2024 betfred world matchplay WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Donovan Newby had 18 points in UNC Wilmington's 78-69 victory over Marshall on Saturday. Newby shot 5 for 10 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 8 of 11 from the free-throw line for the Seahawks (7-2). Sean Moore scored 14 points while shooting 6 for 11, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc and added 16 rebounds. Khamari McGriff shot 5 of 6 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line to finish with 13 points, while adding six rebounds. The Thundering Herd (5-4) were led in scoring by Mikal Dawson, who finished with 12 points and two steals. Marshall also got 10 points and nine rebounds from Nate Martin. Dezayne Mingo also had 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists. UNC Wilmington took the lead with 12:17 to go in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 44-34 at halftime, with Moore racking up 12 points. UNC Wilmington was outscored by Marshall in the second half by one point, with Newby scoring a team-high 12 points after halftime. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .In a highly anticipated matchup between Beijing and Liaoning, the capital team suffered a disappointing loss, and the spotlight was on their center who appeared to be the weakest link on the court. The game ended with Beijing trailing by 13 points, and it was evident that their center, who had been flying under the radar, was the one who let the team down.Moreover, Gong Li's love for badminton showcases her humble and down-to-earth nature. Despite her superstar status and international acclaim, she chooses to engage in a simple and accessible sport like badminton, connecting with people from all walks of life. This down-to-earth attitude not only endears her to fans but also sets an example of humility and authenticity for others to follow.

Necessity is the mother of invention: Huawei is pairing its supercharged SSD with a 60-year old piece of technology — seemingly because of US export restrictions

LODI, Calif., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB ) announced today that Deborah Skinner, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, will be retiring effective December 31, 2024, after 24 years with Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California. The Company previously announced her intention to retire back on September 9, 2024. Ms. Skinner will remain with the Company through year-end to assist with the transition. "On behalf of the entire team at FMCB and the Board of Directors, I want to thank Debbie for her leadership and dedication to our company,” said Kent A. Steinwert, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of FMCB. “During her time with the Company, Debbie has been vital to the development and successful execution of our business operations and strategy. I also want to personally thank Debbie for being a trusted advisor to me and true business partner to our management team. We all wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement.” The Company also announced that Troy D. Harper will join the Company as its Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer effective December 9, 2024. Mr. Harper brings over 30 years of operational expertise in financial services to FMCB, including more than 20 years in commercial and retail banking. Prior to joining FMCB, he was Executive Vice President, Chief Information & Operations Officer for HomeStreet Bank, where he led deposit, loan, and treasury management operations, IT, corporate real estate, and security. His career experience includes additional banking and operational roles at the FDIC, Pierce Commercial Bank, CGI Group, and Deloitte Consulting. He received a B.S. in finance and accounting management from Northeastern University. Mr. Harper will work closely with Ms. Skinner until her retirement at year-end to ensure a seamless transition. “As we continue to expand our organization, it’s important that we add highly accomplished, talented, and experienced people to our executive leadership team. Troy brings a depth and breadth of operations and IT experience to the Company that will enrich the management team, while enabling us to execute successfully on our objectives in 2025 and beyond,” stated Mr. Steinwert. About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, trades on the OTCQX under the symbol FMCB, and is the parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, also known as F&M Bank. Founded in 1916, F&M Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank, which proudly serves California through 33 convenient locations. F&M Bank is financially strong, with $5.4 billion in assets, and is consistently recognized as one of the nation's safest banks by national bank rating firms. The Bank has maintained a 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial for 34 consecutive years, longer than any other commercial bank in the State of California. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has paid dividends for 89 consecutive years and has increased dividends for 59 consecutive years. As a result, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is a member of a select group of only 56 publicly traded companies referred to as “Dividend Kings,” and is ranked 17 th in that group based on consecutive years of dividend increases. A “Dividend King” is a stock with 50 or more consecutive years of dividend increase. In August 2024, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp was named by Bank Director’s Magazine as the #2 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual “Ranking Banking” study of the top performing banks for 2023. Last year the Bank was named by Bank Director’s Magazine as the #1 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual “Ranking Banking” study of the top performing banks for 2022. In April 2024, F&M Bank was ranked 6 th on Forbes Magazine’s list of "America’s Best Banks" in 2023. Forbes’ annual “America’s Best Banks” list looks at ten metrics measuring growth, credit quality, profitability, and capital for the 2023 calendar year, as well as stock performance in the 12 months through March 18, 2024. In December 2023, F&M Bank was ranked 4 th on S&P Global Market Intelligence's “Top 50 List of Best-Performing Community Banks” in the US with assets between $3.0 billion and $10.0 billion for 2023. S&P Global Market Intelligence ranks financial institutions based on several key factors including financial returns, growth, and balance sheet risk profile. In October 2021, F&M Bank was named the “Best Community Bank in California” by Newsweek magazine. Newsweek’s ranking recognizes those financial institutions that best serve their customers’ needs in each state. This recognition speaks to the superior customer service the F&M Bank team members provide to its clients. F&M Bank is the 15 th largest bank lender to agriculture in the United States. F&M Bank operates in the mid-Central Valley of California, including Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, and Merced counties and the east region of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Napa, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. F&M Bank was inducted into the National Agriculture Science Center’s “Ag Hall of Fame” at the end of 2021 for providing resources, financial advice, guidance, and support to the agribusiness communities as well as to students in the next generation of agribusiness workforce. F&M Bank is dedicated to helping California remain the premier agricultural region in the world and will continue to work with the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and processors. F&M Bank remains committed to servicing the needs of agribusiness in California as has been the case since its founding over 108 years ago. F&M Bank offers a full complement of loan, deposit, equipment leasing and treasury management products to businesses, as well as a full suite of consumer banking products. The FDIC awarded F&M Bank the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" in their last Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) evaluation. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations regarding the Company’s financial performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding management team changes and their anticipated impact on the Company, and the Company’s expansion and its ability to execute on strategic objectives. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and which could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to the risk factors and other important factors detailed in the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs, and various other securities law filings made periodically by the Company, copies of which are available from the Company’s website. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. For more information about Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and F&M Bank, visit fmbonline.com. Investor Relations Contact Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Bart R. Olson Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Phone: 209-367-2485 bolson@fmbonline.comInsurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors returned to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.NEW YORK (AP) — Angelina Jolie never expected to hit all the notes. But finding the breath of Maria Callas was enough to bring things out of Jolie that she didn’t even know were in her. “All of us, we really don’t realize where things land in our body over a lifetime of different experiences and where we hold it to protect ourselves,” Jolie said in a recent interview. “We hold it in our stomachs. We hold it in our chest. We breathe from a different place when we’re nervous or we’re sad. “The first few weeks were the hardest because my body had to open and I had to breathe again,” she adds. “And that was a discovery of how much I wasn’t.” In Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” which Netflix released in theaters Wednesday before it begins streaming on Dec. 11, Jolie gives, if not the performance of her career, then certainly of her last decade. Beginning with 2010’s “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” Jolie has spent recent years directing films while prioritizing raising her six children. “So my choices for quite a few years were whatever was smart financially and short. I worked very little the last eight years,” says Jolie. “And I was kind of drained. I couldn’t for a while.” But her youngest kids are now 16. And for the first time in years, Jolie is back in the spotlight, in full movie-star mode. Her commanding performance in “Maria” seems assured of bringing Jolie her third Oscar nomination. (She won supporting actress in 2000 for “Girl, Interrupted.”) For an actress whose filmography might lack a signature movie, “Maria” may be Jolie's defining role. Jolie's oldest children, Maddox and Pax, worked on the set of the film. There, they saw a version of their mother they hadn't seen before. “They had certainly seen me sad in my life. But I don’t cry in front of my children like that,” Jolie says of the emotion Callas dredged up in her. “That was a moment in realizing they were going to be with me, side by side, in this process of really understanding the depth of some of the pain I carry.” Jolie, who met a reporter earlier this fall at the Carlyle Hotel, didn't speak in any detail of that pain. But it was hard not to sense some it had to do with her lengthy and ongoing divorce from Brad Pitt, with whom she had six children. Just prior to meeting, a judge allowed Pitt’s remaining claim against Jolie, over the French winery Château Miraval, to proceed. On Monday, a judge ruled that Pitt must disclose documents Jolie’s legal team have sought that they allege include “communications concerning abuse.” Pitt has denied ever being abusive. The result of the U.S. presidential election was also just days old, though Jolie — special envoy for the United Nations Refugee Agency from 2012 to 2022 – wasn’t inclined to talk politics. Asked about Donald Trump’s win , she responded, “Global storytelling is essential,” before adding: “That’s what I’m focusing on. Listening. Listening to the voices of people in my country and around the world.” Balancing such things — reports concerning her private life, questions that accompany someone of her fame — is a big reason why Jolie is so suited to the part of Callas. The film takes place during the American-born soprano’s final days. (She died of a heart attack at 53 in 1977.) Spending much of her time in her grand Paris apartment, Callas hasn’t sung publicly in years; she’s lost her voice. Imprisoned by the myth she’s created, Callas is redefining herself and her voice. An instructor tells her he wants to hear “Callas, not Maria." The movie, of course, is more concerned with Maria. It’s Larrain’s third portrait of 20th century female icon, following “Jackie” (with Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy) and “Spencer” (with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana). As Callas, Jolie is wonderfully regal — a self-possessed diva who deliciously, in lines penned by screenwriter Steven Knight, spouts lines like: “I took liberties all my life and the world took liberties with me.” Asked if she identified with that line, Jolie answered, “Yeah, yeah.” Then she took a long pause. “I’m sure people will read a lot into this and there’s probably a lot I could say but don’t want to feed into,” Jolie eventually continues. “I know she was a public person because she loved her work. And I’m a public person because I love my work, not because I like being public. I think some people are more comfortable with a public life, and I’ve never been fully comfortable with it.” When Larraín first approached Jolie about the role, he screened “Spencer” for her. That film, like “Jackie” and “Maria,” eschews a biopic approach to instead intimately focus on a specific moment of crisis. Larraín was convinced Jolie was meant for the role. “I felt she could have that magnetism,” Larraín says. “The enigmatic diva that’s come to a point in her life where she has to take control of her life again. But the weight of her experience, of her music, of her singing, everything, is on her back. And she carries that. It’s someone who’s already loaded with a life that’s been intense.” “There’s a loneliness that we both share,” Jolie says. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I think people can be alone and lonely sometimes, and that can be part of who they are.” Larraín, the Chilean filmmaker, grew up in Santiago going to the opera, and he has long yearned to bring its full power and majesty to a movie. In Callas, he heard something that transfixed him. “I hear something near perfection, but at the same time, it’s something that’s about to be destroyed,” Larraín says. “So it’s as fragile and as strong as possible. It lives in both extremes. That’s why it’s so moving. I hear a voice that’s about to be broken, but it doesn’t.” In Callas’ less perfect moments singing in the film, Larraín fuses archival recordings of Callas with Jolie’s own voice. Some mix of the two runs throughout “Maria.” “Early in the process,” Jolie says, “I discovered that you can’t fake-sing opera.” Jolie has said she never sang before, not even karaoke. But the experience has left her with a newfound appreciation of opera and its healing properties. “I wonder if it’s something you lean into as you get older,” Jolie says. “Maybe your depth of pain is bigger, your depth of loss is bigger, and that sound in opera meets that, the enormity of it.” If Larraín’s approach to “Maria” is predicated on an unknowingness, he's inclined to say something similar about his star. “Because of media and social media, some people might think that they know a lot about Angelina,” he says. “Maria, I read nine biographies of her. I saw everything. I read every interview. I made this movie. But I don’t think I would be capable of telling you who she was us. So if there’s an element in common, it’s that. They carry an enormous amount of mystery. Even if you think that you know them, you don’t.” Whether “Maria” means more acting in the future for Jolie, she's not sure. “There's not a clear map,” she says. Besides, Jolie isn't quite ready to shake Callas. “When you play a real person, you feel at some point that they become your friend,” says Jolie. “Right now, it’s still a little personal. It’s funny, I’ll be at a premiere or I’ll walk into a room and someone will start blaring her music for fun, but I have this crazy internal sense memory of dropping to my knees and crying.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s tax administration system, citing flaws in design, implementation, and taxpayers’ attitudes. Speaking on Saturday at the 2024 Annual Public Lecture, Annual General Meeting (AGM), and Awards organised by the Kaduna chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Idris highlighted the critical role of public relations in fostering dialogue for the nation’s economic growth. The event, themed “Tax Reform: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance,” brought together stakeholders to discuss reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy. “The ongoing review of the country’s tax laws is not only timely but crucial as part of broader macroeconomic reforms. Effective taxation remains a key source of financial power for governments worldwide to provide essential social services,” the minister said. Commending the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform, Idris praised their efforts in engaging the public and ensuring inclusivity in the review process. He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to fostering participatory democracy while addressing critical governance and fiscal challenges. Idris noted that the reforms aim to align Nigeria’s tax structure with global best practices while promoting equitable resource distribution in line with the principles of true federalism. He called on public relations practitioners to play a pivotal role in bridging communication gaps and building public trust in the reform agenda. Earlier, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku, pledged the institute’s support in ensuring the successful implementation of the reforms by leveraging its wide network across the country to advocate for the initiative. Idris emphasised the importance of public engagement and mutual respect in driving sustainable reforms. “We must prioritise what unites us as a nation while recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in building a better Nigeria,” he said.By Jade Macmillan for the ABC When Robert F Kennedy Jr was running as an independent candidate at this year's US election, he attracted a series of bizarre headlines. "RFK Jr says doctors found a dead worm in his brain," screamed The New York Times . "RFK Jr admits to dumping a dead bear in Central Park," said NPR . "Feds open probe into RFK Jr for allegedly decapitating a dead whale," reported Fox News . The 70-year-old had been seen as a potential spoiler in a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. But by the time Kamala Harris replaced the president on the Democratic ticket, his campaign had faltered and was running out of money . Opinion polls suggested he could still draw votes away from Trump, however, in what was then expected to be a very close contest. And despite having previously described RFK Jr as the "most radical left candidate in the race", the now president-elect sought - and received - his endorsement. That support has now been rewarded with the promise of a major new job; Trump has nominated RFK Jr to be his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It is a sprawling federal agency tasked with overseeing everything from vaccines to Medicare to food safety. So what exactly does RFK Jr mean when he promises to "Make America Healthy Again"? And why are some public health experts so alarmed? A 'dangerous' record on vaccines RFK Jr is part of one of America's most famous political dynasties. He is named after his father, former US attorney-general Robert F Kennedy, and is the nephew of former president John F Kennedy. He made his own mark as an environmental lawyer, focusing on issues such as water pollution. But it is his vaccine activism that is generating the most attention now that he is in line for a role in Trump's second-term administration . RFK Jr has promoted disproven claims, including that childhood vaccines cause autism. He has also been accused of fuelling vaccine scepticism in Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak that killed 83 people there in 2019. Vaccination rates had fallen after two babies died the previous year from incorrectly mixed and administered mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) shots. RFK Jr visited the Pacific nation several months before the outbreak, writing later that the trip was organised by a local vaccination critic. He has since denied bearing any responsibility for the measles outbreak in Samoa, telling a documentary that he "never told anybody not to vaccinate". "I didn't, you know, go there for any reason to do with that," he said. But Helen Petousis-Harris, a New Zealand-based vaccinologist who worked to try to rebuild confidence in Samoa's vaccination programme , said RFK Jr weakened an "already fragile trust". "A person who has the status of RFK Jr just I guess further amplifies what those local anti-vaccine advocates had been saying," she said. "And there's a big price to pay, isn't there? I mean, these were children's lives." RFK Jr has rejected the assertion that he is an "anti-vaxxer" and he insisted shortly after Trump's election victory that if vaccines were "working for somebody, I'm not going to take them away". "I'm going to make sure scientific safety studies and efficacy are out there, and people can make individual assessments about whether that product is going to be good for them," he told NBC News. Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University, points out control over vaccines in the US resides with the states, not the federal government. But he argues RFK Jr could try to change which vaccines can be accessed free of charge under health insurance. And he believes he will do "everything in his power to foment distrust in them". "I've never seen a darker day for public health than I have since the election," he said. "I just call this simply a poke in the eye of science." RFK Jr's position on vaccines is partly behind a split in his famous family. His cousin and outgoing US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy recently described his views as "dangerous". "I grew up with him so I've known all this for a long time and others are just getting to know him," she told the National Press Club in Canberra. An overhaul of America's eating habits Along with what he says will be a crackdown on big pharma, RFK Jr is promising to overhaul America's food system. He has called for new limits on food additives and dyes, highlighting differences between the artificial colours used in American-made breakfast cereals and those used in the same products produced in Canada. "It's literally poisoning our kids," he told Fox News in September. He has also pledged to remove ultra-processed foods from school lunches as part of an effort to end what he describes as the "chronic disease epidemic". "President Trump has told me that he wants to see measurable, concrete results within two years in terms of a measurable diminishment in chronic disease among America's kids," he told NBC earlier this month. Some of RFK Jr's stances on nutrition have found support across a broad political spectrum in the US. Author Michael Pollan, who has spent decades advocating for healthier eating, told Politico he agreed with many of RFK Jr's criticisms of the US food system . "The way we're eating is the biggest threat to public health," he said. But he added that he did not support RFK Jr's nomination. "I think he's completely unfit and that's because of his stance on vaccines," he said. Richard Besser, a former acting director of the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) under Barack Obama, believes there is merit in some of the goals RFK Jr is pursuing. But he also does not support his appointment as DHHS secretary. "One of the challenges very frequently with people who are big spreaders of misinformation is that some of what they spread is good," Dr Besser said. "If we had a secretary who said, 'Let's take on childhood nutrition,' that's great. "But you want to make sure that they're coming in and saying, 'Let's bring in the best and the brightest around this topic,' ... not pulling in ideas that may not be based on science, may be based on fear or misleading information." The 'MAHA' movement RFK Jr has called for fluoride to be removed from public drinking water, warned against seed oils, and criticised what he has called the "aggressive suppression" by federal regulators of unpasteurised milk and psychedelics. He has attracted a social media following under the hashtag "Make America Healthy Again", or "MAHA", a spin on Trump's famous slogan. "How it feels knowing RFK Jr is about to go head to head with the food and pharmacy industries," one TikTok user posted alongside the #crunchymom hashtag. RFK Jr has also recently been linked to controversial Australian personality Pete Evans. An advocacy group founded by RFK Jr is publishing a children's cookbook with the former celebrity chef who has previously been accused of spreading medical misinformation. Professor Gostin said there had long been some level of scepticism towards American public health institutions, but that distrust increased dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic. "I think perhaps science and public health lacked the necessary humility during the pandemic, and that's part of the problem," he said. "But the solution isn't to tear down science and evidence, because we have no alternative." 'Pretty wild ideas' RFK Jr's appointment will need to be confirmed by the Senate, and while Republicans are set to take control of the chamber, that does not guarantee approval. Trump's pick for attorney-general, Matt Gaetz, recently withdrew his name from consideration after senators demanded to see the detail of sexual misconduct allegations against him. "The end of the Matt Gaetz nomination could play out in the form of the Senate willing now to confirm whoever is put in front of them," said Sara Rosenbaum, professor emirata at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health. "Although, interestingly, the Senate was sort of able to ward [Gaetz's appointment] off before it came to an actual 'no'. "So whether this, in fact, means that they are still rigourous and moving through the candidates in a meaningful way, considering the candidates in a meaningful way, remains to be seen." If he is confirmed, the president-elect has joked he will let RFK Jr "go wild for a little while". "Then I'm going to have to maybe rein him back," Trump said in the lead-up to the election. "Because he's got some pretty wild ideas but most of them are really good, I think." - ABC

Is Enron back? If it's a joke, some former employees aren't laughing

The closure of Manson Market is a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against cybercrime in Europe. It highlights the dedication and expertise of law enforcement agencies in tackling illicit online activities and underscores the importance of collaboration in ensuring a safer and more secure digital environment for all.

Land of opportunity or bicultural nation? Twin visions of national identity face off over the Treaty principles

NoneAdopting a former search and rescue dog comes with its own set of challenges, as these dogs are highly trained and require a level of commitment and understanding from their new families. However, for those willing to open their hearts and homes to these remarkable animals, the rewards are boundless.Tight race for the North Carolina Supreme Court is heading to another recount

In a shocking case that has sent shockwaves through the intelligence community, a former top graduate of a prestigious university has been convicted of selling highly classified national secrets to a foreign government. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed to protect ongoing investigations, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for betraying their country and compromising national security.

Legal experts have also highlighted the role of regulatory authorities in ensuring compliance with health and safety standards at commercial establishments. By holding businesses accountable for maintaining safe and sanitary conditions for their customers, authorities play a crucial role in protecting public health and welfare. Consumers are encouraged to report any concerns or incidents of non-compliance to the relevant regulatory agencies for further investigation and enforcement action.Discover Cutting-Edge Cleaning Power with H40 Ultra Floor Scrubber by Technology Heavyweight

Additionally, China's proactive trade policies and efforts to enhance trade facilitation have played a crucial role in supporting the country's foreign trade. The implementation of various measures to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and promote international cooperation has helped to create a more favorable environment for trade and investment.Education ministry revises dates for administration of PEP Six exam

How to teach your kids right from wrong without laying the groundwork for them to become a complete pushover in later life? That’s the conundrum explored in Hsaio Ya-chuan’s Old Fox , the Taiwanese submission for the Best International Feature Oscar . Set in 1990, at the height of Taiwan ’s economic bubble, it concerns an 11-year-old boy named Liao Jie (Bai Run-yin), who lives with his widowed father Liao Tai-Lai (Liu Kuan-Ting). Liao Tai-Lai is a gifted musician who dreams of opening his own barber shop but cannot afford it. By chance, Liao Jie comes to befriend his neighborhood’s notorious landlord, Mr. Xie (Akio Chen), and the difference between the two men — one kind but poor, the other ruthless but rich — forces the youngster to wonder which might be the most effective role model. “The inspiration actually came from the questions that my kids asked me when they were about the same age as Liao Jie,” Hsaio at said Deadline’s Contenders International award-season event. “They asked me questions about whether there is fairness and justice in this world, and I couldn’t answer those questions easily. So I kept on asking myself, ‘Is there? And what should I teach my kids?’ Those questions just stayed with me, and that’s how I came to make this film, by trying to answer those questions.” RELATED: Best International Feature Film Oscar Winners Through The Years: Photo Gallery Significantly, the film takes place during a specific period in Taiwan’s recent history. “So, a little background about 1990 and Taiwan,” said Hsaio. “In 1987, martial law was finally lifted. After that, a lot of the regulation changed for the stock market, and the market started to boom drastically. ... That was when the gap between the poor and the rich started to change so much, and that’s why I chose that time period for the story. Back then, some people got super-rich because of the stock market. Back in my college days, the whole street [I lived on] belonged to one person — the same landlord.” Unusually for a film of this kind, Old Fox is subtle about the lessons that Liao Jie learns; Hsaio’s story is more concerned with the way the boy considers his options. “I think it’s about making a moral choice, which is really, really universal,” said Hsaio. “Even nowadays, in 2024, we still experience the same situation. The gap between the rich and the poor didn’t disappear. It actually became even more drastic. The rich are definitely way richer, and the poor are way poorer. So, we are still in this same situation.” RELATED: Contenders International — Deadline’s Complete Coverage The inequality between rich and poor won’t go away any time soon, and Hsaio is realistic about his film’s chances of changing the status quo. “I definitely think it’s hard to have an impact on a massive global impact in such a short time and just with a movie,” he said, “But what we can do is that we can start [the conversation] within ourselves. So that’s one reason also I’m making this film, to have this dialogue with my children about the choices you make, if you want to be more like Boss Xie or if you want to be more like Liao Tai-Lai or if you can find your own way, somewhere in the middle, to be a little selfish but also have a heart — to be able to care about others and not harm them in a very bad way. With this movie, I can plant some seeds in the audience’s head. Although they might not change overnight, they can definitely start to think about this topic.” Check back Monday for the panel video. RELATED: The 2025 Oscars: Everything We Know So Far About The Nominations, Ceremony, Date & Host

As the applications for adoption continue to pour in, the Yunnan search and rescue team is working diligently to ensure that each dog finds a suitable and loving home. The overwhelming response serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the resilience of these remarkable animals.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 2:35 p.m. EST

365 betfred Shares of United Natural Foods ( UNFI 20.02% ) were soaring today after the leading wholesaler of organic and natural foods posted strong results in its fiscal first-quarter earnings report, beating estimates on the top and bottom lines. As a result, the stock finished the day up 20%. UNFI is on the rebound United Natural Foods (UNFI) has now more than tripled from its low in the spring as investments in increased efficiency and other initiatives are paying off. In Q1, revenue increased 4.2% to $7.87 billion, easily beating estimates at $7.61 billion. Its supernatural segment, which currently consists of just Whole Foods, delivered strong growth with revenue up 13.8% to $1.84 billion. At its largest segment, chains, which consists of grocery banners with more than 10 locations, revenue rose 3.5% to $3.29 billion. The business benefited from value initiatives that attracted increased spending from existing customers like Whole Foods, and it's also optimizing its distribution network, driving profitability improvements. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ( EBITDA ) rose 14.5% to $134 million. On the bottom line, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose from a loss of $0.04 to a profit of $0.16, well ahead of the consensus at a loss of $0.01. UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas said, What's next for UNFI The food wholesaler also raised its guidance for the full year. It now sees revenue of $30.6 billion to $31 billion, which represents a 0.6% decline at the midpoint, and was up from its previous forecast of $30.3 billion to $30.8 billion. It also raised its adjusted EPS forecast from $0.20 to $0.80 to $0.40 to $0.80, which compares to just $0.14 in the quarter a year ago. The stock might look pricey based on that forecast, but there is a lot of room for improvement here and upside potential for this niche leader.Los Blancos, sitting in second, capitalised on leaders Barcelona’s draw to Celta Vigo on Saturday to move four points behind with a game in hand. After Mbappe’s first-half opener, Federico Valverde and Bellingham scored in the second half to make it seven goals and two clean sheets in two games for Madrid. Gerard Moreno’s late penalty helped fourth-placed Villarreal rescue a late point in a 2-2 draw at Osasuna. ⚽ @KMbappe 🫂 @ViniJr 🅰️ #LeganésRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/Zw9sqLBVDa — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 24, 2024 Djibril Sow’s 27th-minute goal helped Sevilla to a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, who had Unai Lopez sent off on the stroke of half-time. Oihan Sancet’s header in the first half helped Athletic Bilbao to a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad. In Serie A, Romelu Lukaku scored for Antonio Conte’s Napoli in a 1-0 win over Roma to help them reclaim top spot. Yacine Adli and Moise Kean were on the scoresheet as Fiorentina won 2-0 at Como, with Alberto Dossena shown a red at the death for Cesc Fabregas’ hosts. Milan Duric’s 63rd-minute equaliser cancelled out Adam Masina’s opener as Monza held Torino to a 1-1 draw. ⏹️ Full time: #NapoliRoma 1-0 💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/S41nw13riV — Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) November 24, 2024 Patrick Vieira was denied victory in his first game in charge of Genoa after Roberto Piccoli’s late penalty salvaged Cagliari a 2-2 draw. In Ligue 1, fourth-placed Lille inflicted more misery on struggling Rennes after Edon Zhegrova’s 45th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win. Le Havre returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory at Nantes following goals from Josue Casimir and Steve Ngoura, while Hamed Traore’s late goal handed Auxerre a dramatic 1-0 triumph at home to Angers. Loubadhe Abakar Sylla’s own goal resulted in Nice snatching a 2-1 win at home to Strasbourg. Borussia Monchengladbach extended their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to five games after goals from Alassane Plea and Tim Kleindienst gave them a 2-0 win over St Pauli, while Mainz beat Holstein Kiel 3-0.

How to Watch Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Games – Wednesday, December 11

Technology Being Used to Improve Skill Sets of Citizens'Every moment is worth celebrating,' Canadian jewelry brand founders sayManhattan police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione , suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, while carrying a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Here's the latest: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says “violence to combat any sort of corporate greed is unacceptable” and the White House will “continue to condemn any form of violence.” She declined to comment on the investigation into the Dec. 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson or reports that writings belonging to the suspect, Luigi Mangione, said insurance companies care more about profits than their customers. “This is horrific,” Jean-Pierre said of the fatal shooting of Thompson as he walked in Manhattan. He didn’t appear to say anything as deputies led him to a waiting car outside. “I’m deeply grateful to the men and women of law enforcement whose efforts to solve the horrific murder of Brian Thompson led to the arrest of a suspect in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Hochul said in the statement. “I am coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office and will sign a request for a governor’s warrant to ensure this individual is tried and held accountable. Public safety is my top priority and I’ll do everything in my power to keep the streets of New York safe.” That’s according to a spokesperson for the governor who said Gov. Hochul will do it as soon as possible. Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. ▶ Read more about Luigi Mangione Peter Weeks, the Blair County district attorney, says he’ll work with New York officials to try to return suspect Luigi Mangione there to face charges. Weeks said the New York charges are “more serious” than in Blair County. “We believe their charges take precedent,” Weeks said, promising to do what’s needed to accommodate New York’s prosecution first. Weeks spoke to reporters after a brief hearing at which a defense lawyer said Mangione will fight extradition. The defense asked for a hearing on the issue. In the meantime, Mangione will be detained at a state prison in western Pennsylvania. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said Tuesday it will seek a Governor’s warrant to secure Mangione’s extradition to Manhattan. Under state law, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul can issue a warrant of arrest demanding Mangione’s return to the state. Such a warrant must recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance and be sealed with the state seal. It would then be presented to law enforcement in Pennsylvania to expedite Mangione’s return to New York. But Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks says it won’t be a substantial barrier to returning Mangione to New York. He noted that defendants contest extradition “all the time,” including in simple retail theft cases. Dickey, his defense lawyer, questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it. Mangione will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon. He has 14 days to challenge the detention. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have a month to seek a governor’s warrant out of New York. Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion, but was quieted by his lawyer. Luigi Mangione, 26, has also been denied bail at a brief court hearing in western Pennsylvania. He has 14 days to challenge the bail decision. That’s with some intervention from owner Elon Musk. The account, which hasn’t posted since June, was briefly suspended by X. But after a user inquired about it in a post Monday, Musk responded “This happened without my knowledge. Looking into it.” The account was later reinstated. Other social media companies such as Meta have removed his accounts. According to X rules, the platform removes “any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, as well as any accounts glorifying the perpetrator(s), or dedicated to sharing manifestos and/or third party links where related content is hosted.” Mangione is not accused of perpetrating a terrorist or mass attack — he has been charged with murder — and his account doesn’t appear to share any writings about the case. He shouted something that was partly unintelligible, but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.” He’s there for an arraignment on local charges stemming from his arrest Monday. He was dressed in an orange jumpsuit as officers led him from a vehicle into the courthouse. Local defense lawyer Thomas Dickey is expected to represent the 26-year-old at a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Blair County Courthouse. Dickey declined comment before the hearing. Mangione could have the Pennsylvania charges read aloud to him and may be asked to enter a plea. They include possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. In New York, he was charged late Monday with murder in the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain with corporate greed, said a a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s hand-written notes and social media postings. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. A felony warrant filed in New York cites Altoona Officer Christy Wasser as saying she found the writings along with a semi-automatic pistol and an apparent silencer. The filing echoes earlier statements from NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny who said Mangione had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America.” Mangione is now charged in Pennsylvania with being a fugitive of justice. A customer at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested said one of his friends had commented beforehand that the man looked like the suspect wanted for the shooting in New York City. “It started out almost a little bit like a joke, my one friend thought he looked like the shooter,” said the customer, who declined to give his full name, on Tuesday. “It wasn’t really a joke, but we laughed about it,” he added. The warrant on murder and other charges is a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. In court papers made public Tuesday, a New York City police detective reiterated key findings in the investigation he said tied Mangione to the killing, including surveillance footage and a fake ID he used to check into a Manhattan hostel on Nov. 24. Police officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, found that ID when they arrested Mangione on Monday. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and ski cap. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. Mangione’s cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione, announced Tuesday morning that he’s postponing a fundraiser planned later this week at the Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore, which was purchased by the Mangione family in 1986. “Because of the nature of this terrible situation involving my Cousin I do not believe it is appropriate to hold my fundraising event scheduled for this Thursday at Hayfields,” Nino Mangione said in a social media post. “I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. My family and I are heartbroken and ask that you remember the family of Mr. Thompson in your prayers. Thank you.” Officers used New York City’s muscular surveillance system . Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door to door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later , those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian’s instincts. A customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos New York police had publicized. He remains jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late Monday evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. It’s unclear whether Luigi Nicholas Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday’s arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.”

Mysuru: Five residents from the city were tricked into travelling to Golden Triangle, an island in Thailand, on the pretext of lucrative jobs. They were forced to deceive people in India into investing in the stock market through fake applications, luring them by chatting in local languages. The city cybercrime, economic offences and narcotics (CEN) police registered an FIR in this regard. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom IPL 2025 Auction: Updated Full Team Squads According to the FIR, these five residents were asked to talk to men above 40 years, pretending to be women, and make them invest in the stock market. A city resident was offered a job in a call centre in Laos with a monthly salary of Rs 60,000, along with his four friends. After an online interview, they were added to a Telegram group. They travelled to Laos along with five other Indian nationals. From Laos, they were taken to the Golden Triangle. According to the victims, they reached Golden Triangle on Feb 4, and after two days' rest, they were given training in opening fake accounts on social media, using fake applications, and chatting with individuals. "They asked us to chat with men above 40 years, pretending to be women, and make them invest in the fake applications. We started doing this under fear and threat. When we declined to do this, saying it is a scam, we were assaulted and forced to continue the same after being locked inside a room. The accused demanded Rs 5 lakhs to free us from the island," they told the cops. An employee working in the same place advised them to lodge a complaint at the Indian embassy to secure their freedom. Based on their complaint, the local Indian embassy officials freed them with the help of police, they stated in the complaint. The CEN police registered a case against unknown accused under IPC Sections 120B, 365, 367, 370, 420, besides the IT Act. Cyber experts and the police advised the public to be cautious while making investments in the stock market using unknown applications, as it may be part of these kinds of scams. They also urged people to be careful while relying on unknown persons to get jobs in foreign countries.

Olise scores twice as Bayern come from behind to thrash Shakhtar 5-1A fugitive gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and nets

North Dakota’s John Hoeven, Kevin Cramer tout counter-UAS, mental health provisions in defense policy billDelhi records highest December rainfall in 15 years, mercury drops to 14.6 degree Celsius

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione's arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione's family and upbringing Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione's education and work history Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. Time in Hawaii and reports of back pain From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Police report a darker turn Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said.

49s results betfred

Last season, the Indiana Pacers made a surprising run all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. The narrative around them was that it was somewhat of a lucky accomplishment for them. Their first round opponent, the Milwaukee Bucks , were without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the whole series and didn’t have Damian Lillard for two games. In the next round, they faced the New York Knicks who were missing numerous pieces such as Julius Randle , OG Anunoby , Mitchell Robinson , and Bojan Bogdanovic . Nonetheless, being one of the final four teams remaining in the NBA playoffs is an impressive feat. Much of their success was predicated on an explosive offense that was among the best in the league. Their play on the offensive end has not gone as smoothly thus far this season. It is a huge reason why the Pacers are just off to a 9-14 start after going 47-35 last season. In their most recent game on Wednesday, they had a disappointing performance against the Brooklyn Nets, losing by the score of 99-90. The Pacers scored just 35 points in the first half. Stark Differences Between Pacers Offense This Season And Last What A Difference A Year Makes For The Pacers Offense The differences in the Pacers numbers on offense from this season to last are quite stark. Just look at some of those numbers from 2023-24 and through 23 games in 2024-25 (where they rank for the season listed in parentheses). Points per game: 2023-24: 123.3 (1st) 2024-25: 113.4 (14th) Offensive rating: 2023-24: 121.0 (2nd) 2024-25: 112.6 (18th) Pace: 2023-24: 101.7 (2nd) 2024-25: 99.9 (8th) The 121.0 offensive rating that Indiana finished with last season is the second-highest in NBA history . Only last season’s champions, the Boston Celtics , have a higher one at 123.2, also from 2023-24. To go from the second-best ever to not even being in the top half of the league this season is mind-blowing. Keep in mind that the Pacers only had two-time All-NBA Pascal Siakam for about half of last season after trading for him. Haliburton’s Offensive Decline Of course, the Pacers fulcrum on offense is star point guard Tyrese Halliburton . The 24-year-old was named to the All-NBA Third Team last season while leading the league averaging 10.9 assists per game. Despite playing three more minutes per game in 2024-25, his numbers have dipped. Halliburton is averaging 2.5 less points (17.6 to 20.1 in 2023-24) and is down to 8.4 assists per contest. He is throwing up a career-high 8.6 threes per game while connecting on just 33.3% of them (career-low). Halliburton has also been less accurate inside of the arc, making 53.8% of his two-pointers compared to 59.5% in 2023-24. Injuries To Two Starters While not exactly household names, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard have been extremely important role players for Indiana. They have been the team’s starting small forward and shooting guard respectively when available. The two just haven’t been available enough. They have combined to appear in just 15 of a possible 46 outings. The 24-year-old Nembhard has come back to play in two games for Indiana but missed 12 straight from November 8-29 with right knee tendinitis. He did not play in Wednesday night’s game due to it being the second game of a back-to-back. The 24-year-old Nesmith hasn’t played since November 1 due to a sprained left ankle. Head coach Rick Carlisle recently stated that he is still weeks away from returning. While neither of them are offensive juggernauts, both are capable three-point shooters. Nembhard really stepped up his offensive output during the 2024 playoffs. The Pacers offense needs to go back to, or at least come close to, their 2023-24 levels to have any chance of approaching the success they had last season. It will help having Nembhard and Nesmith back regularly, but most importantly, they need Haliburton to once again look like one of the best offensive point guards in the league. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

New data shows that the vast majority of Americans felt this year's general election was administered well, a stark contrast to perceptions in 2020 and a reflection of how Republican voters specifically have come around on election security in a year when their preferred presidential candidate won. Almost 9 in 10 U.S. voters felt the November election was run very well or somewhat well, according to data out Wednesday from the Pew Research Center , which surveyed people's opinions starting a week after voting ended. That number is more than 30 percentage points higher than it was at a similar point in 2020. The increase in voting confidence was driven exclusively by Republican voters. In November 2020, as then-President Donald Trump and his campaign advisers were spreading lies about voting and election workers, just a fifth of people who said they voted for Trump also said they felt the election was administered well. This year, 93% of people who voted for Trump approved of how the election was run. "It goes back to who had the microphone in 2020 and 2021," said Carly Koppes, a Republican county clerk in Weld County, Co. "When we have the candidate and the top people that are respected within the two parties not engaging and not amplifying [election lies], that's where we see the difference." This year, Trump spread baseless election cheating claims up until Election Day , but those stopped when the results became clear. Election workers like Koppes are quick to note the two presidential elections were actually very similar from an administration perspective. The 2020 election featured slightly more mail voting, as many states expanded access options in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about the safety of in-person voting, but neither election featured any widespread issues. The biggest change at the administrative level, Koppes said, was that election officials were more proactive this time around in communicating with the public and the media on security measures they had in place. "We just were able to really move from a defensive spot that we were kind of in, in 2020 and 2021, and then really started to be able to move into a more offensive spot," Koppes said. Speaking at his state's recent election certification, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, noted how different the perceptions of the two presidential races were, despite no major practical changes. "Given the fact that Arizona has essentially the same elections folks, running under the same elections rules, with the same elections systems, and we seem to have done a pretty doggone good job this time around ... I think the age of election denialism is, for all intents and purposes, dead," he said. The Pew research showed signs of skepticism under the surface, however. A narrow majority of Trump voters said they were not confident that ineligible voters were prevented from casting ballots this election, for instance. Still, Trump voters had even more confidence in this year's elections process than people who voted for Vice President Harris. That's not abnormal historically, as there has traditionally been what's known as a "winner's effect" in which voters whose candidate won have more confidence in the process. But considering Trump spent all year denigrating the nation's election security, the swing in confidence is notable. "The GOP numbers are almost irrational exuberance," Paul Gronke, an election administration expert at Reed College, wrote in an email. "The longer record of confidence has shown some winners / losers effect, but nothing like was evident in 2020. ... We simply never witnessed until 2020 a candidate and political organization so widely spreading mistrust. It took the 'loser['s] regret' effect and supercharged it." The near-universal confidence in this year's elections has also led to a quieter certification period than many voting officials were preparing for. But Koppes, in Colorado, noted that there has still been some conspiracy theorizing about the election among the fringe-left, and that for some on the right, election denial has become a career . So lies about voting almost certainly haven't disappeared completely. "It's just until the next election," Koppes said. "These are the new snake oil salesmen. They're going to take any opportunity, for any tiny mistake or big mistake that happens, and continue pounding this drum for as long as they continue to be able to line their pockets." Copyright 2024 NPRIf it seems like everybody is talking about Spotify Wrapped, the streaming service’s data-driven annual recap of listening habits, it’s because everybody is talking about Spotify Wrapped. That says a lot about its effectiveness and its value to the company. The streaming platform’s personalized year-end recap is unmissable this time of year. Mashable began prepping its readers back on Nov. 19. A week later, Spotify heightened expectations by advising users to update the Spotify app to the latest, Wrapped-ready version. When Wrapped finally appeared on Wednesday (Dec. 4), there was an onslaught of media coverage. Billboard even got into the Wrapped coverage, revealing Chappell Roan ’s top artists and songs on Spotify in 2024 ( Ariana Grande and Heart ’s “Barracuda,” respectively). With so much media coverage, some of it is bound to carry a grousing, annoyed tone. “Hate your Spotify Wrapped?” Rolling Stone asked , “You’re not alone.” “Sorry, parents,” The Washington Post lamented , “it’s actually your kids’ Spotify Wrapped.” Vogue turned Wrapped into a frank self-examination in an article titled “I love Spotify Wrapped so much I hate it.” For people whose Spotify Wrapped “suck[ed],” Pocket-lint suggests ways to “fix it” in 2025 . The Huffington Post ’s compilation of the “funniest” tweets about Wrapped was filled with only mildly humorous complaints. In contrast, articles about Wrapped’s peers came and went without anything close to the same level of media hullabaloo. The annual recaps of Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube Music received basic coverage at mostly tech-oriented publications but didn’t elicit the kind of longwinded pop culture essays that Wrapped conjures up every year. Apple Music Replay received run-of-the-mill articles such as “Apple Music’s yearly recap is finally available in the app” at tech news site The Verge . When TechCrunch covered the launch of Amazon Music’s 2024 Delivered, the headline referred to it as Amazon’s “take on Spotify Wrapped” lest nobody know what they were talking about. YouTube Music Recap launched on Nov. 25 to little media coverage. For its part, Spotify contributed to the media overload by building a 2024 Wrapped microsite and posting 10 Wrapped-related press releases on launch day. Wrapped itself introduced new innovations in 2024, including a personalized Wrapped podcast featuring two AI hosts and the Your Music Evolution Playlist, a personalized playlist that tracks a user’s different musical interests and phases throughout the year. Wrapped has become such an important event that Spotify hosted a pre-release press briefing that featured talks by executives across the company. As Glenn McDonald , a former Spotify software engineer and author of the book You Have Not Yet Heard Your Favourite Song: How Streaming Changed Music , told Billboard via email, “nothing else they do gets as much marketing/branding energy put into it.” Wrapped especially shines in the awareness it attracts on social media. At the end of every Wrapped recap, Spotify offers personalized badges that flood X, Instagram and TikTok — the latter two benefitting from integrations announced in November that make it easier to share content. In this way, Wrapped turns its users into “active brand advocates on social media,” as one academic study put it. Or, as another paper phrased it, Spotify turns its users into “free labour” to help market its product. “For Spotify, it is 100% a brand-visibility moment,” says McDonald. “Social virality is the only metric the company cares about. The viral attention does help with user retention and reactivation, but the virality itself is the thing they’re measuring.” More than an effective marketing ploy, Wrapped has turned into a competitive advantage in a business where standalone music streaming services desperately need one. A company has a competitive advantage when it creates more economic value than its competitors. Economic value is the difference between the perceived value of the product and the costs required to produce the product. Some brands are able to charge a premium because they have succeeded, through the quality of the product and the effectiveness of marketing, in convincing consumers their product is worth more. Food made with better ingredients commands a price premium, for example. Sometimes differences in perception of value come down to marketing. The difference between luxury clothing brands’ prices can be explained by amounts spent on splashy advertisements and celebrity endorsements, not just the cost of materials and labor. Unlike streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) services, which attract viewers mainly through exclusive programming, music streaming platforms have — for the most part — the same content and must find other avenues to attract and retain customers. Amazon Music Unlimited, for example, is cheaper for members of Amazon Prime. Apple Music benefits from being part of the Apple entertainment ecosystem and Apple’s ownership of music identification app Shazam. YouTube Music gets its subscribers through YouTube, the most popular streaming app in the world. Spotify, a standalone company, can’t match Amazon’s low price, Apple’s omnipresence or YouTube’s ubiquity. Instead, Spotify competes on product features it develops in-house. Launched in 2015 , Discover Weekly, a personalized playlist filled with recently released tracks, was so popular that people who streamed their Discover Weekly playlists streamed twice as much as people who didn’t. A product that popular helps give Spotify an advantage over its larger competitors. Discover Weekly was launched the same year Apple launched Apple Music. Although many onlookers expected Apple would crush Spotify, Spotify has consistently maintained a sizable lead in market share, and innovation played an important role in holding off behemoths like Apple and Amazon. As Will Page , former Spotify chief economist, put it in his 2021 book Pivot , Discover Weekly “create[d] a moat to protect Spotify’s castle.” Wrapped follows in Discover Weekly’s footsteps as a moat-building product innovation. The key is Spotify’s ability to get its listeners to talk about Wrapped. One study found that Spotify Wrapped was more effective than Apple Music Replay in users’ willingness to create user-generated content (i.e. share Wrapped on social media). That’s gold in a business where consumers can choose between a number of fairly identical substitutes with similar features. Anything that increases engagement and prevents users from leaving for Apple, Amazon or YouTube is valuable. In that sense, developing a product that becomes a part of the cultural zeitgeist, like Wrapped, is perhaps the biggest competitive advantage a streaming service can have.

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

app betfred Now that Dragon Age: The Veilguard is in players' hands, many BioWare fans are already looking ahead to what's to come with the developer's upcoming project Mass Effect 5 . And BioWare project director and executive producer Michael Gamble recently shared a recommendation for what new fans should experience when getting into the sci-fi series. In a post on the social media site formerly known as Twitter, Gamble suggested fans should revisit the infamous Mass Effect 2 DLC Lair of the Shadow Broker. So far, details on the next Mass Effect are slim aside from a teaser poster and an early reveal trailer showing the familiar N7 logo and a returning Liara T'soni, which makes Lair of the Shadow Broker a particularly interesting suggestion. As a refresher, Lair of the Shadow Broker is a DLC mission pack for Mass Effect 2 focusing on Liara T'Soni's quest to find and hunt down the elusive Shadow Broker, the leader of a mysterious black market organization with access to vital information that high-profile clients pay to gain access to. The DLC mission is perhaps best played as a post-game quest, which saw players reunite with Liara from the original Mass Effect, continuing her story and a possible relationship if players formed a bond with her previously. What makes the Lair of the Shadow Broker mission so vital is that it carried over into Mass Effect 3, which saw – sorry for spoiling – Liara assume the role of the Shadow Broker and take over the organization in secret. Given that Liara is one of the characters highlighted in the Mass Effect 5 teaser and that she's become one of the most influential people in the galaxy in her new role, it should stand to reason that her part in the post-Reaper invasion of the galaxy will be a large one. While some community members are still sore about Andromeda being left unresolved in favor of a sequel to the original trilogy, it is interesting to see BioWare looking to continue with threads and a new storyline following Mass Effect 3's still-controversial ending. If you're looking for another RPG to play along with Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the Mass Effect series, check out our roundup of the best RPGs to play right now.The Pittsburgh Steelers -Kansas City Chiefs helped deliver historic ratings for the NFL. For the first games streamed on Netflix, the game brought in 24.1 million viewers, which is the second-most streamed game in NFL history behind only the Houston Texans -Baltimore Ravens game from later that day. The entire idea for the NFL to get games on Christmas was to sell it at a high price, and they got $150 million for these two games. On top of that, the players get a bonus from playing in these games, which means that NFLPA support for it was there. Still, it threw all four teams' plans and schedules off with three games in 11 days. Some, like the Ravens and Chiefs took to the challenges and came out of it better, but the Steelers and Texans faltered on just about all sides of the equation. Either way, the NFL has been trying to make its imprint on Christmas, and it certainly seems like they will continue to do so in the future as they rival the NBA. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. More Pittsburgh Steelers News Michael Vick discusses Lamar Jackson breaking his rushing record: ‘It comes down to vision’ Insider reveals Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 quarterback plans Mike Tomlin promises big changes after Steelers' third straight loss Tennessee Titans cut ties with athletic former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Pittsburgh Steelers continue to make huge change to offense

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are advancing plans to strengthen their economic partnership, focusing on enhancing export credit, insurance frameworks, and market access. This development follows a series of high-level meetings held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as outlined in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance on Tuesday. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, led a delegation to the Kingdom on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Presidential Economic Coordination Council. Related Stories Why many Nigerians don’t have insurance coverage–Report Why Vehicle Owners Need NEM’s Enhanced Third-Party Insurance The visit aimed to consolidate bilateral economic cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration between the two nations. During the visit, the delegation engaged in high-level discussions with Saudi EXIM Bank, focusing on developing export credit and insurance frameworks, and expanding market access between the two nations. According to the statement, the Saudi EXIM Bank expressed interest in deepening relationships with Nigerian institutions and participating in future transactions involving Saudi government entities. “Additionally, the delegation held strategic talks with the Saudi Development Fund to explore potential areas of collaboration aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic development in Nigeria. The delegation also met with the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) to advance ongoing conversations about their investments in Nigeria,” the statement noted. SALIC reaffirmed its commitment to exploring further opportunities, emphasizing responsible investment practices that prioritize food security, output growth, and job creation in Nigeria. In a series of high-level meetings, the Nigerian delegation engaged with key Saudi ministers, including those responsible for Finance, Energy, and Economy and Planning, further cementing bilateral cooperation across vital sectors. The Federal Government has sought a $5 billion trade loan from Saudi Arabia to support its economic reform program. This request followed a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh in November. Earlier in May, both nations had agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and explore investment opportunities in agriculture and trade, as confirmed by the Ministry of Information. By November 2023, the scope of their discussions had broadened to include technology, telecommunications, oil and gas, and mining, signaling a deepening partnership. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed robust diplomatic relations, bolstered by their mutual membership in organizations like the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Recent engagements suggest a strategic pivot towards leveraging these ties to drive economic growth and development. The Tinubu administration has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia, marked by President Bola Tinubu’s three visits to the Kingdom since assuming office. Last year, the federal government reestablished the Saudi-Nigeria Business Council, an initiative previously discontinued under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. This development aims to foster closer economic collaboration and mutual investment opportunities between the two nations. The Nigerian delegation to Saudi Arabia includes Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning; Mr. Wale Tinubu, a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council; Ms. Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy; and Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor (Economic Policy) of the Central Bank of Nigeria.Which winter gloves for women should you buy? The skin on your hands can take some harsh punishment during cold weather. Even prolonged exposure to the air during a chilly snap can leave your hands with dry skin or chilblains. If you live in an area where extreme cold is a high probability, spending time outdoors makes gloves an absolute necessity. But to make sure your gloves can withstand the winter season, you need a pair that’s fit for your climate and lifestyle. Types of winter gloves for women Women’s gloves fall into three main categories: What to consider before buying winter gloves 9 best women’s winter gloves to buy Dimore Winter Gloves for Women These fashionable gloves are soft, comfortable and will help keep your hands warm through the fall and winter. They come with touch-screen technology that lets you use your smartphone while out in the cold without having to take your gloves off. Geyoga Elastic Cuff Winter Warm Fleece Gloves Equipped with an elastic cuff so they can slip under your jacket’s sleeve, these gloves create an insulating effect on your hands and wrist. The warm fleece line keeps your hands warm in winter, and the gloves are machine-washable. Trendoux Winter Gloves These black gloves are made with 50% conductive yarn on the fingertips so you can use your tablet or smartphone without taking off your gloves. They’re thickened to be windproof, have a warm lining and come with triangle silicone non-slip designs on the palms. Fantastic Zone Women’s Winter Touch-screen Gloves These fleece gloves are made with breathable material to keep hands warm without irritating sensitive skin. Although they are hand-wash only, they are made with high-density, ultra-soft chenille fabric and have three touchscreen-friendly fingertips on each hand. Isotoner Women’s Spandex Cold Weather Stretch Gloves This fashionable pair of gloves have vegan leather patches, fleece lining and stretch spandex to give you a comfortable, warm experience through the cold days of winter. The stretch fabric helps the gloves to repel snow and rain, so your hands stay nice and dry. Carhartt Women’s Quilted Insulated Gloves This set of cold weather gloves is made of polyester with a loop and hook closure and microfiber lining with a stretchy fleece cuff. They’re waterproof and quilted to keep hands dry and warm. Bodvera Thermal Insulation Fingerless Texting Wool Gloves These wool and acrylic gloves have a double-layered elastic cuff and are made with comfortable fabric that insulates your hands during cold snaps. They have flip-up fingertips for convenience, flexibility and style. Vislivin Full-Hand Women’s Gloves These lambskin gloves come in a high-end gift box, making them a lovely gift or treat for yourself or a loved one. The full-finger gloves let you operate a touch screen and the lambskin exterior provides grip for activities such as driving or cycling. Alepo Winter PU Leather Gloves for Women The cashmere lining in these gloves will keep hands nice and snug during cold snaps. The elegant design comes from the gloves’ leather outer lining, which is not only high-quality but soft and supple, too. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

12 November 2024, Baku, Azerbaijan. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and Ismahane Elouafi, EMD of CGIAR attend the inauguration of the Food and Agriculture Pavilion FAO/CGIAR during COP29. Credit: FAO/Alessandra Benedetti This created an unprecedented opportunity to bolster food systems against climate change, improve their environmental impacts, and concretize support for smallholder farmers – some of the people most affected by climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Across the summits, negotiators broadly agreed on the need to integrate food systems into the UN's three environmental frameworks, a step in the right direction given the interconnectedness of food and agriculture, and the environment at large. However, to build on the flagship UAE Declaration on food systems at the COP28 climate talks in 2023, the global community must urgently ramp up financing and action to make good on the ambitious goals set. In other words, the next 12 months to the COP30 climate talks in Brazil are critical for "walking the talk" of the COPs this year. To make the most of the opportunity for food systems to support environmental and climate goals, several steps are needed. The first is increased investment into low-emissions technologies and innovations for food systems. This includes both investment into new and emerging solutions as well as financing for scaling up existing technologies. Just as increased investment and support in recent decades led to a solar energy boom, causing the price of solar panels to fall sharply and became cheaper than fossil fuels, food systems need similar long-term and sustained investments. Channelling international finance towards agricultural research and development would accelerate and scale affordable, impactful, and clean technologies that curb emissions and enhance biodiversity...Explosive Gains or Hidden Risks? AI Stocks to Watch Now

Vikings thrive under coach of year favorite O'Connell, a relatable state for Packers with LaFleur

United States of America has the world's oldest democracy but the country is yet to get a female President. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping Former President Bill Clinton and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., don't agree on much. Yet, recently the ideological adversaries found some common ground on a political question that has quietly endured over nearly two decades. Yes, a woman can win the White House, they agree. But she's probably going to be conservative, NYT News Service reported. "Are there women out there, governors, Republican, Democrat, that can be the next president of the United States? Absolutely," Graham said in an interview on Capitol Hill this month. "If you have a Republican female nominee, they would have a good shot of being the first woman president." A few days earlier and several hundred miles north, Clinton -- whose wife tried and failed twice to win the White House -- made a similar argument, as per a report on NYT News Service . Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program "Ideologically, the people who are most likely to be against women are most likely to be conservative, so when people agree with you, it's easier to be for them," he said in an appearance at the DealBook Summit hosted by The New York Times. "But I think a woman can be elected president. I do." Their similar predictions are the latest in a conversation that has frustrated and foiled two generations of female candidates. For Democrats still scarred by Hillary Clinton 's loss to Donald Trump in 2016, Vice President Kamala Harris ' defeat at the hands of the same man in November has only deepened anxieties over gender bias and prompted a fresh round of debate over the electability of women to the nation's highest office. For decades, advocates for female political leaders argued that if more women ran for president, their presence in American politics would become normalized and one would eventually win the White House. Since Clinton's first attempt to break what she called "that highest, hardest glass ceiling" in 2008, nine other women have vied for a major party's nomination. Those candidates have been conservative and liberal, racially diverse, and from big cities, small towns and across the country. Some campaigned on an economic message, others focused on social issues. Only two -- Clinton and Harris, both Democrats -- captured their party's nomination. As they process the second defeat of a female nominee, Democrats are divided over the question of how much Harris' gender actually contributed to her loss, making it hard to divine what exactly that could mean for their party in 2028. Two weeks before Election Day, Harris openly dismissed concerns that sexism could hurt her chances, saying in an interview with NBC News that the country was "absolutely" ready to elect a female president. FAQs Q1. Who is President of USA? A1. President of USA is Joe Biden. Q2. What is current designation of Donald Trump? A2. Donald Trump's current designation is US President-elect. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

best odds guaranteed betfred

CELH Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Celsius Holdings, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

NoneClash Erupts Between Supporters of Lydia Alhassan and John Dumelo at University of Ghana Polling Station

Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump didIf Broncos players didn’t know stakes of Sunday’s game vs. Colts, Sean Payton made them clear in Wednesday team meeting

Dec 19 (Reuters) - Australia's Novonix Ltd (NVX.AX) , opens new tab said on Thursday it had joined a petition urging U.S. authorities to investigate China's alleged dumping of battery-grade graphite at unfair prices, potentially harming domestic producers. The battery metals and technology company has joined the American Active Anode Material Producers (AAAMP) in filing the petition. "The filing asserts China is harming the nascent domestic graphite industry by exporting artificially cheap battery-grade graphite into the U.S., denying North American producers a fair opportunity to enter the market," Novonix said in a statement. North American graphite miners asked the U.S. government on Wednesday to impose a tariff as high as 920% on Chinese suppliers of the battery metal to counter what they describe as Beijing's "malicious trade practices." In a separate statement, Australia's Syrah Resources (SYR.AX) , opens new tab said its unit, Syrah Technologies LLC, filed an anti-dumping and countervailing duty petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission. Syrah's petition, submitted in collaboration with the North American Graphite Alliance, seeks an investigation into Chinese exports of natural and synthetic graphite active anode material used in lithium-ion batteries. Sign up here. Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru. Additional reporting by Melanie Burton in Melbourne; Editing by Shreya Biswas Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Liverpool power seven points clear, Man Utd crash at WolvesHow New AI Dashcams Could Improve Small-Town PolicingThomas Friedman: How Elon Musk and Taylor Swift can resolve U.S.-China relations

Boeing is resuming production of its bestselling plane, the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. The company said Tuesday that plane-building resumed at its plant in Renton, Washington, after going through a process of training workers and identifying and fixing potential problems. Boeing shares rose 4.5%, their best single-day percentage gain in nearly four months. Production and deliveries of Max jets and another airline plane, the 787 Dreamliner, have been stopped several times in recent years to fix manufacturing flaws. “Our team has worked methodically to restart factory operations in the Pacific Northwest. We have now resumed 737 production in our Renton factory, with our Everett (Washington) programs on plan to follow in the days ahead," the company said in a statement. Boeing builds its 777 and 767 jets in Everett, north of Seattle. Separately, the company said it took orders for 49 planes in November but lost an order by U.K. carrier TUI for 14 Max jets. It delivered 13 planes, down from 56 a year earlier. Ever since a panel called a door plug blew off a Max operated by Alaska Airlines in January, the Federal Aviation Administration has capped Boeing’s production of Max jets to 38 per month. Boeing hopes to convince regulators that it has corrected quality and safety issues and can raise that number to 56 planes per month. Boeing has been losing money since 2019, after two Max jets crashed, killing 346 people. It needs the cash it earns from delivering new planes to begin digging out of a deep financial hole . New CEO Kelly Ortberg has announced plans to lay off about 17,000 workers and sell new stock to raise cash and prevent the company’s credit rating from sliding into junk status. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Archie Manning reveals which NFL team he wants grandson Arch to play forNew law will change cars forever as automakers are forced to install ‘chime’ alarm in all vehicles

In a two-part Christmas message posted to his own social media app, President-elect Donald Trump wished a "Merry Christmas" to all, with special mentions for President Joe Biden and the people he recently granted clemency . Trump took to Truth Social to air his grievances with some of his political adversaries in a passive-aggressive Christmas day message. He began by accusing the Chinese government of illegally controlling the Panama Canal, which is untrue as the canal has been controlled by Panama since Dec. 31, 1999. "Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in 'repair' money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about 'anything,'" he wrote. Trump continued to mention Canada and Greenland, nations the President-elect has overtly expressed interest in expanding U.S. control over. The president-elect then began writing about Biden and those he granted clemency to, which consisted of 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations, according to a press release from the White House. Trump further mentioned the 37 federal death row inmates whose prison sentences Biden commuted. "Also, to the 37 most violent criminals, who killed, raped, and plundered like virtually no one before them, but were just given, incredibly, a pardon by Sleepy Joe Biden," Trump continued. "I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky 'souls' but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL!" This is not the first time Biden has received criticism for his decision to commute these death penalty sentences, instead sentencing the inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. "These are among the worst killers in the world and this abhorrent decision by Joe Biden is a slap in the face to the victims, their families, and their loved ones," Steven Cheung, Trump's communication director, said in a statement. "President Trump stands for the rule of law, which will return when he is back in the White House after he was elected with a massive mandate from the American people." "Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss," Biden said in a statement released on Monday. "But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vice-president, and now President, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level. In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted," he continued. Originally published by Latin Times.India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92

With favourites out MLS playoffs promise more upsetsIn an era where department stores are losing their relevance, Macy’s — once a retail giant — finds itself at a crossroads. The 166-year-old company, which has long been a staple in the U.S. shopping landscape, is attempting to steer through a maze of declining sales, shifting consumer behavior and the relentless growth of digital commerce . Amid these challenges, Macy’s management has placed its hopes on its A Bold New Chapter strategy, which centers around an initiative known as the First 50 locations — an ambitious effort to revitalize its brick-and-mortar business and make a comeback in the competitive retail market. But with Macy’s sales continuing to slide and its stock price languishing, can this strategy truly turn the tide? Or is it simply a last-ditch effort to keep a sinking ship afloat? The Struggles Behind Macy’s Decline The story of Macy’s struggle to maintain its place as a retail powerhouse is a familiar one: declining mall traffic, a shift to online shopping and changing consumer preferences. The department store model, once synonymous with American shopping culture, is no longer the go-to destination for many consumers. Instead, shoppers flock to niche retailers, specialty stores and eCommerce platforms that offer convenience, personalized experiences and often lower prices. For Macy’s, the results have been stark. In its second-quarter results , the company revealed a 3.8% drop in second-quarter sales, with total sales falling to $4.9 billion. Comparable sales were down by 4%, reflecting the broader struggles in the department store sector. Yet, results for its First 50 stores presented a glimmer of hope, with these select locations seeing a 0.8% increase in comparable sales — a small but noteworthy sign of life in an otherwise difficult environment. Macy’s preliminary third-quarter results revealed overall net sales down 2.4% to $4.742 billion, primarily due to weaknesses in non-First 50 locations and digital sales. But its First 50 stores delivered their third consecutive quarter of growth, with comparable sales up 1.9%. Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury also saw positive sales, with Bluemercury posting a 3.3% increase. Macy’s postponed its third-quarter earnings call to Wednesday (Dec. 11) after the company disclosed an accounting issue related to delivery expenses, where a former employee hid up to $154 million in costs . The issue did not affect cash management or vendor payments. Despite this setback, Chairman and CEO Tony Spring is unwavering in his optimism, highlighting the “First 50 Stores” as a key part of Macy’s future. These flagship stores, which represent a prototype for a more modern, experiential Macy’s, have been positioned as a potential blueprint for the retailer’s reinvention. Macy’s leadership points to improvements such as enhanced staffing, better merchandising and more in-store events as positive signs that the strategy is beginning to take root. While there are pockets of optimism within the company, these small wins stand in contrast to the larger trend of declining sales. Macy’s executives remain focused on the long-term potential of this strategy, but analysts and investors are wary about whether these efforts can truly reverse the company’s fortunes. The Activist Pressure and Strategic Overhaul As if Macy’s wasn’t already facing enough pressure, the retailer has now come under fire from activist investors, including Barington Capital Group and Thor Equities , which published a detailed presentation calling for a major shift in Macy’s capital allocation strategy, urging the retailer to reevaluate its spending and consider selling off some of its luxury brands, including high-end offerings like Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. The investors’ rationale is clear: Macy’s has spent billions over the past decade on capital expenditures , but these investments have failed to generate meaningful value. Since 2014, Macy’s has sunk $9.7 billion into capital projects, but during that same period, its market capitalization has shrunk by $15 billion. Barington has criticized Macy’s management for misallocating resources, including share repurchases that occurred when stock prices were much higher than they are today, offering little benefit to shareholders. While Macy’s has made some strategic moves, including closing low-performing stores as part of its “Bold New Chapter” initiative, the results so far have been underwhelming. Despite efforts to revitalize the brand, the company’s stock has dropped 13% since the announcement of the new strategy, and its valuation multiples are now at historic lows. In short, investors are losing faith in Macy’s ability to turn things around on its own. The Road Ahead: Can Macy’s Make a Comeback? With Macy’s still grappling with declining sales and increasing competition, the question remains: Can it recover? In an interview with PYMNTS, Neil Saunders , Managing Director, Retail, at research firm GlobalData , said “what investors want to hear from the announcement on Wednesday is the outlook and how holiday trading is shaping up so far. Unfortunately, there is unlikely to be much optimism on this front as many retailers are very cautious around the holidays and it is unlikely Macy’s is performing significantly better. As Macy’s is now facing more pressure from activist investors, it really needs to paint a clear and confident picture about its future.” Greg Zakowicz , Senior Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend , offered a sobering assessment of the retailer’s prospects. “The only thing it (Macy’s) has to prove is that it’s making strides at turning the company around,” he explained to PYMNTS. “I don’t know how they’re doing so far this holiday season, but I suspect it will be an average or slightly below-average season. We’re seeing more consumers consolidate their purchasing this season, benefiting companies like Amazon and Walmart .” Zakowicz noted Macy’s is facing an uphill battle to turn things around. “With its lack of differentiation, I don’t know how Macy’s is going to appeal to new shoppers and pull existing ones away from other stores in the short term,” he added. “They’re going to need to find a void in the market and fill the gap. Whether this is luxury goods or an elevated beauty and cosmetics department, they’ll need something to create a new reputation.” Looking Forward Does Macy’s have something to prove? “Absolutely,” Zachary Robichaud , Instructor, School of Retail Management, Ted Rogers School of Management , Toronto Metropolitan University , told PYMNTS. “Beyond addressing the immediate fallout from the stolen money incident, Macy’s must show it can navigate the broader challenges plaguing department stores, including declining foot traffic and the shift to eCommerce. Strong earnings and a clear strategy will be critical to reassure stakeholders.” Regarding the stolen money incident, Robichaud said it “points to potential gaps in internal controls, but it’s also a symptom of the broader struggles department stores face in maintaining relevance and operational efficiency in a highly competitive retail landscape. Department stores like Macy’s have been battling weak consumer sentiment and intensifying competition from online retailers. Holiday performance will hinge on their ability to execute promotional strategies and attract foot traffic in a challenging environment.” Should Macy’s be doing anything different? “Macy’s should focus on modernizing its business model, strengthening its digital presence, and reimagining the in-store experience to differentiate itself,” Robichaud added. “Greater investment in technology, customer personalization, and operational resilience is essential for long-term success.”Photo by Gabriel Dillard The City of Fresno Professional Employees Association (CFPEA) ended its two-day strike after striking a deal with the city. In a news conference at City Hall, Mayor Jerry Dyer was joined by CFPEA President Jesse Gonzalez in announcing the end of CFPEA’s strike in Fresno and the continuation of city services. “Yesterday, we [said] that we were more than willing to sit down and meet at any time, even during the holidays, and the leadership of [CFPEA] took us up on that,” Dyer said. Dyer said that the agreement the union and the city came to is within the nearly $2.5 million the city council offered. Details of the agreement have not been released yet, with Gonzalez saying that he wants his membership to be informed first before details are released to the public. “I feel confident that what we came up with yesterday will meet their needs for the time being so that we would be able to move forward,” Gonzalez said regarding the contract agreement. Now, the CFPEA board must review and vote to accept or deny the agreement, which is anticipated to happen after the holidays on the week of Jan. 6. City Manager Georgeanne White thanked workers who remained on the clock yesterday to keep city services going, saying that the city’s contingency plans were able to allow half of the Fresno Area Express’ routes to continue during the strike. However, officials acknowledged that numerous bus routes were canceled as a result of the CFPEA’s strike in Fresno on Tuesday. “Our city employees are what make the city run [and] we’re very appreciative of what they do every day,” White said, adding “our employees are deserving of every penny that they earn.” According to Dyer, decreasing revenues for the city has led to one-year contracts instead of multi-year ones. This means that by March of 2025, multiple contracts, including CFPEA, will be open again for negotiations. The City of Fresno Professional Employees Association (CFPEA) ended its Nearly 33 million companies in the U.S. may be required The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission has a new acting CEO Attorneys for a Bakersfield baker took her case to a

bet builder betfred A new year is on the horizon, so what better time to look at making some changes to your investment portfolio. But which ASX shares could be good options in 2025? Let's take a look at a couple that Bell Potter has named as best buys for the year ahead. They are as follows: ( ) Bell Potter thinks that a recent pullback in Life360's shares has created a buying opportunity in 2025. Life360 develops and operates a mobile app for families that provides a range of safety features. This includes communications, driving safety and location sharing. The broker highlights that the company has a significant opportunity to monetise its huge (and growing) subscriber base. It said: The app is used globally by over 75 million people and, of these, there are around 7 million paying subscribers. The penetration rate, therefore, is around 10% and the company has a stated long term target of 30% so there is the potential for the paying subscriber base to triple from here. Life360 is also adding new verticals – like advertising, pet and elderly tracking – which provide additional areas of growth. The next potential catalysts are when Life360 releases its Q4/2024 result in February – we expect a strong result towards the upper end of the guidance ranges – and the S&P/ASX index rebalance in March where we see a good chance Life360 will be added to the Top 100. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $26.75 price target on its shares. ( ) Another ASX share that could be a buy according to Bell Potter is Cedar Woods Properties. It sees huge upside in the Perth-based developer's shares at current levels. Particularly given its positive outlook in FY 2025. It said: CWP's pipeline is diversified by product type, price point and geography, enabling them to maintain smooth earnings throughout the cycle to ride the tailwind that is Australia's undersupply of housing. We believe CWP is being held down (trading in-line with NTA vs long-term 30% premium) by noise from larger residential peers, and not being appropriately rated by the market for its exposure (soon to be earnings) to stronger markets such as WA, SA and SEQ. The longstanding management have a track record of being conservative (and beating) guidance, so the 10% NPAT growth target set in August demonstrates the strong level of confidence in how things are going. The broker has a buy rating and $7.20 price target on its shares.

President-elect Donald Trump 's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app's impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. ET Year-end Special Reads Gold outshines D-St with 20% returns, but 2025 may be different The year of the pause: How RBI maneuvered its policy in 2024 2024, the year India defeated China's salami-slicing strategy "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while," Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Instagram and Facebook Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump's unpredictable nature. Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Maximizing Developer Productivity: The Pomodoro Technique in Practice By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass By - CA Himanshu Jain, Ex McKinsey, Moody's, and PwC, Co - founder, The WallStreet School View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Data Analysis Learn Power BI with Microsoft Fabric: Complete Course By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok's American users. Even with Trump's decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect's desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump's influence over Republicans. US Supreme Court and TikTok The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation's highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court's unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law's national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok's US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. Potential TikTok Buyers Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren't detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a "deal of the century" satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance's interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing's approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump's upcoming term. This isn't the first attempt to resolve TikTok's US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal's completion. FAQs Q1. Is TikTok banned in US? A1. No. TikTok is yet to be banned in the US. Q2. When will Donald Trump become US President? A2. Donald Trump will become President on January 20, 2025. ET Year-end Special Reads An Indian's guide to moving abroad as the world looks for 'better' immigrants The year of the HNIs: How India's rich splurged in 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump doesn't think much of Joe Biden's foreign policy record. The Republican president-elect frequently casts the outgoing Democratic president as a feckless leader who shredded American credibility around the world during his four-year term. But a funny thing happened on Trump's way back to the White House: The Biden and Trump national security teams have come to an understanding that they have no choice but to work together as conflicts in Gaza , Syria and Ukraine have left a significant swath of the world on a knife's edge. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Georgia's ombudsman accuses police of torturing pro-EU protesters

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Genesis Bryant scored 27 points, Kendall Bostic secured her third double-double this season with 12 points and 11 rebounds and No. 19 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore 75-55 on Tuesday in the Music City Classic. Illinois (6-0) moved to 6-0 for the second time under third-year coach Shauna Green. Illinois scored the opening nine points of the game and took a double-digit lead for good with 2:11 left in the first quarter when Makira Cook made a 3-pointer to begin 13-2 run. UMES scored 13 straight points midway through the second quarter to get as close as 32-22, but Cook answered with a basket to end Illinois' three-minute drought. Bryant finished the first half with 14 points and Cook added 13 to help Illinois build a 43-26 lead. The pair combined to make seven of Illinois’ 14 field goals. UMES was 9 of 36 (25%), including 0 of 7 from 3-point range at halftime. Illinois also got 15 points from Cook and a career-high 11 rebounds from Brynn Shoup-Hill. Bryant, who reached double figures in the first quarter, scored 20-plus for the first time this season. Zamara Haynes led UMES (4-3) with 20 points and Mahogany Lester added 14. Illinois stays in Nashville to play No. 14 Kentucky on Wednesday. UMES travels to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face Georgia Southern in the Battle on the Banks on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

Is ‘Glicked’ the new ‘Barbenheimer’? ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ collide in theatersMeta suffers major global outage as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook down for thousands

Danielle Smith congratulates the loser of the Lethbridge-West by-election

Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024Cong counters CM’s claims on Ambedkarbetfred 100 free spins 。

Investment firms are making waves in the semiconductor arena with strategic changes in their NVIDIA holdings. During the third quarter, numerous firms altered their investment approaches, reflecting their assessments of NVIDIA’s market position. WCM Investment Management LLC made a notable adjustment by reducing its stake in NVIDIA. The firm parted with 66,549 shares, thereby lowering its investment by $66 million. Despite this reduction, NVIDIA remains the 21st biggest holding in WCM’s portfolio, comprising 1.7% of its investments, valued at $742.2 million. Meanwhile, smaller firms are betting more on NVIDIA. Hoertkorn Richard Charles bolstered its holdings by purchasing 70 additional shares, marking a 2% increase and bringing its total to 3,490 shares, valued at $424,000. Similarly, Smart Portfolios LLC showed confidence by enhancing its position by 2.7%, acquiring a total of 2,805 shares worth $341,000. Other firms, like Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC and Pavion Blue Capital LLC , made slight increases in their holdings, while Total Wealth Planning LLC expanded its stake by 3.6%. These moves underscore NVIDIA’s significance in the sectors of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. With institutional investors owning over 65% of NVIDIA’s outstanding shares, the company’s status in competitive markets is reaffirmed. Investors closely monitor NVIDIA’s progress, aware of its pivotal role in technological advancements and implications for future growth trends. Why Investment Firms Are Adjusting Their NVIDIA Holdings: Insights and Trends As investment firms shuffle their NVIDIA portfolios, the semiconductor giant’s market dynamics continue to attract attention. The strategic adjustments made by these firms reflect broader industry trends and investment strategies that could influence future financial landscapes. In-Depth Market Analysis and Investment Trends Recent shifts in NVIDIA holdings by notable investment firms reveal a keen interest in the company’s potential, driven by its pivotal role in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing sectors. With institutional investors now owning over 65% of NVIDIA’s outstanding shares, the company’s market significance is clear. Firms like WCM Investment Management LLC reduced their stake yet maintained NVIDIA as a significant portfolio component, signifying a strategic realignment rather than a loss of confidence. On the flip side, smaller firms, such as Hoertkorn Richard Charles, increased their positions, showcasing trust in NVIDIA’s growth potential. Predictions for the Semiconductor Industry The semiconductor industry is poised for further evolution, making predictions a critical component for investors. NVIDIA’s advancements in AI and data processing technologies position it as a leader in this transformation. As technological innovations surge, NVIDIA is expected to capitalize on new opportunities, potentially driving upward valuation adjustments. Features and Use Cases Enhancing NVIDIA’s Investment Appeal NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technology, including GPUs widely used for AI and machine learning applications, underpins its strong market presence. These features create diverse use cases across industries from automotive to healthcare, where high-performance computing is essential. This versatility reinforces investor sentiment toward long-term value and stability. Comparative Analysis with Competitors In the competitive landscape, NVIDIA stands alongside companies like AMD and Intel. Its robust product offerings and strategic partnerships give NVIDIA a competitive edge, making it a favored choice among analysts when considering growth potential and innovation leadership. Sustainability and Innovations NVIDIA’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly technologies aligns well with modern investment priorities that emphasize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Continued innovation in energy-efficient products may further enhance NVIDIA’s attractiveness to ESG-conscious investors. Security and Limitations While NVIDIA leads in technology development, challenges such as supply chain volatility and geopolitical factors could impact stock performance. However, strategic risk management and diversification efforts could mitigate these issues. Links for More Information For more insights about NVIDIA, visit the company’s official webpage . The evolving narrative around NVIDIA’s market performance and innovation underscores its key role in shaping the future of technology. As investment firms continually assess their positions, understanding the broader implications of these changes can provide valuable insights for stakeholders and investors alike.CyberQ Group Marks 8 Years of Cybersecurity Leadership Across Global Markets

In a bold move to transform Argentina into a global energy powerhouse, . The plan outlines the construction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), compact nuclear units designed to provide power to commercial sectors and other large-scale operations. " ," Milei declared confidently, emphasizing the country's abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and Patagonia's cold climate, which he described as ideal for housing energy-intensive technologies like AI. "Nuclear energy is the only source that is sufficiently efficient, abundant and rapidly scalable to cope with the development of our civilization," he added. , with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi joining Milei and his key advisor, Demian Reidel, during the plan's official launch. , reports. The reactor is expected to help meet rising energy demands and alleviate power shortages throughout Argentina. Reidel emphasized the significant contribution of Argentine nuclear engineers to the initiative. "We will do so with 100% Argentine technology, developed by our nuclear engineers, who are recognized among the best in the world," he stated, according to . He added that the plan "will give us energy sovereignty, will allow us to export this technology to the world," and assured that "blackouts will be just a bad memory," according to . The government envisions positioning Argentina as a global leader in the peaceful use of atomic energy, while also advancing its aspirations to become an international hub for AI innovation. Currently, Argentina operates three nuclear power facilities—Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse—which together supply around 9% of the nation's electricity consumption, according to government data from July 2023. The announcement comes as Argentina has officially emerged from a severe recession, a milestone that marks a major success for Milei and his bold economic reforms. According to data from Argentina's statistics agency, GDP grew 3.9% in the July-to-September quarter compared to the previous three months. This growth was driven by robust performances in agriculture, mining, and consumer spending, signaling a recovery in key sectors of the economy, the reports. . The now-repealed "Tax for an Inclusive and Solidary Argentina," or "PAIS" for short, was a temporary surcharge introduced by former socialist President Alberto Fernández. He enacted it in December 2019 during the early days of his administration. “I have more good news, and that is that the lowering of taxes will continue, as is our irrevocable commitment, to return the surplus in the form of relief to the taxpayer, because less taxes is more competitiveness,” the president in a statement announcing the move. By Zerohedge.com

CDT 2024 Year-End Roundup: Reports of the Year

Japan, U.S. set up 1st guidelines for 'extended deterrence'

NoneThere Is No Pardoning The Biden AdministrationSANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Persistent high surf and flooding threats along California’s coast had residents on high alert a day after a major storm was blamed for one man’s death and the partial collapse of a pier , which propelled three people into the Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service on Christmas Eve warned of dangerous, large-breaking waves of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters). Its latest high surf warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday. “Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches,” the weather service said in a Christmas Eve bulletin. In Santa Cruz, where a municipal wharf under construction partially collapsed on Monday, most beaches were cordoned off as they were inundated with high surf and debris. Residents received an alert on their phones Tuesday morning notifying them to “avoid all beaches including coastal overlook areas such as rocks, jetties or cliffs.” It warned powerful waves could sweep entire beaches unexpectedly. Local officials said there could be further damage to the wharf, but no more pieces broke off overnight. The wharf collapsed and fell into the ocean midday Monday, taking three people with it. Two people were rescued by lifeguards and a third swam to safety. No one was seriously injured. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said in the weeks and months ahead officials will have to assess long-term solutions for protecting the coastal city from the impacts of climate change . “Hallelujah that no one was hurt in this, which could have been orders of magnitude worse in terms of any injuries to human beings and damage to property onshore and offshore,” he said at a media briefing Tuesday. “But I think we have somewhat of a question mark as we move through time,” he added. “And I don't think we're by ourselves. I think this is what coastal communities around the world are probably dealing with.” The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “It’s a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf,” said David Johnston, who was allowed onto the pier on Monday to check on his business, Venture Quest Kayaking. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Building inspectors were looking at the rest of the pier’s structural integrity. Some California cities ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon as forecasters warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. In Watsonville along the Monterey Bay, first responders were called to Sunset State Beach, a state park, around 11:30 a.m. Monday for a report of a man trapped under debris. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office believes a large wave pinned him there. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital. The storm’s high surf also likely pulled another man into the Pacific Ocean around noon Monday at Marina State Beach, nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville, authorities said. Strong currents and high waves forced searchers to abandon their efforts roughly two hours later as conditions worsened. The man remained missing Monday evening. Further south in Carmel Bay, a man remained missing as of Tuesday afternoon after reports that someone was swept off the rocks into the ocean at Pebble Beach on Monday, local emergency responders said. The U.S. Coast Guard will "transition to a recovery search as ocean conditions improve in the coming days,” officials said in a statement. In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said, “It will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.” Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Sacramento and Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed.

Insurance as share of GDP shrinks to 3.7%

Vajpayee remains a symbol of good governance and inclusive politics: YogiBriefly |Bennet sends 9 bills to President Biden's desk

With the holidays taking up much of your time, you may not be concentrating on retirement moves to make before 2025. But if you’re the type of person who does everything to the max, investing in your future retirement now could be a game changer. Contribution limits In 2024, you can invest up to $23,000 into your 401(k) retirement plan as per IRS contribution limits. If you’re over 50 and need to play catch-up, you can invest an extra $7,500. That means your total possible contribution for 2024 is $30,500. If that seems like a lot, it is. But you don’t have to max out your contributions if you can’t afford it. Employer matching can help. In 2025, you can invest $23,500, bringing your possible contribution up to $31,500. If you’re over 50, the catch-up contribution remains at $7,500 for 2025. But a huge change was made in SECURE 2.0 for employees aged 60 to 63 who participate in workplace retirement plans. Starting in 2025, this super catch-up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500. People are also reading... Adobe Stock Four ways to max out 1. Figure out how much you contributed. If you’ve contributed as much as possible for the year, you’re in good shape going into 2025. If you’re not sure, you changed jobs or haven’t contributed consistently in 2024, you still have time to make adjustments to max out your 401(k) contributions for the year. 2. Check your employer’s match. Employer matching is a job benefit not to be overlooked. After all, for every dollar you save in your 401(k), your employer matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar or offers a partial match up to a certain percentage of your wages. Knowing where you stand can help you make the most of this opportunity. For example, let’s say you earn $50,000 per year and contribute $3,000 to your 401(k), or 6% of your salary. If your employer offers to match 50 cents of each dollar you contribute up to 6% of your pay, they would add $1,500 each year to your 401(k) account, boosting your total annual contributions to $4,500. 3. Look at your budget. Maxing out your 401(k) is always a good move. However, retirement planning can be a balancing act; sometimes, your budget is downright against it. If you have high debt or no money set aside for emergencies, you may want to hold off a bit. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contribute to your retirement plan at all. Maintaining contributions is important, even if it means not maxing it out. Still, if you wait too long to save, you’ll have to play catch-up. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts If you save too much, you may have to tap into your account early, which can mean early withdrawal penalties if you are under age 591⁄2. 4. Boost your contributions. If you have enough cash stashed away to cover a large lump sum contribution to your 401(k), you could max out your 401(k) contributions before the end of the year. You can do this by increasing the percentage you contribute monthly from your paycheck. You’ll want to speak with your employer or HR department to see if this is possible and fill out the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind that how often you increase it or even if you can will depend on your plan rules. You may also want to check to be sure your contributions are still automatic. Since it’s usually easier to save money if it’s automatically deducted from your paycheck, it may be worth reviewing your budget to see if you can boost your contribution amount to max out your 401(k). If you haven’t set up automatic payroll contributions, now is a good time to do so. 1 in 4 people say they’ll go into debt for the holidays. Is social media to blame? Benefits of maxing out Maxing out your 401(k) has some clear benefits. This is especially true if you’ve fallen behind on your savings goals or you simply want to grow your retirement nest egg faster. The main advantage is that you’ll have more money saved for retirement. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study, most retired Americans believe they will need nearly $1.5 million in the bank to retire comfortably. That’s a 15% increase — which far outpaces the 3% to 5% inflation rate — over 2023 and is up 53% from 2020. The money you put into your 401(k) lowers how much you’ll pay in taxes for the year, which may put you in a lower tax bracket. Also, 401(k) investments grow tax-deferred, so you won't pay taxes on the money until you withdraw the funds in retirement. If you have a Roth 401(k), you don't get a tax break on contributions because you fund your account with after-tax dollars. But the money you contribute grows tax-free and you won’t pay any taxes on your withdrawals in retirement. Speak with a pro Maxing out your 410(k) each year may not be enough to retire comfortably, but it is a great start. That’s why enlisting the help of a financial adviser in 2024 can help you get a head start on 2025 and a happy retirement down the road. 4 tips to help you experience exceptional cruise dining | PennyWise podcast You need to make $108,000 to afford a home in America Americans who bought homes in 2024 were older and richer than ever Why you shouldn't store your money in payment apps Be the first to knowElon Musk appeared to borrow a line from the 2008 film Tropic Thunder in an ongoing social media fight about H1B visas. Musk hit back against MAGA’s top players in a series of X posts, alleging that H1B visas are the reason why he, “and hundreds of other companies that made America strong,” are in the country. To a skeptical X user, Musk blasted: “Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Although some were shocked by Musk’s sudden escalation—with former Trump strategist Steve Bannon calling him a “toddler”—others noticed that the disparaging remark was similar to a line in Tropic Thunder . Character Les Grossman, played by Tom Cruise, says in the film: “First, take a big step back, and literally, F--- YOUR OWN FACE ... I don’t know what kind of pan-pacific bulls--t power play you’re trying to pull here, but Asia, Jack, is my territory. So whatever you’re thinking, you’d better think again.” In response to Musk’s comment, the X user tweeted, “Bro was just memeing. I wouldn’t take it too seriously.” Nothing beats the classics pic.twitter.com/MRSdXifhH5 Charles Shyer, the writer-director best known for directing the 1991 Steve Martin comedy Father of the Bride has died at 83. According to Deadline, Shyer died Friday and no cause of death was given by his family in a statement. “His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of wonderful work he’s left behind. We honor the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him,” his family told the outlet. In addition to directing, Shyer gained notoriety for his screenwriting and nabbed an Oscar nomination in 1981 for co-writing the Goldie Hawn-led military comedy Private Benjamin alongside Harvey Miller, and fellow writer-director Nancy Meyers. Meyers and Shyer married in 1980 before calling it quits in 1999. They share two daughters. Other notable films co-written by Shyer include Jumpin’ Jack Flash , The Parent Trap , and Baby Boom , which he also directed. His most recent credit behind the camera was co-writing and directing the 2023 Netflix Holiday film Best. Christmas. Ever. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Boxing Week sales are still in full swing, folks! As an avid J.Crew fan , I can honestly say that the brand’s discount-laden factory store (the brand’s online outlet) is a great way to get high-quality wardrobe staples without the big price tag. J.Crew Factory always offers discounts up to 40 percent off J.Crew, but for a limited time, you can unlock even more savings from already discounted items. Right now, J.Crew Factory is offering 70 percent off clearance items with the code SALE70 at checkout. Now’s the time to invest in evergreen staples like jeans and office-friendly blazers while they’re half off, or grab a few outwear essentials to round out your cold-weather lineup. The sale also includes tons of denim for just $50, pure cotton crewneck T-shirts for $20, and even new arrivals like NYE frocks and cashmere items. And the sale is not just for women; the gents’ and kids’ sections are equally full of additional savings. Gossip Girl star Chanel Maya Banks , who made headlines last month after denying her family’s claims that she had gone missing, has filed a restraining order against her mother and cousin. The 36-year-old submitted the request in Los Angeles on Thursday, alleging her mom, Lutchmin Judy Kumar, and cousin, Danielle Singh have harassed her, TMZ reported. The actor also claimed that her mother and cousin were working to destroy her credibility. In October, Banks’ family reported her missing. She denied the claims in a post days later. Banks wrote in the restraining order filing that Kumar and Singh broke into her apartment in November while she was gone and attacked her husband. She also alleged that an Apple AirTag was put on her car to track her. After the attack, she alleged that her mother and cousin accused her husband of murder and said that Banks should be in a psychiatric hold. Sources told TMZ that they’re happy she is safe and are “moving on with their lives.” R&B singer Ne-Yo announced Friday that a popular professional boxer under his management has died at age 35. In a joint statement posted by the Grammy-winner and the boxer’s family, Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Chimere Smith, announced “the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives.” Hailing from Puerto Rico, Bamba became one of the first boxing talents to sign to Ne-Yo’s management company in 2024. Bamba won all of his bouts in 2024 by knock out and recently claimed WBA’s secondary “gold” cruiserweight title after knocking out Rogelio Medina. “He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual who inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination,” the statement added. Bamba was the No. 12 ranked contender by the WBA and seemed set on fighting in more high profile matches—challenging boxer Jake Paul to “holla at us” in one post. Paul shared his condolences on X, writing, “RIP Paul Bamba.” RIP Paul Bamba https://t.co/ovu7egrGHn Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. Argentine-born British actress Olivia Hussey, known primarily for her role as Juliet in director Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , and as final girl Jess Bradford in the 1974 slasher Black Christmas , died Friday. She was 73. Friend and filmmaker Marc Huestis confirmed the news to the San Francisco Chronicle . A post on Hussey’s Instagram profile informed fans: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.” Hussey was born in Buenos Aires to opera singer Andrés Osuna and Joy Hussey, a legal secretary from England. Hussey studied drama at London’s Italia Conti Academy, and was a professional actress by the time she was 13. She was 16 when she starred opposite Leonard Whiting in Romeo and Juliet —roles that earned each a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. Hussey later appeared in the films Death on the Nile, Virus, and the 1990 horror miniseries It , based on the Stephen King novel. A Democratic Florida state representative announced she is defecting from her party and joining the Republicans because the Democrats are too open to “extreme progressive voices.” Hillary Cassel, who is Jewish, said in a statement on X that she was “increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel” in its war with Hamas. “I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians,” she added. “I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values. I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect.” Cassel first won office in Florida’s 101st district in 2022, beating out her Republican opponent by seven points, according to Ballotpedia. She won re-election two months ago, running unopposed. Earlier this month, another Democrat in Florida’s house, Susan Valdes, announced that she would join the Republicans because she felt “ignored” by her party, according to the Tallahassee Democrat . Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at age 78, his family confirmed in a statement Friday, according to CBS News . “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” they wrote. “Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.” The veteran CBS Sports journalist, who spent more than 50 years in broadcasting, approached his job with the same regard, according to his colleagues who nicknamed him “Gumby” for his grace in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” added the post, authored by his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle. “Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.” No further details were given about his diagnosis. Gumbel is the older brother of fellow sportscaster and NBC host Bryant Gumbel, who is nicknamed “Never Stumble Gumbel.” Yet another billionaire is clambering to get into President-elect Donald Trump’s hyper-rich inner circle, the MAGA chief has claimed. Trump, who will take the hot seat on Jan. 20, 2025, has seen his popularity surge among Silicon Valley types after he was endorsed by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk . The number two, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , soon made a beeline for the big man too, after he was spotted dining with Musk and Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Now Bill Gates wants a slice, according to Trump. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the former CEO of Microsoft— whom Forbes says is the 16th richest in the world— personally asked for an audience with him. In a somewhat incoherent post, he said: “Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,’ Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 2025 is quickly approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with 2024’s cocktail du jour—the espresso martini. It’s the perfect way to toast 2025 with sophistication, flavor, and an energy boost. Think you can’t make the buzzy beverage at home because you’re not a bartender? Think again. You can create this beloved cocktail effortlessly with just a cocktail shaker, fresh espresso, vodka, coffee beans, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur . It all starts in the land Down Under—Australia. Mr Black sources its ingredients, including 100 percent specialty-grade Arabica coffee, from local farmers and cooperatives. The liqueur is then slowly brewed with purified cold water to preserve its delicate, complex flavors. The result? A bittersweet masterpiece with bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and a lasting coffee kick. Its rich, coffee-forward taste is a crowd-pleaser, and the sleek bottle design adds a touch of elegance to any bar cart. Making an espresso martini is simple. Combine Mr Black , vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until cold. Then, strain the mixture into a martini glass and finish with three coffee beans as a garnish. Skip the champagne toast this year and ensure you stay awake for the countdown to 2025 with a Mr Black espresso martini. The murder of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson is being blamed not just on the gunman–but on the industry the dead man worked for, a new poll has found. UnitedHealthcare CEO Thompson was gunned down from behind on a Manhattan street just before dawn on December 4, prompting a nationwide manhunt which ended five days later with the arrest of the suspected killer , 26-year-old Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione . Now research by NORC at the University of Chicago published Friday shows that while 78 per cent of people said that the alleged killer, had a great deal or a moderate amount of responsibility for the death, almost as many blamed health insurance companies' denial of coverage for the death. And almost as many, 67 per cent, said profits by the insurers were to blame. A majority of people, 53 per cent, blamed “wealth or income inequality in general”–although it was Mangione who was the scion of a millionaire family , while Thompson was from rural Iowa and had been the first in his family to go to college. One in ten said that Thompson’s killer bore no responsibility at all–an issue which is likely to dog jury selection when Mangione goes on trial in Manhattan for the alleged murder. He is charged by both federal and state authorities with murder and in the federal case is eligible for the death penalty . Mangione has pleaded not guilty. Tom Cruise ’s first movie project after wrapping up the Mission: Impossible franchise next year with The Final Reckoning has been revealed. And it could land him back in the Oscar conversation. Warner Bros. announced Friday that Cruise will star in an untitled film from two-time Academy Award-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu ( Birdman , The Revenant ), set to be released on Oct. 2, 2026. The logline reads: “The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.” Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, and Riz Ahmed are among the other actors in the cast. The project is Iñárritu‘s first English-language film since 2015’s The Revenant , which won Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar for Best Actor. Cruise has been nominated for three acting Oscars over the course of his long career—for Born on the Fourth of July , Jerry Maguire , and Magnolia —but has never received a trophy at the ceremony.

American Air Says Holiday Delays Caused by Vendor Tech Glitch

betfred 200 free spins HIV isn't the death sentence it once was: How related deaths are dropping in the US

How to Watch Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Games – Wednesday, November 27A Newhall resident in his 80s who thought he was helping his grandson make bail was scammed out of $54,000 by a suspect who’s been the subject of a monthslong investigation by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, according to court records obtained by The Signal. The victim, whom The Signal has chosen not to identify, received a phone call from a person who identified themselves as “James Royce,” which detectives believe to be an alias. The man said the victim’s grandson had been in a car collision and he was now incarcerated. Payment was required in order for the grandson to be released from custody. The victim was instructed to put cash in a box and leave it for a Lyft driver to pick up and deliver it back to a person who was pretending to be his grandson’s attorney. Between July 22 and July 23, three boxes with payment inside were handed to separate drivers, which were identified in a detective’s court statement as totaling $54,000. The victim later was able to contact his grandson and learned that he had not been in an accident nor was he facing incarceration. After receiving the theft report, station detectives began trying to figure out who ordered the Lyft deliveries for the packages in October, with mixed results. All of the drivers were tracked down by station detectives using a combination of security footage from gated Friendly Valley home where the victim lived, which is a senior-only community, and electronic records. However, the drivers appeared to have no knowledge of what was in the packages they were driving around, according to the investigating officer’s report. Station officials did not release any information about the suspect Tuesday, only indicating that an arrest had not been made at this time. Deputy Robert Jensen, spokesman for the SCV Sheriff’s Station, described the incident as both heartbreaking and an important cautionary tale for a number of reasons. The first thing he wanted to make sure people were aware of is that the Sheriff’s Department will never solicit for money over the phone, even though the suspect in this crime actually was pretending to be an attorney representing the victim’s grandson. Such claims are part of common scam techniques, he said. However, Jensen also said there are two ways people can check if their loved one might be in a custody situation that could require a family member’s help. The two ways to check LASD custody records, he said: online, through the Sheriff’s Department’s custody records website, a person can tell if a loved one is in jail by searching at app5.lasd.org; but the surest way is to call the station at 661-260-4000, Jensen said. Someone there is happy to walk a member of the public through the next steps or look up the name of someone who might be in custody, if a person isn’t computer-savvy. He also mentioned any call from a jail would be recorded and indicate that it’s from an inmate before the start of the call. It’s also unfortunate, he said, because with artificial intelligence tools now available to criminals, they can not only clone phone numbers and email addresses to trick people, but scammers are also able to make a call with what sounds like a loved one’s voice. “The Sheriff’s Department takes crimes against the elderly, vulnerable populations and dependent adults very seriously — and in many cases, they come with bail enhancements,” Jensen said, referring to holds that can keep suspects in custody while they await a court date. He also shared a public-information video posted by LASD officials January 2020 called “Scam school,” which focuses on spotting cybercrime, technology, and current criminal techniques from the perspective of fictional scam artist Phillip Shampford’s Scam Training, or “PSST.”

Man jailed for pointing shotgun at unarmed gardaí who had ‘genuine concerns’ for lives

From the Yash Raj Films and Netflix collaboration comes Vijay 69 , written and directed by Akshay Roy. It stars Anupam Kher in the titular role as well as Chunky Panday and Mihir Ahuja in supporting roles. VIJAY 69 : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT? The Gist: After his family believes he died and holds a funeral for him, swimming coach Vijay Mathew takes stock of his life and is underwhelmed by the few things he’s accomplished. Determined to achieve something new at age 69, he signs up for a triathlon with the aim of being the oldest Indian man to complete one. What Will It Remind You Of?: There’s a new crop of inspirational stories about older people achieving long-held dreams. Uunchai and NYAD come to mind, as their central characters set off to climb Mount Everest and swim across 100 miles of open ocean, respectively. Performance Worth Watching: Anupam Kher as the central Vijay shows a mix of self-deprecation and self-determination over the course of the 2-hour film, and his expressive eyes are central to showing his story arc. Memorable Dialogue: “Vijay, what we thought we’d become versus what we actually became...this is everyone’s story,” Vijay’s dopey friend reminds him in a serene moment. Everyone had dreams when they were younger that didn’t necessarily come true, but it’s the catalyst for Vijay to finally chase something he’s wanted. Sex and Skin: No skin here. Our Take: As children, we are encouraged to dream big. Childhood is marked by trying to achieve those dreams, working towards excelling in hobbies and racking up trophies that announce our excellence. Then, all of that begins to fall away as we get older. Life happens. We have to pay rent, take care of families, and put food on the table. Instead of dreaming, we’re told there’s no dream job. Vijay 69 takes back the dream. The film follows Vijay Mathew, a former swimming coach whose biggest achievement is a bronze medal at the National Championships, as he decides to participate as India’s oldest ever triathlon competitor. He’s not necessarily in shape, nor has he ever ran or biked enough to fulfill this task, so the film is mostly centered on his training. But the Hindi-language film strikes an odd tone, as it inserts quirky side characters—including a frankly annoying vlogger that talks in colloquialisms and constantly live streaming via a phone attached to a selfie stick to represent the “youth,” and an American neighbor that exists as a caricature and talks like no American I have ever encountered in my life—and contrived conflicts with the media, Vijay’s daughter, and a much younger competitor and his father. Like many films in India, especially those under the Yash Raj Films banner, the melodrama is dialed all the way up and the lack of subtlety doesn’t serve a story like this. The side quests, including a fake rivalry with his opponent, make this much more of a popcorn flick than a real down-to-earth and introspective drama. With Kher at the center, the film manages to occasionally exist as a moving portrait about aging. But the quiet moments are too few and it’s often dragged down by busy superficial drama, to its detriment. This isn’t a film about Vijay putting his head down and training to achieve a goal; through three-quarters of the film, Vijay can still barely bike up a steep hill. Instead, it’s a film about him wrestling with his unhappiness at the way his life turned out, and unfortunately, Vijay 69 muddles what could have been a poignant examination of how it feels when life passes you by. Our Call: SKIP IT. Despite the film’s inspiring message about the triumph of the human spirit, its odd story choices and an uneven tone drag it down. Radhika Menon ( @menonrad ) is a TV-obsessed writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared on ELLE, Teen Vogue, Vulture and more. At any given moment, she can ruminate at length over Friday Night Lights, the University of Michigan, and the perfect slice of pizza. You may call her Rad.

Hildebrandt scores 9 as High Point knocks off Appalachian State 65-59Games to snuggle up with this holiday seasonIt’s been a long road back to the highest levels of motorsport for Canadian driver Robert Wickens. Six years after he was paralyzed in a violent wreck, Wickens will again be behind the wheel against some of the best drivers in North America. Wickens, from Guelph, Ont., was named the newest driver for DXDT Racing earlier this week, moving the 35-year-old up to IMSA GTD competition for 2025, the highest class on the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series. His promotion was made possible by a new hand control braking system created by Bosch Electronics, with help from GM Motorsports and Corvette Racing/Pratt Miller. “It’s not going to be easy but I wanted to get to the highest levels of motorsport again because, frankly, that’s where I was when I was injured,” said Wickens, who crashed at Pocono Raceway in 2018 during IndyCar’s ABC Supply 500. “But not only that, I want to prove to myself and other generations of people with disabilities that you can really do anything. “Maybe you’re having a hard time getting back to your place of work after a life-altering accident and — whatever your discipline, it doesn’t even have to be athletics — but I know it’s possible as long as you align yourself with a strong support system.” For Wickens, that’s been his wife Karli Wickens, his family and, in his professional life, organizations like Bosch and GM. Wickens’s crash left him with a thoracic spinal fracture, a neck fracture, tibia and fibula fractures to both legs, fractures in both hands, a fractured right forearm, a fractured elbow, four fractured ribs, a pulmonary contusion, and an indeterminate spinal injury that combined to make him a paraplegic. As he has slowly recovered some movement in his legs, Wickens has eased back into motor racing. He drove the parade lap of the 2019 Honda Indy Toronto, competed in the IndyCar iRacing Challenge during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and then in January 2022 it was announced he would drive in the Michelin Pilot Challenge for Bryan Herta Autosport. He and co-driver Mark Wilkins won twice in the Michelin Pilot Challenge’s TCR category with three podiums in 2022. In 2023 the pairing didn’t win, but they reached the podium seven times to earn the TCR championship. All of Wickens’s post-accident cars have been fitted with hand controls. Those conventional systems rely on paddles around the steering wheel that activate pneumatics that then press the foot pedals. Hand controls like that are acceptable for regular road vehicles and even lower levels of motorsports but in the highest classes, like IMSA GTD where cars top out at more than 280 kilometres, the lag between the driver toggling the paddle and the car responding is unacceptably slow. That’s where the Bosch electronic system comes in, with the controls linked directly to the car’s braking system, removing the pneumatics as an intermediary. “When you hit the brakes to slow the car down for each corner that was always a big challenge for me where (with) the Bosch electronic system, the latency is milliseconds not tenths of a second,” said Wickens. “It’s basically as accurate as I would be if I was an able-bodied driver wanting to apply the brake. “Honestly, it’s just better in every facet imaginable. It’s just been a true blessing.” Advances in physical rehabilitation from spinal cord injuries as well as the ongoing development of vehicle technology has made Wickens’s return to competitive motorsport possible. “I’m very fortunate in the timing of my paralysis and my career,” Wickens said Wednesday from Tampa, Fla. “If this was even a decade ago we’d be having a very different conversation today.” The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has four classes of vehicles: two sports prototype categories and two grand tourer classes. GTD is considered the highest of the four classes because each team must have at least a silver or bronze driver and more than one platinum-rated driver on a team is prohibited. “I want to win,” said Wickens. “I think the big thing for me on this journey back was I wanted to race again because I truly felt like I could still win. “I want to raise awareness for spinal cord injury and disability, not by just being a participant, but by being the guy. I want to win races, fight for podiums, win championships, every time I’m sitting in the car.” Wickens said he won’t just be a role model for people living with paralysis or other mobility disabilities, but the technology his car will employ in 2025 will likely become commercially available for use in road vehicles. “Motorsports and the automotive racing industry were founded to be a proving ground for everyday automotive vehicles,” he said. “From there you make road cars and road safety better. “Hopefully we can provide the technology and have regularly available components that can make any race car accessible for anyone that needs hand controls or any other form of disability.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. Follow jchidleyhill.bsky.social on Bluesky.

ROME (AP) — Robert Lewandowski joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players in Champions League history with 100 or more goals. But Erling Haaland is on a faster pace than anyone by boosting his total to 46 goals at age 24 on Tuesday. Still, Haaland's brace wasn't enough for Manchester City in a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord that extended the Premier League champion's winless streak to six matches. Lewandowski’s early penalty kick started Barcelona off to a 3-0 win over previously unbeaten Brest to move into second place in the new single-league format. The Poland striker added goal No. 101 in second-half stoppage time. Ronaldo leads the all-time scoring list with 140 goals and Messi is next with 129. But neither Ronaldo nor Messi play in the Champions League anymore following moves to Saudi Arabia and the United States, respectively. The 36-year-old Lewandowski required 125 matches to reach the century mark, two more than Messi (123) and 12 fewer than Ronaldo (137). Barcelona also got a second-half score from Dani Olmo. The top eight finishers in the standings advance directly to the round of 16 in March. Teams ranked ninth to 24th go into a knockout playoffs round in February, while the bottom 12 teams are eliminated. Haaland converted a first-half penalty to eclipse Messi as the youngest player to reach 45 goals then scored City's third after the break to raise his total to 46 goals in 44 games. Ilkay Gundogan had City's second. But then Feyenoord struck back with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko. Inter Milan beat Leipzig 1-0 with an own goal to move atop the standings with 13 points, one more than Barcelona and Liverpool, which faces Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Serie A champion is the only club that hasn't conceded a goal. Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 — the same score from the 2020 final between the two teams. PSG ended with 10 men and remained in the elimination zone. The French powerhouse has struggled in Europe after Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid. Kim Min-jae’s first-half header was enough for Bayern, especially after Ousmane Dembelé was sent off in the 56th with his second yellow. Atalanta moved within two points of the lead with a 6-1 win at Young Boys. Charles De Ketelaere scored two and assisted on three other goals for Atalanta. Also, Arsenal kept red-hot striker Viktor Gyokeres quiet in a 5-1 win over Sporting Lisbon; and Germany star Florian Wirtz scored two goals and was involved in two more as Bayer Leverkusen boosted its chances of finishing in the top eight with a 5-0 rout of Salzburg. AC Milan followed up its win at Real Madrid with a 3-2 victory at last-place Slovan Bratislava in an early match. Christian Pulisic put the seven-time champion ahead midway through the first half by finishing off a counterattack. Then Rafael Leao restored the Rossoneri’s advantage after Tigran Barseghyan had equalized for Bratislava and Tammy Abraham quickly added another. Nino Marcelli scored with a long-range strike in the 88th for Bratislava, which ended with 10 men. Bratislava has lost all five of its matches. Argentina World Cup winner Julian Alvarez scored twice and Atletico Madrid routed Sparta Prague 6-0 in the other early game. Alvarez scored with a free kick 15 minutes in and Marcos Llorente added a long-range strike before the break. Alvarez finished off a counterattack early in the second half after being set up by substitute Antoine Griezmann, who then marked his 100th Champions League game by getting on the scoresheet himself. Angel Correa added a late brace for Atletico, which earned its biggest away win in Europe. Atletico beat Paris Saint-Germain in the previous round and extended its winning streak across all competitions to six matches. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Josh Banks scored 21 points as UNC Asheville beat Western Carolina 78-61 on Saturday. Banks added five rebounds for the Bulldogs (6-4). Jordan Marsh added 18 points while going 5 of 12 from the floor, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and 6 for 8 from the line while they also had five rebounds and five steals. Kameron Taylor shot 4 of 6 from the field and 5 for 5 from the line to finish with 13 points. Marcus Kell finished with 11 points for the Catamounts (3-6). Vernon Collins added 10 points for Western Carolina. Fischer Brown finished with eight points. These two teams both play Tuesday. UNC Asheville hosts North Florida and Western Carolina visits Tennessee. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Aston Villa’s disallowed goal would have counted in England – Unai Emery

Blakley’s 28 lead Le Moyne over SUNY Delhi 106-51

Bell Potter says these are some of the best ASX 200 shares to buy in 2025

Market Watch: The ‘Trump Bump’ – how long can it last?

A view of the DUN Sarawak Complex where the members of the Assembly convened in May and November this year. — Photo by Roystein Emmor 2024 Revisited Logo yearender 2024 THE State Legislative Assembly (DUN) convened two impactful sittings in 2024, passing a total of nine Bills aimed at addressing crucial aspects of governance, public health, natural resources management, and fiscal planning. These legislative measures reflect the state government’s commitment to advancing Sarawak’s development goals and addressing the needs of its people. (From right) Abang Johari, Uggah and Dr Sim share a light moment in the DUN chambers after the tabling of the 2025 State Budget. — Information Department photo People-centric, inclusive budget In November, the DUN unanimously passed an expansionary State Budget of RM15.8 billion for 2025, marking the largest budget in Sarawak’s history. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state anticipated a revenue of RM14.2 billion in 2025, projected to be the highest revenue collection to date. “The 2025 State Budget, which is expected to generate a surplus of RM486 million, indeed marks the largest budget in Sarawak’s history, reflecting the success of our revenue reengineering strategies and prudent financial management. “Through this expansionary Budget, we are making substantial investments in infrastructure while placing the well-being of the ‘rakyat’ (people) at the forefront of our priorities,” he said when tabling the budget at the DUN sitting on Nov 11. The Premier announced several initiatives under the 2025 State Budget such as one-off financial assistance in the form of pocket money worth RM1,200 to all Sarawakian university-level students next year; the Sarawak government continuing to provide National Higher Education Corporation Fund (PTPTN) loan repayment discounts of 30 per cent for graduates who have repaid 30 per cent and above of their loans; and book vouchers worth RM500 and free laptop initiatives for university students from the Bottom 40 Per Cent (B40) income group to be extended into next year. Abang Johari tabling the 2025 State Budget during the DUN sitting on Nov 11. — Information Department photo Abang Johari also announced a new financial assistance called Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS), meant to alleviate the financial burden of low-income groups most affected by the rising cost of living. He said the financial aid would range from RM250 to RM800 annually according to the recipient’s eligibility, and that most of the SKAS recipients would also be receiving financial contributions under the ‘Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah’ (STR). Full autonomy over environmental governance The November DUN sitting also saw the passing of the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024, out to enable Sarawak to exercise full autonomy over its environmental governance. Awang Tengah tabling the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 during the November DUN Sarawak sitting. — Information Department photo The passing of the Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and seconded by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, received unanimous support from all the members of the Assembly present. Awang Tengah said this autonomy would strengthen Sarawak’s ability to preserve its unique ecosystems while fostering sustainable economic and social development. “This Bill represents a significant step in Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable development, offering a comprehensive framework that strengthens environmental protection laws and promotes long-term socio-economic growth. “By instituting these stringent legislations, this Bill addresses the critical need to combat climate change and environmental degradation,” he said in his third reading of the Bill. The Second Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister also said that the Bill would provide Sarawak with the tools needed to minimise environmental degradation while encouraging economic development. “By regulating emissions, waste, and pollution from industries, it ensures a cleaner, healthier environment for Sarawak’s citizens, fostering a better quality of life. “This Bill demonstrates that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, complement each other, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, resilient environment,” he said. Establishing legal framework to regulate hydrogen distribution Also passed unanimously at the sitting last month was the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024, which sought to establish a legal framework to regulate the distribution of hydrogen generated in Sarawak using feedstocks produced, obtained or imported into Sarawak; the premises to be used for the generation or storage of hydrogen; and the transportation of hydrogen for distribution and delivery to consumers in Sarawak and for export. Julaihi shows a copy of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024. — Photo by Roystein Emmor Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, who tabled the Bill, said the amendment would allow Sarawak to be empowered to regulate hydrogen activities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to growing its hydrogen economy through a transparent and investor-friendly regulatory framework to support clean energy development. He emphasised Sarawak government’s dedication to establishing a robust regulatory framework that prioritised public safety, while fostering the hydrogen industry’s growth. “Hydrogen is not a new fuel, and international safety standards are already in place to manage the risks related to its production, storage, transportation, and use. “The safety systems and protocols that Sarawak will adopt will align with those for other fuels, ensuring that hydrogen can be produced, stored, and used safely in accordance with international standards,” said Julaihi. Authority to manage all ports in Sarawak In the first meeting of the third term of the 19th DUN held in May, the Assembly passed the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, which sought for a central port authority known as the Sarawak Ports Authority to be established to manage, regulate, control and administer all ports in the state. Uggah (second right) in a group photo with (from left) Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sebastian Ting; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu at the DUN Complex lobby. — Photo by Chimon Upon The Bill was tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who told the august House that this authority would serve as a regulatory body and that the operations of ports would be managed by a separated operator. He said the new centralised port authority would replace all existing port authorities, and that this model of centralisation could help Sarawak ports become more competitive and efficient, aligning with the broader economic goals of the regions. “The regulatory control over all ports in Sarawak will be exercised through a licensing regime provided by this Ordinance, which would facilitate the corporatisation and eventual privatisation of the operations of the port and port undertakings to enable our ports to be operated as commercial entities embracing good corporate governance and financial discipline.” Uggah, also the state Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, added that the functions of the authority would include planning, streamlining and coordinating the development, expansion and improvement of ports in Sarawak; promoting and facilitating the development of business of the port and its hinterland and connectivity with other ports and transportation hubs outside Sarawak; and to license all port operators and port undertakings. “Its role would also be to promote efficiency and reliability of services and facilities in accordance with recognised international standards and best practices; to act as an authority for any free zone established under and subject to section 3(2) of the Free Zones Act 1990; and to adopt low carbon solutions in the management and operation of port undertakings,” he said. Streamlining SFC’s roles Awang Tengah, in the DUN sitting held in May, had tabled the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was passed by the state Legislature. The Bill meant to streamline and refine the roles of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC). Awang Tengah (left) and Uggah chatting at the lobby of the DUN Sarawak Complex. Seen between the two is Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh. — Photo by Chimon Upon Awang Tengah highlighted the need to amend the Sarawak Forestry Corporation Ordinance 1995 [Cap. 17], as in 2020, the government had mandated that the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) would assume all responsibilities previously held by the SFC. “This is provided for under Forests Ordinance 2015, which includes forest management, research and development, compliance, engineering, and revenue collection. “Conversely, the SFC was tasked with duties specified under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998, and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. “Hence, to give effect to this mandate, amendments to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation Ordinance 1995 are necessary to streamline the overlapping functions between the FDS and the SFC,” he said. Awang Tengah also said that the amendment would have the interpretation referring to the words ‘director’ and ‘forest produce’ be deleted to reflect the current structure of SFC as an agent of the government to enforce the provisions under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998, and the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. “The forestry functions such as sustainable forest management, reforestation, forestry research and forestry policy under the Ordinance, are to be taken out with this amendment; in other words, these functions would be under the purview of the FDS so as to make a clear demarcation on the roles and functions between SFC and FDS. “SFC is optimally positioned under natural resources, aligning with its mandates of sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. “The scope of the SFC’s responsibilities includes managing natural resources such as flora and fauna within national parks, and the protection of wildlife throughout Sarawak. “This is in tandem with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development’s focus on balancing conservation with economic uses like tourism,” he said. Dr Sim (centre) shows a page from a DUN document while joined by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang (left) and Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis. — Photo by Chimon Upon Penalty, enforcement on public health matters The Assembly, in May, also saw the passing of the Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was tabled by Dr Sim, also the state Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister. He said the amendment to the Public Protection of Public Health 1999 Ordinance was necessary in order to update and strengthen the provisions in the Ordinance to meet the changes and expectations of the present situation. The Ordinance had never been amended since it was passed on Dec 6, 1999, and came into force on Nov 1, 2000. Dr Sim said the amendment was aimed at strengthening certain provisions related to penalty and enforcement on public health matters. During the second reading, he said among the features of the Bill was to amend Section 2 of the Ordinance to reflect the new Strata (Subsidiary Titles) Ordinance 2019, which repealed the Strata Title Ordinance 1995. “Under the Bill, there is a proposed new provision to enable local authorities to issue a temporary licence to food premises operators by giving them a timeframe to comply with the requirements of other relevant laws. “Some of these food premises operators cannot be issued with a licence just because they are unable to comply with the provisions under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and Building Ordinance 1994 or any other relevant laws. “The amendment is to Section 23 by adding the new Sub Paragraph (3), which is to prohibit animals or pets from entering any food premises. This is to ensure the health of the public and consumers are protected from unacceptable and unhygienic food premises,” he said. Other amendments included the licensing of funeral parlours and cemeteries with a proposed new Subsection (3) of Section 38 to add the word ‘columbarium’, and to ensure that any land used as a licensed funeral parlour, cemetery, etc., to be maintained and cleaned regularly; amendment to Section 56, which was to strengthen the power of inspection and investigation, enabling any person to be authorised by the director or the chief administrative officer of the ministry; and amendment to Section 58, which was to make it an offence for non-compliance with any closing order or notice to any person and to impose a penalty and upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both. Other Bills passed were the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2024 and Supplementary Supply (2023) Bill 2024 in May to authorise additional allocations for the state, ensuring continued funding for priority programmes and addressing unforeseen financial needs; and the Supplementary Supply (2024) Bill 2024 in November, which was approved to address additional funding requirements for ongoing projects and new initiatives. Members of the Assembly in a group photo with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who is flanked by DUN Sarawak Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar and Abang Johari, taken on May 6 at the opening ceremony for the first meeting of the third term of the 19th DUN Sarawak. — Photo by Roystein EmmorLeo Colimerio scores 27 to help Queens University hold off Gardner-Webb 85-83

NoneFormer UN Ambassador John Bolton weighs in on Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire proposal

Musk isn't helping Trump out of the goodness of his own heart. Brandon Bell/Pool/AP A news clip making the rounds Sunday morning had CNN’s Dana Bash talking with Chris Sununu, New Hampshire’s Republican governor, about Elon Musk’s potential conflicts of interest. Here, after all, we have a hecto-billionaire with massive federal contracts via SpaceX—and whose carmaker, Tesla, likely wouldn’t have survived without generous state and federal subsidies—serving as an advisor to an incoming president on how the government should be spending its money , or not. Sununu told Bash he liked that Musk is an “outsider”—an interesting choice of words—who is “not looking for anything.” When she challenged that notion, he responded, “The guy is worth $450 billion” and therefore is “so rich he’s removed from the potential financial influence.” “I don’t think he’s doing it for the money,” Sununu said. “He’s doing it for the bigger project and the bigger vision of America.” The exchange is worth a listen: BASH: One of the concerns is that Elon Musk has billions tied up in govt contracts. You don't see a conflict of interest?CHRIS SUNUNU: Everyone has a conflict of interestBASH: But that's a pretty big oneSUNUNU: He's so rich he's removed from the potential financial influence What this tells me is that Sununu doesn’t understand the mentality of excessive wealth and he probably shouldn’t be on the air talking about it. He’s correct, in one sense, that Musk is not doing it for the money. I mean, the guy could probably afford to buy Greenland. But “the greater project and the bigger vision”? That’s the sort of nonsense Col. Potter from the old TV series M.A.S.H. would have called “horse hockey”— among other things . Musk is doing this for the power —the opportunity to dominate his peers. Let’s not forget that joining forces with Trump put Musk’s wealth, at least on paper, on a very steep upward trajectory. I haven’t done the math, but I’m pretty sure he’s now the richest person who has ever lived on our planet. He doesn’t need money to buy stuff. He needs it to nourish his narcissism. I interviewed quite a few super-rich folks, and people in their close orbits, while researching my 2021 book , Jackpot , and we talked a lot about these kinds of matters. It became clear that, once a person attains a certain level of wealth, any further accumulation of assets is like a game. It’s all about score-keeping and social comparisons—and also maintaining one’s dynastic position by creating trusts to circumvent gift and estate taxes and pushing to maintain stupid loopholes like the discounted tax rate on carried interest, which even one private equity guy admitted to me was “bullshit,” though he was part of a group that made an annual pilgrimage to DC to lobby for it. Here’s a abridged snippet from one of my interviews with Richard Watts, an attorney in Southern California who serves as a consigliere for some of America’s wealthiest families. Here he was talking about a conference he’d just spoken at—an annual shindig hosted by Mitt Romney and attended by loads of Fortune 500 CEOs and billionaires with names you’d know, in addition to former presidents and senators and other power players. “I’m very well off, so I certainly don’t need to be working and doing all that stuff, and I’ve got a beautiful home down by the ocean. But when I spend the weekend with people that probably have a minimum net worth of $500 million, at some point I just have to leave, because you can feel in the discussion the measure is how big you are... In those situations it’s always about what spectacular thing have you done, invented, created: What do you do? “Well, I own 35 mobile home parks free and clear, and we built them, and we’re going green with all of them. And it’s really been a great, wonderful thing.” And the guy’s 40 years old, and that’s a true story... Now, if you’re Jamie Dimon, everybody kind of wants to see what you’re thinking and you know, “Hey, that’s a good guy. I want to be around him.” And then if it’s the governor of Maine, or let’s say it’s Mitt or it’s Paul Ryan, these are really interesting people. And the interesting thing is they kind of don’t want to have that discussion, but everyone has it with them. So, it’s like, “Hey Paul, since you’ve been out of the Speaker of the House, what is it you’re doing this year?” “Oh my god, I’m on the board of Fox News.” (And of course Murdoch was there lecturing as well.) And it’s just this feeling that the only measure in the room—I don’t mean that they always stay this way, I’m just saying when they group together—it’s about who’s got the biggest boat, and I can say that in a lot of different ways that are nasty, but the biggest boat is pretty quickly identified. One month prior to the election, Elon Musk’s estimated net worth was about $263 billion . Now, at year’s end, it is $437 billion . The “biggest boat” has been identified. It’s Elon and it ain’t even close and Musk would like to keep it that way and his relationship with Trump helps him do that. So Sununu can spare us the “greater project” nonsense. This is a dick-measuring contest, no more, no less.Lina Hurtig’s late poke-in ensured Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stage with two group games remaining, a 1-0 win over Juventus enough to put them clear at the expense of the Italian club. The Gunners needed a win to ensure progression to the quarter-finals after Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Valerenga in Norway. Instead of the Group C standings being finely poised, Hurtig’s goal gave them the breathing room they so desperately wanted before they face Bayern at Meadow Park to very likely decide who tops the group. “It’s the ultimate end to a very busy and intense block we have had,” said interim manager Renée Slegers. “It means a lot. All of the players totally deserve it. It gives us some breathing space in the last two games as well.” Slegers’s side were unchanged from the team that earned a comfortable 3-0 win over Tottenham at the weekend, Katie McCabe pushing forward when the Gunners were in possession leaving Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Emily Fox to operate as a back three. It has been a successful play for Arsenal in recent weeks, the extra attacking player helping them pick open stubborn defences, but Juventus had done their homework and frustrated them for 89 minutes. There was no room for complacency despite the 4-0 defeat of Juventus in the reverse fixture the preceding week. It would be unfair to suggest that scoreline flattered Arsenal, but the game in Biella was far from easy. It took the Gunners until the 75th minute to get their second and put the game to bed, with Slegers saying that had taken a lot out of them “physically and psychologically”. At a bitterly cold Emirates Stadium, there was frustration as congestion getting into the ground meant that some fans missed the first 15 minutes and arrived to find their seats taken. The club had to open another block in the lower tier to find space for them. It was not ideal, but is ultimately a teething problem as the club balances the varying crowd sizes for women’s fixtures at the ground and the right levels of staffing required. are all but through to the Women's Champions League quarter-finals after a 4-1 win over in Vienna. Two goals from Kika Nazareth, plus strikes from Vicky López and Alexia Putellas, ensured a dominant victory for the visitors, though the Austrian side nabbed a consolation via Valentina Mädl. While Hammarby could still technically progress from Group D despite their 2-1 defeat to the frontrunners, Manchester City, they would need to beat Barça 10-0, having lost 9-0 in Catalonia in October. Elsewhere, in Group C, were held to a 1-1 draw by after Elise Thorsnes's late equaliser cancelled out Jovana Damnjanovic's opener. The result represents a window of opportunity for Arsenal after their 1-0 win over Juventus. While Bayern still top the group, their lead has been cut to one point with two games left to play including, in December, a trip to Meadow Park. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on which way you look at it, they didn’t miss much. Arsenal have scored 19 goals in six games since Jonas Eidevall departed and Slegers was appointed as interim manager, prior to the visit of Juventus, but against the Italian club it was 24 minutes before the home team had their first convincing chance, Frida Maanum firing over from a tight angle. Other moments of note? Arsenal centre-back Leah Williamson taking a goal kick ahead of keeper Daphne van Domselaar. That was about it. Arsenal had dominated possession, having over 75% of the ball, but had just the one shot to show for it from the first half. After the break, the story was similar, the home team struggling to break through the organised defensive line of the Italian side. They would go agonisingly close just before the hour mark in quick succession. First, when Katie McCabe’s backheel found Caldentey and the Spaniard played it centrally to an unmarked Maanum, but she put her effort wide of the near post, the fans’ half-celebrations quelled as the ball hit the electronic hoardings. Then, when a goalmouth scramble saw Foord have a shot blocked on the line. Despite visibly tiring, the visiting team sensed they could snatch more than a point and Van Domselaar would be called into action for the first time with 15 minutes remaining, getting down to push away Arianna Caruso’s low effort towards the far corner. Substitute Hurtig twice had the vocal 9,963 crowd gasping, the second of her two headers flying over the bar from the six-yard line with the goal gaping and the keeper nowhere. It felt like the odds were against them, but the Swede would be Arsenal’s saviour, poking fellow sub Stina Blackstenius’s cross off the foot of a defender and in, before she could clear, in the 89th minute to seal victory. There was relief in the celebrations. Slegers’ record remains close to unblemished, with six wins and a draw from seven matches. The Renéessance continues. “It’s surreal to be honest,” said the manager. “I never felt we would get into this situation. We have done really well but I was part of Jonas [Eidevall’s] staff and there was so much that was built during his time. I don’t want to separate that. There is so much we are still building on. It’s surreal in so many ways but we are very happy.”

Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level MediaATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief" and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America's dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise" speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter's diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Sanz is a former Associated Press reporter.