Ian Jackson scores career-high 26, UNC beats Campbell 97-81DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Skyhawks Sports, a Stack Sports company, is proud to announce the winner and finalists of the 2024 Coach of the Year Award. This annual accolade honors coaches who exemplify exceptional dedication, leadership, and a commitment to fostering positive sports experiences for young athletes. Jason Frazier, General Manager of Skyhawks, expressed his admiration for the coaches: “Our coaches are the heartbeat of Skyhawks, dedicating themselves to nurturing young athletes both on and off the field. Their commitment not only create fun sports experiences but also teach life lessons that resonate beyond the game is what makes them great coaches.” WINNER: Michael Monary (Skyhawks Sports Academy / Orange County) FINALISTS: Brie Cyboron (Colorado Springs) Aline Bisimwa (Skyhawks Sports Academy / South Puget Sound) Alyssa Morin (Skyhawks Franchise Group / Columbus Tots) Adam Herrera (Skyhawks Franchise Group / Bakersfield) Bruce Pineda (Skyhawks Franchise Group / San Antonio East) Coach Michael “Mikey” Monary has been an invaluable asset to the Skyhawks Sports Academy in Orange County. His passion and determination to continually improve as a coach have cultivated a significant following among local organizations, often resulting in waitlists exceeding 20 children. Parents frequently request Coach Mikey, with some traveling to different cities to enroll their children in his classes. Coach Mikey’s versatility allows him to coach any sport and age group, and he proactively expands his expertise, even taking private tennis lessons to better serve his students. His commitment to providing positive experiences for children exemplifies the core values of Skyhawks Sports. Jeff Brunsberg, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer at Stack Sports, added: “Recognizing these outstanding coaches underscores our mission to increase participation and transform the sports experience. Their passion and dedication are pivotal in creating positive, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.” Skyhawks Sports remains dedicated to providing quality youth sports programs that emphasize critical life skills such as teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. The organization congratulates Michael Monary and all the finalists for their exceptional contributions to youth sports. About Skyhawks Founded in Spokane, Washington in 1979, Skyhawks has established itself as one of the largest youth sport program providers in North America. Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and positive programs that emphasize critical lessons by “teaching life skills through sports”. Programs range from week-long summer camps to after-school programs, clinics, and leagues for children aged 18mths to 14 in a variety of sports. About Stack Sports With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars — Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/ . NEWS SOURCE: Stack Sports Keywords: Sports and Activities, Skyhawks Sports 2024 Coach of the Year Award, Stack Sports, Supertots, youth sports programs, DALLAS, Texas This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Stack Sports) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122869 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/skyhawks-sports-announces-2024-coach-of-the-year-winner-and-finalists/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.The Latest: Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City

Jio Financial chairman KV Kamath has a word of caution for fintech companies: Need to know when to ...Buckle up: AI’s impact on the global economy is set to soar. Wall Street anticipates artificial intelligence could inject up to $200 trillion into the global market over the next decade. Consequently, tech titans are fiercely competing to seize AI dominance, directing monumental investments towards advanced data centers and cutting-edge chips. Tech Giants’ Jaw-dropping AI Expenditures Major players like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are leading the charge, with plans to significantly ramp up their capital expenditures (capex) by 2025. Collectively, these four giants are expected to allocate $300 billion solely to AI-driven developments in that year. For context, Amazon alone might spend $96 billion, while Microsoft follows closely at $90 billion. Alphabet and Meta Platforms are projected to contribute $63 billion and $52 billion, respectively. Nvidia: The Chip Leader Awaiting a Boom At the heart of this surge is Nvidia, dominating the AI chip market with its revolutionary Blackwell GPUs. Morgan Stanley forecasts that Nvidia could sell an impressive 800,000 units in merely the first quarter of 2025, translating to potentially $64 billion in revenue. This growth is pivotal for Nvidia, suggesting an upward trajectory in stock value. Future Prospects With AI’s accelerating adoption, Nvidia is positioned favorably. Despite previous massive gains, Nvidia shares could still offer considerable upside, reflecting its expanding revenue and growing influence in AI. Investors keeping a close eye on AI trends might find Nvidia a compelling candidate for future growth. Why AI’s Financial Revolution is Unstoppable The digital landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with artificial intelligence (AI) poised to reshape the global economy profoundly. Wall Street experts predict that AI could inject a staggering $200 trillion into the global market within the next decade. As a result, major technology companies are locked in an aggressive race for AI supremacy, channeling monumental resources into the development of powerful data centers and state-of-the-art chips. Tech Giants Ramp Up AI Investments In this high-stakes competition, key players such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are at the forefront, significantly increasing their capital expenditures (capex) dedicated to AI advancements. By 2025, these tech giants are estimated to set aside $300 billion collectively for AI-driven initiatives. To put this into perspective, Amazon alone could potentially invest an extraordinary $96 billion, while Microsoft is anticipated to follow closely with a $90 billion investment. Meanwhile, Alphabet and Meta Platforms are projected to contribute $63 billion and $52 billion, respectively. Nvidia: Dominating the AI Chip Market The surge in AI investment positions Nvidia as a pivotal player in the market, primarily through its cutting-edge Blackwell GPUs. Morgan Stanley anticipates Nvidia might sell as many as 800,000 units in just the first quarter of 2025, potentially bringing in $64 billion in revenue. This growth trajectory is expected to bolster Nvidia’s stock value even further, cementing its status as a leader in AI hardware. Future Projections and Market Insights As AI adoption accelerates globally, Nvidia finds itself in a strategically advantageous position. Despite already experiencing significant gains, Nvidia shares are projected to have additional upside potential. This reflects the company’s expanding revenue base and increasing influence over the AI sector. For investors keen on capitalizing on AI trends, Nvidia presents an attractive opportunity for potential future growth. For more insights on Nvidia and emerging AI technologies, visit the Nvidia website .

Georgia QB Carson Beck takes hit on throwing arm before halftime, leaving status uncertainRethink the university Top management seems to believe that adding buildings, departments, and students is synonymous with institutional success The concept of a university in Pakistan has long been misunderstood and misapplied, reduced to a model that prioritises physical expansion and quantity over quality. Across the country, university leadership tends to equate success with more academic departments, larger student intakes, and grander physical infrastructure. Yet, despite this expansion, public-sector universities remain trapped in a perpetual financial crisis, struggling to meet their basic operational expenses. This situation reflects not only an economic inefficiency but also a broader misunderstanding of the purpose and role of a university. In Pakistan, the university model is often about ‘bricks and mortar’ rather than the intellectual and innovative pursuits that define world-class institutions. Top management seems to believe that adding buildings, departments, and students is synonymous with institutional success. The fundamental question, however, is whether these additions translate into intellectual growth, research excellence, and societal progress. Unfortunately, the answer is often no. Our universities have become degree mills, churning out graduates who are ill-equipped to think critically, innovate, or contribute meaningfully to society. At the heart of this issue lies a glaring misallocation of resources. Public-sector universities, with their limited budgets, prioritise infrastructure over faculty development and intellectual enrichment. They could aptly be called ‘professor-less universities’, as the bulk of their funding is spent maintaining physical structures rather than investing in the human capital needed to drive academic excellence. Faculty members, who should be the cornerstone of any university, are often underfunded, under-trained, and sidelined in the decision-making process. Even more troubling is the imbalance between faculty and supporting staff in Pakistani universities. When compared to neighbouring countries, Pakistan has an alarmingly high ratio of non-academic to academic staff. This bureaucratic bloat adds significant costs while contributing little to the university’s intellectual output. Rather than focusing on nurturing a vibrant academic culture, universities are bogged down by excessive administrative overheads. The current university model in Pakistan seems primarily designed to distribute degrees rather than provide a meaningful education. Students often leave these institutions with diplomas in hand but without the critical thinking, creativity, or problem-solving skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The global benchmark for universities is institutions like Stanford, where innovation, intellectual rigor, and societal impact are key metrics of success. In stark contrast, Pakistani universities lack the ‘thinking component’ that distinguishes great academic institutions. This culture of intellectual stagnation is pervasive. Faculty rarely engage in critical thinking or cutting-edge research, and students are rarely encouraged to question, explore, or innovate. This lack of a thinking culture stifles innovation and growth, both within universities and in society at large. How can a nation progress when its centers of learning are devoid of critical thought? The relevance of universities globally is already under scrutiny in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological advancement. As the nature of work evolves, traditional degree programs are becoming less relevant, with employers increasingly valuing skills, creativity, and adaptability over academic credentials. In this context, Pakistani universities risk becoming even more obsolete if they do not adapt. To remain relevant, universities in Pakistan must embrace this global shift and align their curricula, teaching methods, and institutional objectives with the demands of the modern world. This requires a fundamental rethinking of what a university is and what it should aim to achieve. At its core, a university should be a hub for knowledge creation, critical thinking, and innovation. It should foster an environment where students and faculty are encouraged to question assumptions, explore new ideas, and contribute meaningfully to society. To achieve this, Pakistan’s university model must undergo a complete transformation: Universities must prioritise intellectual pursuits over physical expansion. This means creating an academic culture that values critical thinking, creativity, and research. Faculty should be empowered to pursue innovative research and engage students in meaningful intellectual discussions. Students, in turn, should be encouraged to question, explore, and think independently. Faculty is the backbone of any university. Investing in their training, research opportunities, and professional growth is essential. Universities should allocate significant resources to attract, retain, and develop talented faculty members who can inspire students and drive academic excellence. The excessive administrative overhead in Pakistani universities must be addressed. By streamlining operations and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, universities can redirect resources toward academic priorities. A leaner administrative structure would also help create a more dynamic and responsive academic environment. The curriculum in Pakistani universities needs a complete overhaul. It should be designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Emphasis should be placed on interdisciplinary learning, problem-solving, and hands-on experiences. The transformation of universities cannot be dictated solely by top management or external stakeholders. Faculty members must play a central role in this process. Universities should foster a culture of open debate and collaboration among faculty to develop a shared vision for the future. The transformation of universities in Pakistan requires a collective effort. Policymakers, university leaders, faculty, students, and society at large must engage in a broader debate about the purpose and role of higher education. This debate should not be confined to boardrooms or policy documents; it must permeate the academic community and the public sphere. At the same time, action is needed. Universities must begin implementing reforms that align with their core mission of creating a thinking society. This requires courage, vision, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It also requires adequate funding and a commitment to prioritising intellectual enrichment over physical expansion. The current university model in Pakistan is unsustainable and ineffective. It fails to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world, stifles innovation, and drains resources without delivering meaningful outcomes. To address these issues, Pakistan must reimagine its universities as centers of thought, creativity, and innovation. This requires a fundamental shift in priorities, from infrastructure and bureaucracy to faculty and intellectual pursuits. The writer is associate professor at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). He can be reached at: dr.iqbaln@gmail.comNone

Instagram locks out developers of third-party consumer apps

Authored by Guy Ciarrocchi via RealClearPennsylvania , Trump returns to the White House. The GOP has majorities in the Senate and House. Now what? It’s time to make America great again. To fix what “they” broke. To flip the narrative, so that government works for us – not the other way around. Yet, where to begin? Inflation . Cleaning-up the Justice Department – including directives targeting parents attending school board meetings, “pro-lifers,” and Catholics who like Latin Mass. The hostages held by Hamas, and Israel’s fight with Hamas and other terror groups. Men playing women’s sports. The Ukrainian-Russian war. Securing the border and doing something about our many million illegal immigrants. Closing down the failed Department of Education. Unleashing American energy – oil, natural gas, and nuclear. Holding higher education accountable. Protecting American farmland from the Chinese. Dealing with the insanity of the United Nations. Rebuilding our military and refocusing it on national security. Stopping “climate crisis” madness. Making America healthy. Fighting anti-Semitism. Combating violent crime in our cities. The Biden/Harris administration and its counterparts in many cities and states leave behind a mess. They have misused and abused the powers of government. For those more focused on governing than campaigning, the bigger thrill is not Election Night celebrations but undoing harmful policies and enacting good ones. Now the heavy lifting starts. A smart, effective roadmap has to be a marriage of MAGA and conservative political priorities with “kitchen-table” issues. In short, prioritize the legislative agenda around the coalition that helped Republicans win Pennsylvania and other swing states. With a narrow House majority and the inevitable Chuck Schumer-led filibusters in the Senate, this kind of focus will be critical to pushing issues over the finish line. Plus, these policies – and the legislators supporting them – must withstand the inevitable resistance from special interests and the legacy media, many already beginning their assault against the Trump agenda. All the more reason to maintain the diverse but fragile coalition that prevailed on November 5. Trying to do everything at once, however, will drain resources and confuse the public, leaving Republicans vulnerable to obstruction from Democrats and their allies. Unifying priorities, effective messages, and well-executed legislative plans are essential to making progress and improving the lives of Americans. Success will offer opportunities to grow public support – and to accomplish even more. And yes, to win future elections, too. What unites MAGA, conservative Republicans, first-time voters in rural Pennsylvania, and black and Hispanic voters in Philadelphia, Reading, and elsewhere who supported Trump for the first time? The “kitchen-table issues” that the GOP talked about. The practical things that matter to those of us focused on reality, rather than trying to advance an ideology or seek “revenge.” Priority one must be fighting inflation – making life more affordable. As Ronald Reagan explained: “Inflation is the cruelest tax.” It eats away at every paycheck, every week, every day. This will take time, but the reversal begins with a few vital steps. Start by clawing back the unspent billions allocated for the so-called Inflation Reduction Act (how Orwellian a name!). Next, the United States must be energy-independent. This lowers the cost of everything. Permits for drilling must be approved so that American oil and natural gas can be unleashed to lower prices, raise our quality of life, and improve national security. Additionally, the holds on oil and gas leases must be lifted. Lastly, we should allow Pennsylvanians – and our friends in Ohio and West Virginia – to sell liquified natural gas to our European allies. We will make money and create jobs, while helping Germany, France, Poland and others get out from under Vladimir Putin’s thumb. Be prepared to implement as many of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s DOGE recommendations as possible. We must not only stop the growth and reduce the power of the federal government; we must also eliminate wasteful spending, regulations, and even whole agencies that make it harder for businesses to operate. Next, secure our borders and address the illegal immigration crisis. Most of these people are being entirely subsidized by taxpayers. Start with the known criminals, then move on to those who have no jobs or host family here. We need to restore our borders and respect for the law – and stop encouraging people to sneak in, live for free, and falsely claim “amnesty.” Next, peace. Work to get our hostages home and to stabilize the firefights around the world that drain our resources, divert our energies, and pull American service members into wars. Support Israel in its effort to rescue the hostages and eliminate terrorists, their masterminds, and their funders. Work to bring the Ukraine-Russia war to an end. Make life more affordable and strengthen our economy . Secure our border and protect Americans and those respecting the rule of law. Strengthen our resolve with allies, support our military, and build peace through strength. These are the goals and promises that unified the Trump coalition and won the election. From here, they can move on to other worthy and important goals – everything from school choice to tax reform, from the mess at the UN to protecting American farmland and rooting out the waste and inefficiencies of our bureaucracies and agencies. But first, focus on kitchen-table issues that unite voters. Show voters that you’ve listened. Prove that you share their priorities. Gain their trust, grow the cause, and go on from there. It’s an approach that makes sense not just politically but more importantly, for the good of the nation.NEW YORK, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: INAQ) announced today that its stockholders have approved an extension of the time period by which the Company has to consummate an initial business combination (the “Business Combination Period”) from December 7, 2024, to March 7, 2025 (the "Extended Termination Date"). The extension was made through the adoption of the Fourth Extension Amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Charter”), which was filed today with the Delaware Secretary of State. Adoption of the Fourth Extension Amendment required approval by the affirmative vote of at least 65% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The proposal was approved by the Company’s stockholders holding 4,950,037 shares, representing approximately 75.93% of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. About Insight Acquisition Corp. Insight Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: INAQ) is a special purpose acquisition company formed solely to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Insight Acquisition Corp. is sponsored by Insight Acquisition Sponsor LLC. For additional information, please visit insightacqcorp.com. About Alpha Modus Alpha Modus is engaged in creating, developing and licensing data-driven technologies to enhance consumers' in-store digital experience at the point of decision. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina. Alpha Modus is party to a business combination agreement with Insight Acquisition Corp. ( INAQ ) whereby Alpha Modus plans to become a publicly trading company (the “Business Combination”). For additional information, please visit alphamodus.com . Contacts: Insight Acquisition Corp. Chelsea Saffran csaffran@Insightacqcorp.com Alpha Modus Shannon Devine MZ Group +1(203) 741-8841 shannon.devine@mzgroup.us(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .

What happens when 'The Simpsons' join 'Monday Night Football'? Find out during Bengals-CowboysTikTok's future uncertain after appeals court rejects its bid to overturn possible US ban A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January - is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City NEW YORK (AP) — Police officials believe the gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of Wednesday's shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, the chief of detectives told CNN on Friday. The police commissioner said investigators believe he left New York City. The gunman made sure to conceal his identity with a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras. The reason for the killing remains unknown. Trump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is offering a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled choice to lead the Pentagon. Hegseth's ability to win confirmation by the Senate is wavering as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat. Trump posted on social media that Hegseth is a winner “and there is nothing that can be done to change that.” Hegseth spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead the Pentagon. IAEA chief: Iran is poised to 'quite dramatically' increase stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Iran is poised to “quite dramatically” increase its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium. That's according to comments by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Friday. Rafael Mariano Grossi spoke in Bahrain, on the sidelines of the International Institute of Strategic Studies’ Manama Dialogue. He says Iran had begun preparing advanced centrifuge cascades to spin at nuclear facilities to increase its supply of 60% enriched uranium. That kind of material is a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Grossi says this is “very concerning." Iran did not immediately acknowledge the preparations, which Grossi said had begun on Friday. Inspectors hope to examine what’s going on. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Trump taps forceful ally of hard-line immigration policies to head Customs and Border Protection WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's immigration and border team is filling out. Trump has announced a former Border Patrol chief, Rodney Scott, to head the Customs and Border Protection agency. Scott is a career Border Patrol agent who rose to head the agency during Trump's first term. He's been a vocal supporter of tougher enforcement measures. At CBP he'll head a department of roughly 60,000 employees responsible for protecting the country’s borders while also facilitating trade and travel. Trump also said he’d nominate Caleb Vitello as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency that, among other things, arrests migrants in the U.S. illegally. Vitello is a career ICE official with more than 23 years in the agency. Romania's top court annuls first round of presidential vote won by far-right candidate BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A top Romanian court has annulled the first round of the country’s presidential election, days after declassified intelligence alleged Russia ran a coordinated online campaign to promote the far-right outsider who won the first round. Friday's unprecedented and final decision by the Constitutional Court came after President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence on Wednesday that alleged Russia ran a sprawling campaign comprising thousands of social media accounts to promote Calin Georgescu across platforms like TikTok and Telegram. Despite being a huge outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner on Nov. 24. He was due to face reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party in a runoff on Sunday. Crews recover the body of a woman from a Pennsylvania sinkhole after a 4-day search Police say the remains of a woman who fell into a sinkhole have been recovered four days after she went missing while searching for her cat. Trooper Steve Limani said Friday that the body of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard is being taken to the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy. Pollard disappeared while looking for her cat on Monday evening, and authorities found her car close to what is thought to be a newly opened sinkhole above a long abandoned coal mine a few hours later. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. Jury gets OK to consider lesser charge in NYC subway chokehold case, dismisses manslaughter charge NEW YORK (AP) — The judge overseeing the trial of a man accused of using a deadly chokehold on an unruly subway passenger has dismissed the top charge in the case at the request of prosecutors, allowing the jury to consider a lesser count after the panel indicated it was deadlocked on whether Daniel Penny was guilty of manslaughter. The judge’s decision on Friday came hours after Manhattan jurors sent him a note saying they were unable to agree on a manslaughter verdict. Penny is facing charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, who Penny held in a chokehold for about six minutes on a New York City subway in 2023. Vance tells residents in hurricane-stricken North Carolina that they haven't been forgotten FAIRVIEW, N.C. (AP) — Vice President-elect JD Vance is surveying hurricane damage in western North Carolina in one of his first public appearances since the November election. Vance and his wife, Usha, visited the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, which was flooded with 4 to 6 inches of water in the storm. They heard that roughly a dozen people contracted walking pneumonia while responding to the hurricane's destruction and that power outages prevented some first responders from talking with their families. Vance said, “My simple message to the people of Appalachia is that we haven’t forgotten you — we love you.” Vance has largely stayed out of the public eye since the election aside from shepherding Trump’s Cabinet nominees around Capitol Hill.None