member of the House Financial Services Committee. Following his resignation from Congress in 2019, Duffy registered as a lobbyist and continued spending campaign funds on Trump’s D.C. hotel. The campaign spent more than $22,000 at Trump’s D.C. hotel between 2017 and 2020, $17,000 of which was spent in a single day in July 2019. Duffy is a co-host of Fox Business’ “The Bottom Line” and has contributed to Fox News since 2020. He is married to “Fox & Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. Veterans Affairs Secretary: Doug Collins Trump picked former Rep. Doug Collins , R-Ga., as his secretary for veterans affairs. Collins served as a congressman from 2013 to 2021, and was known as a vocal backer of Trump in the chamber during his first administration. He is also a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. Collins vowed to “streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they've earned.” The former congressman was deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a member of the Air Force’s 94th Airlift Wing. Cia Director: John Ratlciffe Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe will serve as CIA director. A former Texas congressman, Ratcliffe served as the director of national intelligence from 2020 to 2021 and acted as Trump’s primary intelligence adviser during his last presidency. During his time as director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe declassified unverified Russian intelligence information that claimed Hillary Clinton approved a plan to link Trump to Russia and the Democratic National Committee cyberattacks in 2016. Democrats criticized Ratcliffe’s decision to publicly release the information, alleging he was politicizing unverified information to aid Trump. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Zeldin Trump tapped former Rep. Lee Zeldin , R-N.Y., to lead the EPA, citing his “very strong legal background” and calling him “a true fighter for America First policies” in a statement. Zeldin—a Trump ally who ran for New York governor two years ago—“will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American business while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards,” the statement said. Fcc Chair: Brendan Carr Trump named Brendan Carr to chair the Federal Communications Commission. Carr has served as one of the FCC’s five commissioners since 2017, when Trump first appointed him to the agency. He’s known as a critic of big tech companies, writing a chapter of the controversial Project 2025 agenda—which Trump has broadly disavowed—that argued the FCC should narrow the immunity enjoyed by tech platforms and require companies to be transparent about their content moderation decisions. He’s also used his platform at the FCC to back Musk. He’ll take over the FCC as Trump pushes the agency to revoke the licenses of broadcast TV stations whose coverage he claims is unfair—though that could be very difficult in practice . Un Ambassador: Elise Stefanik Trump nominated GOP Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik , R-N.Y., for the United Nations ambassador role. Stefanik is known as a staunch Trump ally. Special Envoy To The Middle East: Steven C. Witkoff Trump tapped Steven Witkoff , a GOP donor and real estate investor, for special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff is chairman of the University of Miami Business School Real Estate Advisory Board and the CEO of Witkoff, a real estate firm he founded in 1997. He is also a longtime friend of Trump’s and one of the president-elect’s golf partners . Witkoff was with Trump during the apparent second assassination attempt on his life, telling NBC that Secret Service agents dived on Trump and got him off his Florida golf course in under 20 seconds. U.s. Nato Ambassador: Matthew Whitaker Trump announced on Wednesday Matthew Whitaker will serve as the official U.S. representative to NATO. Whitaker was the former U.S. acting attorney general appointed after former Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned and before former Attorney General William Barr was sworn in during Trump’s first term. Whitaker oversaw the DOJ during former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and was heavily scrutinized by Democrats over whether he sought to interfere in the probe on Trump’s behalf, allegations he denied. Whitaker frequently appears on Fox News as an advocate for Trump, defending his decision to tap Gaetz as attorney general last week and broadly criticizing the Justice Department over its various investigations into Trump’s conduct. Ambassador To Israel: Mike Huckabee Trump announced former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as his envoy to Israel last week, touting his military service as he served in the Army Special Forces for 27 years. Huckabee is a staunch supporter of Israel and has criticized the Biden administration’s calls for a cease-fire with Hamas. Huckabee has advocated for Israel to annex parts of the West Bank, which Israel occupied in 1967, and has backed Israeli settlers in the territory. A former Southern Baptist pastor, Huckabee regularly leads evangelicals on visits to Israel. White House Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt Karoline Leavitt , the Trump campaign’s national press secretary, will serve as White House Press Secretary once the president-elect assumes his office. Leavitt, 27, was an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first presidency. She also won the Republican primary in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District in 2022, becoming the second Gen Z candidate to win a House primary . White House Communications Director: Steven Cheung Trump picked his campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung , to serve as his communications director at the White House. Cheung was the director of communications for the president-elect’s 2024 presidential campaign and served as director of strategic response during Trump’s last term, after working in communications for the Ultimate Fighting Championship previously. Other White House Jobs Top GOP lawyer William McGinley was chosen for White House counsel, after previously working as Trump’s White House cabinet secretary from 2017 to 2019, advising other cabinet members on policy coordination, optics and ethics. Dan Scavino will return to his role as deputy chief of staff, after serving as a longtime Trump communications staffer (he was held in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in the House Jan. 6 committee investigation, but the Justice Department declined to prosecute him). James Blair will work as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs, after spearheading Trump’s grassroots voter outreach efforts and making frequent media appearances. Taylor Budowich was picked for deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel, after running the Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. super PAC. Trump is expected to name James Braid his director of legislative affairs, Bloomberg reported , citing unnamed sources—Braid is Vice President-elect Sen. JD Vance’s former deputy chief of staff and worked in the Office of Management and Budget during Trump’s first term. Trump tapped William Scharf to be White House staff secretary: Scharf, a former prosecutor who ran in the Republican primary for Missouri attorney general, was part of Trump’s legal team that successfully argued he has immunity from official acts he took during his first term. Sergio Gor , president and co-founder of Donald Trump Jr.’s Winning Team Publishing company, has been tapped to lead the Presidential Personnel Office. Other Justice Department Jobs Todd Blanche , Trump’s hush money trial lawyer, was tapped as the president-elect’s deputy attorney general. Blanche was lauded as “an excellent attorney who will be a crucial leader in the Justice Department,” which Trump has often criticized throughout his criminal and civil cases. Trump picked another of his attorneys, Emil Bove , as principal associate deputy attorney general. Bove represented Trump alongside Blanche throughout the hush money trial and is a former federal prosecutor. Dean John Sauer was chosen for for solicitor general, after he was credited with helping win Trump’s presidential immunity case, which resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that presidents have some immunity for official acts they take in office. Sauer also served as solicitor general of Missouri for six years and clerked for late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton was chosen as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, widely seen as one of the most prestigious prosecuting jobs due to the high-profile cases filed in the district, which includes New York City. Key Background Trump decamped to Mar-a-Lago after his win, holding meetings with his inner circle, administration hopefuls and transition team to craft his second term agenda and build out his staff. Trump is shaping his second-term agenda with the help of several right-wing groups, his closest allies and billionaire backers. Musk, who has been spotted on numerous occasions alongside Trump since his election, is among those who appear to be influencing Trump’s policy and personnel decisions. Lutnick is also overseeing a team making recommendations for personnel picks and vetting potential candidates, and Miller is expected to play a key role in making the final decisions. The right-wing think tank America First Policy Institute is reportedly the primary driver of Trump’s transition plans and has been crafting possible executive actions for Trump once he takes office. The organization is chaired by McMahon and led by former Trump Domestic Policy Counsel Director Brook Rollins. Further Reading What We Know About Trump’s Potential Cabinet—With RFK Jr. And Elon Musk Among The Candidates (Forbes) Who Will Help Shape Trump’s Policy Agenda? Here Are The Key Groups And Players (Forbes) Stephen Miller Will Reportedly Lead Trump’s Policy Agenda—Here’s Who Else Could Help Him (Forbes)

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Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario — a newspaper in Carty’s native Dominican Republic — that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital. “Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favorite,” the players' association said in its statement . The Braves said Carty left an indelible mark on the organization. “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the team said in its statement. Carty made his big league debut with the Braves in September 1963. He batted .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964, finishing second to Dick Allen in voting for NL Rookie of the Year. The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, and Carty got the franchise's first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh. Carty had his best year in 1970, batting .366 with 25 homers and a career-best 101 RBIs. He started the All-Star Game after he was elected as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield. Carty batted .299 with 204 homers and 890 RBIs over 15 years in the majors, also playing for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

The choice of the name "YU7" for Xiaomi's first SUV is no doubt deliberate and carries significance. The name reflects Xiaomi's commitment to creating a vehicle that is not only technologically advanced but also stylish and modern. The use of the letter "Y" in the name may symbolize youth, vigor, and a forward-thinking approach, while the number "7" could signify luck, perfection, and completion. Together, the name "YU7" hints at a vehicle that embodies cutting-edge technology and design.