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COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move as an assault to common decency just weeks before the president-elect takes office. Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden's commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent sitting in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.” “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement. Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday. “The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?” Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director. “These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Two of the men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writer Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, contributed to this report.From waste to wealth: Part - IIVolunteers, donors give animals Christmas dinner

The Nordstrom family now owns the department store chain bearing their name. Erik, Pete and Jamie Nordstrom and other members of their family, along with Mexican retailer Puerto de Liverpool , announced a deal Monday (Dec. 26) to acquire all of Nordstrom’s outstanding common stock. The buyers pegged the value of the all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.25 billion, giving the Nordstrom Family a majority ownership stake in the now-private company. The transaction was approved unanimously by the Nordstrom board, with Erik and Pete Nordstrom — both executives with the company — recusing themselves. “For over a century, Nordstrom has operated with a foundational principle of helping customers feel good and look their best,” Erik Nordstrom , the company’s CEO, said in a news release. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for the business. On behalf of my family, we look forward to working with our teams to ensure Nordstrom thrives long into the future.” Graciano F. Guichard G. , chair of Liverpool’s board, added that the retailer was thrilled to be “investing in a company that has meaningfully shaped the industry for nearly 125 years.” Nordstrom put together a special committee in 2017 to consider a buyout deal and discussed the plan with several private equity firms. However, the committee rejected a bid as insufficient the following year. Then, in March of this year, reports emerged that the Nordstrom founding family had again expressed its interest in going private. Erik and Pete Nordstrom told the Nordstrom board in April that they were interested in taking the company private. Sycamore Partners, a buyout equity firm that owns department store operator Belk, had also expressed interested in taking Nordstrom private. In September, Nordstrom received a proposal from the family and Liverpool about a go-private deal . Erik Nordstrom reported last month that both the company’s digital sales and enhancements to the overall customer experience had shown improvements during its most recent quarter. “In the third quarter, our efforts to enhance the customer experience continued to resonate, enabling growth in net and comparable sales, margin expansion, and an increase in our customer base,” Nordstrom said during the company’s third-quarter earnings call. “Both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack delivered 4% comparable sales growth. We’re particularly encouraged that our online business sustained its momentum, with digital sales growth of over 6%,” he added. “Customers responded to newness in our selection of the brands that matter most to them, driving positive total company net sales growth for the fourth consecutive quarter.”

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Inter Milan beat Como 2-0 to cement third place in Serie A and close the gap on top two Atalanta and Napoli on Monday. Carlos Augusto got the opener when he headed home a corner kick in the 48th minute. Marcus Thuram scored the second in stoppage time with a potent strike into the roof of the net. It was the first time these teams have played each other in the top division since 2003 and although Inter had lost only one league game all season it struggled to impose itself on 15th-placed Como. However, it won without exerting itself and the three points were enough to take Simone Inzaghi’s men within three points of leader Atalanta and within one of Napoli. Inter has a game in hand over both clubs. Fiorentina misses chance to rise Fiorentina missed a chance to go fourth when it lost at home to Udinese 2-1. The Florence club won a record eight consecutive Serie A games before losing to Bologna 1-0 on Dec. 15, and it looked to be back on track when Moises Kean converted a penalty after eight minutes to become the first Fiorentina player to reach double figures in the league since Federico Chiesa in the 2019-20 season. However, Udinese was a different prospect after the break. Lorenzo Lucca equalized with the aid of sloppy defending four minutes into the second half and then Florian Thauvin found space on the edge of the box to curl in the second eight minutes later. The result left Udinese in ninth place and Fiorentina in fifth. The match was a special one for Edoardo Bove, the Fiorentina player whose collapse with a heart issue led to the suspension of its game with Inter Milan on Dec. 1. Bove was fitted with a defibrillator implant soon after and sat on the Fiorentina bench for the first time since his collapse. He is not allowed to play but his position on the sideline alongside coach Raffaele Palladino was seen as a step towards normality for the 22-year-old midfielder. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerShould the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?

At the threshold of 2025Dr Manmohan Singh passes away MP CM Kamal Nath hail his contributionNEW YORK — Stocks fell in morning trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.4%, with more than 80% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. Still, the index is managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 402 points, or 0.9%, to 42,945 as of 10:41 a.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 2%. Both the Dow and the Nasdaq are also holding on to weekly gains. Big Tech and Retail Sectors Face Pressure Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 3.2%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 2.2% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 2.2% and Best Buy slipped 1.9%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy was the only sector within the S&P 500 rising. It gained 0.5% as crude oil prices rose 0.8%. Related Story: Market Heads Toward Strong Annual Finish Investors don’t have much in the way of corporate or economic updates to review as the market moves closer to another standout annual finish. The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Related Story: Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.59% from late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.32% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.In one of his most famous statements, former PM Manmohan Singh before demitting office as the prime minister in 2014 had said, "history will be kinder to me", asserting that his leadership was not as weak as projected at that time. In what can be termed his last press conference as the Prime Minister, the former PM said in 2014, "I do not believe that I have been a weak Prime Minister." He added, "I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or for that matter the Opposition in Parliament. Given the political compulsions, I have done the best I could do. I have done as well as I could do according to the circumstances." He was responding to a volley of questions regarding criticism that his leadership was "weak" and he was not decisive on many occasions. Singh had also chosen the press conference to launch a blistering attack on BJP's then prime ministerial candidate Modi and referred to the 2002 Gujarat riots under the Chief Minister. The BJP at that time had projected Modi as a strong leader while targeting Singh over the issue of "weak" leadership in the run-up to the next Lok Sabha polls. "If you measure the strength of Prime Minister by presiding over mass massacre of innocent citizens on streets of Ahmedabad, then I do not believe in it. I do not think that this kind of strength this country needs least from its Prime Minister," Singh had said. "I have full confidence that the next Prime Minister will be from the UPA. It will be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. I sincerely believe what Narendra Modi is saying is not going to materialise," he had said. Maintaining that his two terms as prime minister in UPA I and UPA II displayed the Congress's ability to run a coalition government and dispelled the perception that this party cannot run coalitions, Singh said though some compromises were made in the process, they were on "peripheral issues and not on national problems". "Nobody has asked me to step down because of any inadequacy that characterised my tenure as prime minister," was his response when asked about "negative" perceptions within Congress about his leadership. (With agency inputs)

Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020Instabase Appoints Marketing Veteran Junie Dinda as Chief Marketing OfficerDr Manmohan Singh passes away Chhattisgarh leaders pay tribute to 'giant of economics'

Fewer trees available for upcoming Rotary Christmas tree sale

Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton explains why he chose Our Military Kids, in partnership with USAA as his cause for the NFL's annual My Cause My Cleats week. One of the best weeks in the NFL season is upon us, as My Cause My Cleats will bring attention to hundreds of organizations players around the league chose to help through customized cleats worn on game day. Over the next two weeks, players will be permitted to break outside their traditional team colors for their game day footwear, and Baltimore Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton unveiled his cleats ahead of a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday. Hamilton, in partnership with USAA, the official Salute to Service partner of the NFL, chose to help Our Military Kids, a nonprofit organization for kids with parents in the military, either deployed or recovering from combat injuries. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton's footwear choice for the NFL's My Cause My Cleats. (USAA) Hamilton spoke to Fox News Digital about why this was the right cause for him while discussing his time with several of those children in the program that he surprised a few weeks back at the Ravens’ complex. "My Cause My Cleats is a great week of the year for players to show some individuality and highlight some causes they feel need to be talked out, and I feel like I appreciate USAA for partnering with me on this," Hamilton, in his third year with the Ravens, said. "We had them to the facility a few weeks ago, and about six or seven of them, ranging from ages 7 to about 13, had a great time. Got to talk with them and play some football, play some basketball. [We] broke a good sweat. We were playing for probably an hour. It was awesome. LAMAR JACKSON THROWS FOR 2 TOUCHDOWNS, RUSHES FOR 1 AS RAVENS TAKE DOWN CHARGERS "To have that time to humanize myself and give those kids the opportunity to ask questions or whatever. It was pretty cool." While Hamilton had a good time at the Ravens’ complex with the children from Our Military Kids, his greatest moments were the conversations he had with them, which led to an understanding of how much they sacrifice like their parents. "It kinda puts everything into perspective," Hamilton said. "They have such a happy outlook on life, and I’ve always said, they don’t get to choose their families or their situation. But they make the most of it, and I feel like that’s something all of us can take from even 7-, 8-year-old kids. To have a great outlook on life, play the cards that you’re dealt. And it definitely rubbed off on me to take a step back and appreciate where I am." Different branches of the U.S. military appear on Kyle Hamilton's custom cleats. (USAA) Hamilton also mentioned going to South Korea to a United States Army base , Camp Humphreys, outside of Seoul, where he met even more kids during a football camp. Each time he interacts with these children and families, he develops a greater appreciation for our armed services and those affected by the sacrifices made each day. "It’s not the situation I’m sure they’d want to be in," Hamilton said of military children. "I’m sure they’d rather be at home playing high school basketball with their friends, but it’s the sacrifices that their families make. And just my ability to highlight that and appreciate them and do as much as I can to just show they’re being thought of, it's the least I can do." Hamilton's cleats were designed by Marcus Rivero, also known as Soles by Sir, and he featured the Our Military Kids logo front and center on one of the shoes with a picture of kids playing together. Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton chose Our Military Kids as his cause for the NFL's My Cause My Cleats. (USAA) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP On the other shoe, different branches of the military are spelled out in different fonts and colors on a purple base. Ten other Ravens, including tight end Mark Andrews and receiver Rashod Bateman, will be wearing custom cleats to show off the causes they are helping this year. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.Equity Residential stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors despite daily gains

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces launched an operation Tuesday night to disperse supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of Khan supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former prime minister began a “long march” from the restive northwest to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing nighttime operation, and police are also seeking to arrest Bibi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorized the police to respond as necessary,” Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Ali said. “If they fire bullets again, we will respond with bullets,” he said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Most demonstrators had the flag of Khan’s party around their shoulders or wore its tricolors on accessories. Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information Minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. He said the government did not want Bushra Bibi to achieve her goal of freeing Khan. “She wants bodies falling to the ground. She wants bloodshed,” he said. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed. Pakistan's Stock Exchange lost more than $1.7 billion Tuesday due to rising political tensions, according to economist Mohammed Sohail from Topline Securities. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report.T he Andhra Pradesh government has made several development plans for Kurnool, known as a backward district and the gateway to Rayalaseema. It has proposed a drone hub, enhanced industrial activity with the development of the Orvakal industrial node, greater flight connectivity, and the establishment of a High Court Bench. Kurnool was the capital of Andhra Pradesh from October 1, 1953 to October 31, 1956. On November 1, 1956, the Telugu-speaking areas of the erstwhile Hyderabad province were merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. During the merger, the Sribagh Pact, an agreement between the political leaders of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema regions, promised that a High Court would be set up in Kurnool. However, this did not happen. The idea was proposed again not too long ago. As part of its decentralised development plan or the ‘three capitals’ proposal, the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government said it would develop Kurnool as the judicial capital. A few judicial bodies and commissions were shifted to Kurnool and the district was notified as the headquarters of the State Human Rights Commission in 2023. However, the High Court remained in Amaravati. The ‘three capitals’ proposal ran into hurdles. This year, Chandrababu Naidu returned as Chief Minister. In November 2024, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution for a High Court Bench in Kurnool. Industries Minister T.G. Bharath announced in late November that the site survey for establishing the Bench is underway and said that the process would be completed in six months. Apart from the High Court, Kurnool is eagerly awaiting the implementation of other promises too. Kurnool has always lagged behind in development. As it has very few industries and inadequate irrigation facilities, thousands of people have migrated from the district to other parts of the State in search of better opportunities. In 2022, when 13 new districts were carved out in Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool lost its major reservoirs to Nandyal district. Promises to develop the district have never been fulfilled or have been partially fulfilled, leaving several parts of the district underdeveloped. The Centre recently announced that it would pump in about ₹2,700 crore for developing infrastructure in the Orvakal node of the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. The government plans to integrate several manufacturing clusters between Hyderabad and Bangaluru in the Orvakal node near Kurnool. The plan to set up a 300-acre drone hub at Orvakal, the first-of-its-kind in the country, will also boost industrial development as it serve as a centre for training, innovation, and drone-related business. This is part of the government’s ambitious plans to turn the State into a drone capital. The Andhra Pradesh government is also planning to draft a drone policy. Drones are especially useful in the healthcare and agriculture sectors, and during calamities, as the government found out during the recent floods in Vijayawada. The government believes that attracting investors to set up units at the Orvakal node will reap dividends. Orvakal is located near the Kurnool airport, which began commercial operations from March 2021. Air connectivity to Orvakal is also likely to increase as the government is trying to persuade flight operators to run services to Vijayawada. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs recently submitted a representation to the Centre seeking a railway line that will connect Kurnool to Amaravati, which will further propel growth in the district. Historically, Kurnool was a stronghold of the TDP. However, this changed when Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy became Chief Minister. Later, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSR Congress Party dominated the undivided district of Kurnool in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In the 2024 elections, however, the National Democratic Alliance managed to flip Rayalaseema’s long-standing political dynamics. Of the 14 seats in undivided Kurnool, the TDP secured 12. Given the TDP’s dominance and as Mr. Naidu has proved his capability in transforming grand visions into reality in the past, there is hope that Kurnool may finally see a brighter future. The TDP government is also at an advantage compared to the YSRCP government as the Bharatiya Janata Party is also part of the government in the State. Published - December 24, 2024 12:15 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra Pradesh

By Jarrell Dillard, Prashant Gopal and Maria Clara Cobo | Bloomberg Before Donald Trump’s election, Redfin Corp. projected mortgage rates would average 6.1% next year. But three days after the election, they revised their estimate upward to 6.8% – basically unchanged from today’s high levels. “The difference is Trump,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. “The market seems to be pricing in that he’ll move forward with at least some of the tariffs, but it’s really hard to know what Trump is going to do.” It’s another hit for the housing market, which has been dealing with a rise in borrowing costs that’s pushed at least one measure of mortgage rates above 7%. Economists expecting higher-for-longer borrowing costs shows just how tough the market is likely to be for homebuyers trying to find affordable options. “There was a view that rates would gradually fall, but that no longer seems to be the case,” said Thomas Ryan, North America economist at Capital Economics. “As a result, the housing market is going to stay frozen — as it is — for longer than we and other economists had expected.” While the stock market rallied the day after Trump’s victory, the bond market has reacted with more trepidation given how tariffs and other policies might impact inflation. After the election, Barclays Plc economists raised their inflation projections for the next two years and lowered their outlook for economic growth, due to tariffs and potential immigration restrictions. Trump’s proposal for an up to 20% tariff on all imports, and an even higher 60% tariff on Chinese goods, is one of the major causes of uncertainty. Economists have said this could lead to inflation as companies would likely pass on those cost increases to consumers. If he also imposes tax cuts, that could lower fiscal revenue and drive up the US deficit, pushing long-term rates even higher. Some economists have also warned that Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants could further exacerbate the nation’s housing shortage. If Trump’s policies lead to an even smaller labor force for the construction industry, it would make it difficult to build new homes and make costs even more expensive. “We need labor,” said Nadia Evangelou, senior economist at the National Association of Realtors. “Sometimes homebuilders are not able to deliver affordable homes, or the price point that people can afford to buy. And the reason is because of the labor shortage.” Trump’s impacts on the economy will likely influence how the Federal Reserve proceeds. And while the Fed’s decisions on short-term interest rates do not directly set mortgage rates, monetary policy does have some influence. Mortgage rates closely follow yields on 10-year Treasuries, and are affected by market expectations for inflation and economic growth. Capital Economics expects higher rates to be another “setback” for buyers and cause a home-sale recovery to be even shallower than expected. Mortgage rates will likely stay high around 7% in 2024 and drop only a quarter point by the end of 2025, according to Capital Economics’ Ryan. “There’s a general consensus that the net effect of Trump’s policies will be inflationary,” Ryan said. “That’s what’s driving changes in the bond market at the moment.” Other economists have also dialed back their mortgage-rate expectations. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, predicts 30-year fixed mortgage rates will now remain around 7%. “I don’t think I’d count on mortgage rates coming down anytime until next fall, later next year,” Zandi said. “And even then, I’m not sure. It really depends on what his policies are, how aggressively he pursues them.” Forging aAhead For buyers, the picture remains a little uncertain. High borrowing costs have weighed on shoppers, fueling a drop in contracts to buy previously owned homes in October, according to Redfin. While prices held up in October, homes stayed a median of 41 days on the market, about a week longer than a year ago, according to Redfin. If higher borrowing costs slow the market even more, that could help spur more deals for buyers. For now, election uncertainty has cleared, giving some consumers more confidence to forge ahead. Erica Diaz, an agent with Homevest in Florida, said her business has seen a significant increase in both potential buyers and sellers since the election. Malvin Le, a real estate agent based in Orange County, California, said his phone lit up immediately after the election with a few buyers ready to go shopping again. “The day after the election, I got three or four calls from buyers who wanted to see a house that weekend,” Le said. “There are still buyers waiting to buy, they’re just waiting for a good deal.” Related Articles Housing | Criminal charges and jail time now part of predatory mortgage lending law in California Housing | 30-year mortgage hit highest level since July Housing | Mortgage refinancing, auto loans rejected at highest rate since 2013 Housing | US mortgage rates dip, but economists see volatility ahead Housing | Mortgage rates fell, then rose. What comes next?Arm Squares Off Against Qualcomm: The Jury Finds In Favor Of Qualcomm

This Christmas season, the Rotary Club of Prince Rupert will have fewer Christmas trees to sell to residents than previous years. The club brings trees from the Skeena Valley Christmas Tree Farm in Terrace, which is is in its last year of wholesale operations. Next year they will only have a “cut your own tree” program. For this Christmas, the farm will only be providing approximately 290 trees instead of the usual 350. “There are no other Christmas tree farms in northern B.C., and the closest ones are down in the Vancouver area, but the trees down there cost twice as much as they do up here, and the cost to get them up here is so much, it’s just not worth doing,” said Chris Bromley, chair of the Christmas Tree Committee for the Rotary Club. We’d have to be selling Christmas trees at $200 each.” Bromley has been a Rotarian for about 17 years. He was the club’s president in 2018-19 and has been chosen again for the 2025-26 term. He says all the money raised by the tree sales will go toward community events and projects. Bromley said Don Coburn, Skeena Valley Christmas Tree Farm’s owner, plans to semi-retire after this shipment. The province has six more Christmas tree farms, but Bromley found they are all located in the south, and one of them will only start selling trees in 2030. “I guess a lot of people will go to artificial trees, which is unfortunate. It was a good family-community occasion, you’d see people come along with their kids and their dogs trying to pick out trees and standing them up and looking at them. It’s a fun event, which will no longer happen, unfortunately,” said Bromley. The Rotary Club will unload fresh Christmas trees with the help of players from the Prince Rupert Minor Hockey League on Nov. 29 at the basketball court on McBride St. Bromley mentioned that Mayor Herb Pond will also participate in the activity, as this will be the last year it takes place in town. The sales will begin on Nov. 30 and last two weeks or until supplies run out. “A lot of people like real trees...It is quite an event. People enjoy it, whatever the weather, it doesn’t matter,” he said. He suggested people can also find some trees at Save On Foods. They usually stock about 75 during the holiday season, imported from the U.S. Some people may choose to cut their trees on Crown land, but it can be challenging. “You can’t just go off into the bush and cut one down and bring it home,” Bromley added. The activity requires a permit and appropriate gear, along with adhering to certain safety measures and restrictions.Russia missile suspected in Azerbaijani plane crash, Moscow warns against 'hypotheses'Mariah Carey's holiday NFL show stirs up controversy

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NoneGlobal PET Radiotracer Market to Reach USD 3.2 Billion by 2031, Growing at a Robust 8.5% CAGR | TMR Study 12-27-2024 05:33 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Transparency Market Research PET Radiotracer Market The global PET (Positron Emission Tomography) radiotracer market, valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2021, is poised for substantial growth over the forecast period from 2022 to 2031. With an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%, the market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 3.2 billion by the end of 2031. PET radiotracers are integral to the diagnostic processes in various medical fields, especially in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology. These radioactive compounds, when introduced into the body, emit positrons that can be captured by PET scanners to provide valuable insights into the functioning of tissues and organs, offering crucial support for early detection and monitoring of numerous health conditions. Access important conclusions and data points from our Report in this sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=48576 Key Drivers of Market Growth Several key factors are driving the growth of the PET radiotracer market. The increased adoption of PET imaging for precise diagnostic purposes is a primary driver. PET radiotracers, such as F-18 (FDG18) and Ga-68 (FAPI), are in high demand for their superior diagnostic capabilities, particularly in detecting cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. As a result, healthcare institutions and diagnostic centers worldwide are investing in advanced PET imaging technology. Rising Incidence of Cancer: The global rise in cancer prevalence is a significant factor driving the demand for PET radiotracers. With increasing cancer cases, the need for accurate imaging and early detection techniques like PET scans is more pressing than ever. Radiotracers like FDG18, commonly used in oncology, are essential for identifying and monitoring tumor growth, metastasis, and response to therapy. Advancements in PET Imaging Technology: Technological advancements, including the development of new, more precise radiotracers and enhancements in PET scanner technologies, are further fueling market expansion. These improvements enable earlier and more accurate diagnoses, better treatment monitoring, and reduced healthcare costs through improved patient outcomes. Aging Population: The aging global population contributes to an increased prevalence of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological conditions, thereby expanding the demand for PET radiotracers used in diagnosing and managing these disorders. Companies Profiled Key players in the PET radiotracer market include: •ABX Advanced Biochemical Compounds GmbH •Blue Earth Diagnostics •Cardinal Health •Eli Lilly and Company •GE Healthcare •IBA Radiopharma Solutions •Jubilant Pharma Limited •Lantheus Holdings, Inc. •Siemens Healthineers AG •Yantai Dongcheng Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. These companies are leading the way in product innovation, market expansion, and technological advancements, contributing to the continued growth of the global PET radiotracer market. Key Player Strategies The competitive landscape of the PET radiotracer market is marked by the presence of key industry players, each employing various strategies to strengthen their market position. Leading companies such as GE Healthcare, Cardinal Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and Siemens Healthineers AG are leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions to expand their product portfolios and enhance their market reach. •Partnerships and Collaborations: Major players are forming strategic alliances to develop and distribute PET radiotracers globally. For example, collaborations between radiopharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers enable wider access to cutting-edge PET imaging services. •Focus on R&D: Companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop next-generation radiotracers with higher precision, lower costs, and improved targeting capabilities. The introduction of radiotracers for specific diseases, such as Ga-68 [FAPI] for cancer imaging, is an example of innovation tailored to meet specific clinical needs. •Geographic Expansion: As emerging markets such as China, India, and Latin America experience healthcare infrastructure improvements, leading players are expanding their operations in these regions to tap into the growing demand for advanced diagnostic imaging. Market Challenges and Opportunities Despite the promising growth prospects, the PET radiotracer market faces several challenges that could hinder its expansion. The high cost of PET imaging systems and radiotracers is a significant barrier, particularly in developing regions. Additionally, the need for specialized facilities and skilled professionals to handle and administer radioactive compounds can increase operational complexities and costs for healthcare providers. However, these challenges also present opportunities. Increased investment in research and development (R&D) aimed at developing more cost-effective and efficient PET radiotracers can open new markets and increase accessibility. Governments and healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of early diagnosis in managing chronic diseases, which could lead to increased funding for PET imaging solutions. Visit our report for a deep dive into key insights and conclusions - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pet-radiotracer-market.html Market Segmentation The PET radiotracer market is segmented based on product type, application, and region. •Product Type: oF-18 (FDG18): The most widely used radiotracer, FDG18, is primarily used in oncology for tumor imaging. It remains the most dominant segment in the market. oGa-68 (FAPI): An emerging radiotracer, Ga-68 is gaining traction in oncology for its ability to target specific types of tumors. oOther Radiotracers: This includes various other compounds used for specialized imaging in areas such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and endocrine system diseases. •Application: oCancer: PET radiotracers, especially FDG18, are crucial in oncology, enabling early detection, tumor staging, and monitoring treatment responses. oHeart Disease: Radiotracers like FDG18 play a significant role in diagnosing heart conditions such as ischemic heart disease and assessing myocardial viability. oGastrointestinal: PET imaging is useful for detecting gastrointestinal cancers and conditions. oNeurological Disorders: PET radiotracers are increasingly used in diagnosing neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy. oEndocrine and Other Disorders: Other applications include diagnosing thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary gland diseases. •Region: oNorth America: Dominates the market due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, high awareness, and strong demand for PET scans. oEurope: The second-largest market, driven by increasing government healthcare spending and a rising number of cancer cases. oAsia-Pacific: Expected to witness the highest growth due to improvements in healthcare infrastructure, increasing disposable incomes, and rising disease prevalence. oRest of the World: Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are seeing steady market growth as healthcare access improves. Future Outlook and Market Trends The PET radiotracer market is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory due to the increasing demand for non-invasive imaging methods that can detect diseases at an early stage. Market participants will likely focus on developing radiotracers for specific disease types, enhancing precision, and lowering costs. Furthermore, innovations in PET imaging technology, including hybrid PET/MRI systems, will continue to drive advancements in diagnostic capabilities. As healthcare systems worldwide focus on personalized medicine and early detection, the demand for PET radiotracers is expected to surge, offering both significant opportunities and challenges to market players. With strategic investments in R&D, partnerships, and geographic expansion, the PET radiotracer market will continue to evolve and expand in the coming years. Access important conclusions and data points from our Report in this sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=48576 More Trending Reports: Acute Agitation and Aggression Treatment Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/acute-agitation-and-aggression-treatment-market.html Nephropathic Cystinosis Treatment Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/nephropathic-cystinosis-treatment-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. The firm scrutinizes factors shaping the dynamics of demand in various markets. The insights and perspectives on the markets evaluate opportunities in various segments. The opportunities in the segments based on source, application, demographics, sales channel, and end-use are analysed, which will determine growth in the markets over the next decade. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision-makers, made possible by experienced teams of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants. The proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques we use always reflect the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in all of its business reports. Contact Us: Transparency Market Research Inc. CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN, 1000 N. West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com This release was published on openPR.