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Pakistan’s foreign ministry warns sanctions have ‘dangerous implications’ for the ‘strategic stability of the region’. Pakistan has denounced new US sanctions on the country’s ballistic missile programme as “discriminatory” and said they put the region’s peace and security at risk. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday warned in a statement that the sanctions “have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond”. It also cast doubt on US allegations that targeted businesses were involved in weapons proliferation because previous sanctions “were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever”. It also accused the US of “double standards” for waiving licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries. The sanctions freeze any US property belonging to the targeted businesses and bar Americans from doing business with them. The US Department of State said one such sanctioned entity, the Islamabad-based National Development Complex, worked to acquire items for developing Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme that includes the SHAHEEN series of ballistic missiles. The other sanctioned entities are Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise. The latest US sanctions came months after similar measures were slapped on other foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute, after the US State Department accused them of working for the National Development Complex, which it says was involved in the development and production of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles. Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998, when it conducted underground nuclear tests in response to those carried out by its rival and neighbour India. The two sides regularly test-fired their short-, medium- and long-range missiles. ‘Emerging threat to US’ Later on Thursday, a senior White House official said Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets outside of South Asia, including in the United States. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said Islamabad’s conduct raised “real questions” about the aims of its ballistic missile programme. “Candidly, it’s hard for us to see Pakistan’s actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States,” Finer told the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace audience. “Pakistan has developed increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors,” he said. If those trends continue, Finer said, “Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States.”
Manufacturer marks Official Supplier status with 5 millionth tankless water heater donation and 50-year anniversary milestone PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinnai America Corporation — manufacturer of a leading brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America — is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. The new agreement makes Rinnai the Official Supplier of water heaters for new homes across the country through 2027. This exclusive collaboration strengthens both organizations' shared commitment to providing Veterans and their families with the resources they need to rebuild their lives after service. Also celebrating 50 years in North America , Rinnai marked the occasion by donating the 5 millionth tankless water heater manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Griffin, Georgia for a new home under construction in Texas . "Celebrating 50 years and reaching 5 million tankless water heaters sold in the North American market are significant milestones for us but knowing that our donation is helping a Veteran and their family start a new chapter in life is incredibly meaningful," said Frank Windsor , President, Rinnai America Corporation. "We are honored to help restore some of the freedom and independence to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much defending our country. Our continued partnership with Homes For Our Troops is a powerful way for us to give back and deliver our brand promise of 'Creating a healthier way of living'." Since its inception in 2004, HFOT has built over 400 homes. Each specially adapted energy efficient home is designed to comfortably raise a family while limiting future expenses. Equipped with Rinnai's durable and highly energy efficient products, the homes constructed as part of this partnership will help reduce the families' long-term utility costs and serve as a safe and welcoming place to call home for years to come. "We are incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Rinnai. The company's passion for assisting Veterans and their families significantly helps us advance our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans," said HFOT President/CEO, Brig. Gen., USA (Ret) Tom Landwermeyer . "These Veterans face enormous challenges, and through this partnership, we are also providing the comfort and convenience of a high-quality water heater to help create a home that promotes healing and independence." Army SGT Christopher Leverkuhn will receive the 5 millionth product, a SENSEI ® RX Series, for his home currently under construction in Kerrville, Texas . The most advanced condensing tankless water heater on the market, it sets the standard for efficiency at 0.98 UEF and creates a healthier way of living by delivering the ultimate in comfort, smart design and unlimited hot water. Over the next three years, Rinnai will donate appropriate products with features ideal for the hot water demands of each Veterans' home. Many will receive Rinnai's newest condensing tankless water heater, the SENSEI RXP. This product comes equipped with a built-in recirculation pump to deliver faster hot water to the faucet. Rinnai will also provide its RWM200 WiFi module, which can be used with the Rinnai Central TM app to control temperature and recirculation patterns. Veterans may also receive Rinnai's new electric heat pump water heater , one of the most sustainable electric water heating solutions available, meeting highest efficiency standards while reducing energy usage and costs. The agreement highlights the growing commitment of the sustainable manufacturer's corporate responsibility and charitable giving in addressing the needs of Veterans and their families. In addition to HFOT, Rinnai partners with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. These organizations prove that partnerships can lead to lasting change and help those who have given so much for their country. About Homes For Our Troops: Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the veteran chooses to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. www.hfotusa.org . About Rinnai: Rinnai America Corporation, a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation in Nagoya, Japan , was established in 1974 and is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia . Rinnai Corporation manufactures gas appliances, including tankless water heaters, a wide range of kitchen appliances, and heating and air conditioning units. As the technology leader in its industry, Rinnai is the largest gas appliance manufacturer in Japan and is the No. 1 selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in the United States and Canada . Annual corporate revenues, including those of its subsidiaries, are in excess of $3.3 billion . With a global perspective to create 21st-century products for the home and business, Rinnai Corporation commits itself to safety and Creating a healthier way of living ® . For more information about Rinnai's entire product line, visit www.rinnai.us . Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Rinnai ® and Creating a healthier way of living ® are the registered trademarks of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rinnai-america-joins-forces-with-homes-for-our-troops-to-aid-injured-veterans-302336611.html SOURCE Rinnai America Corporation
(Reuters) - Apple has been accused in a new lawsuit of illegally monitoring its workers' personal devices and iCloud accounts while also barring them from discussing their pay and working conditions. The complaint filed in California state court on Sunday by Amar Bhakta, who works in digital advertising for Apple, claims the company requires employees to install software on personal devices that they use for work allowing Apple to access their email, photo libraries, health and "smart home" data and other personal information. At the same time, the lawsuit alleges, Apple imposes confidentiality policies that prohibit employees from discussing working conditions, including with the media, and engaging in legally-protected whistleblowing. Bhakta, who has worked for Apple since 2020, says he was barred from talking about his work on podcasts and instructed to remove information about his working conditions from his LinkedIn profile. "Apple's surveillance policies and practices chill, and thus also unlawfully restrain, employee whistleblowing, competition, freedom of employee movement in the job market, and freedom of speech," the lawsuit said. Apple in a statement provided by a spokesperson said the claims in the lawsuit lack merit and that its workers are trained annually on their rights to discuss their working conditions. “At Apple, we're focused on creating the best products and services in the world and we work to protect the inventions our teams create for customers," the company said. Lawyers for Bhakta also represent two women who filed a lawsuit in June accusing Apple of systematically underpaying female workers in its engineering, marketing, and AppleCare divisions. Apple has said it is committed to inclusion and pay equity. Apple is also facing at least three complaints from a U.S. labor board claiming it has illegally deterred employees from discussing issues such as sex bias and pay discrimination with each other and the media, including by restricting their use of social media and workplace messaging app Slack. The company has denied wrongdoing. The new lawsuit was filed under a unique California law that allows workers to sue their employers on behalf of the state and keep 35% of any penalties that are recovered. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot)Biden Calls Assad's Downfall a ‘Moment of Justice’, Warns of Uncertainty For Middle East
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Trudeau told Trump Americans would also suffer if tariffs are imposed, a Canadian minister says
By RANDALL CHASE, Associated Press DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick on Monday denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys , who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musk’s 2018 compensation package. McCormick concluded in January that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. The compensation package initially carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Tesla’s stock price.Delaware judge reaffirms ruling that invalidated massive Tesla pay package for Elon MuskWAG Coleen Rooney is poised to sign a £1million TV deal after leaving the I’m A Celebrity jungle. McFly pop star Danny Jones is also being courted by ITV bosses for big new shows, insiders have revealed. The pair went head-to-head in tonight's finale after the Rev Richard Coles finished third. But before the show, insiders said if Coleen lost out on being crowned Jungle Queen, she was still on course to become one of the show’s most successful celebs. A source said: “She is poised to sign a huge new TV deal, worth around £1million.” It came as her mum, Colette, revealed her daughter asked her, “Have I been boring?” as they hugged during a camp visit this week with the Wag’s sons, Kit, eight, and Cass, six. READ MORE ON COLEEN ROONEY Colette said: “It broke my heart hearing that, but I said, ‘No, you’ve been yourself — and that’s all that matters’.” Coleen also got emotional after making the final three, saying: “It’s very rare I’m proud of myself, so it means a lot. It’s very rare that I put myself first. So, yeah, these are happy tears.” On her upcoming megabucks offers, a source told The Sun: “Coleen’s return to public life following the Wagatha Christie trial was carefully orchestrated — and it has more than paid off. “When she was in the jungle, she was being touted as ITV’s next Holly Willoughby and the offers have already started flooding in. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 “But there is one deal on the table that has really piqued her team’s interest. “Given Coleen’s love of the Loose Women show too, the team want her secured on their guest roster, with a view to finding something more permanent for her. “It isn’t just TV deals — lifestyle and nutritional brands have all been sending lucrative contracts her way, as well as high street retailers. They all want a piece of Coleen. The sky’s the limit.” The mum of four, 38, will be reunited with hubby Wayne — the former England and Man United striker — this week when she flies back to the UK. He is now manager of Plymouth Argyle. Insiders said her family would be throwing a huge party to welcome her home. But while Coleen wades through the offers, those close to the her said she would not be rushing into making decisions and would wait until the New Year before deciding what she wants to do next. A source added: “Nothing will be agreed with any interested parties until Coleen sits down with her management team. “Her priority when she comes out the jungle will be spending time with family but these conversations will be had when the time is right.” Throughout I’m A Celeb, ITV has been heavily plugging her Real Wagatha Story documentary in ad breaks and at the end of the show, as part of a plan by execs to get her on board. This year, she won a libel battle with fellow Wag Rebekah Vardy , who she accused of leaking stories about her. Coleen had a tearful reunion with Kit and Cass, plus parents Tony and Colette as she crossed the jungle bridge. A source added: “Coleen is a mum first and foremost. Her children mean everything to her. “Doing the jungle was the first proper solo venture she has done in a long time so her next move will be chosen very carefully. “She will only take the deal that is right for her and her family.” After entering the jungle as the show’s highest-paid contestant ever — with a deal worth around £1.5million — Coleen won the hearts of the nation by showing how down-to-earth she is and by getting stuck into grim Bushtucker Trials. Doing the jungle was the first proper solo venture she has done in a long time so her next move will be chosen very carefully Meanwhile, ITV bosses are keen to secure McFly’s Danny long-term as one of the channel’s main players, alongside favourites including Joel Dommett and Bradley Walsh . The singer and guitarist, 38, had an emotional reunion with his wife Georgia and their six-year-old son Cooper as he crossed the famous bridge. He is already a judge on The Voice UK, alongside his bandmate Tom Fletcher , but insiders said telly bosses are keen to sign him up for more shows. A source said: “Danny is the embodiment of everything ITV loves. He’s fun, family-friendly and incredibly popular. Watching how popular he was on I’m A Celeb made him a key target for other shows they have coming up. “Danny’s a brilliant musician, but he is also great on telly. ITV bosses want to see if they can sign him on for another series of The Voice UK and there are other shows they think he could be perfect on.” Danny won over I’m A Celeb viewers early on as he opened up on his struggles with mental health . During the first week, he broke down in tears as he revealed he started having therapy for anxiety aged 19 after suffering a panic attack during a live TV interview. He also spoke about his estrangement from his dad Alan, 72, who he has not seen for 18 years after he left his mum, Kathy. Danny said: “He doesn’t speak to me. I just don’t think I’ve really . . . healed with it, maybe. I had a good relationship with my dad. He was my best mate until he left.” All of this year’s I’m A Celebrity stars joined the finalists for a wrap party at the JW Marriott hotel on the Gold Coast. It came a day after ex-Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse was evicted from camp, leaving just three contestants to battle it out. READ MORE SUN STORIES Only pop star Tulisa Contostavlos was absent, after flying home to the UK amid struggles with her mental health . Yesterday, she shared photos online and said: “Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you all.” i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz , Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street , was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women . She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher . Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan . It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."
AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:51 p.m. ESTThe San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday, one day after placing running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve. The Jets released Abanikanda on Monday after adding Kene Nwangwu to the active roster. Nwagwu had been a practice-squad elevation for the Jets last Sunday against Seattle and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the game. Abanikanda, 22, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2023. After running 22 times for 70 yards and catching seven passes for 43 yards in six appearances as a rookie, Abanikanda did not play a regular-season game for New York in 2024, buried on the depth chart behind Breece Hall and others. When the Niners placed McCaffrey and Mason on IR, rookie Isaac Guerendo was left as the only healthy running back on their active roster. In Sunday night's loss at the Buffalo Bills, McCaffrey left the field in pain in the second quarter and was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. Mason also suffered a high ankle sprain in the game. McCaffrey was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores. Mason is the leading rusher for San Francisco (5-7) this season with 789 yards and three touchdowns on 153 carries. It was his third season in the league. --Field Level Media
Sports on TV for Friday, Dec. 20
Utah helmets, explained: What to know about Utes' hand-painted 'Malama Lahaina' lids | Sporting NewsDemocrats dismayed, angry at Joe Biden over sweeping pardon of son Hunter
NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russian attack with hypersonic missile
Morning Joe hosts gives harsh critique of media amid Biden pardoning his son Hunter READ MORE: DOJ prosecutor slams Hunter Biden's bid to dismiss his indictment By SAMANTHA RUTT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:08, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 22:12, 3 December 2024 e-mail 7 View comments Morning Joe hosts have moaned about the media's coverage of Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, accusing left-leaning outlets of being 'hysterically imbalanced.' Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski called out publications such as the New York Times and the Washington Post for being 'completely out of step with reality,' following the President's pardoning of his son Hunter . The comprehensive pardon , announced on Sunday, clears 54-year-old Hunter of any illegal conduct over the course of the last decade after he was convicted in September on federal gun charges and on federal tax evasion. But despite the 46th President's repeated assurance he would not involve himself, he did - sending the country into outrage. 'You know, the New York Times, like, the top six stories online today were all about the pardon,' Scarborough said of coverage of the case. 'You looked at the Washington Post yesterday, you expected, like, 'WAR IS OVER' in massive headlines,' he added in his criticism of the two left-leaning publications.' The unexpected pardon included protection from potential future charges as the commander-in-chief issued the historic pardon, enraging some Democrats along the way. 'I don't remember headlines this large when Donald Trump commuted the sentence of Roger Stone,' Scarborough continued, ignoring the historic nature of such an all-encompassing pardon to his own son. MSNBC's Morning Joe hosts, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, have ripped into the 'mainstream' media's coverage of President Biden's decision to pardon his son, accusing the left-leaning outlets of being 'hysterically imbalanced' The host also claimed that Democrats are increasingly frustrated over the news coverage, which 'they believe is really out of proportion given everything Donald Trump has done in the past and what he's doing right now.' His co-host chimed in adding: 'if you even parallel pardons that Trump has done himself, it's just always so, it seems so hysterically imbalanced!' 'When you read how they're covering this and then you look at the things that are happening on the other side, it is, again, completely out of step with reality.' The sitting President argues in his son's defense that the younger Biden is being 'selectively, and unfairly prosecuted' by the Department of Justice . Yet, special prosecutor, David Weiss says Hunter Biden 's tax crimes cannot be dismissed – despite his father's presidential pardon . Hunter's lawyers filed papers asking a California judge to dismiss the case as soon as Joe Biden pardoned him on Sunday. Daytime television anchors, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, have explicitly called out publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post, among others, for being 'completely out of step with reality,' following President Joe Biden (left) pardon of his son, Hunter Biden (right) But in a response on Monday, Weiss, the senior Justice Department official who ran the prosecutions against the felon First Son, argued that it's not that simple. In their filing, Weiss and his prosecutors Leo Wise and Derek Hines slammed Hunter's lawyers for trying to 'blot out guilt' and erase the shocking deeds he admitted to in court. They said that the court should instead close the case with a note acknowledging Hunter's presidential pardon, but leaving his guilty plea on the record , along with the official finding that prosecutors' charges of debauchery, deliberate tax-dodging and political perversion were true. The DoJ officials accused Hunter's hotshot Washington DC attorney Abbe Lowell of 'misrepresent[ing] the law' adding that 'Nothing requires the dismissal of the indictment in this case.' They quoted previous cases involving Donald Trump's presidential pardons, such as for Steve Bannon and Michael Flynn, where judges ruled 'a pardon does not blot out guilt or expunge a judgment of conviction.' Weiss also made what could be seen as a veiled jab at President Biden, who claimed in a statement on Sunday along with his pardon to his son, that Hunter's prosecutions were politically motivated. Joe Biden made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair' The president's son (pictured in January) eventually pleaded guilty to nine tax evasion charges, including three felonies, after finally agreeing to admit to the crimes during extraordinary drama at his federal trial in Los Angeles in September Read More Americans reveal their VERY strong reactions to Biden pardoning Hunter before he leaves office 'There was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case,' Weiss wrote, adding that those claims were ruled by courts as 'unmoored from any evidence or even a coherent theory'. 'The defendant filed eight motions to dismiss the indictment, making every conceivable argument for why it should be dismissed, all of which were determined to be meritless,' Weiss said. He pointed to the California federal judge Mark Scarsi's previous ruling, that the defense's claims that Hunter was singled out for political reasons were 'without any evidence'. 'The defendant made similar baseless accusations in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Those claims were also rejected,' Weiss wrote. The Special Prosecutor said that instead of dismissing the case, the usual practice is that 'once an Executive Grant of Clemency has been filed on the docket, the docket is marked closed, the disposition entry is updated to reflect the executive grant of clemency, and no further action is taken by the Court.' That way, Hunter's confession to the charges laid out in a 56-page indictment filed December last year would remain on the record. Democrats Donald Trump California Joe Biden Share or comment on this article: Morning Joe hosts gives harsh critique of media amid Biden pardoning his son Hunter e-mail Add comment
1. Lumify Eye Drops , a product so beloved by TikTok that despite being more $$ than other brands, it's the number one selling brand on Amazon right now. Reviewers swear by this for instant reduction in redness in their eyes, with visible differences within a minute of use. Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic . Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic , you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief. Promising review: "I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I use the expensive lubricant eye drops for moisture — I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it . No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! 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Anyway, watch this TikTok of someone using it on their lips AND cheeks , because I did and oops, this lipstick FELL into my cart. Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in pink honey !). 5. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream , a FAST-acting, anti-redness moisturizer with results that feel like legitimate magic — especially considering its competitor, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream , is over twice as expensive. Reviewers especially love this as a base for their makeup, because it leaves skin super soft and primed. Promising review: "I’d yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There’s no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It’s super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn’t settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don’t need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." — Julie F. Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in six styles). 6. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. Promising review: "I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England, where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel dried, and put my hair in a ponytail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." — Marissa Get it from Amazon for $3.98. 7. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener , which became the internet's holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes so fast that everyone's old concealers are doing double takes. This lightweight color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference. The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades). 8. Plus, Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel , a cult-fave product for your beauty arsenal that will quickly help minimize eye puffiness and swelling thanks to its winning combo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. It's basically an alarm clock for your eyeballs, because boy howdy are they awake now!! Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review: "I love this product and have noticed a huge difference when using it consistently. I am on the younger side and don’t have the worst under eye bags, but on those occasional mornings where my eyes are puffy with somewhat visible dark circles, this product definitely does the trick! Honestly love all the Good Molecules products." — Hayden Smith Get it from Amazon for $5.99 . 9. A portable car vacuum for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors or enjoys particularly messy snacks and leaves the evidence sitting around — with this easy-peasy gadget, you can scoop it all up and leave your interiors looking brand spanking new. Promising review: "This was the perfect solution for a busy mom as myself. I have three little ones and every day there is a mess of some sort in the backseat. It saves time and money to not have to go to a carwash place and keep feeding the machine . It’s simple to use and a great size. Wish the suction was a little better but for the price and quality I can’t complain. It’s a must!" — Amazon Customer "TikTok made me buy it. I NEVER leave reviews buttt I was surprised at how well and powerful this vacuum was! And it wasn’t loud. 10 out of 10 recommended. Go buy it and try it for yourself." — Jessica D. Williams Get it from Amazon for $34.98+ (available in four colors). 10. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that thousands of reviewers swear by for helping restore their hair and promote healthy hair growth over time. It also includes nourishing ingredients like rosemary oil, zinc, and coconut oil to help moisturize locks and give them a fuller, more volumized look. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic . Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. Promising review: "I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery, and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo, as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it, but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on), and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It's longer and thicker than ever." — Diane J. Huff Get it from Amazon for $12.95 . Psst — reviewers mention this is most effective when paired with a scalp massager to work it into their roots! 11. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer , an oil-free moisturizer formulated with ceramide and niacinamide, so it might actually replace more than one step in your skincare. This lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer is formulated to strengthen the skin barrier to lock in hydration not just after you put it on, but in the long term, too. Reviewers are especially obsessed with how well it works as a makeup primer! I have had on and off dry patches on my face for *checks watch* my whole life, which I just accepted as a consequence of being a human in their thirties who spends a lot of time outdoors in cold weather. It took like two seconds for my (SPECTACULAR) dermatologist to assess the situation and recommend this. The dry patches around my mouth and eyes were gone within two days of using this. It absorbs so quickly into the skin that I was almost scared it wasn't doing anything, but the long-term results are undeniable. My skin is softer, and I was able to cut out the expensive niacinamide and exfoliant I was using, making this one of the most cost-effective skincare moves of my life. I am so grateful my dermatologist recommended this to me, and I only wish I'd gone to see her about it much sooner! Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available with SPF and in multiple sizes). 12. A "flossing toothbrush" with two layers of bristles — regular firm bristles and longer ones that are ten times thinner to clean deep in between your teeth and gums to mimic flossing. Reviewers love how deep the clean feels, and also how soft it is on sensitive teeth! Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. I've had one of these for awhile, and I love it! I usually use an electric toothbrush, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. I've switched to using this in the morning and the electric one at night and definitely see a difference in that area in particular. Promising review: "This was another one of my TikTok purchases! I was skeptical, but my kids hate flossing their teeth, so thought this might help in between making them floss. They work amazing! My kids said they could see and feel a difference on the first use, and I agree! They are definitely worth a try! I would suggest not pushing too hard. Those tiny bristles really get in there, and if you push too hard, you might be sore like I was. It felt like after going to a dental cleaning." — Amy N. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.90 . 13. Essence's Lash Princess mascara , because TBH, we've all wasted too many years and too much money looking for the ~holy grail~ mascara. This one is less than $5, gives you instant length, and is DELIGHTFULLY sweatproof — reviewers call it out as an excellent comparison for Too Faced's "Better Than Sex" and Benefit's "They're Real." Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time. Promising review: "AWESOME. I’ve always bought overpriced mascara. I’m very picky and hesitant, but I saw some reviews saying how awesome this was. I’ll never go back to 'Better Than Sex' mascara because that’s what I always use, and I compare it to that. This is the best mascara!! I’ll never go back." — patrick hauk Get a pack of three from Amazon for $4.99 . 14. A fast-acting ChomChom pet hair remover roller deeply beloved by pet owners — it's like a sticky lint roller, but specifically designed to pick up pet hair and not only lock it in, but stash it inside the roller itself, so you don't end up making matters worse by just shoving the hair around instead of getting rid of it properly. Promising review: "I have a golden retriever and the shedding is out of control. My fabric sofa is constantly covered in hair and I finally decided to try this after reading an article about popular TikTok products. The reviews do not lie, this thing works magic!! I wish I had taken a before and after picture because the difference is noticeable. I watched the video tutorial before I tried it to ensure I was using it properly and everything he says is true, you do really have to put your arm to work with vigorous back and forth movement! However, I find it's a great arm workout and it works wonders." — Joanne Ertel Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three styles). 15. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm , which unsurprisingly went just as TikTok viral as everyone's beloved Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask — the glowy balm has the same delightful flavors (including the iconic Gummy Bear) and hydrates lips with the *chef's kiss* lightweight, moisturizing blend that doesn't get all sticky and goopy like competitors. Promising review: "Laneige lip balm lives up to the TikTok hype. The Gummy Bear scent is awesome. Don't need to constantly reapply because the formula is moisturizing. Definitely will order other scents." — Charlotte T. Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in eight flavors and multipacks). 16. A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper to make you feel like a golden god in your kitchen — this gadget julienne, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess. Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Fullstar is a small business established in 2017 that specializes in kitchen gadgets. Promising review: "Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food, and it has a generous container. " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.97 (clip the $5 off coupon on the product page for this price). 17. MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation , which lives up to its name and THEN some — one quick spray of the foundation on the included brush, and it glides so smoothly and subtly over your skin texture that you'll feel like a makeup artist did it for you. Reviewers in their thirties, forties, and up especially swear by this lightweight but effective formula, and love that it's ridiculously easy to use. Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof . This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit price-y compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT. Promising review : "Bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. I love the lightweight feel of it and how easy it is to build." — Smickens Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 12 shades). 18. A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner you can quite literally "set and forget" to maintain its cleanliness over time — once you apply it after a shower, you just have to wait eight to 12 hours and it'll quietly tackle the soap scum, grime, oils, mold, and mildew stains without any elbow grease from you. Promising review: "I saw this product on TikTok and decided to try it out for myself. The name doesn’t lie — spray it on, shut the bathroom door, and in a few hours, the shower is 100 times cleaner. Usually I’ll let it sit overnight, and by morning, the visible grime on the shower is gone, include soap scum. I’ll usually let the shower water rinse the residue out, and then will take a bucket just to get everything off the shower walls. It is a bit slick if you try to get in the shower without rinsing the residue, but otherwise it’s a worthy cleaning staple in my house." — Tara D. Get it from Amazon for $19.19+ (available in two scents and two sizes). 19. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion , which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works. Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing. " — Dragonheart Jo Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in three sizes and 11 other styles). 20. A Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker that magics any frozen fruit into an ice cream or sorbet texture so you can have a yummy frozen treat made to your *precise* favorite fruit combos. A lot of folks with dietary restrictions swear by this to get their ice cream kicks! Promising review: "Such an amazing product. My first recipe was bananas and cashew peanut butter. Super duper fab! I can’t wait for a party just to make the dessert. Already bought another as a gift. Great buy." — desiree Get it from Amazon for $36.99 . 21. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm , a Korean beauty product you may have already seen taking TikTok by storm — this easy peasy all-in-one moisturizer for your face, lips, eyes, *and* neck is formulated with salmon complex and collagen to help reduce fine lines and boost radiance. Reviewers especially love how instant the hydration feels, and swear by it for that ~glass skin~, "just out of the shower" effect. Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life-changing!! ! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy Get it from Amazon for $22.49 (available in seven styles). 22. A foaming garbage disposal cleaner you can plop into your sink, run a little water on, and let its blue magic fizz its way up to the top while clearing out all the gunk from your culinary adventures in one go. Promising review: "Saw on TikTok (don’t judge) and automatically added to cart. So easy to use, takes probably a minute to fully bubble up and clean, and you’re left with a clean sink! I use with other drain cleaning products, but would 100% recommend for weekly maintenance." — Jessica Hamilton Get a four-pack from Amazon for $3.78 . 23. A pack of cult-favorite Clean Skin Club Clean Towels — these ultra-soft, chemical-free disposable towels are ideal for drying your face or pairing with a makeup remover or face wash to gently remove makeup at the end of the day. A lot of folks with sensitive skin *swear* by these, particularly because it helps prevent exposing their skin to bacteria that may collect in ordinary reusable towels. Clean Skin Club is a US-based small business specializing in hygienic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare products. Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I saw these on TikTok and bought them. I will be buying more. They are great for my face. Really soft and VERY durable and strong, even when wet. You can wash your face [with it] or just dry your face, either way, it’s the best option." — Sahara Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $17.95 . 24. Biodance's TikTok-beloved Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask for an overnight ~refresh~ to help firm skin, boost elasticity, and minimize pores. Reviewers mention noticing a visible difference even after one use! You are about to become the definition of "I woke up like this" ✨. Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week. Promising review : "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it’s pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It’s an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don’t mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" — Nala Get a set of four from Amazon for $19 (also available in a set of 16). 25. A set of wildly popular moisture-wicking double-brushed microfiber sheets with a softness so luxurious that you'll be like, "Cotton whomst?? " Reviewers especially love that the "cooling" effect of these is no joke, particularly for people in hot climates or people experiencing night sweats and hot flashes. LuxClub is a small business that specializes in soft, durable, luxury-style sheets. Promising review: “LOVE THESE!! I was searching for a sheet set that would help me sleep more comfortably at night and found these. I have terrible hot flashes with night sweats and get up in the morning just miserable. Of course, these do not eliminate my hot flashes as no sheets will, but they definitely make my nights much more comfortable by eliminating wet bedding, and I definitely appreciate that! Aside from their moisture-wicking abilities, they are very soft, easy to look at, and launder extremely well. I would highly recommend these for anyone shopping for sheet sets and especially for anyone experiencing night sweats!! ” — Shannon Warfel Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in sizes Twin—California King, with deep pockets, and in 37 styles). 26. And a "holy grail" Coop Home Goods pillow designed for side, back, *and* stomach sleepers to get the best shut-eye of their lives. This medium-firm pillow has an entirely adjustable memory foam fill so you can mold it to the exact firmness, size, and shape you need. In other words: this is the One Pillow that will serve you well for a long, long time. Promising review: "I hardly ever write reviews, but I have to for this. I saw this pillow on TikTok, and it got me curious, so I immediately came to Amazon. OMG, it’s such a game-changer. I’m a side sleeper, and this pillow is heaven . It’s some of the most comfortable sleep I have had in ages. I love it so much that I bought a second one and have my eye on the body pillow. Obsessed! You need this in your bedroom." — MT Get it from Amazon for $75+ (available in two sizes and three shapes). 27. K18's Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask for a literal four-minute, no-rinse fix to help restore dry or damaged hair, whether it's from bleach, heat, chemical services, or "check all of the above." Odds are, if you've heard of it before, it was from your stylist — it's one of those "if you know, you KNOW" products that's well worth the price. K18 is a small business that specializes in hair products. To use, wash your hair with shampoo and not conditioner. Towel dry your hair and apply the hair mask, leaving it for four minutes. Then style as usual without rinsing. Here's what BuzzFeeder Melanie Aman says about it : "I bleach my dark brown-black Asian hair blonde every six to eight weeks, so I was immediately intrigued when I first heard some stylists at my salon raving about K18. I was gobsmacked at how much softer my hair was. Seriously. I spent the whole day touching my hair, and even my boyfriend agreed that my mane was noticeably silkier. Olaplex was my go-to before I tried K18 and I still stand by it as a product, but I really love that K18 is a leave-in treatment rather than an in-shower mask. Having to let the Olaplex sit for 10 minutes felt like forever, especially when I wasn't taking an everything shower (you know, the ones where you exfoliate and shave). With K18, you let it sit in your hair for four minutes post shower to activate and then you can style your hair (or just let it air dry like I do). I've found that my hair is softest the next day, so don't be discouraged if your hair looks or feels the same the day you use it ." Promising review: "My hair stylist recommended this product for my hair and it was such a superior product to anything else I have used. It is expensive and I have long hair so it is doubly expensive, but so worth it. As I aged my hair became really frizzy and dry, but this product changed everything, leaving my hair so manageable, silky, soft, body and no frizz . I cannot say enough good things about K18." — Dawne Get it from Amazon for $29 . 28. A magnetic air fryer cheat sheet to help minimize effort and maximize deliciousness, no googling, overthinking, or confusing cooking methods required. Promising review: "I am pleased with this product. It is almost impossible to remember the cooking times and temperatures of so many items that can be cooked in my air fryer. This handy guide takes the guesswork out of the process. I bought three for family members for Christmas." — Gerry L. Winters Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in two colors). 29. A bottle of Angry Orange pet odor eliminator that's working OVERTIME — not only does this vanish the evidence of pet-related stains and odors, but it leaves the area smelling so nice that you'll be like, "Um, is this my new signature perfume??" Extremely bonus: it also deters pets from peeing, so if there's a ~hot spot~ your doggo loves to frequent, this ought to curb the habit. Angry Orange is a small business that specializes in home cleaning products. Promising review: "This product has become a must in our household ! We discovered it while looking for another scent/odor control product that had a strong citrus scent to spray around a Christmas tree a year or so ago when one of our dogs suddenly decided that he was going to start peeing on the Christmas tree every night. Not only did it deter him from peeing on it, it smells fantastic, and now we use it all the time for any smells around the house, pet odor related or not! It only takes one or two sprays as well, and the whole area smells fabulous afterwards." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $17.96 (available in four sizes). 30. An internet-beloved OXO measuring cup with transparent measurements on the side *and* angled in the middle so you can see exactly how much you're measuring from a bird's-eye view. It also comes equipped with a soft grip handle and a deeply convenient angled nozzle, and is dishwasher-safe! Promising review: "Our old liquid measuring cups were beginning to get worn and very hard to read. I had seen these angled measuring cups before and wanted to give them a try, so I bought two (2-cup versions) to replace our existing cups. I've only gotten to use them a handful of times, but I can already tell you they are better than traditional measuring cups. In my opinion, this is the only way measuring cups should be made in the future." — SK Get it from Amazon for $10.95 . 31. The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller you simply swipe over your face like a magic wand that makes excess oil disappear — super convenient and *way* less wasteful than using blotting strips and time wasting than fancy powders that need a ton of blending work. Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered but then I got an email saying it was in stock and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." — Kelsey B. Get it from Amazon for $8.97 . 32. Joesoef's pharmaceutical-grade anti-acne sulfur soap that people with acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and clogged pores swear by for helping clear their skin. A lot of reviewers noted that they found this specific product after their dermatologists recommended it to them! Joesoef Skin Care is a small business that specializes in anti-acne skincare products. Promising review: "I recently saw a dermatologist talk about those clogged pores on and around your nose. If they are of uniform size, they aren't blackheads. She suggested using a sulfur soap to get rid of or minimize those stubborn clogged pores. T his has a slight sulfur smell, it is not overwhelming and it disappears when dried. It works! My pores are much smaller. After applying and drying, moisturize. " — Sandy G Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in multipacks). 33. A luxe reversible satin sleeping bonnet for anyone who wants the best in comfort, use, AND aesthetic. This not only protects your curls and hairstyles overnight, but features an adjustable strap and soft elastic, so not only does it STAY PUT, but it doesn't leave creases on your forehead in the morning. Hats off to this bonnet!! Promising review : "Best bonnet ever! Cute, comfy, practical, and good quality. I had this very same one six years ago. When it wore down I replaced it with the same one. My other bonnets had straps that dangled awkwardly on my forehead. This one has a seamless strap and it adjusts well. And not once has it fallen off my head in the middle of the night. Get it! " — Shalimar Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in 14 styles). 34. And a set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case! Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull-looking when I get up in the morning." — Aaron Key "These are really nice — perfect price point too. There's no difference between these and the same pillowcases from Kitsch at three times the price." — Keri Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 22 colors and four sizes). 35. A roll of clear heavy-duty double-sided removable tape , which did NOT come here to play — people use this for everything from mounting wall hangings and electronics to securing their vases and glass objects to tables to keeping their rugs in place. It's also easily removable and leaves no residue behind! Promising review: "So, I bought these beautiful acrylic shelves from Amazon and the sticky adhesive wasn't bad, it just wasn't sturdy and one of my shelves fell. Luckily nothing broke, but after that I immediately ordered this tape, which I got in two days, and I installed it as soon as I got it. Beautiful!!!! Works well, very sticky, I love that it's thick because it also helped with balancing. My walls seem to not be completely straight. So with this product I was able to stick the shelves up perfectly without them looking like they are dropping over. And on that note they are great and amazing with the help of this company. Thank you!" — Trinity Get a roll from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two sizes). 36. CeraVe's Hydrating cleanser made with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin — aka, all the good stuff to hydrate your face and remove makeup and oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Psst — a lot of reviewers with sensitive skin and acne swear by this, because it's super gentle *and* super effective. I SWEAR by this facial cleanser. I used to be pretty acne-prone and have dry spots on my skin, but after I switched to this (which I follow up with the snail mucin essence in the evenings), my skin lost that rough "bumpy" texture from the tiny acne clusters and stayed suuuper hydrated. It's a heck of a lot easier to put my makeup on now, because my skin isn't randomly crusty or overly-moisturized. It also just feels really good on my skin! Promising review: "Got this after seeing a recommendation on TikTok. It's been a lifesaver for me. I have dry, red, sensitive, acne-prone skin. Most cleansers strip my skin, but not this one. It’s been helping keep my skin clear while not drying it for a few months now. If you have dry skin this is a must!" — L. Ashburne Get it from Amazon for $15.48 . 37. A set of two traceless adhesive shelves for your bathroom or kitchen that *don't* require any drilling or complicated installation other than sticking it straight to the wall. A chic and easy home fix?? Ugh, we lazy folks love to see it. Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok and had to try it. I love it. I have one in the shower and the other on the bathroom wall holding all the stuff normally on the sink. 10/10 recommend." — Sonia Get it from Amazon for $32.79+ (available in four colors). 38. An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review : "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Le Labo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very, very close! It's a bit stronger, but I love it! The shipment arrived fast, and I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" — Cristina Bertolotto Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in seven sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). 39. A ridiculously soft oversized hoodie reviewers compare to $$ brands like Skims, Aritzia, and Abercrombie. You know how on TikTok sometimes people say "this hoodie hoodies" like it's a noun and a verb? Enter this cult-favorite, reviewer-beloved hoodie, which does, in fact, hoodie. Promising review: "I’m obsessed with this hoodie. I’ve been looking for a warm, soft hoodie with a big hood for a long time. This quality is excellent and feels more expensive. It is an oversized fit. I usually wear an XL top and sometimes L. The large fit perfectly! I want one in every color now." — LindsayW Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–3X and 39 colors). 40. A roll-on migraine stick made with peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils to help you soothe away headaches, which frankly have a lot of audacity interrupting your day. Basic Vigor is a US-based small business specializing in all-natural migraine relief products. Read more about aromatherapy and stress and tension at Johns Hopkins . Promising review: "I’ve had migraines all my life — I’m 31 now. I’ve been on all kinds of prescriptions that work, but make me so sleepy... I’ve been using this stick for one week now, and it’s amazing! I rubbed it on at the first hint of a headache/migraine and it takes care of it fast. I haven’t taken a prescription migraine since I started using it. " — Amanda Braswell Read BuzzFeed's review of the migraine stick for more deets! Get it from Amazon for $12.95 . 41. A pair of fleece-lined joggers that will feel like slipping on clouds that happen to be customized to your human form. Promising review : "These pants are warm and comfortable. I have been wearing these for over a year now and they are wonderful. They wash and dry well, and I have experienced no pills or shrinkage. They also have a functional back pocket as well as side pockets. I have these in three colors and I will purchase again. " — Spotted Mermaid Get it from Amazon $34.31+ (clip the 12% off coupon on the product page to get this price; available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 10 colors). 42. Aaaaand this dimmable sad duck night-light because sometimes you just have to look at this emotionally deflated creature on your desk and be like, "Welp. At least I'm doing better than that little dude." Promising review : "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a depressed duck lamp ... but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $15.99 . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks slipped in afternoon trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 was up by less than 0.1% and is on track for a loss for the week after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 58 points, or 0.1% to 43,856 as of 3 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq rose 0.1% and is hovering around its record. Broadcom surged 24.9% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company's big gain helped cushion the market's broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Even so, some big tech stocks were in the red Friday. Nvidia slid 2.6%, Meta Platforms dropped 1.7% and Netflix was down 0.7%. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 14.2% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. Wall Street's rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve's last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year . The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank's 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed's policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. “Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy,” he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.40% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.
Key Leadership Appointments Bring New Skills and Capabilities to Organization EMERYVILLE, Calif. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Kyverna), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, announced the recent appointments of Dan Maziasz as Chief Business Officer, Cara Bauer as Chief Human Resources Officer, and Tracy Rossin as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Investor Relations. "I'm pleased to welcome three industry leaders to our Kyverna team," said Warner Biddle , Chief Executive Officer of Kyverna. "Dan, Cara and Tracy bring important new skills and capabilities to Kyverna as we continue to support the company's next phase of growth and work to bring a transformative change to patients living with severe autoimmune diseases." Mr. Maziasz brings over 25 years of leadership and business experience across several leading biotechnology and large pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Maziasz most recently served as Chief Business Officer at Atara Biotherapeutics, the first company in the world to receive regulatory approval of an allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy. At Atara, Mr. Maziasz led various corporate initiatives including strategic planning, licensing transactions with industry partners, and research collaborations with academic groups. Before his time at Atara, Mr. Maziasz was Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development at Kite Pharma, a global cell therapy leader, prior to its acquisition by Gilead Sciences. Mr. Maziasz also spent more than a decade at Amgen, where he held roles of increasing responsibility in the US, Europe , and Asia across business development, corporate strategy, finance, and commercial functions. Ms. Bauer brings more than 25 years of experience in global human resources leadership to Kyverna, having served most recently as Global Head of Human Resources at Kite, a Gilead Company, where she oversaw all HR strategy and operations during a period of hypergrowth and global expansion which strengthened the company's leadership position in cell therapy. Prior to this role, she served as the Global Head of HR for the Entertainment Division at Riot Games where she worked directly with the founders to build an Entertainment Studio separate from the core gaming business. Ms. Bauer has also held various HR leadership roles at companies such as Netflix, Amgen, Gartner and Novo Nordisk. Ms. Rossin brings more than 20 years of strategic communications experience to Kyverna, having most recently served as the Head of Public Affairs at Kite, where she was responsible for leading corporate, product and employee communications in addition to patient advocacy. Prior to this role, she served as Vice President, Global Head of Communications at Innate Pharma, an oncology-focused biotech company, where she led both corporate and financial communications. Ms. Rossin also spent more than 12 years at AstraZeneca/MedImmune, where she held multiple U.S. and global communications roles for key therapeutic areas across AstraZeneca's portfolio before serving as the Head of Corporate Affairs at MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. Before joining AstraZeneca, she held various positions at global public relations agencies working with corporate and healthcare related clients. Inducement Grant In connection with the appointment of Mr. Maziasz as Kyverna's Chief Business Officer, on December 9, 2024 , Kyverna granted Mr. Maziasz an option to purchase 350,000 shares of its common stock (Option). The Option was granted pursuant to the Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan, as approved by the Compensation Committee of Kyverna's Board of Directors on September 14, 2024 , and was granted as an inducement material to Mr. Maziasz's employment with Kyverna in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The exercise price of the Option was $4.86 , the closing price of Kyverna's common stock on December 9, 2024 , the date of grant. The Option will vest over four years, with 25% of the total number of shares subject to the Option vesting on the one-year anniversary of Mr. Maziasz's appointment and 1/48th of the total number of shares subject to the Option vesting monthly thereafter, subject in each case to Mr. Maziasz's continued service to Kyverna on each vesting date. Kyverna is providing this information in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). About Kyverna Therapeutics Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX) is a patient-centered, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cell therapies for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Our lead CAR T-cell therapy candidate, KYV-101 is advancing through clinical development with sponsored clinical trials across two broad areas of autoimmune disease: rheumatology and neurology, including Phase 2 trials for stiff-person syndrome, multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis, a Phase 1/2 trial for systemic sclerosis, and two ongoing multi-center Phase 1/2 trials in the United States and Germany for patients with lupus nephritis. Kyverna's pipeline includes next-generation CAR T-cell therapies in both autologous and allogeneic formats with properties intended to be well suited for use in B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com . Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements." The words, without limitation, "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, those related to: the potential impact of the clinical outcomes from the ongoing clinical programs; the potential impact of the new data on the treatment efficacy and safety profile of KYV-101; the potential that the results of the ongoing trials could drastically change the treatment landscape for the targeted autoimmune diseases; Kyverna's goals to develop certain paradigm-shifting treatment options; the potential for KYV-101 to provide durable, immunosuppressant-free remission for autoimmune disease patients; Kyverna's beliefs about the differentiated properties of KYV-101; and Kyverna's clinical trials, investigator-initiated trials and named-patient activities. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties related to market conditions, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Kyverna's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that Kyverna has filed or may subsequently file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of Kyverna's management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Kyverna specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: Investors: InvestorRelations@kyvernatx.com Media: media@kyvernatx.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kyverna-therapeutics-strengthens-leadership-team-to-accelerate-next-phase-of-growth-302331659.html SOURCE Kyverna TherapeuticsCroatia's incumbent president and NATO critic leads in exit poll after presidential election
New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Aaron Rodgers “absolutely” will remain the team's starting quarterback and start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers, who turns 41 next Monday, has been hampered at times during the Jets' 3-8 start by various injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle and balky hamstring. Ulbrich said Monday the quarterback came back from the team's bye-week break ready to go. “All I can say, and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy, but he's better off today than he's been as of late,” Ulbrich said. "So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. “So, I'm excited about what that looks like.” NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed all but four snaps last season with a torn left Achilles tendon , has declined having medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue to play. “I have not been informed of that, either way,” Ulbrich said. Rodgers suffered what NFL Network reported was a “significant” hamstring injury against Denver in Week 4. He then sprained his left ankle against Minnesota in London a week later. The four-time MVP has not been able to consistently move around during games as he has in the past, when extending plays and making things happen on the run became such a big part of his game. Rodgers said leading into New York's 28-27 loss to Indianapolis last Sunday that it was the healthiest he felt in a while. But he struggled against the Colts, finishing 22 of 29 for 184 yards after a brutally slow start during which he went 9 of 13 for just 76 yards. The Athletic reported last week that owner Woody Johnson broached the idea during a meeting with the coaching staff of having the banged-up Rodgers sit after the Jets' loss to Denver in Week 4. With Rodgers' struggles and perhaps compromised health the past few games, a hot debate on social media and sports talk shows during the past week has been whether the quarterback should take a seat in favor of Tyrod Taylor. But when asked if there has been any talk of shutting down Rodgers, Ulbrich replied flatly: “There has not.” In a follow-up question, the interim coach was asked if Rodgers will, in fact, be the Jets' starting quarterback at home Sunday against the Seahawks. “Absolutely,” Ulbrich said. He added that he didn't feel the need to sit down with Rodgers and address all the reports and chatter outside the facility. “No, I feel like we are on the same page,” the coach said. Last week, Ulbrich said he and his staff would take “a deep dive” into what the team could do better after losing seven of its past eight and being on the verge of missing the postseason for the 14th consecutive year. Ulbrich opted not to make any changes to the coaching responsibilities of his staff and he will continue to run the defense as the coordinator. He also said there would not be any personnel changes coming out of the bye, barring injuries. “But definitely, we created a really clear vision of where we need to improve and found some things,” Ulbrich said. “Obviously, you find the things that you’re not doing well, you need to improve upon them, but then also found some some things that I think we can really build upon. So I was excited in both ways.” Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas last Tuesday, six weeks after he also dismissed coach Robert Saleh. On Monday, the team announced it would be assisted by The 33rd Team , a football media, analytics and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, in its searches for a general manager and coach. Ulbrich insisted that isn't creating an awkward situation for him, in particular, as he and his staff focus on the present while the organization begins planning for the future. “In all honesty, it’s not at all,” Ulbrich said. “My singular focus is just finishing the season off the right way, playing a brand of football we’re all proud of, myself included. And that starts with Seattle.” Injuries LB C.J. Mosley said he's “progressing” in his return from a herniated disk in his neck, but is still uncertain about his availability for Sunday. Mosley said Monday was the first time he put on a helmet since the injury occurred during pregame warmups against New England on Oct. 27. ... Ulbrich said the team is still evaluating LT Tyron Smith, who missed the game against Indianapolis with a neck ailment. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press
Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender
Opportunities For Investors As AI Frenzy Shifts From Semiconductors To SoftwarePlanned Parenthood sees spike in demand for contraceptives after electionNoneDonald Trump ’s granddaughter and teen golf prodigy Kai Trump is on her way to becoming a mainstream MAGA influencer , with the glitzy athlete eager to share with the world her charming anecdotes about what it’s like to hang out with her re-elected “grandpa.” The 17-year-old daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump went viral over the weekend yet again, this time mimicking Trump’s dance moves and golf swing aboard his private jet—portraying the aspirational lifestyle social media users look for in their chosen content, mashed together with a deliberate softening of her president-elect grandfather that fully ignores his infamous habit for profane insults and crude remarks . Together with a friend in the video, Kai Trump performed some of her grandfather’s frequently meme’d dance moves, set to the Village People’s “YMCA” , offering up a simpler, smiley perspective on Trump, who Kai describes as a “hard worker” for “all Americans” (just not the “bad hombres,” “nasty women,” “dumb women,” or any of other groups of people he’s regularly insulted). ADVERTISEMENT You won’t hear any of those insults on Kai’s accounts. Instead, the millions who follow the young Trump on socials will get what the Daily Mail has called “heartwarming” phone calls between the pair, and inside looks at their very sweet “ Sundays ” together. In this world, Trump’s main message is not that “America is the garbage can of the world,” but that you should “ believe in yourself ” even when times are tough. How sweet! The audio that Kai Trump’s followers get of Donald Trump on her accounts are inspirational tidbits from his speeches , set to slideshows of her with her elderly grandad, both sporting enormous grins. And if that’s all you see of this agreeable, doting grandfather, you’d think he’d never tried to overturn an election. Her social media content is an extension of what the young Trump added to her grandfather’s campaign at the Republican National Convention last July, when she made her political debut to “show the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see.” Through her social media platforms, she can also show you “incredible” honorary Trump uncle Elon Musk is by fangirl-ing out over a visit to SpaceX . Her public praise of her grandfather stands in sharp contrast to other, more rebellious Gen Z children of MAGA parents, like Claudia Conway, Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway ’s daughter, who slammed Trump as “not a real Republican” over the summer—or Ted Cruz ’s daughter Caroline, who went viral for dissing Trump on camera earlier this month while her dad gave a victory speech celebrating his and the president-elect’s election wins. But Kai Trump seems to be playing a different sort of long game. It’s not just Donald Trump that looks great in Kai Trump’s world. The young golfer, as a dedicated athlete, is herself an aspirational figure, whose existence has all the online indicators of a delightfully privileged life—the only true prerequisite for a successful influencer. If you are one of the many Trump voters who, as his former White House aide Alyssa Farah Griffin has put it several times on The View , “doesn’t like his personality or the things he says,” but voted for him anyway—Kai Trump’s socials offer a place of blissful ignorance, where one can pretend, against beautiful, sunny backdrops, that all is right with the world, and maybe Trump just didn’t mean any of those fascist things he said .
BEIRUT (AP) — Syria's de facto leader said Sunday it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans to dissolve his Islamist group that led the country's insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview with Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad's decades-long rule, ending the country's uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. Al-Sharaa said it would take time to hold elections because of the need for Syria's different forces to hold political dialogue and rewrite the country's constitution following five decades of the Assad dynasty's dictatorial rule. Also, the war-torn country's battered infrastructure needs to be reconstructed, he said. “The chance we have today doesn’t come every 5 or 10 years,” said al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani. “We want the constitution to last for the longest time possible.” Al-Sharaa is Syria's de facto leader until March 1, when Syria's different factions are set to hold a political dialogue to determine the country's political future and establish a transitional government that brings the divided country together. There, he said, HTS will dissolve after years of being the country's most dominant rebel group that held a strategic enclave in the country's northwest. Earlier, an Israeli airstrike in the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday killed 11 people, according to a war monitor, as Israel continues to target Syrian weapons and military infrastructure even after the ouster of Assad. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike targeted a weapons depot that belonged to Assad’s forces near the industrial town of Adra, northeast of the capital. The observatory said at least 11 people, mostly civilians, were killed. The Israeli military did not comment on the airstrike Sunday. Israel, which has launched hundreds of airstrikes over Syria since the country's uprising turned-civil war broke out in 2011, rarely acknowledges them. It says its targets are Iran-backed groups that backed Assad. Unlike his criticism of key Assad ally Iran, al-Sharaa hoped to maintain “strategic relations” with Russia, whose air force played a critical role in keeping Assad in power for over a decade during the conflict. Moscow has a strategic airbase in Syria. The HTS leader also said negotiations are ongoing with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria, and hopes that their armed forces will integrate with the Syrian security agencies. The Kurdish-led group is Washington’s key ally in Syria, where it is heavily involved in targeting sleeper cells belonging to the extremist Islamic State group. Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have been clashing with the SDF even after the insurgency, taking the key city of Manbij, as Ankara hopes to create a buffer zone near its border in northern Syria. The rebels attacked near the strategic northern border town of Kobani, while the SDF shared a video of a rocket attack that destroyed what it said was a radar system south of the city of Manbij. In other developments: — Syrian state-run media said a mass grave was found near the third largest city of Homs. SANA said civil defense workers were sent to to the site in al-Kabo, one of many suspected mass graves where tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have been buried during a brutal crackdown under Assad and his network of security agencies. — An Egyptian activist wanted by Cairo on charges of incitement to violence and terrorism, Abdulrahman al-Qardawi, was detained by Lebanese security forces after crossing the porous border from Syria, according to two judicial and one security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to to talk to the press. Al-Qardawi is an Egyptian activist residing in Turkey and an outspoken critic of Egypt's government. He had reportedly visited Syria to join celebrations after Assad's downfall. His late father, Youssef al-Qaradawi, was a top and controversial Egyptian cleric revered by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. He had lived in exile in Qatar for decades. — Lebanese security forces apprehended an armed group in the northern city of Tripoli that kidnapped a group of 26 Syrians who were recently smuggled into Lebanon, two Lebanese security officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information with the media. The Syrians included five women and seven children, and security officials are working to return them to Syria.About the same time the #FreeLuigi memes featuring the mustachioed plumber from “Super Mario Brothers” mushroomed online, commenters shared memes showing Tony Soprano pronouncing Luigi Mangione , the man charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO in Manhattan , a hero. There were posts lionizing Mangione’s physique and appearance, the ones speculating about who could play him on “Saturday Night Live,” and the ones denouncing and even threatening people at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s for spotting him and calling police. It was all too much for Pennsylvania's governor, a rising Democrat who was nearly the vice presidential nominee this year. Josh Shapiro — dealing with a case somewhere else that happened to land in his lap — decried what he saw as growing support for “vigilante justice.” The curious case of Brian Thompson and Luigi Mangione captivated and polarized a media-saturated nation. It also offers a glimpse into how, in a connected world, so many different aspects of modern American life can be surreally linked — from public violence to politics, from health care to humor (or attempts at it) . It summons a question, too: How can so many people consider someone a hero when the rules that govern American society — the laws — are treating him as the complete opposite? Writings found in Mangione's possession hinted at a vague hatred of corporate greed and an expression of anger toward “parasitic” health insurance companies. Bullets recovered from the crime scene had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” reflecting words used by insurance industry critics, written on them. A number of online posts combine an apparent disdain for health insurers — with no mention of the loss of life. “He took action against private health insurance corporations is what he did. he was a brave italian martyr. in this house, luigi mangione is a hero, end of story!” one anonymous person said in a post on X that has nearly 2 million views. On Monday, Shapiro took issue with comments like those. It was an extraordinary moment that he tumbled into simply because Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania. Shapiro's comments — pointed, impassioned and, inevitably, political — yanked the conversation unfolding on so many people's phone screens into real life. “We do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” the governor said. “In a civil society, we are all less safe when ideologues engage in vigilante justice.” But to hear some of his fellow citizens tell it, that's not the case at all. Like Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, D.B. Cooper and other notorious names from the American past, Mangione is being cast as someone to admire. Regina Bateson, an assistant political science professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has studied vigilantism, the term to which Shapiro alluded. She doesn’t see this case as a good fit for the word, she says, because the victim wasn’t linked to any specific crime or offense. As she sees it, it's more akin to domestic terrorism. But Bateson views the threats against election workers , prosecutors and judges ticking up — plus the assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump this past summer — as possible signs that personal grievances or political agendas could erupt. “Americans are voicing more support for — or at least understanding of — political violence,” she said. Shapiro praised the police and the people of Blair County, who abided by a 9/11-era dictum of seeing something and saying something. The commenters have Mangione wrong, the governor said: “Hear me on this: He is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning." Even shy of supporting violence, there are many instances of people who vent over how health insurers deny claims. Tim Anderson's wife, Mary, dealt with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials before she died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2022. “The business model for insurance is don’t pay,” Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio, told The Associated Press . The discourse around the killing and Mangione is more than just memes. Conversations about the interconnectedness of various parts of American life are unfolding online as well. One Reddit user said he was banned for three days for supporting Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted after testifying he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot two people in 2020 during protests. “Do you think people are getting banned for supporting Luigi?” the poster wondered. The comments cover a lot of ground. They include people saying the UnitedHealthcare slaying isn't a “right or left issue" and wondering what it would take to get knocked off the platform. “You probably just have to cross the line over into promoting violence,” one commenter wrote. “Not just laughing about how you don’t care about this guy.”BEIRUT (AP) — Syria's de facto leader said Sunday it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans to dissolve his Islamist group that led the country's insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! BEIRUT (AP) — Syria's de facto leader said Sunday it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans to dissolve his Islamist group that led the country's insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader said Sunday it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans to dissolve his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview with Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. Al-Sharaa said it would take time to hold elections because of the need for Syria’s different forces to hold political dialogue and rewrite the country’s constitution following five decades of the Assad dynasty’s dictatorial rule. Also, the war-torn country’s battered infrastructure needs to be reconstructed, he said. “The chance we have today doesn’t come every 5 or 10 years,” said al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani. “We want the constitution to last for the longest time possible.” Al-Sharaa is Syria’s de facto leader until March 1, when Syria’s different factions are set to hold a political dialogue to determine the country’s political future and establish a transitional government that brings the divided country together. There, he said, HTS will dissolve after years of being the country’s most dominant rebel group that held a strategic enclave in the country’s northwest. Earlier, an Israeli airstrike in the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday killed 11 people, according to a war monitor, as Israel continues to target Syrian weapons and military infrastructure even after the ouster of Assad. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike targeted a weapons depot that belonged to Assad’s forces near the industrial town of Adra, northeast of the capital. The observatory said at least 11 people, mostly civilians, were killed. The Israeli military did not comment on the airstrike Sunday. Israel, which has launched hundreds of airstrikes over Syria since the country’s uprising turned-civil war broke out in 2011, rarely acknowledges them. It says its targets are Iran-backed groups that backed Assad. Unlike his criticism of key Assad ally Iran, al-Sharaa hoped to maintain “strategic relations” with Russia, whose air force played a critical role in keeping Assad in power for over a decade during the conflict. Moscow has a strategic airbase in Syria. The HTS leader also said negotiations are ongoing with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria, and hopes that their armed forces will integrate with the Syrian security agencies. The Kurdish-led group is Washington’s key ally in Syria, where it is heavily involved in targeting sleeper cells belonging to the extremist Islamic State group. Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have been clashing with the SDF even after the insurgency, taking the key city of Manbij, as Ankara hopes to create a buffer zone near its border in northern Syria. The rebels attacked near the strategic northern border town of Kobani, while the SDF shared a video of a rocket attack that destroyed what it said was a radar system south of the city of Manbij. In other developments: — Syrian state-run media said a mass grave was found near the third largest city of Homs. SANA said civil defense workers were sent to to the site in al-Kabo, one of many suspected mass graves where tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have been buried during a brutal crackdown under Assad and his network of security agencies. — An Egyptian activist wanted by Cairo on charges of incitement to violence and terrorism, Abdulrahman al-Qardawi, was detained by Lebanese security forces after crossing the porous border from Syria, according to two judicial and one security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to to talk to the press. Al-Qardawi is an Egyptian activist residing in Turkey and an outspoken critic of Egypt’s government. He had reportedly visited Syria to join celebrations after Assad’s downfall. His late father, Youssef al-Qaradawi, was a top and controversial Egyptian cleric revered by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. He had lived in exile in Qatar for decades. — Lebanese security forces apprehended an armed group in the northern city of Tripoli that kidnapped a group of 26 Syrians who were recently smuggled into Lebanon, two Lebanese security officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information with the media. The Syrians included five women and seven children, and security officials are working to return them to Syria. Advertisement Advertisement
Plenoptic Camera Market Size, Regional Analysis, and Forecast 2024-2031 11-23-2024 07:19 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: SkyQuest Technology The Plenoptic Camera Market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, driven by technological advancements in hardware, software, and digital infrastructure. It covers a diverse range of services such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. The increasing need for digital transformation across industries is propelling market growth. Emerging technologies like 5G, blockchain, and IoT are further unlocking new opportunities. With continuous innovation, the IT sector is poised for significant expansion in the coming years, particularly in the areas of automation and remote work solutions. Download a detailed overview: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/plenoptic-camera-market Market Size and Growth: Global Plenoptic Camera Market size was valued at USD 1.52 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 1.8 billion in 2023 to USD 6.99 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 18.5% in the forecast period (2024-2031). The most valuable investment indicators are insights into key market trends, making it easier for potential participants to make informed decisions. The research seeks to identify numerous growth opportunities that readers can consider and capitalize on by utilizing all the relevant information. By closely analyzing critical factors that influence growth, such as pricing, production, profit margins, and value chain dynamics, future market expansion can be predicted with greater precision. Key Market Players: Canon Inc. Lytro Inc. Apple Inc. Samsung Electronics OTOY Inc. Lenovo Logitech Rebellion Photonics Inc. Sony Corporation Panasonic Corporation Raytrix GmbH Microsoft Pelican Imaging Corp. Razer Inc. 10Moon Xiaomi Region-wise Sales Analysis: This chapter presents market data by region, including revenue, sales, and market share breakdowns. It also offers forecasts for sales growth rates, pricing strategies, revenue, and other key metrics for each analyzed regional market. Regions covered include: North America: United States, Canada, Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa Discover Key Trends, Speak with Our Experts @: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/plenoptic-camera-market Segments covered in the Plenoptic Camera Market include: Product Cable Assemblies, Connectors, Free Space Optics, Fiber, And Waveguides, Silicon Photonics, PIC-Based Interconnects, And Optical Engines Application Telecommunication, Data Communication Plenoptic Camera Market Size and Scope The Plenoptic Camera market has shown significant growth in recent years, fueled by rising demand for power electronics across industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy. This market is set to grow further as the global adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy increases. Plenoptic Camera are highly valued for their superior thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, making them essential components in power modules and electronic devices. With ongoing technological and manufacturing advancements, the applications of Plenoptic Camera are expected to expand, encompassing a broader range of uses in the near future. For a Comprehensive Report on the Plenoptic Camera Market 2024, Visit @: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/plenoptic-camera-market Frequently Asked Questions: 1. What are the global trends in sales, production, consumption, imports, and exports across regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, and Africa)? 2. Who are the leading manufacturers dominating the global market? 3. What is their production capacity, sales, pricing, cost, and revenue structure? 4. What are the risks and opportunities in the market? About Us: SkyQuest is an IP-focused Research and Investment Bank and Technology Accelerator. We offer access to technologies, markets, and financing across sectors like Life Sciences, CleanTech, AgriTech, NanoTech, and Information & Communication Technology. We collaborate closely with innovators, entrepreneurs, companies, and investors to help them leverage external R&D sources and optimize the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our expertise in innovation management and commercialization spans North America, Europe, ASEAN, and Asia Pacific. Contact: Mr. Jagraj Singh Skyquest Technology 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886, USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Visit our website: Skyquest Technology This release was published on openPR.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 2:28 p.m. EST
Trump's Return to White House May Boost Defense Stocks, Bernstein SaysLOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. The Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn on Sunday. Recommended Videos Russell averaged a career-low 12.4 points for the Lakers this season in a diminished role under new coach JJ Redick, who had vowed to unlock the point guard's formidable offensive game. Instead, Russell was removed from the starting lineup early in the season, and he struggled to make a consistent impact as a reserve, with his shooting percentages declining significantly. The 6-foot-7 Finney-Smith isn't a top scorer, but he is a steady 3-and-D wing who fills an obvious need for the Lakers. Los Angeles has had inconsistent wing play and has lacked an effective defender at the key position during the long-term injury absence of Jarred Vanderbilt , who hasn't played since Feb. 1. Finney-Smith averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds this season for the Nets, who acquired him from Dallas in the February 2023 in the trade of Kyrie Irving. Finney-Smith has been limited to five games this month by a sprained ankle and a bruised calf, but the 31-year-old played 27 minutes against San Antonio on Friday. Redick and Finney-Smith were teammates with the Mavericks during the 2020-21 season, and Redick has expressed admiration for Finney-Smith's hard-nosed game. Milton is joining his sixth NBA team in less than two years, including his third trade in 11 months. He is averaging 7.4 points and 2.4 assists per game this season as a Nets reserve. Russell is being traded by the Lakers to the Nets for the second time in his career. He also made the move in 2017 after spending his first two NBA seasons with Los Angeles, which drafted him in 2015. Russell earned the only All-Star selection of his career during his two seasons in Brooklyn. Russell has been traded five times in the past 7 1/2 years. The 10-year pro excelled for the Lakers during their run to the 2023 Western Conference finals after returning to the team in February of that season, although he got benched during that final playoff series against Denver. Russell remained a fairly consistent scorer last year while setting a new franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season, but his career-long problems with offensive inconsistency and defensive ability kept him out of Redick's plans this year. With Russell's departure, Gabe Vincent is the only true point guard left in the Lakers' rotation, although LeBron James often fills the role of initiating their offense. The Lakers (18-13) have won five of six heading into their visit from Cleveland on New Year's Eve. The trade continues a roster restructuring by the Nets, who traded former Lakers point guard Dennis Schröder to Golden State two weeks ago. Schröder was Brooklyn's third-leading scorer, while Finney-Smith was its fourth-leading scorer. The Nets have been one of the NBA's lowest-scoring teams this season, so Russell should have plenty of chances to make an offensive impact. Brooklyn has lost three of four heading into its road game against Orlando on Sunday. Russell's $18.7 million contract expires this summer, while Finney-Smith has a $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Lewis was the Lakers' second-round pick in 2023, but he played in just 41 games over the past two seasons while shuttling to the G League. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
With elections in Ireland, the UK and the US, high profile court cases and big sporting events, 2024 was a big year for news. Here, we take a look back at the year in news through the top 10 stories on BreakingNews.ie. Advertisement 1. Nikita Hand wins civil rape case against Conor McGregor In November, Nikita Hand, who accused Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel, won her claim against him for damages in a High Court civil case. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was €248,603.60. A crying and shaking Ms Hand bowed her head and listened to the verdict surrounded by family, supporters and her boyfriend. Advertisement Mr McGregor bowed his head and remained seated upon hearing the verdict. Mr McGregor had faced an accusation that he “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018. Nikita Hand speaking to the media outside the High Court in Dublin after the personal injury case against Conor McGregor. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images 2. Local and European election results Advertisement The local and European elections took place in May. It might seem like an age ago, as the general election and US election both took place afterwards. However, our live coverage of the local and European elections was the second most read story of 2024. 3. March 8th referendums: Everything you need to know about care and family amendments On March 8th, Irish citizens were asked to vote in two referendums to change our Constitution. Advertisement The first referendum concerned the concept of Family in the Constitution. The second referendum proposed to delete an existing part of the Constitution and insert new text providing recognition for care provided by family members to each other. Despite backing from the Government and the main opposition party, Sinn Féin, for a yes vote, both referendums were resoundingly rejected by the public. This had big ramifications for the Government – then-taoiseach Leo Varadkar stepped down two weeks later. Advertisement Critics of the proposed changes to the Constitution claimed the public did not understand what they were voting on, and Government figures subsequently acknowledged the point. With this in mind, it is perhaps unsurprising that our explainer on the care and family amendments was the third-most read story of 2024. 4. Election count day 1: Helen McEntee elected in Meath East, Pearse Doherty elected in Donegal Coverage of the first day of voting in the general election comes in fourth place. General election coverage was popular on BreakingNews.ie. 5. Linda Nolan reveals another family member has been diagnosed with cancer In sad news in August, Linda Nolan revealed that another family member had been diagnosed with cancer as she continues to battle the disease. The Nolans star (65) is to start taking a new cancer drug after scans showed the tumours in her brain have grown, following her revealing the growth had shrunk in December. Several of her sisters, and members of the Anglo-Irish girl group, have also experienced the condition. 6. Irish election poll tracker: Fianna Fáil takes narrow lead as campaign concludes Our poll tracker ahead of the general election was very popular with readers. Ahead of the election, Fianna Fáil held a narrow lead over Fine Gael, with Sinn Féin in third place. In the end, Fianna Fáil emerged as the biggest party in the Dáil with 48 seats, followed by Sinn Féin with 39 seats and Fine Gael with 38 seats. 7. As it happened: How the US election played out The US election, which saw Donald Trump return to the White House with a resounding victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, was one of the biggest news events of the year. Our live coverage of the US election comes in at number seven in the most-read stories of the year. The US election was one of the biggest news events of the year. Photo: Getty Images 8. Brian Stanley complaint passed to gardaí, says Mary Lou McDonald Brian Stanley's controversial exit from Sinn Féin was another one of the political stories of the year. This story was about party leader Mary Lou McDonald confirming a disciplinary investigation into Mr Stanley had been passed to An Garda Síochána. Mr Stanley was subequently elected as an Independent TD in the Laois constituency. 9. Man jailed after woman left in critical hypothermic state following rape in random attack in Cork In October, a man was jailed following a horrific rape in Co Cork. A young college student was discovered in an abandoned house in a critical hypothermic state, partially-clothed and covered in cuts and bruises, hours after she had been raped in a random attack. Her rapist, Mihail Ciorici (41) was jailed for 11 years on Wednesday by Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court. 10. 'A monster in our home': Wife of ex-garda tells of abuse 'horror' over 12-year period In March, an ex-garda and soldier was convicted of his wife and stepsons. Mark Doyle (38), with a previous address at Corbally Paddocks, Newbridge, Co Kildare, admitted five counts of assault causing harm to Meav Doyle and two counts of assaulting two of her sons causing them harm, on dates between September 2007 and August 2019.AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:26 p.m. EST
Second I’m A Celeb rule breaker revealed after Dean McCullough as they’re forced to confess to Ant and DecArtificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there's a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here's a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: Hollywood stars and child influencers California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. Social media limits New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads. School rules on gender In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification. The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Abortion coverage Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. Gun control A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with "binary triggers" that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Medical marijuana Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wages Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Safer traveling In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn't banned texting while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tax breaks Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona's nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. Voting rights An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. "I think it's very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens," Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.Judge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Justice Department and Google have made their closing arguments in a trial alleging Google’s online advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The arguments in federal court Monday in northern Virginia came as Google already faces a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine. The Justice Department says it will seek the breakup of Google to remedy its search engine monopoly. The case in Virginia focuses not on the search engine but on technology that matches online advertisers to consumers on the internet. A judge is expected to rule by the end of the year. ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel DALLAS (AP) — The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. Thanksgiving Day falling so late this year has altered traditional travel patterns. At airports, the Transportation Security Administration says it could screen a record number of U.S. air travelers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration says a shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays. Transportation analytics company INRIX says roads could be congested on Monday with both commuters and returning holiday travelers. Macy’s says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delaying Q3 earnings Macy’s says it’s delaying the release of its fiscal third-quarter earnings results after it discovered an up to $154 million accounting-related issue. The company did provide some preliminary results for its third quarter, including that net sales fell 2.4% to $4.74 billion. It anticipates reporting its full third-quarter financial results by Dec. 11. Newsom says California could offer electric vehicle rebates if Trump eliminates federal tax credit SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California could offer state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Gov. Gavin Newsom says Monday he'll propose creating a new version of the state’s successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023 after funding nearly 600,000 new cars and trucks. Officials didn’t say how much the program would cost or how the rebates would work. Newsom’s proposal is part of his plan to protect California’s progressive policies ahead of Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. But a budget shortfall could complicate California’s resistance efforts. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Workers at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — American Airlines says it doesn’t expect significant disruptions to flights this week as a result of a labor strike at its hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. Service workers there walked out Monday during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services authorized the work stoppage. Union spokesperson Sean Keady says the strike is expected to last 24 hours. The companies contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. The companies have acknowledged the seriousness of a strike during the holiday travel season. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Eggs are available -- but pricier -- as the holiday baking season begins Egg prices are on the rise again as a lingering outbreak of bird flu coincides with high demand during the holiday baking season. The average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities was $3.37 in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was up 63% from October 2023, when a dozen eggs cost an average of $2.07. Avian influenza is the main culprit. The current bird flu outbreak that began in February 2022 has led to the slaughter of more than 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens. But the American Egg Board says egg shortages at grocery stores have been isolated and temporary so far. ‘Buy now, pay later’ is more popular than ever. It can cost more than you think NEW YORK (AP) — More shoppers are using ‘buy now, pay later’ plans heading into Black Friday and the holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. Experts say the short-term loans can lead consumers to overextend themselves and warn that those who use credit cards for the service face higher interest expenses. The data firm Adobe Analytics predicts shoppers will spend 11.4% more this holiday season using buy now, pay later than they did a year ago. Commerce Department to reduce Intel's funding on semiconductors LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Biden administration plans on reducing part of Intel’s $8.5 billion in federal funding for computer chip plants around the country, according to three people familiar with the grant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. The reduction is largely a byproduct of the $3 billion that Intel is also receiving to provide computer chips to the military. President Joe Biden announced the agreement to provide Intel with up to $8.5 billion in direct funding and $11 billion in loans in March. The changes to Intel’s funding are not related to the company’s financial record or milestones.
PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain failed to score in Ligue 1 for the first time this season as the reigning champion was denied by outstanding goalkeeping from Auxerre's Donovan Léon in a 0-0 draw on Friday. Léon's string of superb saves thwarted PSG’s attacking stars. After a fairly even first 45 minutes, PSG camped in the Auxerre half but could not find a way past León, who made memorable stops from Gonçalo Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Kang-In Lee, Désiré Nonka-Maho and Randal Kolo Muani. Vitinha saw one curling shot come back off the bar. PSG had 25 shots to Auxerre’s six and 15 corners to Auxerre’s three but the home side still could have stolen all three points, as PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make a smart stop from Hamed Traorè. PSG remained eight points clear on top of Ligue 1. Auxerre was eighth. Canadian striker Jonathan David scored two and made another as Lille brushed past Brest 3-1 to extend its unbeaten run to 10 games in Ligue 1. The last time Lille lost to Brest at home was in 1989 and that long run never looked likely to fall as David turned in a man-of-the-match performance at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. He put Lille ahead from the penalty spot after nine minutes and he got away from his marker and crossed for Hákon Haraladsson to clip home a second just before halftime. Ludovic Ajorque got one back for Brest early in the second half but David restored Lille’s two-goal cushion when he pounced on a loose ball to slide home his team’s third. David’s goals took his season total to 17 in 23 games. They were his 10th and 11th in the league and lift him to the top of the Ligue 1 goal-scoring chart. Marseille was second ahead of Lille and Monaco on goal difference. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Luigi Mangione, 26, arrested in Pennsylvania in connection to shooting of UnitedHealthcare executive
Nebraska women’s basketball player Callin Hake summed it up as well as anyone could. “I think in South Dakota we shot the crap out of it, which is awesome,” the guard from Minnesota said. On that night last weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Huskers made a school-record 20 3-pointers on 58% shooting beyond the arc in a 113-70 win against South Dakota. That was three more than the previous record, from 2010. Now comes another game against Creighton where the series at times has at times been defined by the 3-point line — both the ability to make and defend it. The 3-point line is something to watch closely again when the Huskers and Bluejays play at 4 p.m. Friday at Sokol Arena in Omaha, a few hours before the men’s teams from the same schools play at CHI Health Center Omaha. People are also reading... Creighton (1-2) has won two straight in the series. Last year, Morgan Maly made three 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the game and Creighton led the entire game while winning 79-74. Creighton didn’t keep its hot 3-point shooting going the entire game but made nine and outscored the Huskers by 18 points beyond the arc. Nebraska was 3-for-21 on 3-pointers. In 2022, Creighton blasted the Huskers 77-51 after making five of its first eight 3-pointers. “One thing I know is they (Creighton) all shoot it pretty well,” Nebraska coach Amy Williams said. “Last year we gave up eight made threes in the first quarter. That’s something we’ll have to shore up. They’re very, very good off the ball with their movement and cuts so you’re positioning really matters. We’ll have to make the hustle plays and not give them second-chance opportunities.” Creighton has won seven of the last eight meetings with the Huskers. The Bluejays are averaging 10.4 made threes per game during the stretch, while Nebraska is averaging 3.6. The 5-0 and 21st-ranked Huskers faced a major dose of adversity this week when sophomore forward Natalie Potts sustained a season-ending knee injury during Tuesday’s game against North Alabama. She’s scheduled for surgery in two weeks. Williams called the injury is “devastating.” “What a start she’s had to the season, leading our team in scoring and rebounding,” Williams said. “She worked really hard this offseason.” Nebraska's Callin Hake attempts a 3-pointer against Southern on Nov. 12 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Creighton has reached the NCAA Tournament the past three seasons, making the Elite Eight in 2022, the first round in 2023 and the second round in 2024 with several of the same players that are on the team this year. Creighton may be the most experienced team the Huskers face all season, as the Bluejay playing rotation includes five graduate students, two seniors and two juniors. “We’re incredibly familiar with their roster, and they’re incredibly familiar with our roster,” Williams said. Creighton guard Lauren Jensen has already gone off this season, scoring a career-high 32 in an 80-72 win against Drake. She was 6-for-10 on threes and made each of her six two-point shots. One thing new to the series for Nebraska is Britt Prince, the freshman from Elkhorn North getting her first taste of playing against her hometown school. In the past two games combined, Prince is 15 for 21 shooting. She’s driving to the basket, and also shooting 3s. “She’s gotten more aggressive, and I’d like to see her be even more aggressive,” Williams said. The 113-70 win against South Dakota showed the Huskers what it can look like this season. The Huskers zipped passes around the perimeter to get lots of good 3-point chances. Nebraska had 33 assists on 41 field goals. Hake felt like a lot of inside-outside passes helped the Huskers to the fourth-best scoring total in program history. “When you have posts that are willing to kick it out and give you dimes for passes that makes shooting in a guard’s job a lot easier,” Hake said. “I think we really wanted to carry that forward. But we don’t want to live and die by the three.” Projected starters Nebraska (5-0) G – Britt Prince; 5-11; Fr.; 13.0 G – Callin Hake; 5-8; Jr.; 6.0 G – Alberte Rimdal; 5-9; Sr.; 10.4 G – Logan Nissley; 6-0; So.; 8.0 C – Alexis Markowski; 6-3; Sr.; 13.8 Creighton (1-2) Player; Ht.; Yr.; PPG. G – Molly Mogensen; 5-7; Sr.; 6.0 G – Lauren Jensen; 5-10; Sr.; 21.3 G – Kiani Lockett; 5-8; Jr.; 11.3 G – Mallory Brake; 6-0; Sr.; 2.7 F – Morgan Maly; 6-1; Sr.; 15.3 Photos: Nebraska women's basketball hosts North Alabama — Nov. 19 Nebraska head coach Amy Williams greets the team after defeating North Alabama, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Jessica Petrie (right) scores next to North Alabama's Rhema Pegues, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Alberte Rimdal (left) is defended by North Alabama's Veronaye Charlton, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Britt Prince (left) scores next to North Alabama's India Howard, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Logan Nissley (2) defends against North Alabama's Sofia Ceppellotti, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. North Alabama's Cameron Jones (left) defends against Nebraska's Alexis Markowski, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Callin Hake (left) looks to score next to North Alabama's Veronaye Charlton, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Alexis Markowski attempts a free throw against North Alabama, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Callin Hake (left) scores next to North Alabama's India Howard on Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Natalie Potts is taken off the court after an injury during the North Alabama game, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Natalie Potts is helped off of the court after suffering an apparent knee injury in the Huskers' win against North Alabama on Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Natalie Potts is taken off the court after an injury during the North Alabama game, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Callin Hake (right) picks up a turnover next to North Alabama's Sarang West, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Kendall Moriarty scores a 3-pointer against North Alabama, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Alexis Markowski (right) is defended by North Alabama's Cameron Jones (left) and Alyssa Clutter, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Amiah Hargrove (center) is defended by North Alabama's Katie Criswell (left) and Jazzy Klinge, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Natalie Potts (right) grabs a rebound next to North Alabama's Rhema Pegues, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Natalie Potts grabs a rebound against North Alabama, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com . On Twitter @LJSSportsWagner. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Husker volleyball/women's basketball reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Pheu Thai appears to win local election over People’s Party in Udon Thani
Marta's magic helped get the Pride to Saturday's NWSL title game against the Washington SpiritMutual of America Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Parsons Co. ( NYSE:PSN – Free Report ) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 25,250 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,618,000. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new stake in Parsons during the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. Capital Performance Advisors LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Parsons during the third quarter valued at about $45,000. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Parsons during the second quarter worth about $44,000. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale acquired a new position in shares of Parsons in the third quarter worth about $72,000. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in Parsons by 23.6% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,041 shares of the company’s stock valued at $86,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.02% of the company’s stock. Analyst Ratings Changes PSN has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Truist Financial cut their target price on Parsons from $130.00 to $110.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. KeyCorp increased their price objective on shares of Parsons from $116.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Raymond James downgraded shares of Parsons from a “strong-buy” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $115.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on Parsons from $103.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 31st. Finally, Benchmark upped their price objective on Parsons from $68.00 to $101.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Parsons currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $105.13. Parsons Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of NYSE PSN opened at $99.05 on Friday. Parsons Co. has a 12-month low of $61.10 and a 12-month high of $114.68. The company has a market cap of $10.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 150.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $104.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is $90.77. Parsons ( NYSE:PSN – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.73 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $1.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.63 billion. Parsons had a return on equity of 12.74% and a net margin of 1.21%. Equities research analysts expect that Parsons Co. will post 3.02 EPS for the current year. About Parsons ( Free Report ) Parsons Corporation provides integrated solutions and services in the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets in North America, the Middle East, and internationally. The company operates through Federal Solutions and Critical Infrastructure segments. The Federal Solutions segment provides critical technologies, such as cybersecurity; missile defense; intelligence; space launch and ground systems; space and weapon system resiliency; geospatial intelligence; signals intelligence; environmental remediation; border security, critical infrastructure protection; counter unmanned air systems; biometrics and bio surveillance solutions to U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Parsons Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parsons and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they're using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul, a Democrat, signed the bill last week after it was passed by state lawmakers earlier this year. The law requires state agencies to perform assessments of any software that uses algorithms, computational models or AI techniques, and then submit those reviews to the governor and top legislative leaders along with posting them online. It also bars the use of AI in certain situations, such as an automated decision on whether someone receives unemployment benefits or child care assistance, unless the system is being consistently monitored by a human. State workers would also be shielded from having their hours or job duties limited because of AI under the law. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, called the law an important step in setting up some guardrails in how the emerging technology is used in state government.
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People engage in gaming through a variety of formats , from consoles to mobile devices, driven by factors like convenience, cost, and immersive experiences. This graphic, via Visual Capitalist's Kayla Zhu, visualizes the share of U.S. consumers that reported gaming on a specific device within the past month, using data from a Circana online survey of 5,100 active U.S. gamers conducted in May through June 2024. The categories of gaming devices are as follows: Mobile: iPhone, Android smartphone, iPad, and other smartphone or tablet devices Computer: Desktop, laptop, Steam Deck, or other portable PC devices Console: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii Other: Virtual reality (VR) headsets, plug-and-play devices, child-oriented devices Below, we show the share of U.S. consumers ages two and up that played on a qualifying device within the previous month of Circana’s survey. About 71% of U.S. consumers played some form of video game in the month prior to Circana’s survey, with mobile gaming being the largest platform with 65% of U.S. consumers gaming on a mobile device in 2024. Over half of gamers’ weekly playtime takes place on their phones, according to Circana. The main draw is convenience, as players already have their devices with them, along with the low cost and easy accessibility of mobile games. PC and console gaming are almost evenly tied, with 36% and 35% of respondents gaming on these platforms respectively. When looking these formats’ market shares , console gaming held a slight lead over PC gaming with 57% of the 2023 market share, or $53.1 billion revenue compared to PC’s $40.4 billion. The “Other” gaming category grew by 2% since 2022 due to increased adoption of virtual reality (VR) gaming. VR usage and ownership among U.S. teens is on the rise, with weekly VR use increasing from 10% to 13% and headset ownership growing from 31% to 33% over the past six months, according to a survey by Piper . Gaming preferences are also dependent on generation. Younger generations like Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials tend to play on PCs or console more often than older generations, according to Newzoo . In terms of gaming genres, older generations like Gen X and Boomers tend to gravitate towards puzzle games , usually played on mobile devices. To learn more about the video game industry, check out this graphic that visualizes console launch prices, adjusted for inflation.
By Ja'han Jones Donald Trump announced Thursday he intends to make tech investor David Sacks his cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence “czar,” essentially giving Sacks the reins to steer the administration’s policy on both fronts. The position would enable Sacks to potentially recommend that artificial intelligence be used in ways that could allow Trump and his crypto bro backers to enrich themselves and worsen inequality. A former PayPal executive, Sacks is a part-time podcaster and member of the Big Tech oligarchy that has become a major financier of Republican politicians. He helped garner support from Silicon Valley elites for Trump, an effort that included hosting a ritzy fundraiser in June. Sacks has been obsessed with rooting out “wokeness” in American society and has also peddled the pro-Kremlin talking point that Russia was “provoked” to invade Ukraine . Sacks is an ally of Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, who, as Joy Reid highlighted in October , spent all or some of their youths in apartheid South Africa. Joy’s segment discusses how the conservative politics all three men are boosting here resemble the ones that dominated South Africa at that time. Sacks also sits on the board of directors for the far-right video platform Rumble. More relevant to his proposed portfolio, Sacks launched an artificial intelligence company called Glue this year and is known to be a major investor in cryptocurrencies , which would seem likely to create some conflicts of interest if he’s steering the administration’s AI and crypto policies. The New York Times, citing Sacks’ company, reports that the “position is not full time,” so it’s unclear right now whether Sacks’ role will carry any real weight or be simply advisory. Particularly when it comes to AI, it’s hard to understate the kind of influence Sacks could have on virtually every aspect of American life. In the coming months and years, an AI czar is likely to face questions of how the country should guard against AI-enabled attacks from foreign adversaries; of how the government could —or should — deploy AI to surveil American citizens and, potentially, crack down on abortion ; and of the potential harms to nonwhite residents from AI algorithms, which have been shown to exacerbate housing discrimination , disparities in the criminal justice system and disproportionate auditing from the Internal Revenue Service . By giving a position like this to a Trump loyalist like Sacks, who’s already shown his commitment to the MAGA cause, it’s possible the administration will not put many guardrails around what is arguably the most powerful emerging technology — artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden warned that “we must make certain that the awesome capabilities of AI will be used to uplift and empower everyday people, not to give dictators more powerful shackles on the human spirit.” With Sacks informing the administration’s AI and crypto policies, the U.S. might be the ones forging those chains. Ja'han Jones is The ReidOut Blog writer. He's a futurist and multimedia producer focused on culture and politics. His previous projects include "Black Hair Defined" and the "Black Obituary Project."MEGA '25: How Trump Can Make Ethereum Great Again In 2025Longest city road discovered at ancient China capital site
CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd is thankful for his new opportunity with the Chicago Cubs. He is hoping to help the team reach the playoffs as a key addition to its starting rotation. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd is thankful for his new opportunity with the Chicago Cubs. He is hoping to help the team reach the playoffs as a key addition to its starting rotation. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd is thankful for his new opportunity with the Chicago Cubs. He is hoping to help the team reach the playoffs as a key addition to its starting rotation. The fact that his late grandpa John Boyd was a big fan? That makes this signing all the more sweet for him. “My grandfather grew up in downtown Chicago and was a diehard Cubs fan,” Boyd said Monday. “I think he was more excited about the Cubs’ scores than my own performance some of the times. It would be like, ‘Hey, the Cubs lost today, but you did pitch well.’” The day the Cubs won the World Series in 2016 “was one of the happiest days of his life,” Boyd continued, “so I know he’s smiling somewhere.” Boyd finalized a $29 million, two-year contract last weekend after making a successful return from Tommy John surgery. The left-hander signed with the Cleveland Guardians in June and made his season debut against the Cubs on Aug. 13, when he pitched 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball. Boyd went 2-2 with a 2.72 ERA in eight starts with Cleveland. He also made three postseason starts for the AL Central champions, allowing one run while striking out 14 in 11 2/3 innings. The Seattle-area product joins a rotation that includes Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon. Boyd, who turns 34 in February, is looking to help the Cubs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Chicago has finished second in the NL Central with an 83-79 record in each of the past two years. Boyd sees postseason potential in a solid rotation and a lineup led by Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong, one of the team’s top prospects. “I think a year of growth from some of the young players,” Boyd said. “Seeing what they did down the stretch last year was really, really exciting. The lineup is strong. ... The weapons that are there, the speed that’s in the offense, the ability to hit for power and whatnot — there’s a lot of tools in the lineup.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The Cubs announced manager Craig Counsell’s coaching staff for next season on Monday, including several newcomers: first base coach Jose Javier, third base coach Quentin Berry, assistant pitching coach Casey Jacobson and staff assistant A.J. Lewis. Mark Strittmatter moves to bullpen coach after spending last season as major league field coordinator. The Cubs also appointed Kevin Poppe head strength and conditioning coach and Mark Weisman assistant strength and conditioning coach. The other nine coaches on Counsell’s staff are returning from last season, including pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and hitting coach Dustin Kelly. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB Advertisement AdvertisementTrump cabinet picks demonise people with a ‘good education’, says Bill Clinton
DSWD may use seized frozen mackerel for relief operations–DANOVEMBER 2024, MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As the Philippines kicks off the longest Christmas season in the world, Coca-Cola ignites the spirit of the holidays with the largest drone show ever seen in the country! This dazzling display that promises to light up the night sky and warm the hearts of Filipinos everywhere, symbolizes hope, community, and the countless ways Filipinos embody the spirit of “The World Needs More Santas” this Christmas. A Symphony of Lights: The Country’s Largest Drone Show Takes Flight in Nuvali This year, Coca-Cola will mesmerize the crowd with a visual feast — a display of over 1,300 drones. This isn’t just a show of technological prowess; it’s a stunning narrative told through lights, celebrating the unique traditions that make a Filipino Christmas so special. Witness Santa Claus, the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck, and parol lanterns come alive against the night sky in a vibrant dance of colors and feel the heartwarming glow of families gathered for traditional feasts, reimagined under an enchanting celestial display. Teejae Sonza, ASEAN & South Pacific Category Director for Coca-Cola Trademark, shares, “It is an honor for the Philippines to be selected as one of six locations worldwide to host the incredible Coca-Cola drone show. The breathtaking display will weave a story of light that celebrates cherished Filipino traditions.” Sonza adds that being part of this global initiative allows the country to share this unique Filipino Christmas experience with the world, while simultaneously igniting the holiday spirit in our local communities. “Our ‘The World Needs More Santas’ campaign aims to foster community, spread joy, and embody the true essence of the season. We’re excited to inspire Filipinos to embrace their inner Santa this holiday.” The Journey Begins with Festive Cheer: A Celebration of Community The magic unfolds even before the drones take flight. The celebration kicks off with the illumination ceremony of the company’s biggest bottling plants: Coca-Cola Santa Rosa plants, adorned with dazzling Christmas lights. Following this, the beloved Coca-Cola Christmas truck, a beacon of festive cheer, rolls into Nuvali, spreading excitement and merriment through the streets. Families and friends gather around this iconic symbol, sharing stories and rekindling the simple pleasures that make the season so special. Adrian Manlapig, Frontline Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Philippines, says, “Santa Rosa is home to Coca-Cola Philippines’ largest bottling plant. This year, Coca-Cola is thrilled to bring the festive spirit to life, not just at our bottling plants, but across many parts of the country, with Nuvali as the dazzling backdrop for this magical evening. We believe this event will not only delight the community we proudly serve but capture the hearts and contribute to the overall holiday spirit.” The World Needs More Santas Like You Beyond the awe-inspiring drone show, Coca-Cola recognizes that the true essence of Christmas lies in human connection. With one in four adults worldwide feeling lonely*, the brand is dedicated to reigniting the spirit of human connection and spreading joy and kindness through various initiatives. The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan/Truck Tour will be making its rounds across the Philippines, spreading joy and kindness to communities nationwide. As the Coca-Cola truck rolls into different towns and cities, it will be accompanied by festive music with dazzling lights and exciting activities for the whole family. From heartwarming giveaways to interactive experiences, the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan/Truck Tour promises to create unforgettable memories and strengthen the bond between communities. The festivities do not stop there! Coca-Cola continues to celebrate the power of kindness and compassion building on its powerful and inspiring message: “The World Needs More Santas.” The brand is introducing a captivating digital AI experience that allows users to engage with the Snow Globe Avatar and create personalised, shareable snow globe animation based on personal memories. Users can access the digital experience by scanning the QR code on a Coca-Cola Christmas bottle or can. This ‘Create Real MagicTM Experience’ uses multi-modal AI including 3D avatar generation, gen AI-enabled real-time conversation, and image generation to create a highly unique and personal experience for each user. The Heart of Filipino Christmas This Christmas, Coca-Cola hopes to make kindness travel even further. The beverage brand understands that the magic of Christmas in the Philippines goes far beyond sparkling lights and presents; it’s about early mornings spent singing carols with loved ones, elaborate decorations that transform streets and communities into festive wonderlands, and the warmth of extended family gatherings that stretch long past December 25th. It’s also about “ malasakit ” (compassion) – the willingness to go the extra mile for neighbours and strangers alike. This Christmas, Coca-Cola empowers Filipinos to embrace their inner Santas, spreading kindness and creating unforgettable memories. Follow Coca-Cola Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and www.coca-cola.com and discover ways to share your acts of kindness this Christmas. Remember, the world needs more Santas, and the Philippines is overflowing with them! Let’s ignite the spirit of the season and show the world the true magic of Filipino Christmas. The Coca-Cola Philippines’ Christmas Drone Show was inspired by the groundbreaking drone shows orchestrated by Red Cliff Aero Studios, who have pioneered captivating aerial displays in Japan. ■ Note to Editor: * Data source: A Meta-Gallup survey of more than 140 countries conducted in 2023. https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/512618/almost-quarter-world-feels-lonely.aspx Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.
VMMC inaugurates new Magiting '70 Wellness WingITV I'm A Celebrity viewers in tears over heartbreaking Danny Jones momentOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
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No. 10 Maryland women’s basketball holds off George Mason late, 66-56Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting
Bruins vs. Canucks live stream: How to watch NHL game for free tonightResearchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Shanghai for Science have successfully developed a new robot that uses traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques to give massages. This new robot could eventually find a place in healthcare, wellness, and rehabilitation facilities as an additional patient therapeutic tool. “We adopt an adaptive admittance control algorithm to optimize force and position control, ensuring safety and comfort,” wrote Yuan Xu, Kui Huang, Weichao Guo, and Leyi Du in their paper published in the journal arXiv . “The paper analyzes key TCM techniques from kinematic and dynamic perspectives and designs robotic systems to reproduce these massage techniques,” they added. The as-yet-unnamed robot uses jaka zhu7 robotic arms, each with a multi-functional massage hand installed at their ends. These “hands” have been meticulously designed to mimic the approximate size and shape of a human hand. Chinese TCM-trained robot masseuse According to the team, the robot’s hands have four operation modes, each emulating different TCM massage techniques , such as the concept of zang-fu organs and meridians. To this end, the hands can perform palm punch, vibration, kneading, and finger technique function modules. Each function requires different hardware tools to perform tasks like turning the hand into a fist or providing directed vibration to an area. Others, like the kneading function, employ a specially designed “kneading motor” that allows the robot to “pinch” the user’s back. “We adopted a compliance control algorithm based on adaptive admittance control, aiming to optimize force and position control to address challenges such as patient posture changes and muscle stiffness differences, ensuring the safety and comfort of the massage process,” wrote Xu, Huang, and their colleagues. “Furthermore, combining massage techniques, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of several typical massage methods from the kinematic and dynamic perspectives, designs corresponding mechanical massage hands, and uses robotic technology to replicate and automate these traditional techniques.” To develop their new masseuse robot, the team first had to observe and collect data from expert TCM massage therapists. This was done using a combination of motion capture and pressure sensors. This data was then used to train a machine-learning algorithm that would ultimately form the basis of the “brain” of the new robot. Yet to be tested on people “Through the introduction of these technologies, this paper provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the robotic implementation of massage techniques, promoting the integration of traditional Chinese massage with modern robotics and opening up new application prospects for assistive therapeutic methods,” explained Xu, Huang, and their colleagues. The team also tested their robot design in the real world to assess its ability to replicate different TCM massage techniques accurately. The results confirmed that the robot effectively performed its four primary massage techniques. The team hopes to test the robot on human users to assess its ability further and gauge how humans respond to it. They hope that this study will encourage further research into automated massage systems, potentially encompassing other massage styles as well. The complete study can be found in the journal arXiv .
Illinois coach Brad Underwood believes in players pushing each other during practice to improve themselves and the team. That's why he often pits starting guards Kylan Boswell and Kasparas Jakucionis against each other in practice. Underwood figures if it worked for Ayo Dosunmu and Trent Frazier, why not his newest backcourt? So far, that method appears to be paying off again as Boswell and Jakucionis are keying a strong start for the No. 24 Fighting Illini (8-3). They'll shoot for a non-conference win Sunday afternoon when Chicago State (0-14) visits Champaign, Ill. Boswell and Jakucionis' imprints were all over Illinois' 80-77 Braggin' Rights win over Missouri in St. Louis on Dec. 22. They combined for 37 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, with Jakucionis scoring 21 for his sixth straight game with at least 20 points. Underwood said pitting the two against each other in practice is a win-win. "I play them opposite each other so they can just exhaust each other and beat each other up," the coach said. Jakucionis, who averages a team-high 16.5 points a game on 46.8 percent shooting from the field, co-signs on that philosophy. "We elevate each other," he said. "In practice, we're pushing each other by defending and attacking each other. And it makes one another better each day and every day." Boswell adds 10.6 ppg to go with 3.5 assists, while teammates Tomislav Ivisic (13.9 ppg) and Will Riley (12.5) also are in double figures in scoring. Perhaps the best thing about this team is that it appears to have more ceiling left. Illinois is averaging 83.6 points a game without being efficient from the field (43.3 percent) or the 3-point line (32.3 percent). The Illini likely will find more efficiency against the winless Cougars, who are searching for answers and consistency in their first year as a member of the Northeast Conference. They haven't played since Dec. 21, when they fell 81-57 at Cal State Northridge. It was predictable that Chicago State would struggle. After earning 13 wins last season at a program that has had a hard time winning consistently, coach Gerald Gillion left to serve as Rod Strickland's lead assistant at Long Island. New Cougars coach Scott Spinelli, who worked under Mark Turgeon (Maryland) and Jim Christian (Boston College), not only had to replace most of his roster but brought a new style of play to town. Gillion played a methodical half-court game, and Spinelli is trying to play at a faster pace. "We want to have guys out there that can get up and down the floor," Spinelli said this past summer. That hasn't come to fruition yet. The Cougars are last in Division I in field-goal percentage at 35.1 and third from the bottom in scoring at 59.6 points per game. They also rank near the bottom in free-throw percentage, 3-point percentage, rebounding, assists and turnovers. Jalen Forrest is the team's leading scorer at 9.1 ppg but is shooting only 33.6 percent from the field. Cameron Jernigan averages a team-high 4.5 rebounds. --Field Level Media
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Cole Anthony hit the game-winning basket with 1.3 seconds left to cap a furious rally as the host Orlando Magic erased a 21-point deficit and completed a season sweep of the Brooklyn Nets with a 102-101 victory on Sunday. The Magic ended their fourth win over the Nets this season on a 22-4 run over the final 7:16 and capped the comeback on Anthony's dramatic shot. After Jalen Wilson sank two free throws with 6.2 seconds left, Orlando called its final timeout. Rookie Tristan da Silva inbounded to Anthony from the left sideline and the guard moved to the basket. Anthony got by Keon Johnson and Simmons and hit an uncontested stepback four-foot jumper. After Anthony's clutch shot, Da Silva blanketed Cam Thomas at the left corner as the Brooklyn guard missed a 3-point try at the horn. da Silva led the Magic with 21 points to go along with seven assists and six rebounds. Goga Bitadze collected 11 rebounds and added 19 points, including a free throw that gave Orlando its first lead since the opening quarter with 17.7 seconds left. Caleb Houstan hit two 3s in the comeback and added 12 while fellow reserve Anthony contributed 10. Anthony did not play in the first half but replaced Jalen Suggs, who exited at halftime with a sprained wrist. Thomas returned from a hamstring injury and led all scorers with 25 off the bench but the Nets did not make a field goal in the final 7:16 and lost for the 10th time in 13 games. Wilson added 16 and Keon Johnson contributed 14 as the Nets also lost Cameron Johnson to a sore left hip after the third. The Nets took the loss after trading Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Los Angeles Lakers for D'Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis. After taking a 61-43 lead by halftime, the Nets held a 71-50 lead when Keon Johnson hit three free throws with 7:55 left in the third. Thomas scored Brooklyn's final six points of the third to give the Nets an 83-68 lead into the fourth and Wilson sank three triples in a span of 47 seconds to up the lead to 97-80 before Orlando stormed back. --Field Level MediaAFL News Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News. John Longmire told his players he was proud to step aside as Sydney coach with the club in the healthiest position it has ever been. In an emotional address to the club’s players, Longmire said the club’s record membership, record crowds and strong list left him confident it was the right time to hand the reins to Dean Cox. “I know we talk about passing the baton over to someone else, whether you’re a player or a staff member. I talked about it with players a lot,” Longmire said. “It’s the same thing as a coach. Sometimes you’ve got to make sure that the joint’s in a pretty good spot. It’s been one of the great thrills. Going to the SCG, listening to the crowds. “Record crowds, record membership, list in good spot. I feel good about that.” INSIDE STORY: THE SUCCESSION PLAN FOUR YEARS IN MAKING "I'm fortunate to call alot of you guys friends, and I appreciate that almost the most" ð¥1 Watch Horse's incredible and emotional speech to players and staff earlier today. FULL ð¥ https://t.co/TJ8KsqT7ib pic.twitter.com/U02WxmUtqg — Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 26, 2024 News broke on Tuesday morning that Longmire would step down, with his longtime assistant coach Cox stepping into the senior role. “You know you’re in great hands. The big fella is ready to go. He’s already parked in my car park out the front. Thanks for letting me be your coach and good luck,” Longmire said. Longmire conceded that even with Sydney flying midway through 2024, he couldn’t shake the feeling his time as coach was nearing its end. “I’ve been able to build such great relationships with so many important people to this club which I really value. I want to thank the playing groups which I’ve been involved with. Generations of them. It’s been an enormous pleasure to watch you guys come through,” he told the club’s players and staff. “18 year old kids, to playing your first game a lot of you, to becoming established quality AFL players and then a lot of times, have kids, retire and move on.” Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories AFL ‘I had both jobs’: Drum’s enduring regret over secret Pies talks As pressure mounted on Tony Shaw at Collingwood in 1998, the club held secret talks with Damian Drum. For the first time, he speaks on the SACKED podcast about how close he came to being Collingwood’s coach. Read more AFL News Track watch: Draftee shines as Dean Cox era gets underway One of Sydney’s fresh faces stole the show as the Dean Cox era got underway less than 24 hours after John Longmire stepped down as coach. LACHLAN MCKIRDY was there. Read more
River Hawks' road to national quarters marked by big plays
GLASGOW, Scotland -- There is a certain irony to the fact that Ange Postecoglou's return to Scotland has coincided with the most testing days of his reign as Tottenham Hotspur boss. In fairness, a match at Ibrox was never going to feel like a homecoming for a man who won five major trophies with Rangers ' archrivals Celtic before making the move to north London 18 months ago. Postecoglou still garners devotion from one half of this city; Celtic fans bought wholeheartedly into his "we never stop" mantra -- but the Rangers fans filtered through the turnstiles of their historic ground, braving the bitter cold, hoping to watch their team land a knockout blow to the 59-year-old's Spurs' tenure. Editor's Picks Why is it so difficult to renew contracts for players over 30? 16h Mark Ogden UCL talking points: Who will be eliminated - Man City or PSG? 1d ESPN How many trophies have Tottenham won? 2d ESPN But for Postecoglou's use of his substitutes' bench in the second half, the home fans would have seen their wish fulfilled as the Premier League club was bested in large parts by the third-best team in Scotland that had one eye on an Old Firm clash on Sunday in the Scottish League Cup final. Support for Postecoglou is also in short supply among Spurs' travelling fans, who offered a muted response to their team when the 1-1 draw was confirmed at full-time here. One week ago, some of them were involved in a heated exchange with the Australian coach after the defeat to Bournemouth . "As expected, they're always difficult to play against here at Ibrox, particularly on European nights," Postecoglou said at a post-match news conference. "Just the nature of the contest. The atmosphere. Not many teams come here and win. So you kind of expect it to be a tough game and we weren't anywhere near our best. That's fair to say. "But at the same time, we're in a sort of period of games where we are kind of grinding through at the moment with obviously with a fairly depleted squad and we're asking players to sort of get up week in, week out. So in the context of that, in the end, I think it was a good outcome for us." The draw leaves Spurs' hopes of finishing in the UEFA Europa League 's top eight, and thereby avoiding the playoff round, in the balance. They remain in ninth, outside of the automatic qualification spots for the Round of 16. This festive period was always going to be make or break for Postecoglou and Spurs' short-term future. They are in the middle of a crucial run of nine games in 30 days -- it's a sequence of fixtures that Postecoglou admitted in November would prove "pivotal" for his team. "At the end of that period, we could be in a decent position for a strong second half of the year, so for us, it is an important period," Postecoglou said the day before the dramatic 4-0 win over Manchester City that started the nine-game run. "You know there are no more international breaks, so the full focus is here, so you can build some momentum through that, or if things don't go well, you could get yourself into a bit of a grind. So, for us, it's going to be a really pivotal part of the season." Six games into that nine-game run, there certainly has been plenty of grind. Without Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke , who were named on the bench, Spurs carried little attacking threat in the first half. The home side were the aggressors, snapping into tackles that brought screams of support from the relentless home crowd. Nedim Bajrami came closest to opening the scoring with a fierce effort that Fraser Forster tipped over the crossbar. The best Spurs opening came from a Rodrigo Bentancur cross that whistled through a Solanke-shaped hole on the edge of the six-yard box. The second period brought Kulusevski's introduction, in place of the often-haphazard Timo Werner , whose performance Postecoglou later described as "unacceptable." Two minutes after the restart, though, Rangers took the lead after Hamza Igamane lashed in James Tavernier 's cross. Now, the Rangers fans had the moment they had been waiting for. They bounced, screamed and revelled in Postecoglou's misfortune. As soon as they had refilled their lungs, the home fans bellowed in unison: "You're getting sacked in the morning." More chances for Rangers came and went, first Václav Černý wriggled through the Spurs but couldn't get his shot away, then Mohamed Diomande 's deflected effort had Forster scrambling as the ball whistled past the post. Four minutes later, Postecoglou had made three changes; on came Lucas Bergvall , Solanke and Pape Matar Sarr for Bentancur, Brennan Johnson and Yves Bissouma . It proved the correct intervention at just the right time for Postecoglou to salvage the game, and maybe his job. Solanke and Kulusevski combined in the 75th minute to open enough space on the edge of the penalty area before the Sweden international rolled a low shot past Jack Butland . Bergvall has been criticised for the impact he has made in games since signing for Spurs in the summer, but the 18-year-old added the bite and guile the Spurs' midfield had been missing from the Bissouma-Bentancur axis. Before their late turnaround, Postecoglou's assertion that he "wins things in his second year" certainly appeared misplaced. In truth, his teams have struggled in Europe. Despite their domestic successes, his Celtic team never made it out of a UEFA Champions League or Europa League group or won a knockout-round game after dropping down into the UEFA Conference League playoffs. The maelstrom of Thursday to Sunday games is perhaps too much for Postecoglou's high-energy philosophy. No team in the Premier League has pressed so high or made more off-the-ball sprints as Spurs this season, and Postecoglou's "never stop" ethos has had unintended consequences. He was unable to call upon eight first-team players for Thursday night's game, with five of them nursing muscular issues, including first-choice defensive pair Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven . His lack of options prompted Postecoglou to name 18-year-old Archie Gray in the centre of the Spurs' defence. Like his manager, Gray also has links to Scotland -- his father, Andy, grandfather Frank (European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United legend) and great uncle Eddie (legendary former Leeds player and manager) all represented Scotland -- Frank and Eddie were born in Glasgow, around seven miles from Ibrox. "I thought he handled himself really well," Postecoglou said. "We're asking him to do something that as an 18-year-old in his first year at this level to play an unfamiliar position and in such big games. I think it's outstanding what he's doing. "And I thought Lucas was excellent when he came on as well. He was due to start tonight but he wasn't feeling well today. He's a bit under the weather so we had to keep him on the bench, but that's mostly positive for us. I think those two as 18-year-olds to be already contributing and experiencing these things, I think will be an enormous benefit to us." On a difficult night for the team, Spurs' two teenagers showed surprising maturity and perhaps offered a glimpse of a brighter future for this Tottenham team.
The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. The ceasefire does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed.Top 7 Sugar Daddy Apps That Send Money Without Meeting
Goodreads, once the top online community for book lovers, has become a story of missed opportunities and decline. Since Amazon bought the platform in 2013, it has faced criticism for its outdated design, poor moderation, and growing user frustration. Scandals like the Cait Corrain incident have only added to its problems, leaving both authors and readers unhappy with the platform. “The beige aesthetic, the clunky interface, the slowness of the search feature—it all feels like a relic of the early internet,” said Despite being owned by Amazon, Goodreads feels stuck in the past. The platform’s five-star rating system hasn’t changed, even though users want more options. Its app is also buggy and unreliable, frustrating readers. “Goodreads hasn’t been all that well maintained, or updated, or kept up with what you would expect from social communities or apps in 2023,” said publishing consultant Jane Friedman. For a platform with 125 million users in 2022, Goodreads’ lack of improvement is hard to ignore. Goodreads’ culture has become a problem. Review-bombing—where users flood a book’s page with negative reviews—is common. “Goodreads has enabled the weaponization of displeasure,” said . Authors are often targets of these attacks. The shows how bad it has gotten. Corrain, a debut author, used fake Goodreads accounts to give one-star reviews to other authors’ books. When caught, she created a fake chat to blame someone else, but later confessed to having a “complete psychological breakdown.” Her book was canceled, and her career is likely over. “The lack of effective moderation has turned Goodreads into a battleground,” wrote . Even bestselling authors like Elizabeth Gilbert have been hurt—her novel was pulled after it was for being set in Russia. Goodreads’ minimal oversight has made these problems worse. Goodreads’ problems are tied to its parent company, Amazon. The platform pushes popular titles through algorithms, making reading feel like a chore. “Your ‘to-read’ list becomes an endless obligation,” noted . Amazon’s reputation hasn’t helped. Controversies, like tradition of endorsing presidential candidates, have frustrated readers. Bezos’ praise for Donald Trump after his election win only added to the backlash against Goodreads. As Goodreads struggles, platforms like The StoryGraph, BookSloth, and Libib are stepping in. These platforms offer modern features like half-star ratings, personalized recommendations, and better community engagement. “Letterboxd has succeeded where Goodreads hasn’t,” said , comparing Goodreads to the popular movie-discussion site. But while these alternatives are promising, none have yet matched Goodreads’ size or influence. Goodreads’ issues may seem overwhelming, but it’s possible to still right the ship. It all starts with people—bringing in more human moderators to actively monitor and manage the platform’s activity. With better moderation, updated features, and clearer policies, Goodreads could become a much better space for everyone involved. Despite its many flaws, I still see the value in what Goodreads represents: a place where readers can connect and share their love of books. As other social platforms continue to lose their appeal, this is one worth fighting for. If Goodreads doesn’t evolve, though, it’s at risk of becoming nothing more than a relic of what it once was. An avid book reader and proud library card holder, Angela is new to the world of e-Readers. She has a background in education, emergency response, fitness, loves to be in nature, traveling and exploring. With an honours science degree in anthropology, Angela also studied writing after graduation. She has contributed work to The London Free Press, The Gazette, The Londoner, Best Version Media, Lifeliner, and Citymedia.ca.
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Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New YorkGlobal food yields have grown steadily during last six decades, study finds November 27, 2024 PLOS Contrary to widespread concerns that global crop yields have stagnated in recent decades, a comprehensive study of worldwide food production finds yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email Contrary to widespread concerns that global crop yields have stagnated in recent decades, a comprehensive study of worldwide food production finds yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s. John Baffes of the World Bank and Xiaoli Etienne of the University of Idaho, U.S., report these findings on November 27, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. Almost 10 billion people are expected to inhabit Earth by 2050, so agricultural production will become increasingly critical to feeding the growing population. Over the past six decades, much of the growth in food production has stemmed from technological advances, including the widespread development and use of better crop varieties. But some studies have suggested that the growth in production has leveled off, raising concerns about future food availability, especially in the low- and middle-income countries with the highest population growth. In the new study, the researchers developed standardized measures for production and yield for 144 crops, covering 98 percent of global agricultural land. These measures allow scientists and policymakers to compare agricultural productivity across different countries and regions. The researchers found that there has been no discernable slowdown in the global growth of crop yields during the last six decades -- any observed slowdown in specific crops, regions or countries has been offset by gains in others. Their findings show that yields grew annually at a rate equivalent to about 33 kg of wheat per hectare. While the study's findings are reassuring from a global food supply perspective, the researchers caution that sustainable food production and the affordability of food will continue to be challenges to global food security. They emphasize that these concerns are particularly relevant in the face of intensifying climate change and increased demand for food due to population and income growth. The authors add: "Utilizing a comprehensive caloric-based index of production and yield for 144 crops, covering 98% of global agricultural land and food output, this paper reveals that, on an aggregate level, global yield growth -- a vital indicator of agricultural productivity -- has not slowed over the past six decades. This steady growth equates to an annual increase of approximately 33 kilograms of wheat per hectare, highlighting continued productivity gains worldwide." Story Source: Materials provided by PLOS . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :
Director General of Police (DGP) Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao has said that surveillance would be stepped up in every nook and corner in the State with Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) and drones to check crimes. About 25,250 CCTVs have been installed by the public with the encouragement of the police. In all, 2,434 suspects were identified through the cameras and 1,989 cases were detected in 2024. Police stepped up surveillance by deploying 1,376 drones during festivals, Dasara utsavams and other public programmes, the DGP said. Giving the details of various crimes in the State in 2024 at the annual press conference at the A.P. Police Headquarters on Saturday, Mr. Tirumala Rao said the number of cases registered has come down to 92,094 this year from 97,760 in 2023. “In all, 35,694 cases pertaining to crimes against women and children were registered in 2024, as against 28,395 registered in the previous year. A total of 15,637 road accidents were reported this year in which 7,863 people lost their lives. But in 2023, 8,136 deaths occurred in 16,659 accidents.” the DGP said. Other cases registered include, 6,233 cheating, 2,356 crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), 17,282 property offences and 20,106 bodily crimes. 1 lakh CCTVs target “We are planning to have 1 lakh CCTVs, distribute one drone to each police station in the State, and set up one cybercrime police station in each district which will help in checking crimes and maintain vigil on criminals,” the police chief said. However, there was a rise in cybercrimes, drugs and ganja (NDPS Act) cases in the State. As many as 7.23 lakh calls were received to ‘1930’ (to report on cybercrimes), of which police registered 916 cases and about Rs.1,229 crores have been lost in various cyber offences in State, Mr. Tirumala Rao said. Action against social media posts Regarding posting insulting and threatening comments against VIPs and women on various social media groups, police registered 572 cases. During investigation, police identified 345 social media handlers, arrested 210 persons of which cyber-bullying sheets were opened against 150 offenders, he said. “Police detected some critical cases including temple thefts in Srikakulam district, rape and murder of minor girl in Tirupati, cyanide serial killings in Guntur district and the ‘body parcel case’ in West Godavari district by using advanced technology,” the DGP said and congratulated the IGPs, DIGs and the Superintendents of Police for cracking some clueless cases in a short period. CID Additional Director General of Police Ravi Shankar Ayyanar, IGP (Law and Order) Ch. Srikanth, EAGLE Chief Ake Ravi Krishna and other officers were present. Published - December 28, 2024 08:06 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada / police / crime / crime, law and justice / cyber crimeNASA Leadership to Visit, Strengthen Cooperation with Mexico
Israeli air strikes on Yemen airport ‘were metres from WHO chief’
Rio Ferdinand claims Liverpool are 'the best team in Europe' after victory over Real Madrid - as he insists Arne Slot's side were like 'rottweilers' on the pitch Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over Real Madrid in their Champions League clash Afterwards, Ferdinand claimed that Arne Slot's side were the best across Europe SOCCER A-Z: Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube. New episodes every Wednesday and Friday By LEWIS STEELE Published: 23:13, 27 November 2024 | Updated: 23:25, 27 November 2024 e-mail View comments Liverpool are the ‘best team in Europe’ and are ‘playing like Rottweilers that have not been fed in a while’, according to pundit Rio Ferdinand . The Reds toppled the mighty Real Madrid last night after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and substitute Cody Gakpo made it five wins from five in Europe, to put them top of the Champions League as well as the Premier League . Caoimhin Kelleher made a heroic stop to deny Kylian Mbappe from the penalty spot at 1-0 while Mohamed Salah failed to follow up his blockbuster comments this week as the Egyptian also missed a spot-kick. But this was a breathtaking display from Slot’s men and Ferdinand said on TNT Sports: ‘They've put the gauntlet down to all the other teams in Europe. They look like the best team in Europe at the moment. ‘They're playing as a team and look the hungriest individuals about. They're not only getting results, they look starving. They look like they haven't been fed for ages, Rottweilers running round the pitch hunting teams down. They've got the composure.’ Slot had his family in attendance and hailed a special night. ‘It is always good to win a game, especially a big game like this,’ said the Dutchman, who will be back at the AXA Training Centre this morning to prepare for a crunch title tussle against strugglers Liverpool remain top of the Champions League and the Premier League after a strong start Rio Ferdinand labelled them the 'best team in Europe' after beating Real Madrid on Wednesday Arne Slot (right) has got the best out of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah (left) in recent weeks Manchester City on Sunday. ‘It will mean more in the later stages of the tournament. It is difficult to judge how big these wins are. If we are able to beat them in the knockout stages it will be a bigger statement.’ Slot also thanked the Liverpool academy for penalty hero Kelleher and player-of-the-match Conor Bradley, who marked Mbappe out of the match and registered an assist. ‘He assisted? I didn’t know... he was in a strange position then,’ laughed Slot. ‘It is nice for him, his family and the academy that a player who comes through does so well, like Caoimhin and Curtis (Jones). To have three academy players doing so well is a big compliment and Conor did very well. I am not surprised because he showed it last season.’ Jude Bellingham was another to flop on the big stage for Carlo Ancelotti’s men and he said: ‘They were just more up for it than us which is really disappointing to say. It's a bad result against the best-performing team in Europe. ‘It's no disgrace to come here and lose but we are disappointed in how we performed.’ Ancelotti, whose European champions are 24th in the new-look league phase, added: ‘To be totally honest it is a fair result, Liverpool deserved to win, they have a real good dynamic. They are in great form, connected playing with a high intensity.’ On Mbappe, the seven-time European Cup winner said: ‘This has happened before in my career many times, forwards with no confidence. There is a medicine... I think Mbappe is in a difficult moment. We have to support him and give him our love, he will soon be fine.’ Gareth Bale Rio Ferdinand Mohamed Salah Share or comment on this article: Rio Ferdinand claims Liverpool are 'the best team in Europe' after victory over Real Madrid - as he insists Arne Slot's side were like 'rottweilers' on the pitch e-mail Add comment
( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - Jordan's basketball team plays Palestine in Jeddah on Monday in its second match of window 2 of Group D qualifiers for the 31st FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Jordan tops Group D after overcoming Iraq 73-64 on Friday as Saudi Arabia beat Palestine 73-66 to maintain second spot ahead of their home match against Iraq. The Kingdom has an unbeaten streak after scoring two wins in window 1, when they beat Palestine 73-46 and Saudi Arabia 79-64. In other matches, Iraq beat Palestine 75-72 while Saudi Arabia overcame Iraq 64-58. Window 3 will be played in February 2025 -- Jordan vs Saudi on February 21 and Jordan vs Iraq on February 24. Jordan lately won 12th edition of the King Abdullah Cup (The King's Cup) as part of preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, beating beat Palestine, Syria and Qatar to retain the title. A total of 24 teams are playing Round 1 qualification matches for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in three windows, while also battling for qualifying spots for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup alongside hosts Qatar who automatically advanced. The top two teams of each qualifying group move to the FIBA Asia Cup and the six third-placed teams will play another qualifying round for the final four places. The 31st FIBA Asia Cup will be hosted in Saudi Arabia from August 5-17, 2025. Jordan previously qualified to the FIBA Asia Cup (formerly FIBA Asia Championship) 16 times with their best position finishing runner-up in 2011. In 2023, Jordan won a historic first ever team medal when they won silver at the Asian Games. In addition, they played at the FIBA World Cup for the third time after earlier playing in 2010 and 2019. Alongside the junior men's team in 1995 and 2025, basketball has been the only Jordanian team to reach a World Cup in a team sport. MENAFN27112024000028011005ID1108934484 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.A.P. govt. to appoint single service provider for ‘108’, ‘104’ ambulance and emergency call centreNone
PSG climb out of the Champions League relegation zone with big win over Red Bull Salzburg - and crown it off with stunning team goalIsraeli air strikes on Yemen airport ‘were metres from WHO chief’
WASHINGTON , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and Nicola Fox , associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, will travel to Mexico City on Sunday, Nov. 24 , for a multi-day trip to build on previous engagements and advance scientific and technological collaboration between the United States and Mexico . This visit will focus on fostering partnerships in astronomy and astrophysics research, as well as highlighting opportunities for economic, educational, and science, technology, engineering, and math collaborations between the two nations. Melroy's trip will include high-level meetings with senior Mexican government officials, including the secretariat-designate for Science, Technology, Humanities, and Innovation. Melroy and Fox also will meet with leaders from academia, industry, and scientific institutions. These discussions will emphasize expanding cooperation in space science, with particular focus on Mexico's growing astronomy programs. This visit builds on Melroy's trip to Mexico City earlier this year and reflects NASA's commitment to advancing international cooperation in space and science for the benefit of all. For more information about NASA's international partnerships, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-leadership-to-visit-strengthen-cooperation-with-mexico-302314627.html SOURCE NASAORLANDO, Fla. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 AIUM Annual Convention , hosted by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), will explore the cutting edge of medical technology through keynote presentations on space exploration, medical innovation, and neurotherapeutics. Taking place from March 29 to April 1 in Orlando, Florida , the 2025 Ultrasound Event will showcase groundbreaking developments in ultrasound technology and its expanding role in space medicine and advancements in brain health, like treating addiction, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Related Articles National Politics | Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan National Politics | Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledged his rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn’t. Stupid.” The decision by the former reality TV star and real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris , who replaced him as the Democratic nominee , largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs. More than 6 in 10 voters in November’s election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden. Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels. Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump’s planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts. He also said that Trump’s promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump’s threatened action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council. “I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” she said. Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025 , a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.” Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.XRAY Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Dentsply Sirona Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit
, /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Dentsply Sirona Inc. (NASDAQ: XRAY) between and , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 27, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased Dentsply common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Dentsply class action, go to or call at 866-767-3653 or email for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than , 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over for investors. In 2020, founding partner was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Dentsply targeted low-income people who did not have access to good oral hygiene education, a dentist, or dental insurance, which often meant patients signing up for Byte, a direct-to-consumer ("DTC") aligner solution, had underlying dental issues that would have made them ineligible for treatment; (2) the push for Byte growth and sales commissions caused sales employees to sell to contraindicated patients; (3) as a result of the above, the Byte patient onboarding workflow did not provide adequate assurance that contraindicated patients did not enter treatment; (4) before and during the Class Period, reports of Byte patient injuries were pouring in; (5) Dentsply knew that its Byte aligners were causing severe patient injuries for years but did little to investigate those injuries or notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"); (6) Dentsply had no systems in place to notify the FDA of these injuries, which Dentsply is required to do within 30 days of learning of a problem; (7) the FDA had received a sharp uptick in reports of serious injuries from Byte patients; (8) as a result of the above, Dentsply materially overstated the goodwill value of Byte; and (9) as a result of the above, defendants' positive statements about Dentsply's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Dentsply class action, go to or call toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: , on Twitter: or on Facebook: . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Blindfire - Official PlayStation Launch TrailerA new video showing a parking lot fight between has been released. Bissonnette was hospitalized in Scottsdale, Arizona, after being attacked by seven individuals following an altercation at a Houston’s restaurant roughly two weeks ago. The video above shows several men following Bissonnette through a parking lot as he attempts to back away from them. After a lengthy pursuit, they were eventually able to surround him and wound up taking him to the ground. Once on the ground, Bissonnette appeared to take several kicks from a few of the individuals. Thankfully, he was able to get back onto his feet and run away before taking even more blows. A separate clip from inside the Houston’s restaurant shows how the altercation began. As Bissonnette had previously described, several of the men appeared to be upset with staff members. Bissonnette can then be spotted approaching the men in an attempt to settle things down. Instead, the men started throwing punches at him in what quickly turned into a chaotic scene, where many others at the restaurant can be spotted dashing for the parking lot. Shortly after the two videos involving the assault on Bissonnette began circulating, the 39-year-old gave his thoughts on X. “This is the worst of if I took,” Bissonnette wrote. “It was never going to be a fair fight ... This ain’t over.” “It was a bunch of drunk golfers,” shortly after word of the attack started spreading on social media. “Things obviously continued to escalate, they asked one guy to leave. And then one guy kept getting in the manager’s face, put his hands on him. And that went on for probably 30-45 seconds... It’s a family restaurant, I don’t think there was anybody in there that could help him out. So I went over, I just grabbed the guy’s arm that was on him, I said: ‘Sir, if you continue to harass and assault the staff, we’re gonna have problems.’ And they just started chuckin.’ It escalated extremely quickly.” Six of the seven alleged attackers were brought into jail by Scottsdale Police, but were released without bail.By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Related Articles National Politics | Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan National Politics | Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledged his rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn’t. Stupid.” The decision by the former reality TV star and real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris , who replaced him as the Democratic nominee , largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs. More than 6 in 10 voters in November’s election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden. Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels. Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump’s planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts. He also said that Trump’s promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump’s threatened action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council. “I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” she said. Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025 , a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.” Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.ORLANDO, Fla. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 AIUM Annual Convention , hosted by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), will explore the cutting edge of medical technology through keynote presentations on space exploration, medical innovation, and neurotherapeutics. Taking place from March 29 to April 1 in Orlando, Florida , the 2025 Ultrasound Event will showcase groundbreaking developments in ultrasound technology and its expanding role in space medicine and advancements in brain health, like treating addiction, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. 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Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum, WR Rashod Bateman pop up on injury reportPresident Biden says it was 'stupid' not to put name on COVID checks like Trump didJapan Unemployment Rate meets forecasts (2.5%) in November
India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92Ghana’s Black Galaxies failed to book a spot in the upcoming 2025 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria on Saturday. Following Sunday’s first leg draw in Ghana, there was a lot at stake as both sides battled for a ticket to the CHAN tournament. However, it was the home side who shot themselves ahead after 19 minutes: a long ball over Ghana’s defence sent forward Ismaila Sodiq through on goal before he raced clear of Ghana’s backline to strike the ball past Ghana’s goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare. Three minutes later, Nigeria doubled their lead as a goalmouth scramble saw Super Eagles B captain Nduka Junior prod home from close range to put Nigeria two-up. The three minutes goal action sequence continued as Savior found Nigeria’s third after dispossessing Ghana’s Nurudeen Abdulai before rolling the ball into a gaping goal after rounding Benjamin Asare. Nigeria‘s three goals in nine minutes put them in a comfortable position as they headed into the break with an unassailable advantage. The second half was pretty much ‘keep ball’ for the home side who just knocked the ball around to while away time. However, Berekum Chelsea forward Stephen Amankona injected some life into the game as he pulled a goal back for Ghana. The forward’s strike, 17 minutes from time, proved to be a mere consolidation as the damage had already been inflected in the first half. Nigeria will now participate in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in February, while Ghana failed to build on its quarter-finals finish from the last edition.Sky Labs Inc., BrainU Co., Ltd., and ANDOPEN Co., Ltd. will be recognized as Innovation Award Winners SEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its successful participation last year, Seongnam City will participate in CES 2025, the world's largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition. The event will take place from January 7 to 10, 2025 , in Las Vegas , USA . Seongnam City will operate the "Seongnam Pavilion," which will support 25 local startups from the Seongnam region and highlight their innovative technologies and products. CES 2025 will attract approximately 4,400 companies and over 130,000 attendees worldwide. At CES 2024, Seongnam City garnered significant attention from domestic and international investors and buyers by showcasing startups with outstanding technological capabilities. This effort established valuable global networks and expanded market opportunities, achieving a total contract value of KRW 145.5 billion . These tangible outcomes highlighted the high level of satisfaction among participating companies. This year, Seongnam City, a leading innovative hub in South Korea , aims to actively support local startups in expanding into overseas markets and building global networks through its participation in CES 2025. The Seongnam Pavilion will feature cutting-edge technologies and products across advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, smart cities, and mobility. Through these efforts, Seongnam City seeks to further solidify its position as a "Global Innovation City." Notably, three companies from Seongnam were honored with CES Innovation Awards, demonstrating their technological excellence and global competitiveness on the world stage: Seongnam City stated, "By participating in CES 2025, we aim to showcase Seongnam's innovative technologies to the global stage and provide a launchpad for our startups to expand into international markets." Meanwhile, the Seongnam Pavilion will feature 25 companies, including BRYTN Co., Ltd., NTL HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd., EMTAKE Inc., AWESOME LAB Co., Ltd., JNL Co. Ltd., Linkface Co., Ltd., Emma Healthcare Co.,Ltd., NC& Co.,Ltd, Becon Co.,Ltd, LITBIG, Inc., GeodeSound., Inc, MEDIAIPLUS, INC, BoS Semiconductors, Sky Labs Inc., STRATIO, INC., BrainU Co., Ltd., analogue plus Co.,Ltd., EX Healthcare Inc., Mangoslab, Littleone, Bluefeel Co., Ltd., Aram Huvis Co., Ltd., Real Design Tech Co.,Ltd., Crescom Co., Ltd., ANDOPEN Co., Ltd. These companies are set to unveil their groundbreaking technologies at the exhibition. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seongnam-city-to-participate-in-ces-2025-paving-the-way-as-a-global-innovation-hub-302339453.html SOURCE Seongnam City
India News Today Live Updates: Trending India News brings you the most significant stories and developments from across the nation, covering everything from politics and economy to culture and technology. Whether it's a major policy change, a groundbreaking legal verdict, or the latest in entertainment and sports, we ensure you don't miss out on the news that's shaping the nation. Our in-depth coverage and timely updates keep you informed about the trends that are making headlines in India today. Stay connected to the pulse of the nation with Trending India News. India News Today Live: Agri-entrepreneurship scheme faces lukewarm response despite rural growthConfronting The Power Of Rumours
Eddie Howe wants even more from in-form Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old Sweden international took his goal tally for the season to 12 in the 3-0 Boxing Day win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park, 10 of them in his last 10 Premier League games, after a challenging start to the new campaign. Isak managed 25 goals in a black and white shirt last season to further justify the club record £63million the club paid to bring him to Tyneside from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2022, but as delighted as he is with his big-money signing, head coach Howe is confident there is even more to come. Murph 🔗 Alex Isak Different game. Same link up. 💪 pic.twitter.com/OMhZf7dtKZ — Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 27, 2024 Asked where the former AIK Solna frontman currently ranks in world football, he said: “My biggest thing with Alex is I am evaluating his game on a daily and weekly basis and I just want to try to push him for more. “Everyone else can say where he is in the pecking order of world football. His game is in a good place at the moment. “My job is to not sit back and appreciate that, my job is to try and find areas he can improve, push him towards that and never stop pushing him. He has all the ingredients in there. Football never stops evolving and changing and he has to evolve with it. “There is a lot more to come from him. Our job is to help him deliver that. “Of course the main responsibility is for Alex to keep his focus, ignore the plaudits and keep helping the team, not be selfish. It is about Newcastle and he plays his part.” It is no coincidence that Newcastle have prospered as Isak has rediscovered his best form, and they will head for Manchester United – where they have won only once in the top flight since 1972 – on Monday evening looking for a fifth successive win in all competitions. He has scored in each of the last five league games having grown into the mantle of the Magpies’ main man, a role performed with such distinction in the past by the likes of Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Shearer, and he has done so with the minimum of fuss. Asked about his character, Howe said: “He is calm, cool – he is what you see on the pitch. “He doesn’t get overly emotional, which for a striker is a great quality because that coolness you see and calmness in front of goal is part of his personality, part of what he is. He seems to have an extra half a second when other players don’t. “With Alex, the beauty of his attitude is that he wants to improve. We give him information and he is responsive. He is not a closed shop. “He is in no way thinking he has arrived at a certain place. He knows he has to keep adding to his game. The challenge is great for him to keep scoring freely as he is now.”
Breakthrough in Murder Case: Suspect Arrested in Killing of Insurance Giant CEODespite the doubts and criticisms surrounding Son Heung-min's recent form, it is clear that he remains a player of key importance for both Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team. As Hong Myung-bo emphasizes, Son's talent, experience, and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset for his teams. With his ability to impact games and make a difference on the field, Son Heung-min continues to be a player to watch and a source of pride for fans around the world. As he continues to strive for excellence and push himself to new heights, there is no doubt that Son has a bright future ahead of him in football.ATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon . People are also reading... That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump , who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. “Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said on X: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said Biden “put personal interest ahead of duty” with a decision that “further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said the pardon was “an improper use of power” that erodes faith in government and “emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called the pardon “understandable” if viewed only as the “action of a loving father.” But Biden's status as “our nation's Chief Executive," the senator said, rendered the move “unwise.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump's apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP's pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. “Most people will see that Joe Biden did what was right,” Harrison said. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trump’s sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trump’s victory on Nov. 5, forcing Democrats to recalibrate their approach to the president-elect. In June, President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trump’s victory, Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” The president’s about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 — a month after his father’s 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when , prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigor as was directed against Hunter Biden. “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in his statement. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. ... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” Associated Press journalists Will Weissert aboard Air Force One and Darlene Superville, Mary Claire Jalonick and Michael Tackett in Washington contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 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PNY's new high-performance CS2150 Gen5 SSD pumps 10.3GB/sec reads, starts at just $99ATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon . People are also reading... That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump , who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. “Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said on X: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said Biden “put personal interest ahead of duty” with a decision that “further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said the pardon was “an improper use of power” that erodes faith in government and “emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called the pardon “understandable” if viewed only as the “action of a loving father.” But Biden's status as “our nation's Chief Executive," the senator said, rendered the move “unwise.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump's apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP's pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. “Most people will see that Joe Biden did what was right,” Harrison said. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trump’s sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trump’s victory on Nov. 5, forcing Democrats to recalibrate their approach to the president-elect. In June, President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trump’s victory, Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” The president’s about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 — a month after his father’s 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when , prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigor as was directed against Hunter Biden. “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in his statement. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. ... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” Associated Press journalists Will Weissert aboard Air Force One and Darlene Superville, Mary Claire Jalonick and Michael Tackett in Washington contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
As we approach the end of the year, it is clear that young people are ready to bid farewell to the tiredness and stress that have weighed them down in the past. Instead, they are stepping into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose, optimism, and determination to create a better future for themselves and those around them. By embracing a more balanced and mindful lifestyle, they are setting the stage for a year filled with growth, resilience, and genuine happiness.
ATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon . That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump , who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. “Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said on X: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said Biden “put personal interest ahead of duty” with a decision that “further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said the pardon was “an improper use of power” that erodes faith in government and “emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called the pardon “understandable” if viewed only as the “action of a loving father.” But Biden's status as “our nation's Chief Executive," the senator said, rendered the move “unwise.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump's apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP's pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. “Most people will see that Joe Biden did what was right,” Harrison said. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trump’s sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trump’s victory on Nov. 5, forcing Democrats to recalibrate their approach to the president-elect. In June, President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trump’s victory, Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” The president’s about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 — a month after his father’s 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when , prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigor as was directed against Hunter Biden. “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in his statement. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. ... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” Associated Press journalists Will Weissert aboard Air Force One and Darlene Superville, Mary Claire Jalonick and Michael Tackett in Washington contributed to this report.
As the Henan provincial government seeks public opinions on the proposal to exempt ordinary residential properties from the land value tax, it is important for all stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of such a policy change. Public feedback and input will play a crucial role in shaping the final decision on whether to implement the proposed exemption.In conclusion, the decisions by Liverpool to secure Salah with a new contract and Tottenham to stand by Pochettino reflect the values of loyalty, dedication, and belief in the pursuit of success. These choices, made by champions on and off the field, serve as inspiration to fans and players alike, reminding us that true greatness is not just about winning trophies but also about staying true to one's values and commitments. As the season unfolds, we will witness the fruits of these choices and celebrate the champions who have made them.
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As the situation in Damascus remains fragile and unpredictable, efforts must be made to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a sustainable peace settlement. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusive governance are essential components of any long-term solution to the crisis in Syria. The international community, regional powers, and local stakeholders must come together to support the people of Damascus and pave the way for a brighter and more stable future for the city and its residents.In conclusion, the recent wave of airstrikes in Syria has added a new dimension to the complex and volatile Middle East situation. As tensions escalate and the risk of conflict looms large, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed and suffering in the region.The recent decline in oil prices has had a direct impact on the cost of 92 octane gasoline, with prices plummeting to levels not seen in years. Consumers have welcomed this development, as it has translated into lower fuel costs and reduced expenses for those who rely on gasoline for their daily transportation needs. However, the continued expansion of the price drop has raised concerns among oil producers and exporters, who are now grappling with shrinking profit margins and declining revenues.
To achieve these goals, the central government has pledged to implement a series of support measures to bolster the real estate market. These measures include but are not limited to:Environmental factors also play a significant role in the development of cancer, especially in younger individuals. Exposure to carcinogens in the environment, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, asbestos, and certain chemicals, can increase the risk of cancer at a young age. Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can also contribute to the early onset of cancer. The impact of socio-economic factors such as access to healthcare, education, and living conditions cannot be overlooked in understanding the younger trend of cancer.In the end, only one team can emerge victorious, but regardless of the outcome, this match is sure to be remembered as a thrilling battle between two giants of European football. The legacy of this match will endure for years to come, etching itself into the annals of football history as a testament to the skill, determination, and passion of both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid.
NoneTitle: "Tencent Video's New Membership Plan: Downsizing from 5 to 3 Screens and 2 to 1 Device"In a statement released by his team, Wang Chuqin acknowledged Ma Long's concerns and expressed his commitment to ensuring a fair and balanced match. Wang Chuqin emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and fair play in competitive sports, and stated that he fully supports Ma Long's call for a more fair competition.
Penny stocks can be volatile. Yes, I know all stocks can be, but low-price ones seem to shine more than others when sentiment is bright. And they can take it harder on the chin when investors are feeling nervous. Right now, brokers are mixed about the fortunes of these very small-cap companies in 2025. That’s in line with market sentiment in general. On top of our painfully slow economic recovery, political events are taking their toll. Economists fear Donald Trump’s plans for trade tariffs could hurt a number of countries, including the US. And the Bank of England expects the Labour budget to edge inflation up again in 2025. A growth year? Still, according to Jefferies, 66% of market respondents expect the to end 2025 higher. And that optimism reflects hopes for stock markets in general. Growth looks increasingly hard to find, and I think that could affect either way. Maybe investors will step back from growth and seek safety in dividends? Or with penny stocks typically bought for growth, perhaps they’ll take a bit more risk and go for them? Whichever way the bottom end of the market-cap range goes in the coming 12 months, I definitely see some I think are worth considering. For the long term I’d still only buy a penny stock based on its long-term potential and not on where the winds of emotion might be blowing. That brings ( ) to light, though I suspect shareholders might have to be patient for a bit longer. The share price is down 45% in the last five years, and I’m not surprised. Topps does wall and floor tiles, laminates, wood flooring, and similar products. Those should do well when property is booming, when people are renovating and decorating, and there’s a decent bit of spare cash in homeowners’ pockets. And, well, the past few years haven’t been kind to people in that market. Better times ahead? But as falling inflation and interest rates start to make building and home renovation look more attractive, I think demand could start to turn. I do think it could take longer than we’d been expecting, mind. Every time we start to open our eyes to a brighter future, something seems to come along and kick sand in them. Still, the share price weakness means we’re looking at a juicy dividend yield of 9.1%. That’s even with a loss per share on the cards for 2024, which forecasts see reversing in 2025. Valuation improving I’d rate the dividend as a risky one until earnings get back to covering it. Analysts expect that to happen in 2025, though even by 2026, they only see cover of 1.4 times. And though projected net debt looks low at £72m by 2026, this is a company with a market cap of only £79m. There’s risk there too. I’ve come close to buying Topps Tiles in the past. And I’m considering it once again.Jonah Goldberg: What if most Americans aren't bitterly divided?
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Immigrants are the 'lifeblood' of Canada, CIBC CEO says amidst souring outlookJonah Goldberg Among elites across the ideological spectrum, there's one point of unifying agreement: Americans are bitterly divided. What if that's wrong? What if elites are the ones who are bitterly divided while most Americans are fairly unified? History rarely lines up perfectly with the calendar (the "sixties" didn't really start until the decade was almost over). But politically, the 21st century neatly began in 2000, when the election ended in a tie and the color coding of electoral maps became enshrined as a kind of permanent tribal color war of "red vs. blue." Elite understanding of politics has been stuck in this framework ever since. Politicians and voters have leaned into this alleged political reality, making it seem all the more real in the process. I loathe the phrase "perception is reality," but in politics it has the reifying power of self-fulfilling prophecy. Like rival noble families in medieval Europe, elites have been vying for power and dominance on the arrogant assumption that their subjects share their concern for who rules rather than what the rulers can deliver. Political cartoonists from across country draw up something special for the holiday In 2018, the group More in Common published a massive report on the "hidden tribes" of American politics. The wealthiest and whitest groups were "devoted conservatives" (6%) and "progressive activists" (8%). These tribes dominate the media, the parties and higher education, and they dictate the competing narratives of red vs. blue, particularly on cable news and social media. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Americans resided in, or were adjacent to, the "exhausted majority." These people, however, "have no narrative," as David Brooks wrote at the time. "They have no coherent philosophic worldview to organize their thinking and compel action." Lacking a narrative might seem like a very postmodern problem, but in a postmodern elite culture, postmodern problems are real problems. It's worth noting that red vs. blue America didn't emerge ex nihilo. The 1990s were a time when the economy and government seemed to be working, at home and abroad. As a result, elites leaned into the narcissism of small differences to gain political and cultural advantage. They remain obsessed with competing, often apocalyptic, narratives. That leaves out most Americans. The gladiatorial combatants of cable news, editorial pages and academia, and their superfan spectators, can afford these fights. Members of the exhausted majority are more interested in mere competence. I think that's the hidden unity elites are missing. This is why we keep throwing incumbent parties out of power: They get elected promising competence but get derailed -- or seduced -- by fan service to, or trolling of, the elites who dominate the national conversation. There's a difference between competence and expertise. One of the most profound political changes in recent years has been the separation of notions of credentialed expertise from real-world competence. This isn't a new theme in American life, but the pandemic and the lurch toward identity politics amplified distrust of experts in unprecedented ways. This is a particular problem for the left because it is far more invested in credentialism than the right. Indeed, some progressives are suddenly realizing they invested too much in the authority of experts and too little in the ability of experts to provide what people want from government, such as affordable housing, decent education and low crime. The New York Times' Ezra Klein says he's tired of defending the authority of government institutions. Rather, "I want them to work." One of the reasons progressives find Trump so offensive is his absolute inability to speak the language of expertise -- which is full of coded elite shibboleths. But Trump veritably shouts the language of competence. I don't mean he is actually competent at governing. But he is effectively blunt about calling leaders, experts and elites -- of both parties -- stupid, ineffective, weak and incompetent. He lost in 2020 because voters didn't believe he was actually good at governing. He won in 2024 because the exhausted majority concluded the Biden administration was bad at it. Nostalgia for the low-inflation pre-pandemic economy was enough to convince voters that Trumpian drama is the tolerable price to pay for a good economy. About 3 out of 4 Americans who experienced "severe hardship" because of inflation voted for Trump. The genius of Trump's most effective ad -- "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you" -- was that it was simultaneously culture-war red meat and an argument that Harris was more concerned about boutique elite concerns than everyday ones. If Trump can actually deliver competent government, he could make the Republican Party the majority party for a generation. For myriad reasons, that's an if so big it's visible from space. But the opportunity is there -- and has been there all along. Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch: thedispatch.com . Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!(The Center Square) – Bob Casey Jr. is finally ready to say goodbye. Seventeen days after the polls closed, the two-term Democratic senator called Republican challenger Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his win. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” he said in a video posted on X . The concession comes after 16 of 67 counties finished recounting ballots cast, with results showing Casey falling even further behind. Of 702,000 ballots tallied again, McCormick, who declared victory three days after the election, increased his lead by seven votes. During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.” Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime. pic.twitter.com/RSXEFwdge8 — Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) November 21, 2024 The close margin – less than 17,000 ballots or 0.2% – triggered an automatic recount last week, to which Casey could have objected. Counties have until Tuesday to finish the job. Elizabeth Gregory, spokeswoman for McCormick, said in a release “there’s only five more days until the obvious happens.” “Another day closer to this waste of time and money being over,” she said. “We all know how this will end. We’ll be there in five days.” The campaign had maintained there were not enough votes left in the state to overcome the gap . Chief strategist Mark Harris said Casey’s decision to opt for the recount, estimated to cost $1 million, won’t change things. The Associated Press, reached the same conclusion on Nov. 7 when declaring the former hedge fund CEO turned Republican nominee the winner . The flip padded the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate to 53-47 and ended the Casey family’s six-decade presence in state and national political office. “During my time in office, I have been guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: ‘All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor,’” Casey said. “Thank you for your trust in me for all these years, Pennsylvania. It has been the honor of my lifetime.”
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Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump's picks. The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It's a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time "with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump's “border czar.” In another sign of Vance's influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump's first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships," he said. "But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he's not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.ORONO, Maine (AP) — Michael McNair scored 16 points to lead Boston University and Malcolm Chimezie sealed the victory with a layup with 20 seconds left as the Terriers took down Maine 59-56 on Sunday. McNair also had six rebounds for the Terriers (6-7). Kyrone Alexander scored 13 points and added five rebounds. Chimezie shot 4 of 7 from the field and 0 for 3 from the line to finish with eight points. Kellen Tynes led the way for the Black Bears (8-7) with 17 points, four assists and three steals. Maine also got 12 points from Christopher Mantis. Quion Burns had eight points. McNair scored seven points in the first half and Boston University went into halftime trailing 27-19. Alexander scored a team-high 10 points for Boston University in the second half. Boston University outscored Maine by 11 points over the final half. Boston University's next game is Thursday against Lafayette on the road, and Maine visits Bryant on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Christopher Nolan’s next film is based on ‘The Odyssey’
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Aidan O'Connell and the Las Vegas Raiders played with a lot of energy — and looked pretty sharp — for a last-place team that had every excuse to be sluggish and sleep-deprived. O'Connell passed for two touchdowns, tight end Brock Bowers broke two rookie NFL records , and the Raiders won for just the fourth time this season, 25-10 over the struggling New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The convincing victory came after flight delays so long on Saturday that players didn't get into their New Orleans hotel until after midnight — less than 12 hours before kickoff. “These guys didn’t blink, flinch," Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said with a satisfied grin. "We got in at 1 o'clock in the morning, got up this morning and rolled.” Bowers' seven catches for 77 yards gave him 108 receptions for 1,144 yards this season, eclipsing Mike Ditka's 1961 rookie tight end mark of 1,067 yards receiving and Puka Nacua's 2023 mark of 105 catches by a rookie at any position. Bowers also surpassed Darren Waller's franchise mark of 107 receptions in a season, which had stood since 2020. “It's pretty shocking to me,” Bowers said of his records, saying he had “no clue what to expect, coming from college to the NFL.” Ameer Abdullah rushed for 115 yards for the Raiders (4-12) — the journeyman running back's first 100-yard game in his 10 NFL seasons. “I'm not surprised by it,” Abdullah said. “I put a lot of work in. I'm very consistent. ... I'm happy for it, but I still think there's a lot more out there for me.” O'Connell finished with 242 yards passing, including a 3-yard TD pass to Jakobi Meyers and an 18-yarder to Tre Tucker as the Raiders won their second straight on the heels of a 10-game skid. “Better late than never,” O'Connell said. “We have a resilient bunch of guys and I'm sure it was probably harder for people to believe that when we were losing a lot of games.” Daniel Carlson kicked four field goals — his longest from 54 yards — for Las Vegas. With former Raiders QB Derek Carr unable to suit up for the Saints (5-11) because of his injured left, non-throwing hand, rookie Spencer Rattler received his fifth career start. He remained winless as a starter after completing 20 of 36 passes for 218 yards and one TD with two interceptions. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi cited dropped passes, untimely penalties and breakdowns in pass blocking as the leading causes of his team's offensive anemia. “I felt like Spencer really never got settled in there, and he was moving around,” Rizzi said. “And he made some plays moving around, to his credit.” Rattler also rushed for 46 yards to finish as New Orleans' leading rusher for a second straight week. “It’s no secret our team is in a dark time right now,” Saints linebacker Demario Davis said. The Saints used trickery to take an early 7-3 lead . Running back Kendre Miller took what looked like a toss sweep to the right before throwing a lateral back to his left, where Rattler caught it and threw 30 yards downfield to wide-open tight end Foster Moreau in the end zone. Las Vegas moved in front for good on O'Connell's short scoring pass to Meyers with a minute left in the second quarter. Travel trouble After congregating for their flight on Saturday, only to learn of mechanical issues with their plane, Raiders players were sent home for several hours. “It was pretty weird,” O’Connell said. “I kind of got back home and my wife and my dog both looked at me like, ‘What are you doing here?’ It was fun to be home for an extra couple hours but last night was a late night.” The Raiders returned to team headquarters for meetings that normally would have been held in their New Orleans hotel before finally flying two times zones east. “It was kind of funny when we came in this morning," O'Connell said. “It was really a lot of juice from a lot of guys that I think kind of saw it as a challenge and tried to just enjoy it.” Injuries Saints: Miller left the game with concussion symptoms in the second quarter. LB Jaylan Ford appeared to seriously injure his lower right leg on punt coverage in the fourth quarter. DE Payton Turner left with an ankle injury. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling briefly went down, but walked off on his own, after a hard collision over the middle. Up next Raiders: Host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Saints: Visit Tampa Bay on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Brett Martel, The Associated Press
Acute Intermittent Porphyria Global Market Report 2024: Market Size To Reach $5.6 Billion By 2028
WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north Gaza under what it called Israel's “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told the Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel. The rare public dispute drew accusations from prominent aid and human-rights figures that the work of the U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning System Network , meant to reflect the opinion of unbiased international experts, has been tainted by politics. A declaration of famine would be a great embarrassment for Israel, which has insisted that its 15-month war in Gaza is aimed against the Hamas militant group and not against its civilian population. U.S. ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew earlier this week called the warning by the internationally recognized group inaccurate and “irresponsible ." Lew and the U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the monitoring group, both said the findings failed to properly account for rapidly changing circumstances in north Gaza. Humanitarian and human rights officials expressed fear of U.S. political interference in the world's monitoring system for famines. The U.S. Embassy in Israel and the State Department declined comment. FEWS officials did not respond to questions. “We work day and night with the U.N. and our Israeli partners to meet humanitarian needs — which are great — and relying on inaccurate data is irresponsible,” Lew said Tuesday. USAID confirmed to the AP that it had asked the famine-monitoring organization to withdraw its stepped-up warning issued in a report dated Monday. The report did not appear among the top updates on the group's website Thursday, but the link to it remained active . The dispute points in part to the difficulty of assessing the extent of starvation in largely isolated northern Gaza. Thousands in recent weeks have fled an intensified Israeli military crackdown that aid groups say has allowed delivery of only a dozen trucks of food and water since roughly October. FEWS Net said in its withdrawn report that unless Israel changes its policy, it expects the number of people dying of starvation and related ailments in north Gaza to reach between two and 15 per day sometime between January and March. The internationally recognized mortality threshold for famine is two or more deaths a day per 10,000 people. FEWS was created by the U.S. development agency in the 1980s and is still funded by it. But it is intended to provide independent, neutral and data-driven assessments of hunger crises, including in war zones. Its findings help guide decisions on aid by the U.S. and other governments and agencies around the world. A spokesman for Israel's foreign ministry, Oren Marmorstein, welcomed the U.S. ambassador's public challenge of the famine warning. “FEWS NET - Stop spreading these lies!” Marmorstein said on X . In challenging the findings publicly, the U.S. ambassador "leveraged his political power to undermine the work of this expert agency,” said Scott Paul, a senior manager at the Oxfam America humanitarian nonprofit. Paul stressed that he was not weighing in on the accuracy of the data or methodology of the report. “The whole point of creating FEWS is to have a group of experts make assessments about imminent famine that are untainted by political considerations,” said Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch and now a visiting professor in international affairs at Princeton University . “It sure looks like USAID is allowing political considerations -- the Biden administration’s worry about funding Israel’s starvation strategy -- to interfere." Israel says it has been operating in recent months against Hamas militants still active in northern Gaza. It says the vast majority of the area’s residents have fled and relocated to Gaza City, where most aid destined for the north is delivered. But some critics, including a former defense minister, have accused Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Gaza’s far north, near the Israeli border. North Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its war with Hamas militants. Global famine monitors and U.N. and U.S. officials have warned repeatedly of the imminent risk of malnutrition and deaths from starvation hitting famine levels. International officials say Israel last summer increased the amount of aid it was admitting there, under U.S. pressure. The U.S. and U.N. have said Gaza’s people as a whole need between 350 and 500 trucks a day of food and other vital needs. But the U.N. and aid groups say Israel recently has again blocked almost all aid to that part of Gaza. Cindy McCain , the American head of the U.N. World Food Program, previously called for political pressure to get food flowing to Palestinians there. Israel says it places no restrictions on aid entering Gaza and that hundreds of truckloads of goods are piled up at Gaza’s crossings and accused international aid agencies of failing to deliver the supplies. The U.N. and other aid groups say ongoing combat, looting and insufficient security by Israeli troops make it impossible to deliver aid effectively. Lew, the U.S. ambassador, said the famine warning was based on “outdated and inaccurate” data. He pointed to uncertainty over how many of the 65,000-75,000 people remaining in northern Gaza had fled in recent weeks, saying that skewed the findings. FEWS said in its report that its famine assessment holds even if as few as 10,000 people remain. USAID in its statement to AP said it had reviewed the report before it became public, and noted “discrepancies” in population estimates and some other data. The U.S. agency had asked the famine warning group to address those uncertainties and be clear in its final report to reflect how those uncertainties affected its predictions of famine, it said. “This was relayed before Ambassador Lew’s statement,” USAID said in a statement. “FEWS NET did not resolve any of these concerns and published in spite of these technical comments and a request for substantive engagement before publication. As such, USAID asked to retract the report.” Roth criticized the U.S. challenge of the report in light of the gravity of the crisis there. “This quibbling over the number of people desperate for food seems a politicized diversion from the fact that the Israeli government is blocking virtually all food from getting in,” he said, adding that “the Biden administration seems to be closing its eyes to that reality, but putting its head in the sand won’t feed anyone.” The U.S., Israel’s main backer, provided a record amount of military support in the first year of the war. At the same time, the Biden administration repeatedly urged Israel to allow more access to aid deliveries in Gaza overall, and warned that failing to do so could trigger U.S. restrictions on military support. The administration recently said Israel was making improvements and declined to carry out its threat of restrictions. Military support for Israel’s war in Gaza is politically charged in the U.S., with Republicans and some Democrats staunchly opposed any effort to limit U.S. support over the suffering of Palestinian civilians trapped in the conflict. The Biden administration’s reluctance to do more to press Israel for improved treatment of civilians undercut support for Democrats in last month’s elections. Sam Mednick and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
Steve Bannon held his microphone out to the crowd. “Should (Mike) Johnson be speaker of the House?” he asked. “Nooo,” came the reply, as Bannon, the longtime ally of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, spoke at a Dec. 19 “AmericaFest” rally of Turning Point USA, a right-wing advocacy organization. Bannon, who said at the event that Johnson “has got to go,” spoke in Phoenix as the U.S. House debated an end-of-session spending package. Congress ultimately passed a Johnson-endorsed, stopgap funding bill signed by Democratic President Joe Biden on Dec. 21 to avert a government shutdown ahead of the holidays. But Bannon’s remarks foretold likely challenges to Johnson. As the opening of the new Congress approaches on Friday, Johnson’s leadership is being questioned by, among others, Maryland Rep. Andy Harris, who heads the House Freedom Caucus, and Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry, who previously led the hard-line conservative group. Neither will commit to backing the Louisiana Republican. The speaker will help determine whether Trump can succeed on an agenda that includes policy shifts on taxes, voting and border policy. Underlying the GOP’s turmoil is how closely it should work with Democrats, if at all, particularly on spending issues. “The political class is infected with a malignant cancer. That cancer is bipartisanship, right?” Bannon told the crowd. Johnson, he said, “doesn’t have what we call the right stuff, right? That combination of guts and moxie and savvy and toughness.” Bannon, who previously served four months in prison for defying a congressional subpoena, is awaiting trial in a case alleging he was part of a scheme to dupe donors who contributed to help build a wall on the Mexican border. Other Republicans have also questioned Johnson’s leadership. Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican, recently floated a proposal to elect billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump adviser and ally, as speaker. The speaker is not required to be an elected House member. The election will occur after the new Congress assumes office on Jan. 3. “Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk,” Paul posted on X. “Think about it ... nothing’s impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka ‘uniparty,’ lose their ever-lovin’ minds).” As Congress raced to avoid a shutdown before Christmas, Musk was instrumental in sinking an earlier spending proposal by House Republicans — Democrats also backed it — to head off a government shutdown. The package contained about $100 billion in disaster aid, including a federal commitment long sought by Maryland lawmakers to pay the full cost of replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge following its March collapse. Musk, citing a pay increase for Congress among other objections, attacked the bill on X, his social media platform, calling it “dead.” Johnson, who has supported Trump, then pitched the alternative that was ultimately approved. He needed a deal acceptable not only to most Republicans but also to Democrats, whose votes were required because the GOP majority was so slim. The final package included the Key Bridge funding commitment but neither the pay raise nor a Trump proposal to suspend the debt ceiling — the amount the government can borrow. Republicans won a “trifecta” — control of the White House, House and Senate — in the November elections, and Trump has claimed a broad mandate for such proposals as mass deportation and reducing the civil service workforce. But his party has split among hard-line spending watchdogs and those more prone to work with Democrats on shared priorities. Among those repeatedly protesting spending levels are Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds and Harris, the only Republican in Maryland’s congressional delegation; his district includes Harford County, the Eastern Shore and a piece of Baltimore County. Harris chairs the Freedom Caucus, a group that has focused on fiscal conservatism since its inception. Donalds recently posted on X: “It’s time to clean house. It’s time to slash spending & cut debt.” Harris also expressed concerns during the recent negotiations, saying in a written statement that he believed the Key Bridge replacement should be funded, “but with a $2 trillion-dollar annual deficit left from the Biden administration, we should look to offset any cost with savings elsewhere.” Harris did not respond to correspondence seeking comment on Friday. The party was similarly divided in 2023 when its far-right voting bloc expressed dissatisfaction with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California, saying he had not forcefully resisted the Democratic agenda. Johnson, who replaced McCarthy, said at the time that he would emphasize bringing up individual spending bills instead of putting funding measures into a large package as executive branch spending authority is about to run out. But Congress needed such stopgap bills in September and again on Dec. 21 to fund the government in three-month increments. ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
NEW YORK: Oil futures fell nearly 2% on Wednesday as investors awaited an imminent Opec+ decision on production cuts, while a larger-than-expected draw in US crude stockpiles last week lent some support to prices. Brent crude futures fell US$1.31, or 1.78%, to settle at US$72.31 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell US$1.40, or 2%, to US$68.54. On Tuesday, Brent posted its biggest gain in two weeks, rising by 2.5%. The market was on tenterhooks, with investors focused on the upcoming Opec+ meeting, analysts said. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies in Opec+ meet on Thursday, and are likely extend output cuts until the end of the first quarter of next year, industry sources told Reuters. "While a delay to unwinding production cuts is expected, the rhetoric out of the meeting is going to have the biggest sway," said Matt Smith, Kpler lead Americas oil analyst. Opec+ has been looking to phase out supply cuts through next year. A single bank sold a large volume of US oil futures contracts in early afternoon trading on Wednesday, a source told Reuters, pushing prices down more than 1% within minutes and causing traders to scramble to decipher the reason. US crude stocks fell more than expected last week as refiners ramped up operations, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said. Gasoline and distillate stockpiles rose by more than expected during the week. "A pop in refining activity with runs climbing to a high not seen since the summer has resulted in a see-saw of crude inventories drawing and products building," Smith said. The bullish momentum only lent some support to prices. A shaky ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, South Korea's curtailed declaration of martial law and a rebel offensive in Syria that threatens to draw in forces from several oil-producing countries all lent support to oil prices, said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova. In the Middle East, Israel said on Tuesday it would return to war with Hezbollah if their truce collapses and that its attacks would go deeper into Lebanon and target the state itself. In South Korea, lawmakers have submitted a bill to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his declaration of martial law on Tuesday, which was reversed within hours, sparking a political crisis in Asia's fourth-largest economy. — ReutersThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation said they will update an environmental study on the management of federal dams along the Columbia and Snake rivers. The agencies will prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement analyzing new environmental data that a 2020 study, which evaluated the operations and maintenance of the 14 federally managed dams throughout the Columbia River Basin, did not address. The new data that will be considered under the supplemental study includes a 2022 paper, Rebuilding Interior Columbia Basin Salmon and Steelhead and the 2024 Tribal Circumstances Analysis. Both identify breaching the lower Snake River Dams located in Washington as the greatest opportunity to restore salmon and steelhead populations in the basin. The 2020 study, known as the Columbia River System Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement, implemented a plan to keep the lower Snake River dams in place. Shortly after, it was challenged in court by 10 entities – including the Idaho Conservation League, the states of Oregon and Washington, the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama tribes, and other environmental nonprofits. In December 2023, the parties, who are represented by the environmental legal nonprofit Earthjustice, agreed to a 10-year legal pause while they collaborate on an updated fish restoration plan. Tuesday’s decision to create a supplemental study is an important step in fulfilling that goal, according to a statement from Earthjustice. “The information available now provides us with all we need to chart a successful path forward,” Earthjustice Senior Attorney Amanda Goodin said in a press release Tuesday. “We know we can avoid extinction and rebuild salmon and native fisheries to a healthy and harvestable abundance if we commit to the centerpiece actions they need, including breaching the four lower Snake River dams and replacing their services.” Environmental advocates say the previous 2020 study was flawed, and a revision would help restore and prevent extinction of salmon and steelhead populations. “We appreciate the decision to do a supplemental process to address these flaws and evaluate stronger measures in how we operate the hydropower system including breaching the lower Snake River dams,” Sierra Club’s Snake and Columbia River Salmon Campaign Director Bill Arthur said in a press release. “Extinction is not an option, and that is the trajectory we are on without stronger actions.” Today, four of the 16 salmon stocks in the Columbia and Snake Rivers are extinct. This includes Snake River coho, Mid-Columbia coho, Upper Columbia coho and Mid-Columbia sockeye. Additionally, 13 salmon and steelhead stocks in the Columbia River Basin are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Federal, state, and tribal agencies have collaborated to restore salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River Basin. While some progress has been made compared to the 1990s, when annual runs in the basin declined to around 1 million fish, current numbers remain far from historic levels of 10 to 16 million fish per year. Officials are also falling short of the goal to restore 5 million salmon and steelhead to the basin by 2025. “Federal agencies have been wrong over and over about the impact of dams on salmon,” Idaho Conservation League Salmon and Energy Strategist, Mitch Cutter, said in a press release. “This supplemental environmental study is a chance for them to do right by tribes, river communities and anyone else who depends on the wealth of Northwest rivers for their lives and livelihoods.” A coalition of power, navigation and agriculture groups across the Pacific Northwest is urging the federal government to withdraw its decision to initiate a supplemental study of the Columbia and Snake River dams. The coalition, known as the Columbia Basin Regional Alliance for Transparency, includes Public Power Council, the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Northwest RiverPartners, Northwest Requirements Utilities, and other Pacific Northwest stakeholders. The coalition is dedicated to preserving hydropower and river commerce activities across the Columbia and Snake rivers. In a press release, the coalition said a supplemental review would be premature, unnecessary and mislead the public about the role dams have to support the economy and the environment. Hydropower is the largest source of energy in the Pacific Northwest, providing about 50% of the region’s annual energy generation, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The Columbia and Snake River system also provides an efficient transportation route for moving agricultural products from Idaho, Washington and Oregon to global markets. The four Lower Snake River dams create a navigable waterway with their lock system, enabling goods to travel from the Port of Lewiston to the Port of Portland, where they are prepared for export. “The proposed environmental review could lead to breaching federal hydropower facilities that serve as the largest source of affordable, reliable, clean energy for millions of people in the region while also providing world-class, clean river transportation for the regions and nation’s economies,” the coalition released in a statement. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are asking federal, local and state agencies, Native American tribes, and the public to submit comments relevant to the supplemental plan by March 20. The agencies will host three virtual public meetings the week of Feb. 10. Details of those meetings will be posted on the project website early in the new year, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Video Analytics Market 2023 Future Analysis, Demand by Regions and Opportunities with Challenges 2033The Giants came into Week 17 controlling their own destiny for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but New York instead shocked the league by defeating the Colts 45-33. Now, the Giants have fallen out of the top two in the NFL Draft order , and they could be as low as four at the end of this week. However, while the Giants fans may have wanted their team to lose, the coaches and players had another mindset. New York clearly didn't want to tank, instead scoring a season-high 45 points against a Colts team that was playing for their playoff lives. Here is what the Giants said after the game. NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule Giants draft pick comments Malik Nabers had one of his best games of the season, totaling seven catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Receivers Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton also scored on the day, with Robinson accumulating five catches for 71 yards and a score. After the game, all three receivers downplayed caring about the draft, with Slayton stressing how unappealing it is for players to tank in such a physical game. "We're obviously not tanking.," Slayton said. "At the end of the day, we have a job to do. This isn't basketball, it's not golf, it's not tennis. Football, you get hit, so I'm not finna go out there and just let people tee off on me just to tank." Darius Slayton is asked about the Giants winning today and how he feels about fans that would prefer they lost for draft positioning: "We're obviously not tanking. We have a job to do. This isn't basketball, it's not golf, it's not tennis. Football, you get hit. I'm not finna... pic.twitter.com/BtxJXB32Cu Robinson agreed with Slayton, adding that they never talked about losing on purpose throughout the week. "Not one bit. That's not talked about with us," Robinson said, via ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "Guys are out here playing for their livelihoods. This is their job. A lot of guys, they might not be on this team next year." As for Nabers, he kept his response to this question short and sweet. "I've got nothing to say about that," he said. Malik Nabers is asked about what he would tell fans that potentially wanted the Giants to lose today in order to secure draft position: "i've got nothing to say about that" pic.twitter.com/gxIvwky00z It wasn't just the wide receivers who believed this, as offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemenor agreed. The first-year Giant stressed the importance of the team establishing a culture for the future of the organization. "Yeah, you get your pick that you wanted, but what is that player coming into? You've got to establish some sort of culture," he said. "We're trying to establish a culture that can lead into next year." Jermaine Eluemunor on the Giants winning and moving down the draft board: "You'd rather your team go out there and fight for every inch than lay down and just take an ass-whooping. Yeah, you get your pick that you wanted, but what is that player coming into? You've got to... pic.twitter.com/FS8mNtGUFx The Giants have one more game this season, as they travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles next week. The Birds might not have anything to play for, so New York could actually end the season on a two-game winning streak — much to the horror of their fans. NFL DRAFT NEWS: SN's Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board Updated NFL Draft order after Week 17
