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Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, announced Sunday night that she will step down as a co-chair of the Republican National Committee amid mounting speculation that she could be picked to fill a coming Senate vacancy. Trump, who became co-chair of the RNC in March with her father-in-law's backing , said Sunday on X that she intends to step down at the RNC's next meeting after she completed her three goals for the organization. > Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 "At the RNC, we had three distinct goals: 1) surpass all fundraising records 2) build the largest army of lawyers and poll watchers to ensure election integrity and, 3) turn out millions of Americans and low prepencity voters during early voting. We accomplished all three," she wrote in the post . The RNC did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Sunday. Trump's name has been floated as a possible replacement for Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, of Florida, whom the president-elect has said he will nominate to be secretary of state. Several allies of the Trump family have named her as someone they'd like to see fill the seat, and she herself has not rejected the possibility. “If I am tapped to serve in another capacity, it truly would be my honor,” she told Fox News last month. “I have not been asked yet, but I certainly would strongly consider it if it is presented to me.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a former political rival who ran against Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, will get to choose Rubio's replacement. DeSantis is also reportedly being considered as a replacement for Pete Hegseth, the embattled choice for defense secretary. A source told NBC News last week that the president-elect and DeSantis directly spoke about the issue. “Trump talked to the governor and wants him to do it,” a source familiar with the conversation said. NBC News reported last week that Hegseth’s nomination is in jeopardy because as many as six GOP senators are wavering in their support for him amid allegations of drinking and reports about his treatment of women . Hegseth, who has vowed not to withdraw as Trump's pick, has denied that he mistreated women and has said the encounter with the woman who accused him of sexual assault, with whom he later reached an undisclosed settlement , was consensual. He did not respond when he was asked about the drinking allegations Tuesday evening. Matt Dixon, Courtney Kube and Rebecca Shabad contributed. This article first appeared on NBCNews.com . Read more from NBC News here:Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong scheduleRicoh Co Ltd has announced its inclusion in the Financial Times' "Best Employers: Asia-Pacific 2025" list, securing the 35th position among 500 selected companies. This prestigious recognition underscores Ricoh's unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and supportive workplace environment across the Asia-Pacific region. Ricoh ranked in the top 10% and 4th in the Technology Hardware and Equipment category. Compiled by the Financial Times and data provider Statista, the ranking surveyed more than 50,000 employees working in companies throughout the Asia-Pacific, asking how much they would recommend their own employer as a place to work, and which other companies in their sector they would recommend. Evaluation criteria included employee satisfaction, workplace culture, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth. Countries and regions in scope of this ranking are Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ricoh's placement in the top tier reflects its dedication to creating a dynamic and engaging work environment that empowers employees to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the company's success. "We are honored to be recognized among the Financial Times' 'Best Employers: Asia-Pacific 2025.' This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our employees, whose dedication and innovation drive our success. At Ricoh, we believe that an empowered and inclusive workplace is the foundation of sustainable growth and innovation. This recognition motivates us to continue promoting a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to excel," said Ricoh Asia Pacific Managing Director Kei Uesugi. Ricoh's employee-centric initiatives include comprehensive training and development programs, flexible work arrangements, and a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These efforts have been instrumental in attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere, and driving the company's growth and success in the competitive Asia-Pacific market.
By FARNOUSH AMIRI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump’s desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It’s unclear what’s next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he’s done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.Matt Gaetz says he won’t return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general
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David Perry, a longtime urban planner and Chicago professor who focused on strengthening cities and making urban spaces serve residents, has died at age 82. He died Dec. 2 at home following a long illness, according to his family. Mr. Perry was the director of the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago for nearly 12 years. He was also an urban planning and policy professor at UIC and served as associate chancellor for the Great Cities Commitment. He retired from the university in 2018. He also served on several public projects, including Chicago’s Zoning Reform Commission, the Urban Land Institute’s National Public Infrastructure Committee and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Judith Kossy, his wife of 20 years, told the Sun-Times Mr. Perry had a “profound sense of social justice” and his guiding philosophy was to “live your values.” He was also curious and eager to learn from his students, Kossy said. “David was never the professor who behaved like the font of all wisdom,” she said. “Rather, he treated his students as peers and joined them in exploring key questions, ‘What’s different here, and how does it affect our thinking about cities and the people who live there?’” He championed engaged research, Kossy said. Whenever he would go into a community to research them, he would treat the people he studied as a partner and would share his findings with them to help address the problems facing their community. Mr. Perry wrote and edited over a dozen books and over 150 articles that focused on economic development, race, politics, urban violence, public infrastructure, urban space and the role of universities and community foundations in American cities. Integrating universities with the surrounding community was especially a passion for Mr. Perry. In 2014, he delivered a guest lecture at the University of Washington in Tacoma in which he asserted that “universities need to be community-based organizations.” He pointed to the once-neglected section of the Loop that was transformed into a hub for higher education, including DePaul’s downtown campus, Columbia College and Roosevelt University. “The academic corridor is no longer the desolate hole in the downtown doughnut. It’s a new anchor of Chicago’s development in the Loop,” Mr. Perry said. “It’s a 24/7 educational corridor with clusters in the knowledge economy.” Mr. Perry earned his doctoral degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He taught in the government department at the University of Texas at Austin and chaired the urban planning program at SUNY Buffalo. He was also a senior faculty fellow of New York’s Rockefeller Institute and held joint appointments as professor of Public Administration and professor of Political Science at UIC. Aside from his work, Mr. Perry’s joys were his family and friends, music, skiing and traveling. In addition to Kossy, he is survived by his sons, Clayton Perry and Evan Perry; his daughters-in-law, Jamie Perry and Veronica Perry; and four grandchildren, Sam, Jack, Colin and Dillon.Assad flees after 13 years of warIN there’s one thing we’ve learned during the holidays, it’s that budget-friendly smartphones are among the most requested gift ideas. Every year, we receive countless messages asking, “What’s a good phone under P10,000?” It’s no surprise—smartphones make for fantastic gifts. They’re practical, versatile and appreciated by just about anyone, whether it’s for a sibling heading back to school, a friend who needs a reliable upgrade, or maybe even a backup phone for yourself. This is probably the sweet spot when it comes to buying a smartphone during this season. Continuing from our Christmas Gift Guide’s theme of thoughtful, memorable gifts, these smartphones are ideal for anyone who values a balance of practicality and useful features. Imagine unwrapping a sleek new phone that performs well, takes great photos, and still leaves some room in the holiday budget—what better way to celebrate the season? In this part of our gift guide, I’ll introduce you to two of my favorite phones under P10,000 that were just recently released—the Honor X7c and the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Transformers edition. One is perfect for those who need a phone that can withstand more than the daily abuse, and the other is one of the best collaborations I’ve seen this year. With these picks, I hope to make your holiday shopping a little easier and a lot more exciting. Let’s dive in. MORE THAT MEETS THE EYE: Tecno SPARK 30 PRO TRANSFORMERS EDITION AS a lifelong Transformers fan and collector, I knew I just had to have the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition Having previously reviewed Tecno’s Camon, Pova, and Spark series—and currently using the Phantom V Flip 2—I’ve consistently been impressed by how much value Tecno delivers at competitive prices. While there have been a few Transformers collaborations before, this is the most affordable at P7,999—and a standout example of how to execute a budget smartphone collaboration perfectly. At a glance, it captures the imagination with its striking Optimus Prime-themed box design, but the appeal doesn’t stop there. The unboxing experience alone is way better than opening some premium flagship. The packaging itself sets the tone, adorned with bold Transformers artwork and a box featuring an embossed Autobot logo. Inside, you’ll find everything you need: the phone, a protective case, a 33W fast charger, a USB-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool. While the essentials are all there, I was hoping to get some collectible freebies like stickers or maybe a collectible card. The Optimus Prime-inspired design is one of the most distinctive features of this special edition. The back panel features a dynamic mix of red, blue and silver accents, reflecting the iconic look of the Autobot leader. It’s not just painted on either—the texture and detailing make the phone feel like a piece of Optimus Prime himself. Whether you’re a Transformers fan or just someone who loves bold, eye-catching gadgets, this phone is a conversation starter. Once powered on, the experience continues with customized Transformers-themed software. There are also a few wallpapers, app icons and ringtones. It’s thoughtful touches like these that make this collaboration feel authentic and exciting rather than just another branding exercise. Functionality is where the Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition proves that there’s more than meets the yes. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is a treat for the eyes, boasting vivid colors, deep contrasts, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. Watching videos, scrolling through social media, or playing games feels smooth and responsive, and the TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light emission ensures your eyes won’t tire even after prolonged use. The camera setup is another highlight of this phone. The 108MP main sensor delivers sharp, detailed images, making it one of the best cameras you’ll find at this price point. From landscapes to portraits, the photos consistently impress with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. Even in low light, the Super Night Scene mode ensures that your shots retain clarity and brightness. One mode you definitely have to try is Sky Shop. This allows you to change the sky using various filters. AR shop lets you create your own avatar for videos and photos, while the Vlog mode lets you instantly shoot videos that are just the right length for your stories. For selfies and video calls, the 13MP front camera, equipped with dual-color temperature flash, captures clear and flattering images. Under the hood, the Spark 30 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 processor, a solid choice for a midrange device. It handles everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing, and video streaming with ease, and even casual gaming is a breeze. The phone is backed by 8GB of RAM, expandable by another 8GB of virtual memory, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness. With 256GB of storage, there’s plenty of room for photos, apps and games, making it ideal for users who need space but don’t want to splurge on higher-priced devices. Battery life is another area where the Tecno Spark 30 Pro shines. The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day use, even for heavy users. With the 33W fast charger included in the box, you can quickly top up the battery, going from zero to 100 percent in just over an hour. Tecno’s AI Smart Charging feature learns your charging habits to optimize battery health, ensuring it stays reliable over the long term. At an official price of P7,999, almost the same price of a Transformers Masterpiece figure and which can get even lower during online sales events, the Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition offers incredible value. For Transformers fans, it’s more than just a phone—it’s a collectible that blends functionality with fandom. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a Transformers enthusiast or just want a phone that feels unique, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition is a choice that’s hard to beat. HONOR X7c: A SPLASH OF GREAT VALUE WHEN it comes to viral smartphone campaigns, I don’t think any other brand comes close to Honor. The brand has built its reputation on delivering smartphones with exceptional durability, with models like the Honor X9a, X9b, and the more recent X6b standing surviving all sorts of drop and smash tests. The Honor X7c takes that legacy further by adding IP certification, making it one of the most resilient budget phones on the market. For just P8,999, this smartphone is built to withstand the demands of even the most active and daring users. The Honor X7c boasts of an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance. This means it’s protected from splashes and brief immersion, making it a reliable companion for delivery riders braving sudden rain showers, or parents handing it over to kids who aren’t exactly careful with electronics. Its all-angle water resistance isn’t designed for deep water adventures, but it can survive the occasional spill or light drizzle, adding peace of mind in situations where other phones might fail. During the launch, we tested it for several water activities and the phone survived all those slips and dips—just make sure you don’t submerge it for more than a few minutes (or press the volume/power button while underwater) The phone’s durability doesn’t stop there as it also received a 5-star drop resistance certification from SGS Switzerland, meaning the Honor X7c is built to withstand accidental drops and everyday impacts. This ruggedness makes it a practical choice for people who rely on their devices in tough conditions, or want a reliable second phone that can take a beating or their mood swings. It’s a phone you can trust to keep going, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. Besides its durability, the Honor X7c is also a well-rounded performer for its price. Its 6.77-inch TFT LCD display offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is a treat for gaming and when scrolling through social media. While the resolution is capped at HD+, the screen delivers decent quality for casual streaming and everyday use. The 850-nit peak brightness ensures good visibility outdoors, and the ability to dim to just 2 nits make it comfortable to use in dimly lit environments. Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor, which is capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, video streaming, and light gaming. Paired with 16GB of RAM (8GB physical and 8GB virtual) and 256GB of storage, the phone provides smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, photos and videos. It’s not the most powerful chipset on the market, but it’s efficient and gets the job done, making it a dependable workhorse for users who need reliability over raw power. The Honor X7c’s 6000mAh battery is another highlight, delivering impressive longevity that can easily last a full day of moderate use. In real-world testing, it offered over 18 hours of screen time with 20 percent still left in the tank, which is ideal for users who are constantly on the move. And when it’s time to recharge, the 35W SuperCharge technology ensures you won’t be tethered to a power outlet for long. For those moments when every percentage matters, the Ultra Power Saving Mode squeezes out additional usage, perfect for emergencies. Camera performance is respectable. The 108MP main camera captures detailed shots in good lighting, while the 2MP depth sensor adds depth to portrait photography. The 8MP front camera is serviceable for selfies and video calls, though it lacks advanced features like wide-angle shots or stabilization for videos. The Honor X7c’s value lies not just in its affordability but in how well it balances practicality with durability. It’s a phone that can handle the unexpected, from accidental spills to the rigors of everyday use, without compromising on essential features. Like I said, it’s a great choice for messengers/riders navigating unpredictable weather or parents needing a reliable second phone for their young kids. At its core, the Honor X7c is a budget phone that punches above its weight. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overpromise on features. If you’re looking for a phone that works as hard as you do, the Honor X7c delivers exactly that. Final word: When it comes to choosing the best smartphone under P9,000, both the Honor X7c and the Tecno Spark 30 Pro offer incredible value, each catering to different needs and personalities. If durability and dependability are your top priorities, the Honor X7c is a rugged companion that can handle life’s unexpected moments. Its long-lasting battery and solid performance make it a practical choice for active users, parents, or anyone in need of a reliable second phone. On the other hand, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro is a standout for those who appreciate bold designs, great displays, and a better camera. Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply looking for a unique, feature-packed smartphone, this device offers something truly special and deserves a spot on your Christmas list.
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