Whoopi Goldberg and Charlamagne Tha God clash live on air in painfully awkward moment on The View By ALEXA CIMINO FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 16:00 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 16:24 EST, 4 December 2024 e-mail 13 shares 95 View comments Tensions flared between The View 's Whoopi Goldberg and guest Charlamagne tha God about President Joe Biden 's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden . Charlamagne, the host for the radio show The Breakfast Club, criticized Democrats , saying their frequent claims of moral superiority exposed them to additional scrutiny. 'Democrats stand on this moral high ground all the time, and, you know, they act so self-righteous,' he said. 'The reality is [Biden] didn't have to say anything in regards to whether or not his son wanted to be pardoned.' He also accused Biden of contradicting his own statement that 'no one is above the law' by pardoning Hunter. 'I'm going to stop you for a second,' Goldberg said, interrupting Charlamagne, who looked surprised. 'Only because you don't know that it was a lie. We don't know why he changed his mind,' Goldberg explained. 'I think he changed his mind because he got sick of watching everybody else get over,' Goldberg said. 'And this is just my feeling because at some point you get to a place where you just go, 'So I'm just going to follow the straight and narrow always,' because that is what is expected of Democrats.' Tensions flared between The View's Whoopi Goldberg and guest Charlamagne tha God about President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden Charlamagne, the host for the radio show The Breakfast Club, criticized Democrats, saying their frequent claims of moral superiority made them open to valid scrutiny Charlamagne pushed back, arguing that Democrats bring criticism on themselves by projecting a self-righteous image. When Goldberg asked if he was upset with Biden for changing his stance, Charlamagne clarified that he wasn't angry about the pardon itself. Goldberg pressed further, saying, 'But you sound like you're mad.' Goldberg then turned to the panel and asked, questioned why Biden's actions provoke such strong reactions compared to Donald Trump, who often changes his positions without similar backlash. Charlamagne suggested that political allegiance had become tribal, comparing party loyalty to rooting for sports teams. He criticized Democrats and Republicans for '[refusing] to be objective 'about anything.' Goldberg responded, 'I'll tell you when Democrats are wrong.' Charlamagne challenged her, asking, 'So you don't think Joe Biden is wrong?' 'I don't,' Goldberg replied. The radio host also accused Biden of contradicting his own statement that 'no one is above the law' by pardoning Hunter 'Well, that's ridiculous,' Charlamagne said. Goldberg shot back, 'You're ridiculous.' Charlamagne clarified, 'I didn't say, 'You're ridiculous, Miss Goldberg... I just think that's ridiculous.' Despite the heated exchange, the segment ended on a lighter note when Goldberg asked Charlamagne for a kiss. The radio host obliged, running over to share a hug and defuse the tension. Joe Biden Democrats Hunter Biden Share or comment on this article: Whoopi Goldberg and Charlamagne Tha God clash live on air in painfully awkward moment on The View e-mail 13 shares Add comment
Empowering blind students in Pakistan's universitiesCORK, Ireland , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE: JCI ) (the "Company" or "Johnson Controls"), a global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced the pricing of its offering of €500 million senior notes due 2033. The net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment, redemption or refinancing of outstanding commercial paper and other near-term indebtedness. General corporate purposes may also include acquisitions, additions to working capital, repurchase of ordinary shares, dividends, capital expenditures and investments in the Company's subsidiaries. Tyco Fire & Security Finance, S.C.A., a subsidiary of the Company, is the co-issuer of the notes. The closing for the transaction is expected to occur on December 11, 2024 , subject to certain customary closing conditions. BofA Securities, Crédit Agricole CIB and ING are serving as joint lead book-running managers to facilitate the transaction. Citigroup, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley are also serving as book-running managers and ANZ, Danske Bank, ICBC Standard Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and TD Securities are serving as co-managers of the offering. The offering of the notes is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement, prospectus and related prospectus supplement. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the base prospectus may be obtained by contacting BofA Securities Europe SA at 1-800-294-1322; Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank at 1-866-807-6030; or ING Bank N.V. at +31 20 563 8185. Investors may also obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Johnson Controls: At Johnson Controls, we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering. Today, with a global team of experts, Johnson Controls offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry. Johnson Controls International plc Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Johnson Controls International plc has made statements in this communication that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Johnson Controls' control, that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: Johnson Controls' ability to develop or acquire new products and technologies that achieve market acceptance and meet applicable quality and regulatory requirements; the ability of Johnson Controls to execute on its operating model and drive organizational improvement; Johnson Controls' ability to successfully execute and complete portfolio simplification, including the completion of the divestiture of the Residential and Light Commercial business, as well as the possibility that the expected benefits of such actions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time frame; the ability to hire and retain senior management and other key personnel, including successfully executing Johnson Controls' Chief Executive Officer succession plan; the ability to innovate and adapt to emerging technologies, ideas and trends in the marketplace, including the incorporation of technologies such as artificial intelligence; the ability to manage general economic, business and capital market conditions, including the impact of recessions, economic downturns and global price inflation; fluctuations in the cost and availability of public and private financing for Johnson Controls' customers; the ability to manage macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, including supply chain shortages and the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas; managing the risks and impacts of potential and actual security breaches, cyberattacks, privacy breaches or data breaches, maintaining and improving the capacity, reliability and security of Johnson Controls' enterprise information technology infrastructure; the ability to manage the lifecycle cybersecurity risk in the development, deployment and operation of Johnson Controls' digital platforms and services; changes to laws or policies governing foreign trade, including economic sanctions, tariffs, foreign exchange and capital controls, import/export controls or other trade restrictions; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes or uncertainty in laws, regulations, rates, policies, or interpretations that impact Johnson Controls' business operations or tax status; the ability to adapt to global climate change, climate change regulation and successfully meet Johnson Controls' public sustainability commitments; risks and uncertainties related to the settlement with a nationwide class of public water systems concerning the use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; the risk of infringement or expiration of intellectual property rights; Johnson Controls' ability to manage disruptions caused by catastrophic or geopolitical events, such as natural disasters, armed conflict, political change, climate change, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments; any delay or inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions; the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions; significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions; labor shortages, work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with the labor force; and the cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. Investors are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. For further discussion of certain of these factors, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 , filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 19, 2024 and in our subsequent and future filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov . Investors should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this communication, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this communication. SOURCE Johnson Controls International plcWhile Clippers Nation and other parts of the NBA world await the return of star Kawhi Leonard, his teammates haven’t been sitting idly while his right knee recovers. They have won games that they had no business winning and are taking care of games that they should win – all without their star player. The Clippers are 18-13 and have a chance to improve upon that during a three-game trip that begins Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Kawhi? “We’re not thinking about Kawhi coming back yet,” center Ivica Zubac said, in a moment of honesty. When Leonard does return – Jan. 4 reportedly is a good bet – he will find a Clippers team that has developed a solid chemistry, come to rely on James Harden for leadership and Norman Powell for points and built a reputation for stingy defense. “We want to win games, we want to win every game no matter who’s out there and we got it done,” Zubac added. “No matter how it looks, we gotta win. We’re going to play hard; we’re going to defend. “Some nights we’re not going to shoot well, or we’re not going to defend, but one thing we can do every night is play defense. That’s what this team is going to do, we’re going to play hard and play tough on the defensive end and that’s going to give us a chance to win.’ With or without Leonard. “We just focus on what we can control and be in the moment,” Harden said. “Whenever that happens, (we’ll) get to that bridge when it comes. But we’re focused on the next game and the games that we’re in.” Don’t mistake the players’ insouciant attitude for not caring about their superstar teammate. They want Leonard back but can’t get caught up in the hoopla and speculation. They have at least three more games to play without Leonard, who stayed behind to get in more reps before the Clippers’ next home game. “It’s been next man up all year,” said Powell, who is averaging 24.4 points and shooting 46.6% from the 3-point range in Leonard’s absence. “When Kawhi comes back, they’ll figure it out. That’s not our job. Our job is to figure out our new roles and make it all work. “We all are pulling in the same direction. We all continue trying to prove everybody wrong and how they view us, and the job is to be ready for a deep playoff run. That’s how we see it.” When Leonard does return, (Jan. 4 has been rumored) there certainly will be changes in the lineup, players will need to sacrifice either minutes, points or both. “Everybody’s going to have to sacrifice and Kawhi comes back,” Powell added. “I mean, he’s a franchise player, but good thing about this team is we have no egos. We all want to win. We all got something to prove and we’re doing it together.” Harden said Leonard is aware how his comeback could upset what has been building all season. But the veteran point guard believes Leonard’s return will be seamless. The Clippers will continue to play aggressive defense and attack the basket. “We’re still going to put it the same way. It’s just now we got another elite weapon on both ends of the floor, so it’s definitely a bonus for us.”
READY to wave goodbye to 2024 and see what lies in store for the next 12 months? The Sun’s astrologer shares twists and turns for the different zodiac signs in 2025 when it comes to work, finances and good fortune. 13 Sun astrologer Maggie Innes shares twists and turns for the different zodiac signs in 2025 Find out if it will be a year of celestial celebration for you. And don’t miss tomorrow’s paper, when Maggie maps out events that await at home, in health and on new horizons. ARIES March 21 – April 20 13 Saturn’s steady hold on Aries from May to September chairs great negotiations CAREER: Your “take charge” Mars magic swells throughout spring and, by mid-June, you can make your boldest move. Work-based new moons on August 23 and September 21 rejig false starts into genuine opportunities. READ MORE ON HOROSCOPES MYSTIC MEG Love deepens where new looks and sounds are sampled MYSTIC MEG The perfect partner can be waiting quietly for you to notice them CASH: Saturn’s steady hold on Aries from May to September chairs great negotiations – you possess a prime poker face! February 4 and April 30 are rich dates for finding lost tickets, accounts or legacies. Answer questions honestly in November. CHANCE: Neptune enhances intuition in everything from number choices to lucky colours from March onwards. Most read in Fabulous MIND THE GAP I'm 32 years younger than my man, trolls call me a gold digger but it's love FAUX PAS Bride bans wedding guests from wearing smart WATCHES and some say it’s 'a sign' NO EXPENSE SPARED Sue and Noel Radford accused of Christmas 'overkill' for kids' gift haul JETS GO The celebs racking up the most holidays in 2024 & Nicole Scherzinger's 18 trips Teams of three, packs of four, and any talking or rapid-response challenge, are Aries-significant. TAURUS April 21 – May 21 13 An October choice is a key decision CAREER: Friends or family who dream together can make a great business team, taking shape over the summer. Who should a Leo date? Discover the best and worst zodiac matches! With Pluto set for 20 years in your success sector, your future can break records. An October choice is a key decision. CASH: Until June, Jupiter spotlights smart ways into and out of some big money situations. Your smile can be worth a fortune! Around July 4, you can identify earning potential in a learning scenario. CHANCE: Staying silent and keeping secrets is a challenge, but with potential rich rewards. You can also find 2025 luck with music played by trios and dates that include a three. GEMINI May 22 – June 21 13 A saving goal can come closer by September CAREER: Closing a decision around January 13 can lead to open doors by September 7. You see many clever ways to pivot your career profile in 2025, guided by mentor Mercury. Late November, surf a success wave straight into 2026. CASH: You have Jupiter financial flair all year – but build in Saturn common sense, too. A saving goal can come closer by September. Vintage records hide new value. CHANCE: Number two, twinned towns or cities and second-time-around entries can all have a Gemini luck link. Uranus, with its “try anything” vibe, finds success for you in contests with unusual settings, or hi-tech themes, July to November. CANCER June 22 – July 22 13 Mars boosts risk taking from day one CAREER: Your work journey speeds up from January and Saturn-strong shoots push through in June and July. Yes, you can learn and lead. An unusual ambition around the time of October 7 deserves your full attention. CASH: Mars boosts risk taking from day one – April to June you reap rewards. Then Mercury steps in with smart strategies to double that. Stick to a money plan in September, even when temptation is strong. CHANCE: As Jupiter’s number one, by June you can feel personal luck flow. First answers, especially under pressure, your first initial and any list of number ones, past or present, can be winners. LEO July 23 – August 23 13 Number 12, December dates/birthdays and following clue trails can lead to luck CAREER: Take the first three months to suss out what you really need from work – in April and May, Mars encourages action. Saturn supports learning all summer to ace any test or interview, however many times you’ve tried. CASH: The March 14 eclipse mixes emotions and finances – and people who love each other can enrich each other. Double new money moons in August and September show that you can start again, no matter what. Believe in better! CHANCE: Number 12, December dates/birthdays and following clue trails can lead to luck. Team up with your least-likely friend or colleague for summer success. VIRGO August 24 – September 22 13 From March to May, you have crystal clear future vision CAREER: Look for Mercury career guidance and intelligence and it’s there for you, all year. From March to May, you have crystal clear future vision. Your personal moon shines so bright in August and September, nothing can stop you. CASH: Pluto’s new position underlines that people matter more than possessions – review 2025 spending plans accordingly. Wellbeing businesses, tests of patience and “H” addresses carry cash potential. CHANCE: A silly family game, a new social media connection and a local celebrity challenge can all be luck-linked for Virgo. So can football teams, November journeys and someone who changes their name in 2025. LIBRA September 23 – October 23 13 Pluto’s willingness to break rules and be creative brings rich Libra chances all year CAREER: Valentine’s Day to mid-April, you hit your Mercury progress stride, pushing obstacles aside and embracing challenges. June to late August, your best friend at work can be your best promotion ally. “Six” dates are career firsts. CASH: Set high saving/spending standards as the year begins, and Mars helps you meet them, maybe exceed them. Pluto’s willingness to break rules and be creative brings rich Libra chances all year, but especially when things feel toughest. CHANCE: Jackpots that double daily, sets of ten questions and a person or place first encountered in October can all add extra luck to 2025. SCORPIO October 24 – November 22 13 Creative skills – your own or others’ – can boost your 2025 bank balance CAREER: Planet leader Pluto transforms what job security means to you – for the next 20 years, you can run risks, aim for the sky. The solar eclipse makes March 29 super-special. Neptune endows summer insight to read bosses’ lips – and minds. CASH: Creative skills – your own or others’ – can boost your 2025 bank balance as soon as Saturn gets involved. Productivity is off the scale. Minor plans that start around August bank holiday build to major profits by Christmas. CHANCE: Old maps, new languages and a decision to believe in your ability to learn, no matter what, enhance Scorpio’s winning streak. SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 21 13 In July, only invest in people and projects that mean something CAREER: Saturn helps secure success where you are in 2025, with roles or responsibilities you may not have considered. But big offers can be irresistible in August and September. On October 29 and December 11, follow facts, not fantasy. CASH: Start 2025 taking stock of what you have, as financial genius Venus backs you until summer to build on this brilliantly. In July, only invest in people and projects that mean something. Mars goes big or goes home around December 15. CHANCE: Fortune flows from feelings, so trust yours implicitly. Figures of eight and August trips can also have lucky influence. CAPRICORN December 22 – January 20 13 Combining birthday dates, wedding planning and brokering deals can spell 2025 luck CAREER: Talk your way to success in March, put in extra hours in June. Maverick planet Uranus upends your career chart from July to November, and cautious Capricorn is no more. Get ready to surprise everyone, especially yourself. CASH: Your inner voice counts most from January to June, so ignore external spending pressures. Two travel moons, in August and September, spot some big cash chances on the move. Pluto power helps focus on the financial future, so ditch the past. CHANCE: Combining birthday dates, wedding planning and brokering deals can spell 2025 luck. An old family story can scoop a unique prize. AQUARIUS January 21 – February 18 13 Reinventing yourself can start with the full moon on January 13 CAREER: The positive vibes of Jupiter are zooming in on your work zone, so you approach serious ambitions with a lighter touch. Reinventing yourself can start with the full moon on January 13, alongside the “never say no” spirit of Mars. You’ve got this. CASH: Saturn has been on call in your money chart for years – but 2025 is the last one. So spend it finishing what you have started with a cool, clear head. April 7 and October 22 are crucial cash decision dates. CHANCE: Six o’clock, contests in three rounds and an event that has been postponed until next June can be Aquarius luck-finders. PISCES February 19 – March 20 13 Pluto toughens up secret ambitions, giving an inner shine CAREER: Mercury focuses your work mind from July to September, when you can visualise yourself in an exciting new role. February 28 and September 7 are Pisces push harder days. Pluto toughens up secret ambitions, giving an inner shine. CASH: Go your own way until May, when Saturn’s six-month shift encourages pooling money plans, working and winning as part of an “F” team. Pisces’ key money moon is October 7, so swap distractions for determination. Read more on the Scottish Sun GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ VAX HORROR Striken Scots 'gaslit' by health bosses after complications from Covid vaccine CHANCE: Neptune’s natural number-choosing and success-seeking instincts kick in strongest April to October. Families of five and locations to the east can be lucky all year.Elon Musk, the world's richest man and CEO of multiple tech companies, acknowledged the flaws in the H1-B visa system, which grants highly skilled foreign workers the ability to work in the United States. Musk admitted the program was "broken" and called for significant reform to address concerns about its misuse. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk responded to criticisms of the H1-B visa system, particularly claims that it allows the hiring of low-wage foreign workers, especially in the tech industry. Musk suggested that one way to fix the system would be by raising the minimum salary requirement for H1-B visa holders and imposing a yearly cost for maintaining the visa. He argued this would make it "materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically," which he believes could mitigate the abuse of the program. "Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1B , making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically. I’ve been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform," Musk wrote on X. He added, "I’m confident that the changes made in the @realDonaldTrump administration will make America much stronger." Musk's remarks come after he vowed to "go to war" on the issue and lashed out at critics, telling detractors to "F— yourself ." However, despite his strong rhetoric, he admitted that some of the criticisms regarding the program's shortcomings were valid. Elon Musk gains Trump’s support on H-1B visa debate amid MAGA division President-elect Donald Trump has voiced support for Elon Musk’s stance on the H-1B visa program , despite rising opposition within Trump ’s own political base. The program, which enables US companies to employ highly skilled foreign workers, has been a contentious issue, particularly among immigration hardliners in the MAGA movement. Musk, recently tapped by Trump to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy , has been vocal in defending the program. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO argues that foreign talent is crucial for innovation in the US. Musk defends H-1B program On Friday (December 27), Musk responded strongly to critics on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the role of H-1B visas in his own success and that of his companies. “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B,” Musk wrote. In a heated exchange, Musk invoked a profane quote from the movie Tropic Thunder to dismiss critics: “ Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face . I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Musk continued to defend the program, emphasizing its role in attracting exceptional talent to the US “Anyone – of any race, creed, or nationality – who came to America and worked like hell to contribute to this country will forever have my respect. America is the land of freedom and opportunity,” he posted on X. Trump sides with Musk President-elect Trump backed Musk’s position on Saturday (December 28), telling the New York Post that he has always supported the H-1B program. “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump said. Internal MAGA division Musk ’s position has deepened divisions within the MAGA ight-wing influencer Laura Loomer criticized Trump’s selection of Indian-American tech executive Sriram Krishnan as an AI policy adviser. Loomer argued the appointment contradicted Trump’s “America First” agenda and accused tech executives of prioritizing personal gain over national interests. Musk lashed out at such sentiments, calling for the removal of “contemptible fools” and “hateful, unrepentant racists” from the Republican Party. He asserted that opposition to skilled immigration undermines America’s global competitiveness. Ramaswamy’s remarks Adding to the debate, Vivek Ramaswamy criticized American culture for embracing mediocrity over merit. “A culture that once again prioritizes achievement over normalcy; excellence over mediocrity; nerdiness over conformity; hard work over laziness,” Ramaswamy said.
But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”Samsara (NYSE:IOT) Exceeds Q3 Expectations But Stock Drops
Space experts find way to defend Earth from killer asteroids in key breakthroughTrump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different
Community Comment: TV 7 viewers talk debate, holiday lighting & giving
Ateios Systems secures $350,000 grant to bring battery electrode production to upstate New YorkSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy threw one short pass in the open portion of practice for the San Francisco 49ers as he remains slowed by an injury to his throwing shoulder that has already forced him to miss a game. Purdy spent the bulk of the session of Wednesday's practice open to reporters as either a spectator or executing handoffs outside of one short pass to Jordan Mason. Purdy hurt his shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. He tried to throw at practice last Thursday but had soreness in his right shoulder and shut it down. He missed a loss to Green Bay but was able to do some light throwing on Monday. His status for this week remains in doubt as the Niners (5-6) prepare to visit Buffalo on Sunday night. Purdy isn't the only key player for San Francisco dealing with injuries. Left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa remain sidelined at practice Wednesday after missing last week's game. Williams was using a scooter to get around the locker room as he deals with a left ankle injury. Bosa has been out with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Bosa said the week off helped him make progress and that he hopes to be able to take part in individual drills later in the week. Bosa wouldn't rule out being able to play on Sunday. "It’s feeling a lot better,” Bosa said. “Still need to get better before I’m ready to go. This week will be big and I’ll know a lot more in the next couple of days.” Running back Christian McCaffrey has been able to play, but isn't back to the form that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after missing the first eight games this season with Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey has 149 yards rushing in three games back with his 3.5 yards per carry down significantly from last season's mark of 5.4. But he is confident he will be able to get back to his usual level of play. “When you lose and maybe you don’t jump out on the stat sheet, your failures are highlighted,” he said. “I’m happy I’m out here playing football and I just know with time it will come.” Coach Kyle Shanahan said he has liked what he has seen from McCaffrey, adding that there hasn't been much room to run in recent weeks. But Shanahan said it takes time to get back to speed after McCaffrey had almost no practice time for nine months. “Guys who miss offseasons and miss training camp, usually it takes them a little bit of time at the beginning of the year to get back into how they were the year before, let alone missing half the season also on top of that,” Shanahan said. “I think Christian’s doing a hell of a job. But to just think him coming back in Week 8 with not being able to do anything for the last nine months or whatever it is, and to think he’s just going to be in MVP form is a very unrealistic expectation.” NOTES: LB Dre Greenlaw took part in his first practice since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl. Greenlaw will likely need a couple of weeks of practice before being able to play. ... LB Fred Warner said he has been dealing with a fracture in his ankle since Week 4 and is doing his best to manage the pain as he plays through it. ... CB Deommodore Lenoir didn't practice after banging knees on Sunday. His status for this week remains in question. ... DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), OL Aaron Banks (concussion) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) also didn't practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
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Mrvan wins House backing for veterans health care initiativeWith a focus on human rights, US policy toward Latin America under Jimmy Carter briefly tempered a long tradition of interventionism in a key sphere of American influence, analysts say. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, defied the furor of US conservatives to negotiate the handover of the Panama Canal to Panamanian control, suspended aid to multiple authoritarian governments in the region, and even attempted to normalize relations with Cuba. Carter's resolve to chart a course toward democracy and diplomacy, however, was severely tested in Central America and Cuba, where he was forced to balance his human rights priorities with pressure from adversaries to combat the spread of communism amid the Cold War standoff with the Soviet Union. "Latin America was fundamental and his global policy was oriented toward human rights, democratic values and multilateral cooperation," political analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington, told AFP. During his 1977-1981 administration, which was sandwiched between the Republican presidencies of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the Democrat sought to take a step back from US alignment with right-wing dictatorships in Latin America. An important symbol of Carter's approach was the signing of two treaties in 1977 to officially turn over the Panama Canal in 1999. "Jimmy Carter understood that if he did not return the canal to Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama could lead to a new crisis in a country where Washington could not afford the luxury of instability," said Luis Guillermo Solis, a political scientist and former president of Costa Rica. Carter called the decision, which was wildly unpopular back home, "the most difficult political challenge I ever had," as he accepted Panama's highest honor in 2016. He also hailed the move as "a notable achievement of moving toward democracy and freedom." During his term, Carter opted not to support Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza, who was subsequently overthrown by the leftist Sandinista Front in 1979. But in El Salvador, the American president had to "make a very uncomfortable pact with the government," said Shifter. To prevent communists from taking power, Carter resumed US military assistance for a junta which then became more radical, engaging in civilian massacres and plunging El Salvador into a long civil war. Carter took a critical approach to South American dictatorships in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, suspending arms deliveries and imposing sanctions in some cases. But his efforts "did not achieve any progress in terms of democratization," said Argentine political scientist Rosendo Fraga. The American president also tried to normalize relations with Cuba 15 years after the missile crisis. He relaxed sanctions that had been in force since 1962, supported secret talks and enabled limited diplomatic representation in both countries. "With him, for the first time, the possibility of dialogue rather than confrontation as a framework for political relations opened up," Jesus Arboleya, a former Cuban diplomat, told AFP. But in 1980, a mass exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States, with Fidel Castro's blessing, created an unexpected crisis. It "hurt Carter politically with the swarm of unexpected immigrants," said Jennifer McCoy, a professor of political science at Georgia State University. Castro continued to support Soviet-backed African governments and even deployed troops against Washington's wishes, finally putting an end to the normalization process. However, more than 20 years later, Carter made a historic visit to Havana as ex-president, at the time becoming the highest-profile American politician to set foot on Cuban soil since 1959. During the 2002 visit, "he made a bold call for the US to lift its embargo, but he also called on Castro to embrace democratic opening," said McCoy, who was part of the US delegation for the trip, during which Castro encouraged Carter to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cuban All-Star baseball game. "Castro was sitting in the front row and we were afraid he would rise to give a long rebuttal to Carter's speech. But he didn't. He just said, 'Let's go to the ball game.'" In the years following Carter's presidency, Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) would go on to resume a full-frontal confrontation with Cuba. Decades later, Barack Obama (2009-2017) opened a new phase of measured normalization, which Donald Trump (2017-2021) brought to an end. US President Joe Biden promised to review US policy toward Cuba, but hardened his stance after Havana cracked down on anti-government protests in 2021. "Carter showed that engagement and diplomacy are more fruitful than isolation," McCoy said. bur-lp-rd-jb/lbc/mlr/bfm/sst/bbk
NoneCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Known across the globe as the stuck astronauts, hit the six-month mark in space Thursday with two more to go. The pair , the first to ride Boeing's new Starliner crew capsule on what was supposed to be a weeklong test flight. They arrived at the International Space Station the next day, only after overcoming a cascade of . NASA deemed the capsule too risky for a return flight, so it will be February before their long and trying mission comes to a close. While NASA managers bristle at calling them stuck or stranded, the two retired Navy captains shrug off the description of their plight. They insist they're fine and accepting of their fate. Wilmore views it as a detour of sorts: "We're just on a different path." "I like everything about being up here," Williams told students Wednesday from an elementary school named for her in Needham, Massachusetts, her hometown. "Just living in space is super fun." Both astronauts lived up there before, so they quickly became full-fledged members of the crew, helping with science experiments and chores like fixing a broken toilet, vacuuming the air vents and watering the plants. Williams took over as station commander in September. "Mindset does go a long way," Wilmore said in response to a question from Nashville first graders in October. He's from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. "I don't look at these situations in life as being downers." Boeing in September, and NASA moved Wilmore and Williams to a not due back until late February. Two other astronauts were bumped to make room and to keep to a six-month schedule for crew rotations. Like other station crews, Wilmore and Williams trained for spacewalks and any unexpected situations that might arise. "When the crews go up, they know they could be there for up to a year," NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free said. found that out the hard way when the Russian Space Agency had to rush up a replacement capsule for him and two cosmonauts in 2023, pushing their six-month mission to just past a year. Boeing said this week that input from Wilmore and Williams was "invaluable" in the ongoing inquiry of what went wrong. The company said it is preparing for Starliner's next flight but declined to comment on when it might launch again. NASA also has high praise for the pair. "Whether it was luck or whether it was selection, they were great folks to have for this mission," NASA's chief health and medical officer, Dr. JD Polk, said during an interview with The Associated Press. On top of everything else, Williams, 59, had to deal with "rumors," as she calls them, of serious weight loss. She insists her weight is the same as it was on launch day, which Polk confirms. During Wednesday's student chat, Williams said she didn't have much of an appetite when she first arrived in space. But now she's "super hungry" and eating three meals a day plus snacks, while logging the required two hours of daily exercise. Williams, a distance runner, uses the space station treadmill to support races in her home state. She competed in Cape Cod's 7-mile Falmouth Road Race in August. She ran the 2007 Boston Marathon up there as well. She has a New England Patriots shirt with her for game days, as well as a Red Sox spring training shirt. "Hopefully I'll be home before that happens — but you never know," she said in November. Husband Michael Williams, a retired federal marshal and former Navy aviator, is caring for their dogs back home in Houston. As for Wilmore, 61, he's missing his younger daughter's senior year in high school and his older daughter's theater productions in college. "We can't deny that being unexpectedly separated, especially during the holidays when the entire family gets together, brings increased yearnings to share the time and events together," his wife, Deanna Wilmore, told the AP in a text this week. Her husband "has it worse than us" since he's confined to the space station and can only connect via video for short periods. "We are certainly looking forward to February!!" she wrote.
