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NonePresident Joe Biden on Monday signed into law a defense bill that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, aims to counter China 's growing power and boosts overall military spending to $895 billion despite his objections to language stripping coverage of transgender medical treatments for children in military families. Biden said his administration strongly opposes the provision because it targets a group based on gender identity and "interferes with parents’ roles to determine the best care for their children.” He said it also undermines the all-volunteer military's ability to recruit and retain talent. “No service member should have to decide between their family’s health care access and their call to serve our nation,” the president said in a statement. The Senate forwarded the bill to Biden after passing it last week by a vote of 85-14. In the House, a majority of Democrats voted against the bill after House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted on adding the provision to ban transgender medical care for children. The legislation easily passed by a vote of 281-140. Biden also objected to other language in the bill prohibiting the use of money earmarked to transfer detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba , to some foreign countries and into the United States. He urged Congress to lift those restrictions. The annual defense authorization bill, which directs Pentagon policy, provides a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others. The legislation also directs resources towards a more confrontational approach to China, including establishing a fund that could be used to send military resources to Taiwan in much the same way that the U.S. has backed Ukraine. It also invests in new military technologies, including artificial intelligence, and bolsters the U.S. production of ammunition. The U.S. has also moved in recent years to ban the military from purchasing Chinese products, and the defense bill extended that with prohibitions on Chinese goods from garlic in military commissaries to drone technology. The legislation still must be backed up with a spending package. __ Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.India can lead the way in tackling antimicrobial resistance

Report: Former Nebraska coach Scott Frost returns to UCF as head coach

NSW Premier Chris Minns has called for a review of laws to prevent the targeting of places of worship following the heinous firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. The firebombing of the Melbourne synagogue led to former treasurer Josh Frydenberg demanding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese take action on rampant antisemitism in the country by declaring the attack on Friday a terrorist event. Mr Minns has affirmed the Melbourne synagogue attack as “an act of terrorism”. On Wednesday, at least 70 pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside Sydney's Great Synagogue calling for sanctions against Israel, while members of the Jewish community were locked inside. The NSW Premier’s intention to look at law reforms to protect places of worship is in its early stages after he asked state Attorney-General Michael Daley to consider options. Mr Minns said he was “horrified” by the attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, as well as the “recent sight of protests” outside the Grand Synagogue in Sydney. “I’ve asked the Attorney-General and the cabinet office to look at ways we can better protect places of worship from protests and provide reform options to the government,” he said. “Being heckled on the way in to observe your faith is not consistent with the principles of a multicultural, multifaith community where all are protected by law from someone stopping them from prayer. “It is the bedrock of our multicultural state. People have the right to feel safe in their own city, in their own churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship.” The potential laws would regulate protesting outside of religious institutions which seeks to intimidate worshippers. The Premier said “holding the line” was no longer feasible and the government needed to make sure the freedom of religion was “protected”. Mr Minns’ strong stance on antisemitism has been praised by the Jewish community, with The Australian revealing on Monday that Rabbi Benjamin Elton, a chief minister at Sydney’s Great Synagogue, called the NSW Premier “extraordinarily strong” on the issue. Last month, Mr Minns admitted he was concerned about further anti-Israel incidents against Sydney's Jewish community leading up to Christmas after two assailants targeted residents in Woollahra, in the city's eastern suburbs, defacing almost a dozen cars and homes with “f*k Israel". The Premier visited Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra, spoke with Jewish leaders and insisted no one should be attacked based on their religion or race or feel harassed or intimidated in their home. "I know that members of the Jewish community since the horrifying terrorist attacks on October 7 have felt unsafe in their own town and I’m deeply sorry for that," he said. Mr Minns appeared angry as he stressed police and the NSW government would "throw the book" at anyone who made antisemitic acts of violence against the public. "We are taking these violent criminal acts very seriously. They are motivated by hate, they are hateful acts on members of our community and this police force is working incredibly hard to track down those who have committed this horrifying act," he said.

Ice Spice has undergone a pretty dramatic fitness journey as of late, and has taken to social media quite often to show off her weight loss in recent months. Of course, a lot of fans expressed their support for her mission to work on herself, whereas others shared more critical perspectives of her transformation. Folks accused the Bronx femcee of using Ozempic or just hated on her new physique. However, it's clear that she doesn't put much stock into these troll takes, or at least, she has a lot of energy to respond in kind. The "Think U The S**t" hitmaker seemed to clap back via a recent Instagram post. Specifically, it's a meme of a grossed-out Spongebob saying "she mid bro," seemingly commenting on the types of people who criticize Ice Spice's looks . There's nothing like a good meme to rally fans over to your side and engage in some Internet banter in the process. Still, some fan concern could come from more earnest corners, not the blind negativity that she seems to have a particular issue with. But if that were the case, then Spice isn't responding to that genuine worry just yet. Read More: Ice Spice Transforms Into A Playboy Bunny For Halloween Performance Maybe she will one day, but given just how much hate she has to deal with online for much more important reasons, she probably has other priorities in mind. Ice Spice has a big career to sustain and nurture, whether that's through new music or through extracurricular ventures such as her Fortnite collab . While she did receive a lot of negative criticism this year for her musical output, it was also still a massive year for her, and certainly not one that she can't follow up more explosively in 2025. Nevertheless, only time will tell if Ice Spice's star is starting to fade or if it's just now catching its spark. In either case, she will probably continue to ward the haters off and use all the negative attention towards her to her advantage. Sadly, a lot of female rappers have to adopt this strategy to get to the real meat of criticism towards them, not the misogynistic and close-minded perspective that usually overwhelms their online presences. Read More: Ice Spice Shocks Fans With Dramatic New Hair ColorState college football roundup: JMU heading to Boca Raton Bowl

NEW YORK — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare pleaded not guilty on Monday to state murder and terror charges while his attorney complained that comments coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough to receive a fair trial. Luigi Mangione, 26, was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his plea. The Manhattan district attorney charged him last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione’s initial appearance in New York’s state trial court was preempted by federal prosecutors bringing their own charges over the shooting. The federal charges could carry the possibility of the death penalty, while the maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. One of Mangione’s attorneys told a judge that government officials, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, have turned Mangione into a political pawn, robbing him of his rights as a defendant and tainting the jury pool. “I am very concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial,” said Karen Friedman Agnifilo. Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stood among a throng of heavily armed officers last Thursday when Mangione was flown to a Manhattan heliport and escorted up a pier after being extradited from Pennsylvania. Friedman Agnifilo said police turned Mangione’s return to New York into a choreographed spectacle. “He was on display for everyone to see in the biggest stage perp walk I’ve ever seen in my career. It was absolutely unnecessary,” she said. In a statement, Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus said: “Critics can say all they want, but showing up to support our law enforcement and sending the message to New Yorkers that violence and vitriol have no place in our city is who Mayor Eric Adams is to his core.” “The cold-blooded assassination of Brian Thompson — a father of two — and the terror it infused on the streets of New York City for days has since been sickeningly glorified, shining a spotlight on the darkest corners of the internet,” Mamelak Altus said. Friedman Agnifilo also accused federal and state prosecutors of advancing conflicting legal theories, calling their approach confusing and highly unusual. “He is being treated like a human pingpong ball between warring jurisdictions here,” she said Monday. State trial court Judge Gregory Carro said he has little control over what happens outside the courtroom, but can guarantee Mangione will receive a fair trial. Authorities say Mangione gunned down Thompson as he was walking to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan on the morning of Dec 4. Mangione was arrested in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after a five-day search, carrying a gun that matched the one used in the shooting and a fake ID, police said. He also was carrying a notebook expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and especially wealthy executives, according to federal prosecutors. At a news conference last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the application of the terrorism law reflected the severity of a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.” “In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror,” he added. Mangione is being held in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside several other high-profile defendants, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried. During his court appearance Monday, he smiled at times when talking with his attorneys and stretched his right hand after an officer removed his cuffs. Outside the courthouse, a few dozen supporters chanted, “Free Luigi,” over the blare of a trumpet. Natalie Monarrez, a 55-year-old Staten Island resident, said she joined the demonstration because she lost both her mother and her life savings as a result of denied insurance claims. “As extreme as it was, it jolted the conversation that we need to deal with this issue,” she said of the shooting. “Enough is enough, people are fed up.” An Ivy-league graduate from a prominent Maryland family, Mangione appeared to have cut himself off from family and friends in recent months. He posted frequently in online forums about his struggles with back pain. He was never a UnitedHealthcare client, according to the insurer. Thompson, a married father of two high-schoolers, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021. The killing has prompted some to voice their resentment at U.S. health insurers, with Mangione serving as a stand-in for frustrations over coverage denials and hefty medical bills. It also has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, rattling executives who say they have received a spike in threats.Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF (NASDAQ:PSC) to Issue $0.08 Dividend

Trump steps into skilled-work visa clash, saying they’re ‘great’By MARC LEVY HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo believes narrow loss to Bills shows potential of his young teamBushra Bibi, incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's wife, will not attend the "do-or-die" protest planned for Sunday (today) due to illness, her spokesperson Mashal Yousafzai said on Saturday. The statement from Bushra's spokesperson on the eve of former ruling party' much-hyped "decisive" anti-government protest in Islamabad. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also confirmed that the former first lady would not be participate in the PTI demonstration due to ill health. He made the statement while speaking on the Geo News programme "Naya Pakistan". Bushra has recently faced a strong reaction from government officials for her recent video message wherein she accused Saudi Arabia of playing a role in Khan’s ouster as premier. In a video message shared on PTI’s official X handle, Bushra alleged that Saudi officials had expressed displeasure over ex-prime minister Khan’s "barefooted" visit to Madina. She had also urged PTI supporters to join much-hyped protest on November 24 in Islamabad. However, Imran rebuffed the government’s impression, saying that he has "excellent relations" with Saudi Arabia. Sources closer to the former ruling party told Geo News that the former first lady had been busy participating in political activities since November 1 and also held meetings with the PTI leaders regarding preparations for the November 24 demonstration. They also revealed that the incarcerated PTI founder had sent a message to Bushra to stay out of political matters after her statement backfired at a crucial time when his party was mounting pressure on the government for his release. Following her statement that stirred a controversy, cases were registered against Bushra, under the Telegraph Act of 1885 a day ago. The FIRs were lodged in Dera Ghazi Khan and other cities, accusing her of inciting hatred through her video statement, The News reported. According to the police, legal proceedings were underway under Section 126 of the Telegraph Act and other relevant laws. A case under cybercrime offence was also under consideration that would be taken up by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing within a day, it added.

NoneFarmers boost Dallewal security; to block trains, roads, milk supplyIn a significant Washington shake-up, Gary Gensler, Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, announced his resignation as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Gensler, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, has had a tumultuous tenure, marked by conflicts with Wall Street and the cryptocurrency sector. Meanwhile, the political landscape is shifting in traditionally Democratic strongholds. In Socorro, New Mexico, a working-class district is vocal in its support for Trump, citing high poverty and fentanyl issues. This support underscores a deeper shift in political allegiances as Trump expands Republican influence, including taking the majority in the Senate after Pennsylvania's Bob Casey conceded to his opponent. Legal twists abound as Illinois' highest court overturned actor Jussie Smollett's conviction, citing double jeopardy concerns. In a separate move, Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the new U.S. Attorney General, replacing Matt Gaetz. Elsewhere, the Department of Justice criticized New Jersey police for excessive force, and Elon Musk recruited Marjorie Taylor Greene to lead a government efficiency panel. In an evolving narrative on Wall Street, Trump's administration seeks talent from Apollo, positioning Jay Clayton and Marc Rowan as potential key players. This move coincides with a strategic Senate maneuver allowing Trump to fill four judge seats, signifying an ongoing transformation in U.S. judiciary appointments. (With inputs from agencies.)None

Longest-lived US president was always happy to speak his mind

By Lakhvinder Singh Lakhvinder Singh Donald Trump's return as U.S. president has introduced profound uncertainties for South Korea's foreign and security policies, which have been closely aligned with the Biden administration. Trump's transactional approach to alliances could destabilize South Korea's security and economic frameworks, necessitating a reassessment of its strategic posture within the Indo-Pacific region. This shift may also complicate the rapidly strengthening India-Korea strategic partnership, potentially stalling recent advancements and impacting the regional balance of power. While it may be premature to fully gauge the impact of Trump's reelection on India-South Korea strategic relations, his initial pronouncements reveal a complex set of challenges as well as potential new pathways for collaboration between India and South Korea. Trump's return as the 47th president of the United States presents both nuanced challenges and strategic openings for these two countries amid a reshaping of global alliances in response to escalating tensions in East Asia. Trump's likely intensification of an antiglobal agenda and his continued emphasis on cost-sharing for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea could strain the traditional U.S.-South Korea alliance, compelling Seoul to reevaluate its defense and strategic partnerships within the region. Concurrently, India's growing engagement with BRICS may create friction with U.S. interests as the bloc's objectives increasingly diverge from those of the U.S. BRICS is an intergovernmental group including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In light of these developments, India and South Korea could strengthen their partnership, unified by a mutual vision of a secure, multipolar Indo-Pacific and resilient economic ties that offer a balanced response to regional power dynamics. Trump's anticipated efforts to improve U.S. relations with Russia and potentially reengage North Korea necessitate a recalibrated India-South Korea alignment, fostering mutual trust and counterbalancing the influence of a potential China-Russia-North Korea bloc. Russia remains one of India's primary arms suppliers, while China is South Korea's largest trading partner, adding further intricacies to their respective foreign policies. China's assertive posture in the South China Sea is a shared concern for both nations, which are highly dependent on stable maritime routes for economic stability. The degree to which India and South Korea can align their interests with Trump's antiglobalist agenda remains uncertain. The North Korean nuclear issue remains a constant security threat to both India and South Korea, underscoring the need for coordinated responses. Given Trump's focus on an "America First" approach, his administration may engage North Korea in ways that prioritize U.S. national interests, necessitating alternative approaches for India and South Korea. In this regard, India's experience with nuclear-armed neighbors provides valuable insights for South Korean policymakers, while South Korea's regional proximity and intelligence expertise offer critical knowledge about North Korea's nuclear collaborations with states in the Middle East and South Asia. Collaboratively, India and South Korea could leverage India's neutral stance to facilitate diplomatic channels in multilateral forums while relying on South Korea's intelligence capabilities to strengthen their regional security posture. As the Trump administration reasserts a nationalistic stance on Indo-Pacific policies, there is a strong likelihood of heightened technological and military cooperation between India and South Korea. This prospective alignment would enable both countries to respond effectively to regional uncertainties, irrespective of U.S. involvement, thereby defending their shared interests and way of life. Such cooperation could potentially extend to more frequent joint military exercises, advanced defense technology exchanges and intelligence-sharing aimed at countering North Korea's missile developments and China's regional assertiveness. These measures would not only strengthen the defensive capabilities of both nations but also contribute to a cohesive security framework essential for sustaining stability across the Indo-Pacific. For India, traditionally reliant on Russian defense technology, increased collaboration with South Korea would provide access to advanced military technologies, offering a strategic pivot from its historical dependency on Russian arms amid Russia's current challenges due to the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, both countries are well-positioned to partner in critical technology sectors, including cybersecurity, space exploration and missile defense, which are essential for addressing shared security challenges. The semiconductor industry, a crucial sector for both economies, presents a promising opportunity for joint investment, bolstering supply chain resilience and advancing technological independence. Trump's "America First" policy is likely to induce shifts in global trade patterns. However, India and South Korea have strong incentives to enhance bilateral economic ties, mitigating potential disruptions from U.S. trade policies. India's "Make in India" initiative and burgeoning digital economy provide a robust platform for South Korean investments, while South Korea's advanced manufacturing capabilities could cater to India's expanding consumer market. This resilient economic partnership would not only sustain bilateral trade but also provide stability against the volatility of U.S. trade policy under Trump, establishing a reliable economic foundation for both countries. The reelection of Trump introduces both continuity and complexity to the India-South Korea strategic relationship, urging both nations to remain adaptable and proactive within East Asia's shifting power dynamics. A second Trump term may serve as a catalyst for deeper defense cooperation, enhanced technological collaborations and strengthened economic ties between India and South Korea. With Trump's emphasis on an "America First" policy, the potential consolidation of a China-Russia-North Korea axis underscores the urgency for a robust India-South Korea alliance, positioning both nations as stabilizing forces within East Asia and empowering them to address the complex challenges posed by an evolving international order. Although a Trump presidency may bring India and South Korea closer together, policymakers should exercise caution. Potential collaboration does not necessarily equate to guaranteed opportunities. Given the fluidity of the geopolitical landscape, decision-makers in both countries must remain vigilant to safeguard their interests. A single misstep could risk derailing the trajectory of cooperation, directing both countries in divergent paths and curtailing the prospect of a close partnership. Both nations are thus urged to approach this alliance with prudence, ensuring their strategies remain aligned with a long-term vision for sustained cooperation. The writer is a Seoul-based geostrategic analyst.Shares of Sable Resources Ltd. ( CVE:SAE – Get Free Report ) fell 16.7% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.03 and last traded at C$0.03. 758,789 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 342% from the average session volume of 171,599 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.03. Sable Resources Stock Performance The company has a market cap of C$7.18 million, a P/E ratio of -0.63 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 40.33, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33. The company has a 50 day moving average price of C$0.04 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.04. Sable Resources Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Sable Resources Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Mexico and Argentina. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and other deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Don Julio project covering an area of 63,314 hectares; the El Fierro project covering an area of 58,510 hectares; the El Fierrazo project, the Los Pumas project, and the Laspina project located in San Juan Province, Argentina; and the Vinata project and the El Escarpe project located in Mexico. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sable Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sable Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Alexander and Boston University secure 80-74 OT win over Albany