Christophe Barraud predicted a Republican sweep and spike in the 10-year yield. Barraud, a top US economy forecaster, expects GDP growth to exceed consensus forecasts. He also expects higher inflation and shares concerns over the deficit crossing 7.5% of GDP. In the months leading up to the US election, betting markets were choppy, at one point leaning in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris over President-Elect Donald Trump. But as we got closer to voting day, things began to consolidate. By October, there was enough data for Christophe Barraud, the chief economist and strategist at Market Securities Monaco, to confidently make a call, concluding that it would likely be a Republican sweep . And he nailed it. His economic models also forecast that the result would cause a shock spike in the 10-year yield to at least 4.5%. On November 6, as results from the polls rapidly poured in, the yield hit an intraday peak of 4.75%. As of Friday, it was hovering near 4.4%. Looking ahead, Barraud, who Bloomberg has ranked as the most accurate forecaster of the US economy every year except once since 2012, is making some slight adjustments to his 2025 projections for US GDP growth and inflation. "Now that we have a clear result without a contested election, I'm pretty sure that many companies will adjust their CapEx, will invest more, and will also add more jobs," Barraud said. "Whoever was elected, the economy was supposed to accelerate. But with Trump, I think that there could be a kind of sentiment boost in the short term because a lot of consumers and companies are expecting tax cuts, which could be positive even before implementing them." He previously said that US GDP growth in 2025 would be stronger than expected at 2.1%, above Bloomberg's consensus forecast of 1.9%. Post-elections, he anticipates a slight boost to that number and may revise it upward over the next few weeks to 2.2% or 2.3%. This follows the assumption that adverse weather conditions and election uncertainty temporarily damped growth. Near term, he will look for clues from wage growth, jobless claims, and company commentary on Christmas sales as confirmation. Despite the Republican sweep, Trump will still face friction on his policies. Barraud expects a handful of Republican senators to push back on changes that could aggravate government debt . It means Trump will be forced to lower the bar on his promises to avoid shaving too much off government revenue. Otherwise, the budget and deficit would explode, Barraud noted. For example, if Trump wants to make the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 permanent, the promised corporate tax-rate cut of 15% may need to look more like 17% or 18%, he noted. Based on information pulled from the Congressional Budget Office, the Tax Foundation, and conversations Barraud is having with clients, including large banks and hedge funds, he has concluded that if the deficit exceeds the threshold of 7.5% to 8% of GDP annually, it would significantly impact long-duration US Treasuries. The fiscal budget gap for 2024 is 6.4%, up from 2023's deficit of 6.2%. "The idea is that if the deficit is above this threshold, the interest rate on the 10-year could go beyond 5%, and it'll have a negative effect on the economy, especially for the housing market," Barraud said. "So we think that beyond 5%, there could be negative spillover, and that could be counterproductive." The spillover would go beyond mortgage rates. As the yield rises, servicing US debt would become more expensive, borrowing costs for companies and consumers would rise, and at some point, multiples would come under pressure, hurting the stock market, too, he noted. Finally, inflation could be higher than expected in 2025. He projects the consumer price index averaging 2.5%. A stronger labor market will cause this, especially wage growth and new job creation, combined with labor shortages from restrictive immigration policy. And as tariffs take effect toward the end of the year, it could further boost inflation.
The United States Postal Service might have found a way to unite a nation bitterly divided after this month's election: It will release a Betty White stamp. The beloved actor known for roles in "The Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Boston Legal" and others will be on a 2025 Forever stamp, USPS announced this past week. White died in late December 2021 , less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Postal Service hasn't announced a release date for the stamp. Betty White speaks Sept. 17, 2018, at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. “An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades,” the Postal Service said in announcing the stamp, which depicts a smiling White based on a 2010 photograph by celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston . “The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals.” Boston-based artist Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration from Alston's photo. "I'd love to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self with this stamp on it and tell him that everything is going to be OK," Stephanos posted on Facebook . Regardless of personal politics, self-proclaimed supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reacted with delight on social media. "Betty White was my hero, all of my life! I actually had a doll when I was a little girl I named Betty White," one Trump supporter posted on X , formerly Twitter. “Something to make this awful week a little better: We’re getting a Betty White stamp,” a pro-Harris X account posted. White combined a wholesome image with a flare for bawdy jokes . Her television career began in the early 1950s and exploded as she aged. “The only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party," Seth Meyers posted on Twitter after her death. "A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.” Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White, who love to play games, continue a two year gin rummy battle in which she's ahead by a cumulative 6,000 points in Westchester, N.Y. on April 29, 1965. They do it professionally on TV. He's the master of ceremonies on "Password," and she makes frequent guest appearances on game shows. They play games to relax at home. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White admire magnolia blossoms on the lawn of their country home in Westchester, N.Y. on May 14, 1965. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Actress Betty White in 1965. (AP Photo) Betty White shares a moment backstage at the 28th annual Emmy Awards with Ted Knight after they each won an Emmy for their supporting roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." On the series Miss White played Sue Ann Nivens while Knight played newscaster Ted Baxter. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 17, 1976: (L-R) "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" co-stars - Ed Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight - all won awards at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 28th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Shubert Theatre on May 17, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by TVA/PictureGroup/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images) Actress Betty White with Ted Knight at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept. 13, 1981. (AP Photo/Randy Rasmussen) Betty White and Anson Williams don't seem to faze Buckeye, a St. Bernard, during an awards ceremony during which Williams was honored by the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a friend and lover of animals. Ms. White presented a humanitarian plaque to Williams at the event, which was held in Hollywood, California, Friday, May 1, 1982. (AP Photo/Marc Karody) Actress Betty White with actor John Hillerman arriving at Emmy Awards, Sept. 22, 1985 in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/LIU) Actresses Betty White Ludden, left, and Mary Tyler Moore, right, smile at each other in Los Angeles, Friday, June 22, 1985 during Annual Meeting of Morris Animal Foundation, at which Ludden announced her retirement as President of the animal health group, held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) These four veteran actresses from the television series "The Golden Girls" shown during a break in taping Dec. 25, 1985 in Hollywood. From left are, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Betty White. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Actress Betty White poses in Los Angeles, Ca. in June, 1986. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Betty White stands backstage at the NBC TV Bob Hope "I Love Lucy" special on Sept. 16, 1989. (AP Photo/Djansezian) Michael J. Fox and Betty White, winners of Emmys for best actor and actress in a comedy series, stand backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, Sunday, Sept. 21, 1986 after receiving their honors. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) Comedienne Betty White places her hand on the star that was presented posthumously to her husband, Allen Ludden, during ceremonies inducting him into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Thursday, March 31, 1988. Ludden was honored with the 1,868th star of the famed walkway — between those of White and Tyrone Power. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Estelle Getty, who plays Sophia, poses with her new husband, who plays Max, and the other "Golden Girls" after taping of episode on Friday, night, Nov. 5,1988 in Hollywood. Left to right are Rue McCLanahan (Blanche), Getty, Gilford, Bea Arthur (Dorothy) and Betty White. (AP Photo/Ira Mark Gostin) Former cast members of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, sans Mary Tyler Moore, are reunited for the Museum of Television and Radio's 9th annual Television Festival in Los Angeles Saturday, March 21, 1992. From left are Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White and Ed Asner. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii) Actress Betty White, left, writer/producer David E. Kelley, actress Bridget Fonda, and actor Oliver Platt pose at the premiere of their movie "Lake Placid," Wednesday night, July 14, 1999, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White, from "Golden Girls," and Mr. T, Lawrence Tureaud, from "The A Team," pose for photographers at NBC's 75th Anniversary Party, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Actors Betty White, left, Georgia Engel, second left, Gavin MacLeod, center, Valerie Harper, second right, and John Amos pose for photographers during arrivals at CBS's 75th anniversary celebration Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano) Actress Betty White laughs as an African eagle roosts overhead at the Los Angeles Zoo Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, in Los Angeles, where White was honored as Ambassador to the Animals by the city for her decades of dedication to the humane treatment of animals. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Betty White poses for photographers on the red carpet before Comedy Central's "Roast of William Shatner," Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Betty White arrives at the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, on Friday, June 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Beatrice Arthur, left, Betty White, center, and Rue McClanahan, of the Golden Girls, arrive at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actor Henry Winkler, center, is seen Beatrice Arthur, right, and Betty White at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, actress Betty White poses for a portrait following her appearance on the television talk show "In the House," in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) Actress Betty White poses for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actress Betty White is seen on stage at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 in Universal City, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, a cast member in "You Again," poses with fans holding Betty White masks at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Actress Betty White wears a U.S. Forest Ranger hat after being named an Honorary Forest Ranger by the US Forest Service, at the Kennedy Center in Washington Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. White has stated in numerous interviews that her first ambition as a young girl was "to become a forest ranger, but they didn't allow women to do that back then". (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Betty White, left, Bradley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson arrive at the MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, Calif., on Sunday, June 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, left, Kristen Bell, center, and Jamie Lee Curtis, cast members in "You Again," pose together at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Betty White, left, accepts the Life Achievement Award from Sandra Bullock at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) From left, actresses Betty White, Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, and Jane Leeves pose for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Alec Baldwin, left, and Betty White are seen on stage at the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White attends a book signing for her book 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)' at Barnes & Noble in New York, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) Actress Betty White attends a press conference prior to the taping of "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute To America's Golden Girl" on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Vince Bucci) Actress Betty White arrives on a white pony as she is honored at a Friars Club Roast sponsored by Godiva, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York. (AP Photo/Starpix, Marion Curtis) Betty White, at left, attends her wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds on Monday, June 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP) From left, Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Shuck, Actress Betty White and The 2012 American Hero Dog Gabe pose during 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP) Betty White and Cloris Leachman onstage at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the JW Marriott on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP) Ellen DeGeneres, left, presents Betty White with the award for favorite TV icon at the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Betty White, left, speaks at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Looking on from right are Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Forte scores 21, South Dakota beats Western Illinois 89-66
Dr. Kingsley R. Chin: Federal Judge Dismisses Money Laundering Charges in His Former Role as CEO of SpineFrontier Inc.
The fragile balance of US-China trade Trump’s incoming press secretary confirms that he invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to inauguration After decades of facilitating and even encouraging China’s rise, the dramatic shift by the US to a policy of containment could gather pace when Donald Trump takes over on January 20, 2025 as president. The tensions marking the US-China relationship have generated a pessimistic, sometimes dire, vision for its future. Hostility has reached a level that makes war thinkable within the next decade. It has become difficult to imagine how Washington and Beijing might turn their relationship, which is so crucial to the future of world order, toward calmer waters. However, the hostility is likely to be constrained by their economic interdependence. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed last week that he had invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the inauguration, but the risk levels for Xi accepting seem high. Observers indicate Xi may choose to decline the invitation even though Trump has signalled his willingness to work with China and acknowledge their shared interests. Xi’s participation could be perceived as conceding to the new US leadership, especially amid rising tariffs Trump has already threatened, which could reach as high as 60 per cent for Chinese imports. However, President Xi Jinping has emphasised that China is prepared to stay in communication with the US to expand cooperation, manage differences, continue exploring the right way to get along with each other in the new era and realise long-term, peaceful coexistence to the benefit of the two countries and the world at large. Xi made the remarks on 10 December in a congratulatory letter to the 2024 Gala Dinner of the US-China Business Council, saying that: "We both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. We should choose dialogue over confrontation and win-win cooperation over zero-sum games”. American consumers could soon face higher prices for foreign-made goods if Trump carries out expected hikes in US import tariffs. Trump promised tariffs on all imports from 10-20 per cent, with a special rate of 60 per cent on all imports from China. Analysis of current trade flows and tariff rates shows that electronics and machinery will face the highest import tax burden if Trump implements the promised duty hikes. But will he? Northwestern University’s Nancy Qian points out that it is not only China that will suffer if a new Trump administration imposes “sweeping tariffs” against the country. Such a policy, together with Trump’s other tax proposals, could cost Americans $500 billion per year, with the burden “borne disproportionately by lower-income households, which rely more on cheap imports”. The economic relationship between China and the US has transformed over the past few decades, from minimal interaction to an increasingly intertwined and dependent one. Today, the two countries are the largest trading partners and major sources of foreign direct investment (FDI). The economic partnership between the US and China has expanded significantly since China acceded to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. China’s transition from a closed economy to a global manufacturing powerhouse coincided with the US's policy of engagement, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship. As a result, China became integral to global supply chains, while the US capitalised on China’s low-cost production base. By 2009, China overtook Japan as the US’s largest trading partner. This shift signified China’s rise as a key player in the global economy, while the US leveraged China’s manufacturing capacity to maintain its competitive edge in global markets. However, tensions in the trade relationship began to surface as both countries competed for dominance in emerging sectors such as technology, energy, and infrastructure. In 2023, the total trade in goods and services between the US and China was approximately $750 billion. This marks a slight increase from the $690 billion recorded in 2022, as global trade has recovered from the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The US continues to import more from China than it exports, reinforcing the imbalance that has characterised their trade relationship for years. The trade imbalance between the US and China remains a key issue in their economic relationship. In 2023, the US trade deficit with China was around $368 billion. This is a slight increase from the previous year, reflecting the ongoing trade imbalances. While the US imports a vast array of consumer goods from China – such as electronics, apparel, and machinery – its exports to China are more limited in comparison. The US mainly exports agricultural products, aircraft, and high-tech goods. The US-China trade deficit is a persistent point of contention in American political discourse, with critics claiming that it contributes to the loss of US manufacturing jobs. However, supporters argue that the deficit is a natural consequence of the global supply chain and the growing consumer demand in China. The composition of US-China trade highlights the disparity in their economic structures. In 2023, American exports to China were valued at approximately $177 billion, while US imports from China amounted to $545 billion. The US continues to have a significant services trade surplus with China, exporting about $74 billion in services such as financial, intellectual property, and professional services in 2023, while China exported $20 billion in services to the US. US imports from China are heavily concentrated in consumer electronics, machinery, and textiles. For example, China is a key supplier of smartphones, computers, and televisions to the US. These goods are integral to the American consumer market, making it difficult to rapidly reduce the trade deficit despite the implementation of tariffs. As of 2023, the US continues to be a leading source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China. In 2022, US FDI in China amounted to approximately $120 billion, marking a slight increase from $114 billion in 2021. The major sectors attracting American investment include technology, manufacturing, and services, particularly financial services, consumer goods, and healthcare. American companies like Apple, General Motors, and Intel remain deeply embedded in China’s supply chains. However, there have been growing concerns regarding intellectual property theft, regulatory barriers, and shifting political landscapes, which have led to a more cautious approach to investment in China in recent years. Chinese FDI in the US has seen a decline in recent years. In 2023, Chinese FDI in the US was estimated at approximately $4.5 billion, down significantly from $14 billion in 2016 and well below the peak levels seen during the early 2010s. This decline is partly due to increased scrutiny by US regulators over national security risks, especially in sectors like technology, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Chinese investments in the US are now more concentrated in real estate, technology startups, and renewable energy projects, with a focus on acquiring strategic assets rather than broad portfolio investments. Geopolitical tensions and trade policies have also contributed to the slowdown in Chinese investments, as the US government has imposed stricter regulations on Chinese companies attempting to acquire American firms, especially in sectors deemed sensitive to national security. The US-China economic relationship has become increasingly complex, with geopolitical tensions influencing trade and investment flows. The trade war between the two nations, initiated in 2018, has had lasting effects on the bilateral economic relationship. While some tariffs were rolled back in 2020 during trade negotiations, the two countries have continued to engage in economic rivalry, particularly in high-tech sectors. Concerns over China’s technological ambitions, especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and 5G networks, have led to increased US restrictions on Chinese companies. For instance, the US government has placed sanctions on major Chinese tech firms like Huawei and SMIC. This has contributed to a process of ‘economic decoupling’ in certain sectors, with both countries working to reduce their reliance on each other for critical technologies. The Covid-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerabilities in global supply chains, particularly American reliance on Chinese manufacturing. This has led to efforts by the US to diversify its supply chains and reduce dependence on China for critical goods such as pharmaceuticals and electronics. The future of the US-China economic relationship is marked by cooperation as well as competition. While both countries remain deeply interdependent, the growing geopolitical rivalry and competition in emerging technologies will likely drive a decoupling in specific sectors. The US is focusing on reducing its reliance on Chinese technology, particularly in critical areas like semiconductors and 5G, while China is striving to achieve greater technological self-reliance. The ongoing trade imbalance, particularly in goods, is unlikely to change drastically in the near term, as both nations continue to benefit from the existing trade patterns. However, future trade negotiations may focus more on services and high-tech industries, where the U. has a comparative advantage. The economic interdependence between China and the US remains central to the global economy. Their trade relationship, though unbalanced, continues to provide significant benefits to both parties. The US continues to be a major market for Chinese goods, while China remains a key destination for American exports and investments. That said, geopolitical tensions, technological competition and the evolving global landscape suggest that the future of this economic partnership will be shaped by cooperation as well as rivalry. The writer is former head of Citigroup’s emerging markets investments and author of ‘The Gathering Storm’.
Kanpur: As 2025 approaches, the Kanpur Metro Corporation spearheads significant urban development. The service expansion, commencing early in the year, will deliver considerable benefits to the residents. The extension includes five new stations, linking IIT to Kanpur Central, alongside the city's first underground metro tunnel. Officials expect to complete the IIT to Naubasta corridor by year-end while beginning work on the second corridor. Currently, the 24 km Corridor-1 (IIT-Naubasta) provides passenger services on a 9km elevated route from IIT to Motijheel. The extension will facilitate travel between IIT and Central Station. Kanpur Metro officials indicate that regular testing from IIT to Kanpur Central will begin soon. Final station work continues. The 8.60 km Corridor-2 (CSA-Barra 8) construction progresses steadily, including stations at CSA, Rawatpur, Devki Chauraha, Double Pulia, Vijay Nagar, and Barra Eight. In another achievement for the city the IIT-Kanpur completed its Phase-1 campus placements for the 2024-25 batch between December 1 and 15 resulting in 1,109 offers across various sectors. Of these students accepted 1,035 positions. International placements have increased by 27% with 28 offers. Over 250 organisations participated in the session, including prominent companies across technology, banking, and industrial sectors. Likewise, CSJMU has received UGC's Category 1 status, complementing its NAAC A+ grade. This classification grants significant autonomy under UGC Regulations 2018, allowing independent programme launches. This achievement places CSJMU amongst India's top 10% educational institutions, making it Uttar Pradesh's second university after Lucknow University to receive this status, confirmed during UGC's February 13 meeting. In the same vein, IIT-K's ‘Analakshya MSCS' represents advancement in stealth technology, supporting defence manufacturing independence. The system demonstrates superior wave absorption across frequencies, strengthening defences against radar systems and guided missiles, particularly relevant given recent security challenges. The Ground Breaking Ceremony @ 4.0 witnessed 243 industrial units invest approximately Rs 20,000 crores. A new private industrial park plans to create 250,000 jobs. The Smart City convention centre at Chunniganj approaches completion, representing a Rs 96.10 crore investment. The facility includes modern amenities and spaces for various activities. Kanpur Development Authority's 2025 plan introduces two residential schemes offering 2000 plots. New Kanpur City provides 1,750 plots across 153 hectares, whilst New Aero City features 250 plots within 1,200 acres. In terms of political developments, the Samajwadi Party faced a significant challenge when their MLA Irfan Solanki was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for his role in a fire-related incident in Kanpur's Jajmau area. However, the party managed to recover from this setback towards the year's conclusion by successfully nominating Irfan's spouse in the bypoll, who emerged triumphant in the electoral contest. Tragically, the city mourned losses in 2024, including Professor Kanwar Singh Nalwa, 39, of IIT-K, who suffered cardiac arrest during a Leh trek. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat , Ox , Tiger , Rabbit , Dragon , Snake , Horse , Goat , Monkey , Rooster , Dog , and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes and messages .TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Luke Kromenhoek threw for 209 yards and tossed three touchdown passes as Florida State halted a six-game losing streak and routed Charleston Southern 41-7 on Saturday. Kromenhoek completed 13 of 20 passes in his first college start, including a 71-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Khi Douglas, as the Seminoles (2-9) won for the first time since Sept. 21. The true freshman also connected with Amaree Williams for a 4-yard TD and Hykeem Williams for a 10-yard TD. Florida State had the nation’s lowest scoring offense at 13.3 points. The Seminoles hadn’t scored more than 21 points or surpassed the 300-yard mark in 2024. But Florida State overwhelmed FCS Charleston Southern (1-11), accumulating 415 offensive yards. Kaleb Jackson completed 22 of 32 passes for 218 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Landon Sauers, and an interception for the Buccaneers. The takeaway Charleston Southern: While the Buccaneers found some success through the air, they couldn’t sustain drives and managed just 57 rushing yards on 29 carries. Florida State: The Seminoles picked up a season-best 176 rushing yards, scoring 17 points in the second quarter and 14 points in the third quarter to take control. Up next Charleston Southern’s season is over. Florida State plays host to Florida on Nov. 30. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25The Silicon Valley billionaires steering Donald Trump's transition
Forte scores 21, South Dakota beats Western Illinois 89-66
( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) released its Ways in Which Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) Can Meet Gaps in the U.S. supply chain report. This report presents several avenues for MBEs to meet gaps in the U.S. supply chain and discusses opportunities to conduct, commission, and collaborate on new studies with other federal, state, and private institutions on this topic. This report offers a data-driven snapshot of the MBE supplier landscape, analyzing representation of MBE firms in both manufacturing industries and the service industries that support manufacturing. The data shows there is room to grow representation of MBEs, particularly in manufacturing. The report identifies barriers present in supply chains for MBE participation; and the ways in which policy makers, technical assistance providers, and large corporations can utilize MBEs to advance the U.S. supply chain. “MBDA has embarked on a new chapter of our long and proud history to serve and support MBEs,” said Deputy Under Secretary of Minority Business Development Eric Morrissette .“The Minority Business Development Act of 2021 empowered our agency to work toward equity among U.S. firms and strengthen our national economy, and we are forever committed to that mission. Together with public and private sector partners, we will continue to address capital access disparities and highlight sources of alternative financing while closing gaps in the U.S. supply chain.” The report highlights many public and private initiatives directed toward promoting the success of MBEs in supply chain industries and breaking down barriers. Increasing MBE participation in advanced technologies and manufacturing relies on a range of initiatives to ensure MBEs can develop the capacities and skills needed to compete in rapidly changing markets. The report recommends four potential opportunities through which MBEs can help close supply chain gaps through policy and business plan changes: Other suggestions made in the report include addressing unique challenges by MBE demographic groups and expanding qualitative data gathering to learn about the needs of MBEs in manufacturing. This report was mandated under the Minority Business Development Act of 2021. The Act codified MBDA and many of its existing programs. The report, and details of its findings, can be reviewed at . About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises (MBEs). For more than 50 years, MBDA's programs and services have better equipped MBEs to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues, and expand regionally, nationally, and internationally. ### Attachment MENAFN20122024004107003653ID1109018323 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Amarion Dickerson guides Robert Morris past Northern Kentucky 97-93 in triple OTNone
President Joe Biden's administration said Friday that it has cemented deals for billions in funding to South Korean semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics and Texas Instruments to boost their chipmaking facilities in the United States. US officials have been working to solidify Biden's legacy to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's White House return -- and these agreements are among the latest efforts to do so. The United States has been trying to reduce its dependence on other countries for semiconductors, while also seeking to maintain its scientific and technological edge as competition with China intensifies. Samsung's award of up to $4.7 billion in direct funding goes towards its effort to grow its Texas presence into a full-fledged operation for developing and producing leading-edge chips, said the US Commerce Department. The funding will supplement the company's investment of more than $37 billion in the coming years, the department added. Samsung's expansion will help "ensure we have a steady, domestic supply of the most advanced semiconductors that are essential to AI and national security, while also creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement. National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard added that Samsung is "the only semiconductor company that is a leader in both advanced memory and advanced logic chips." More from this section In a separate notice, the Commerce Department said it also had finalized an award of up to $1.6 billion for Texas Instruments, supporting its efforts to build new facilities. Raimondo noted that shortages of current-generation semiconductors were a problem during the supply chain disruptions sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that TI now plans to grow its US capacity in making these devices. The Biden administration has unveiled billions in grants through the CHIPS and Science Act, a major law passed during the veteran Democrat's term aimed at strengthening the US semiconductor industry. Officials have managed to get many deals across the finish line before Trump returns to the Oval Office, awarding the vast majority of more than $36 billion in proposed incentives that have been allocated. The finalized deals mean funds can be disbursed as companies hit project milestones. bys/sstFive new vessels within a year: Maximar joins the fleet
Celebrating the power of the airwaves
REIFFTON – Coach Calvin Everett was right. This isn’t the same Harrisburg Cougars assembly who opened the season with myriad questions and a lopsided defeat. Harrisburg RB-LB Messiah Mickens secured two TDs and helped stop Wilson’s O with 3 of 4 sacks by the Cougars. End result was a 42-14 victory and HBG’s fourth straight D3 6A crown. @Pa_Preps @HBGCougar_FBall pic.twitter.com/ATh5ioBunH Q3, 6:42 — Every running back in the Cougars’ stable has eaten today. Four-star Syracuse commit D'Antae Sheffey runs in from 10 yards out. Harrisburg 35, Wilson 6 pic.twitter.com/enSevQBTrP Q2, 4:22 — It’s all Cougars. Nehemiah Ewell takes his first carry 52 yards to the house. Harrisburg 21, Wilson 0 pic.twitter.com/hdVwtqXbFi Q2, 6:10 — On fourth-and-3, Trays Walker picks off Madyx Gruber in the end zone for Harrisburg. pic.twitter.com/eND1ry2ZuQ More High School Sports Bo Sheptock’s 3 TD’s help lift Danville to PIAA 3A quarterfinal victory over Bermudian Springs Central Pa. contingent helps lead Northwestern, St. Joe’s field hockey into Sunday’s NCAA title game Watch: Highlights of Bishop McDevitt’s District 3 5A title win over Exeter How did Pennsylvania’s top-ranked football teams fare on Friday, Nov. 22?Trump II Trump admin lineup includes individuals with extensive experience in industries such as finance, energy Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, X.com, and SpaceX, will co-chair the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager, is going to be the US secretary of treasury. Howard Lutnick, an investment banker, will serve as secretary of commerce. Chris Wright, an energy entrepreneur, has been named secretary of energy. Kelly Loeffler, a commodities and financial services expert, will head the Small Business Administration as its administrator. Under Trump II, a significant ‘vibe shift’ is taking place, with as many as 13 billionaires and prominent business entrepreneurs set to join his cabinet. This lineup includes individuals with extensive experience in industries such as finance, energy, technology, and commerce, reflecting a deliberate focus on leveraging business acumen to shape government policy. Their appointments have sparked both anticipation and debate about the potential impact on economic and regulatory frameworks. The outgoing cabinet of President Joe Biden reportedly has a combined net worth of around $100 million. In stark contrast, the incoming Trump cabinet boasts an estimated combined net worth of a staggering $500 billion. Trump II’s focus is on four key economic pillars: tax cuts, deregulation, low interest rates, and government rightsizing. These pillars aim to reduce the tax burden, streamline regulations, maintain low borrowing costs, and make government more efficient. This approach is bound to catalyse explosive economic growth, amplified by the integration of decentralised technologies like cryptocurrencies, which promise to unlock new efficiencies. America’s capital has long expressed concerns that excessive regulation stifles America's entrepreneurial drive and ‘animal spirit.’ Now, with America's capital taking over America’s regulatory framework, there is a renewed sense of optimism and confidence among investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers. This shift signals a potential golden era for business innovation and economic growth, driven by the disruptive potential of blockchain-based systems and digital assets. America’s ‘animal spirit’ appears poised for a sustained resurgence, fostering prosperity and dynamism across the American economy. To be certain, this marriage of capital and regulation represents a truly groundbreaking experiment, one that places Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies at the forefront. At its core, this approach seeks to leverage the agility and innovation of the private sector to address inefficiencies inherent in traditional government bureaucracies. This experiment aims to redefine three fundamental aspects of the economy: how value is created, stored, and exchanged. If early signals from America’s $50 trillion stock markets are any indication, this experiment holds the promise of unlocking unparalleled efficiencies and reshaping America’s economic landscape. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are expected to drive innovation across sectors, making the American economy a global leader in this digital revolution. It is clear that Americans have voted for a nationalist government, and Trump embodies that vision. Trump II’s policies will prioritise American interests and revitalise the American economy. Yes, this bodes well for America's domestic prosperity. Beyond America's borders, however, Trump’s approach is characterised by a combative stance on global trade, marked by high tariffs and trade wars. While this strategy may protect American industries in the short term, its ripple effects on international relations and global markets will remain a contentious aspect of his presidency. The writer is a columnist based in Islamabad. He tweets/posts @saleemfarrukh and can be reached at: farrukh15@hotmail.com
**Duos Technologies Group Announces Strong Financial and Operational Results for Q3 2024**
