Court Boice Secures Another Term as Oregon State Representative4 panloob na pandama 。

(The Center Square) – Christians helped push President-elect Donald Trump across the finish line on Election Day, a survey found. Trump received the majority of the Christian vote, while Vice President Kamala Harris received the majority of the non-Christian vote. This is according to a report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, which surveyed 2,000 voting-age adults nationally. The election was a historic comeback for Republicans on many fronts, with Trump being the first Republican to win the popular vote vote in over two decades. Among self-identified Christians, Trump also received 56% of their votes, compared to the 60% Harris received from non-Christians. Yet, because the majority of voters still identify as Christians, Trump had a larger share of the vote. “Although Harris won a larger share of the non-Christian vote than Trump’s share of the Christian votes, Christians outnumbered non-Christian voters by more than a 5 to 2 margin – delivering the decisive Nov. 5 victory to President Trump,” the report said. “Not only did most of Trump’s votes come from Christians, but they gave him a 17 million vote cushion over Harris, which proved to be an insurmountable lead.” Christians represented 72% of the voters who turned out. The report also found that Catholics had record-high turnout, despite overall voter and Christian voter turnout being well below what it was in 2020. While voter turnout was lower than 2020 in most of the Christian subgroups polled, 70% of Catholics reported voting compared to 2020’s 67%. Voters with a “biblical worldview” also voted at a higher percentage, up to 67% in 2024 from 2020’s 64%. Just days before the election, Trump predicted that Harris would struggle with the Catholic vote on Election Day. “Kamala Harris has finally lost the Catholic vote,” he said on social media on Oct. 25. “Her and the Democrats persecution of the Catholic Church is unprecedented! Her poll numbers have dropped like a rock, both with Catholics, and otherwise.” While many politicos expressed concerns that Trump’s moderate pro-life stance would disenfranchise Christian and anti-abortion voters, it seems to have much less of an impact than expected. In fact, Trump pointed to Harris’ abortion stance as pushing Catholics toward voting for him. “Kamala is demanding late-term abortion, in months seven, eight, and nine, and even execution after birth, and people aren’t buying it – and they never will,” the former president said . The report found that 20% of Christians selected abortion as the most-consequential issue this election, with inflation (38%) and immigration (34%) receiving even higher percentages. Yet, potentially even more impactful on the election than the increase in the Catholic vote was the significant drop in non-Christian turnout, even higher than those reported in Christian subgroups. The report found that adults “associated with a faith other than Christianity” and “adults who have no religious faith” had a massive drop in turnout from 2020, dropping 12% and 9% respectively. With both of these groups historically supporting Democratic candidates, this cratering in support likely had a significant impact on Harris’ chances of winning. George Barna, who serves as the director of research at the Cultural Research Center and led the survey, said Trump’s boost with Christians was just too much for Harris. “Americans forget that two-thirds of adults in this nation consider themselves to be Christians,” Barna said . “Donald Trump, for all of his perceived and ridiculed faults, did a better job than did Kamala Harris of representing hallowed Christian characteristics such as the importance and support of family, the rule of law, limited government authority, financial responsibility, and the like.”S&P Dow Jones Indices Float Adjusted Liquidity Ratio Clarification for Certain U.S. Indices

The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.

NoneIn the immediate wake of Dakota Ditcheva's title winning performance over Taila Santos at the PFL 2024 Championships, the Manchester native is one of the biggest names in the sport for at least one weekend. Fans have immediately begun speculation over how she would do against other great fighters like Valentina Shevchenko, where Ditcheva sits on the pound-for-pound list, and if she will move to the UFC in the near future. In an interview with TalkSport MMA , the martial arts star shed light on at least one of these questions. "It's difficult now because I've just beat the best girl here. I think big fights suit me better, but will anyone watch the PFL season without me?" The question is a valid one. The women's flyweight division did not even exist in PFL until this season, as the promotion shut down their lightweight division following Kayla Harrison's departure, instead forming the 125-lb division for Ditcheva, Santos, and Bellator champ Liz Carmouche. As far as big fights, the reference is clear. Valentina Shevchenko barely beat the woman Dakota just annihilated and is coming off a trilogy where she both lost and drew a fight. The UFC flyweight champion is scheduled to defend her title against French kickboxer Manon Fiorot soon. If Fiorot snatches the belt from Valentina, Manon vs. Ditcheva would also instantly become a big fight, as would fights against the likes of Zhang Weili, who may move up to flyweight, and Alexa Grasso. Even Natalia Silva could be a big fight one day, as a young, rising striking talent like Ditcheva herself. The status of 'Dangerous' Dakota's contract is unknown at present, she may be tied to PFL for the 2025 season and even beyond. Yet if she is not, a bidding war may ensue for her services, or she may go looking for big fights anyways now that she has $1 million in her wallet and money is less of an issue. BODY SHOT FINISH! DAKOTA DITCHEVA IS THE 2024 PFL WOMENS FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION! #ANDNOW #PFLWorldChampionship LIVE NOW ON ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/cU8qbGIiSe

Dorn scores 21 as Elon knocks off Navy 69-63

UConn, football coach Jim Mora agree to contract extension through 2028Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France

UConn announced a two-year contract extension for head football coach Jim Mora on Saturday, just before the team took the field for the Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora’s contract extension will run through 2028 and will pay him $10 million through the remaining four years, with the opportunity to earn more in incentives. The 63-year-old coach is set to make $1.7 million next season, $1.9 million in 2026 and $2.3 and $2.4 million in 2027 and 2028, respectively. UConn then went out and thrashed North Carolina, 27-14, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. “I am forever grateful. I’m grateful to (athletic director) David (Benedict) and (school president) Radenka (Maric) and the Board of Trustees, but this is about what the (UConn players) did today,” Mora said when asked about the extension in the postgame press conference. In a statement released by UConn ahead of the game, Mora said: “I’d like to thank David Benedict, Radenka Maric and the University of Connecticut leadership for their trust in me and their commitment to our football program. When I first got here, I talked about where we wanted this program to go and we have shown great progress but we still have plenty of work to do. The commitment and dedication from the university and the athletic department has me excited about the future for our football team.” “Three years ago, I tasked Jim Mora with the challenge of leading our football team back to success and through his experience, energy and leadership he has done just that,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a statement. “He has taken our program to post season bowl games twice and just guided our team to one of the best seasons in UConn football history, building a momentum to keep this program moving forward. I look forward to his leadership of our football team in the years ahead.” Mora is coming off one of the most successful seasons in UConn football history, having led the team to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the Fenway Bowl. It’s the Huskies’ second bowl appearance in three years. UConn’s eight wins is the most for the program since 2010, and the Huskies had their first winning season since that year, too. A win Saturday would give UConn nine wins for just the third time in program history, with the last two such seasons coming in 2003 and 2007. UConn quarterbacks coach Brad Robbins is heading to Tulsa as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, according to a report from CBS Sports. Robbins was part of a coaching staff that helped the offense produce its most prolific attack since the 2009 season and fifth-most in program history (32.3 points per game). Robbins worked at FCS Tennessee Tech and Division II North Greenville before joining Jim Mora’s staff in spring 2023. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Michael Gray Jr., Byron Ireland rally Nicholls to 76-75 victory over Louisiana

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season with a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customized emojis within a matter of seconds. The Wednesday release of the iPhone's upgraded operating system, iOS 18.2, extends Apple's expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary technology on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October to usher in the AI era for Apple and the iPhone, as well as for the iPad and Mac. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple's description for emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. Apple says it is placing some limits its AI's emoji artistry to prevent the distribution of violent or hateful imagery. Other features include an “Image Playground” for a variety of AI-styled illustrations, writing tools and options for summarizing emails. The technology won’t work on iPhones that Apple made before 2023 because it requires a special processor that isn’t in older models. The AI will work on the iPhone 16 line-up that came out in September and the premium iPhone 15 models released last year. That exclusivity is expected to propel a cycle of iPhone upgrades during the current holiday shopping season into next year, driving up Apple's profit even higher from the $94 billion that the Cupertino, California, company pocketed in its last fiscal year ending in September. That expectation is the main reason Apple's stock price has climbed by about 30% so far this year to push the company's market value closer to the $4 trillion threshold for the first time. Apple is broadening the AI suite's appeal by including English versions tailored for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. that are included in the latest software update. Although the iPhone's AI is similar to many of the features that have already been available from other companies, Apple is taking a slightly different approach to the technology in an effort to stand out from the rest of pack. It is emphasizing its ongoing commitment to protecting iPhone users' privacy by processing most of its AI on the device itself or corralling it in a secured data center. Users seeking more AI wizardry than the device or the special data center can handle will have the option to reach out to the popular ChatGPT technology made by OpenAI, which has forged a partnership with Apple.86,000 SIMs blocked over anti-Pakistan activities, NA told

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes got back to climbing on Wednesday after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve . The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to break its first two-day losing streak in nearly a month and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, lagged the market with a dip of 99 points, or 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that Wednesday’s inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a nearly 99% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. “The data have given the Fed the ‘all clear’ for next week, and today’s inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times this year , with the latest coming last week. The biggest boosts for the index on Wednesday came from Nvidia and other Big Tech stocks. Their massive growth has made them Wall Street’s biggest stars for years, though other kinds of stocks have recently been catching up somewhat amid hopes for the broader U.S. economy. Tesla jumped 5.9% to finish above $420 at $424.77. It’s a level that Elon Musk made famous in a 2018 tweet when he said he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Stitch Fix soared 44.3% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. GE Vernova rallied 5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500. The energy company that spun out of General Electric said it would pay a 25 cent dividend every three months, and it approved a plan to send up to another $6 billion to its shareholders by buying back its own stock. On the losing end of Wall Street, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment tumbled 20.1% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. Albertsons fell 1.5% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn’t do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it’s seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 1%. A day earlier, judges in separate cases in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants’ merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement with Kroger, Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. Macy’s slipped 0.8% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. All told, the S&P 500 rose 49.28 points to 6,084.19. The Dow dipped 99.27 to 44,148.56, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 347.65 to 20,034.89. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, edged up to 4.15% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an annual planning meeting in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed.TORONTO, ON — Two Canadian Cabinet ministers met with President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for commerce secretary at Mar-a-Lago on Friday as Canada tries to avoid sweeping tariffs when Trump takes office. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian products if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened. “Minister LeBlanc and Minister Joly had a positive, productive meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Howard Lutnick and Doug Burgum, as a follow-up to the dinner between the Prime Minister and President Trump last month,” said Jean-Sébastien Comeau, a spokesman for LeBlanc. Comeau said both ministers outlined the measures in Canada's billion-dollar plan to increase security at the border and reiterated “the shared commitment to strengthen border security as well as combat the harm caused by fentanyl to save Canadian and American lives.” Comeau said Lutnick and Burgum agreed to relay the information to Trump. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Further discussions are expected in the coming weeks. Joly will also have dinner with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday. Trump has been trolling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media in recent weeks by calling him the Governor of the 51st state. Trudeau has not directly responded, but did post a link Thursday to a six-minute video on YouTube from 2010 in which American NBC journalist Tom Brokaw “explains Canada to Americans.” “Some information about Canada for Americans” Trudeau wrote in the post on X. The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, the massive trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian military in World War 2 and Afghanistan. “In our darkest hours Canada has been with us,” Brokaw says in the video. “In the long history of sovereign neighbors there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada.” Trudeau has told Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products . About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Alberta alone sends 4.3 million barrel s of oil per day to the U.S which tends to consume about 20 million barrels a day. Trump has also made an issue of the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, erroneously calling it a subsidy. Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, has said the U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year. But she noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. are energy exports and said there is a deficit when oil prices are high. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs are vastly different at the U.S.’s two land borders. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time.

is panaloko legit Equinix EQIX has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 3.9% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 15.91%. Currently, Equinix has a market capitalization of $94.10 billion. Buying $100 In EQIX: If an investor had bought $100 of EQIX stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $932.23 today based on a price of $975.30 for EQIX at the time of writing. Equinix's Performance Over Last 15 Years Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.SEC Championship ticket prices revealed ahead of Georgia vs. Texas matchup - On3.comISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) celebrated its 57th Youm-e-Tasees at a ceremony held at the PPP Central Secretariat here on Saturday. PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari and other officials cut a cake to celebrate the Foundation Day of the party. Senator Rehman and Bukhari also unfurled the flag of the party. The event was attended by party leaders, workers, and supporters. PPP to celebrate its foundation day across all districts: Murtaza Speaking to the media during the event, Senator Rehman reaffirmed the party’s steadfast commitment to democracy, justice, and the empowerment of Pakistan’s citizens. She emphasized that the day marked not just the founding of the PPP but the establishment of a historic movement for the restoration of democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights. “On this significant day, we pay tribute to our visionary founder, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, whose leadership gave a voice to the voiceless and hope to the marginalized. His decision to establish the Pakistan People’s Party on November 30, 1967, was a turning point in our history, and his ideals remain the cornerstone of our political philosophy,” she said. She also honoured the contributions of Benazir Bhutto, who not only carried forward her father’s legacy but strengthened Pakistan’s democratic foundations. She reiterated Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifices for democracy, human rights, and gender equality, noting that her leadership laid the groundwork for lasting initiatives. “The Lady Health Worker Program, which remains the backbone of Pakistan’s healthcare system, and the Benazir Income Support Program, which has provided critical relief to countless vulnerable communities are examples of the transformative impact of her vision,” she stated. Reflecting on the PPP’s achievements, Senator Rehman noted the foundational role played by President Asif Ali Zardari in laying the groundwork for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which continues to drive economic growth and connectivity in the region. She also stressed the pivotal role of the PPP in empowering women, with Benazir Bhutto’s contributions serving as a beacon for gender equality and social progress. She further praised the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, under whose guidance the PPP has continued to champion the ideals of its founding leaders. “Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has led the party with determination, ensuring that the PPP remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the face of unprecedented challenges. His leadership is a testament to our ongoing struggle for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Pakistan.” Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

SET lacks catalysts until year-endPRATTVILLE, Ala. -- A federal judge has ordered an Alabama city to allow an LGBTQ+ pride group to participate in the city's Christmas parade on Friday, after the mayor initially blocked the group from the annual event citing unspecified “safety concerns.” U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. ruled that the City of Prattville violated Prattville Pride's First Amendment right to free speech and 14th Amendment right to equal protection under the law when it banned the group from running a float in the annual Christmas parade one day before the event was set to take place. “The City removed Prattville Pride from the parade based on its belief that certain members of the public who oppose Prattville Pride, and what is stands for, would react in a disruptive way. But discrimination based on a message’s content 'cannot be tolerated under the First Amendment,' ” Huffaker wrote in his opinion. The ruling required the city to provide at least two police officers to escort the float throughout the parade. On Thursday, Prattville Pride requested additional security measures from law enforcement. In response, Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr released a statement banning the group from the parade altogether, citing “serious safety concerns.” Huffaker's ruling said that, leading up to the event, some community members “voiced vehement opposition” to the group's inclusion in the parade, but that “the City has presented no evidence of legitimate, true threats of physical violence.” Gillespie's office referred to a statement posted on the city's social media in response to a request for comment. “The City respects the ruling of the Court and will comply with its order. The safety of everyone involved with the parade is a priority,” city officials said in a statement on social media. Prattville Pride celebrated the ruling on social media. “The Christmas parade is a cherished holiday tradition, and we are excited to celebrate alongside our neighbors and friends in the spirit of love, joy, and unity," the group wrote. Prattville is a small city of about 40,000 people, just north of the capital of Montgomery.

US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Bitcoin ticks closer to $100,000 in extended surge following US elections NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, setting another new high above $99,000 overnight. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. Australia rejects Elon Musk's claim that it plans to control access to the internet MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An Australian Cabinet minister has rejected X Corp. owner Elon Musk’s allegation that the government intends to control all Australians' access to the internet through legislation that would ban young children from social media. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Friday that Musk’s criticism was “unsurprising” after the government introduced legislation to Parliament that would fine platforms including X up to $133 million for allowing children under 16 to hold social media accounts. The spat continues months of open hostility between the Australian government and the tech billionaire over regulators’ efforts to reduce public harm from social media. Parliament could pass the legislation as soon as next week. Oil company Phillips 66 faces federal charges related to alleged Clean Water Act violations LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oil company Phillips 66 has been federally indicted in connection with alleged violations of the Clean Water Act in California. The Texas-based company is accused of discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of industrial wastewater containing excessive amounts of oil and grease. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment on Thursday. Phillips is charged with two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act and four counts of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act. An arraignment date has not been set. A spokesperson for the company said it was cooperating with prosecutors. US regulators seek to break up Google, forcing Chrome sale as part of monopoly punishment U.S. regulators want a federal judge to break up Google to prevent the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine after a court found it had maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade. The proposed breakup floated in a 23-page document filed late Wednesday by the U.S. Justice Department calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent Android from favoring its search engine. Regulators also want to ban Google from forging multibillion-dollar deals to lock in its dominant search engine as the default option on Apple’s iPhone and other devices. What you need to know about the proposed measures designed to curb Google's search monopoly U.S. regulators are proposing aggressive measures to restore competition to the online search market after a federal judge ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly. The sweeping set of recommendations filed late Wednesday could radically alter Google’s business. Regulators want Google to sell off its industry-leading Chrome web browser. They outlined a range of behavioral measures such as prohibiting Google from using search results to favor its own services such as YouTube, and forcing it to license search index data to its rivals. They're not going as far as to demand Google spin off Android, but are leaving that door open if the remedies don't work. Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it heads for a winning week Stocks gained ground on Wall Street, keeping the market on track for its fifth gain in a row. The S&P 500 was up 0.3% in afternoon trading Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 352 points and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts' estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called of its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. European markets were mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. Apple and Google face UK investigation into mobile browser dominance LONDON (AP) — A British watchdog says Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers. The watchdog's report Friday recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year. The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker’s tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. The CMA’s report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers “the clearest or easiest option.” Apple said it disagreed with the findings. German auto supplier Bosch to cut 5,500 jobs in further sign of carmakers' woes FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany's technology and services company Bosch is cutting its automotive division workforce by as many as 5,500 jobs in the next several years, in another sign of the headwinds hitting the German and global auto industries. The company cited stagnating global auto sales, too much factory capacity in the auto industry compared to sales prospects and a slower than expected transition to electric-powered, software-controlled vehicles. Some 3,500 of the job reductions would come before the end of 2027 and would hit the part of the company that develops driver assistance and automated driving technologies. About half those job reductions would be at locations in Germany. At least 15 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 160,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration.D-Wave completes $175-million USD stock sale to fuel quantum computing development

To lure Juan Soto, Mets created a video of his statue outside Citi Field next to Tom Seaver'sBY MELISSA GOLDIN Social media users are misrepresenting a report released Thursday by the Justice Department inspector general’s office, falsely claiming that it’s proof the FBI orchestrated the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Related Articles National News | OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartment National News | Judge rejects an attempt by Trump campaign lawyer to invalidate guilty plea in Georgia election case National News | Texas’ abortion pill lawsuit against New York doctor marks new challenge to interstate telemedicine National News | US military flies American released from Syrian prison to Jordan, officials say National News | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds The watchdog report examined a number of areas, including whether major intelligence failures preceded the riot and whether the FBI in some way provoked the violence. Claims spreading online focus on the report’s finding that 26 FBI informants were in Washington for election-related protests on Jan. 6, including three who had been tasked with traveling to the city to report on others who were potentially planning to attend the events. Although 17 of those informants either entered the Capitol or a restricted area around the building during the riot, none of the 26 total informants were authorized to do so by the bureau, according to the report. Nor were they authorized to otherwise break the law or encourage others to do so. Here’s a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: A December 2024 report released by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General is proof that the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was a setup by the FBI. THE FACTS: That’s false. The report found that no undercover FBI employees were at the riot on Jan. 6 and that none of the bureau’s informants were authorized to participate. Informants, also known as confidential human sources, work with the FBI to provide information, but are not on the bureau’s payroll. Undercover agents are employed by the FBI. According to the report, 26 informants were in Washington on Jan. 6 in connection with the day’s events. FBI field offices only informed the Washington Field Office or FBI headquarters of five informants that were to be in the field on Jan. 6. Of the total 26 informants, four entered the Capitol during the riot and an additional 13 entered a restricted area around the Capitol. But none were authorized to do so by the FBI, nor were they given permission to break other laws or encourage others to do the same. The remaining nine informants did not engage in any illegal activities. None of the 17 informants who entered the Capitol or surrounding restricted area have been prosecuted, the report says. A footnote states that after reviewing a draft of the report, the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington said that it “generally has not charged those individuals whose only crime on January 6, 2021 was to enter restricted grounds surrounding the Capitol, which has resulted in the Office declining to charge hundreds of individuals; and we have treated the CHSs consistent with this approach.” The assistant special agent in charge of the Washington Field Office’s counterterrorism division told the inspector general’s office that he “denied a request from an FBI office to have an undercover employee engage in investigative activity on January 6.” He, along with then-Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Steven D’Antuono, said that FBI policy prohibits undercover employees at First Amendment-protected events without investigative authority. Many social media users drew false conclusions from the report’s findings. “JANUARY 6th WAS A SETUP!” reads one X post that had received more than 11,400 likes and shares as of Friday. “New inspector general report shows that 26 FBI/DOJ confidential sources were in the crowd on January 6th, and some of them went into the Capitol and restricted areas. Is it a coincidence that Wray put in his resignation notice yesterday? TREASON!” The mention of Wray’s resignation refers to FBI Director Christopher Wray’s announcement Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January. Other users highlighted the fact that there were 26 FBI informants in Washington on Jan. 6, but omitted key information about the findings of the report. These claims echo a fringe conspiracy theory advanced by some Republicans in Congress that the FBI played a role in instigating the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when rioters determined to overturn Republican Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden stormed the Capitol in a violent clash with police. The report knocks that theory down. Wray called such theories “ludicrous” at a congressional hearing last year. Asked for comment on the false claims spreading online, Stephanie Logan, a spokesperson for the inspector general’s office, pointed The Associated Press to a press release about the report. In addition to its findings about the the FBI’s involvement on Jan. 6, the report said that the FBI, in an action its now-deputy director described as a “basic step that was missed,” failed to canvass informants across all 56 of its field offices for any relevant intelligence ahead of time. That was a step, the report concluded, “that could have helped the FBI and its law enforcement partners with their preparations in advance of January 6.” However, it did credit the bureau for preparing for the possibility of violence and for trying to identify known “domestic terrorism subjects” who planned to come to Washington that day. The FBI said in a letter responding to the report that it accepts the inspection general’s recommendation “regarding potential process improvements for future events.”

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators approved permits Thursday for underground storage of carbon dioxide delivered through a massive pipeline proposed for the Midwest, marking another victory for a project that has drawn fierce opposition from landowners. The governor-led Industrial Commission voted unanimously to approve permits for Summit Carbon Solutions’ three proposed storage sites in central North Dakota. Summit says construction of the project would begin in 2026 with operations beginning in 2027, but it’s expected that resistant landowners will file lawsuits seeking to block the storage plans. “With these permits, we’re one step closer to providing vital infrastructure that benefits farmers, ethanol producers, and communities across the Midwest," Summit Executive VP Wade Boeshans said in a statement. Summit’s proposed 2,500-mile (4,023-kilometer), $8 billion pipeline would transport planet-warming CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for underground storage. Carbon dioxide would move through the pipeline in a pressurized form to be injected deep underground into a rock formation. The company has permits for its route in North Dakota and Iowa but can’t yet begin construction. Also on Thursday, Minnesota regulators approved a permit for a 28-mile (45-kilometer) leg of the project in western Minnesota. Summit also recently applied in South Dakota, where regulators denied the company’s previous application last year. Last month, the company gained approval for its North Dakota route , and Iowa regulators also have given conditional approval. Summit faces several lawsuits related to the project, including a North Dakota Supreme Court appeal over a property rights law related to the underground storage plan. Further court challenges are likely. North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, who chairs the Industrial Commission, is President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Interior Secretary and to lead a new National Energy Council. Burgum has frequently touted North Dakota's underground carbon dioxide storage as a “geologic jackpot.” In 2021, he set a goal for the No. 3 oil-producing state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. His term ends Saturday. Summit's storage facilities would hold an estimated maximum of 352 million metric tons of CO2 over 20 years. The pipeline would carry up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 per year to be injected about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) underground, according to an application fact sheet. Jessie Stolark, who leads a group that supports the project and includes Summit, said the oil industry has long used similar technology. “We know that this can be done safely in a manner that is protective of human health and underground sources of drinking water,” said Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition. Summit's project has drawn the ire of landowners around the region. They oppose the potential taking of their property for the pipeline and fear a pipeline rupture releasing a cloud of heavy, hazardous gas over the land. A North Dakota landowners group is challenging a property rights law related to the underground storage, and attorney Derrick Braaten said they likely would challenge the granting of permits. “The landowners that I'm working with aren't necessarily opposed to carbon sequestration itself,” Braaten said. “They're opposed to the idea that a private company can come in and use their property without having to negotiate with them or pay them just compensation for taking their private property and using it.” Carbon capture projects such as Summit's are eligible for lucrative federal tax credits intended to encourage cleaner-burning ethanol and potentially result in corn-based ethanol being refined into jet fuel. Some opponents argue the amount of greenhouse gases sequestered through the process would make little difference and could lead farmers to grow more corn despite environmental concerns about the crop. In Minnesota, regulators granted a route permit that would connect an ethanol plant in Fergus Falls to Summit’s broader network. They attached several conditions, including requirements that Summit first begin construction in North Dakota. An administrative law judge who conducted hearings concluded in November that the environmental impacts from the Minnesota segment would be minimal and noted that Summit has secured agreements from landowners along most of the recommended route. Environmental groups that oppose the project disputed the judge’s finding that the project would have a net benefit for the environment. Iowa regulators required Summit to obtain approvals for routes in the Dakotas and underground storage in North Dakota before it can begin construction in Iowa. The Iowa Utilities Commission's approval sparked lawsuits related to the project. In Nebraska, where there is no state regulatory process for CO2 pipelines, Summit is working with individual counties to advance its project. At least one county has denied a permit. Karnowski reported from Minneapolis.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was available for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards Saturday night after missing one game with swelling in his left knee. Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks’ 106-103 NBA Cup victory at Miami on Tuesday. The two-time MVP had been listed as probable with tendinopathy in his right patellar tendon. “He’s good,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said before the game. Antetokounmpo entered Saturday as the league’s leading scorer at 32.4 points per game. He ranked fifth in rebounds (11.9) and 20th in assists (6.4). ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Giannis Antetokounmpo returns for Bucks after missing 1 game with knee swelling

Ambulance fees go up in Albany — by a lot

Storm Darragh: Tens of thousands without power and dozens of flights cancelled as ‘violent storm’ hits Ireland

With Bears rid of Matt Eberflus, is your enthusiasm for the team any greater?Juan Soto introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15-year deal NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. He said at his introductory news conference on Thursday that the Mets “showed me a lot of love." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, Soto was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.” Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Hojlund scores twice for Man United to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in Europa League, Tottenham held 1-1 Rasmus Hojlund scored twice after coming off the bench and Manchester United rallied to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League. The Denmark striker netted in the 88th minute after collecting Bruno Fernandes’ pass off a free kick to seal the victory. Hojlund came on in the 56th and scored an equalizer six minutes later. Totenham was held 1-1 at Rangers and Lazio tops the standings after a 3-1 win at Ajax. In the Conference League a youthful Chelsea lineup made the most of a long trip to Kazakhstan by beating Astana 3-1 to stay perfect in the third-tier competition. NFL world reacts with excitement, surprise, questions after Bill Belichick is hired to coach UNC Bill Belichick is already the most decorated coach in NFL history. His next challenge is college football after he agreed to a five-year deal to coach at North Carolina. The reaction around the NFL ranged from excitement at seeing him back on the sideline to disbelief. Some of his former players believe his skill set will work at any level. Others caution that the players he brings into UNC should prepare to have their limits tested.

Scrolling for something new to watch on this week, November 23-29? Let me give you a hand with my picks for the best movies, TV shows and more arriving on the streaming service. Christmas officially arrives on Hulu this week, as the streamer is adding a number of holiday-themed titles, including an exclusive special from a popular TV show and a range of holiday movies that all ages can enjoy. But if you're not in the Christmas mood yet there are some alternative options as well. Check out all of the picks for this week directly below. Family Guy Holiday Special Celebrate Christmas with the Griffins on Hulu as the all-new holiday special is streaming exclusively on the platform. Titled “Gift of the White Guy,” the episode sees Peter have to recover Lois’ Christmas brooch after he gives it away in a White Elephant exchange. Also, Stewie finds out that he’s on Santa’s “Naughty List.” This is the second holiday special Hulu has had this year, following a Halloween episode. Robot Dreams (2023) Who says animated movies are exclusively for kids? , which was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars last year, is a PG-13 animated movie that follows the friendship and adventures of Dog and Robot in 1980s New York City. Despite the animal characters, the movie’s themes are much more adult-oriented. With it being “Certified Fresh” with a 98% on , it’s definitely worth giving the movie a try. Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae Annie Mae Maquash was a Mi’kmaq woman, a mother, a teacher and a leader for Indigenous rights in the 1970s, but for nearly 30 years her death went unsolved. This new docuseries explores the investigation led by Annie Mae’s daughter to uncover the truth about her mother’s death, set against the backdrop of 1970s America, and deals with love, betrayal and the struggles of Native and First Nations women. Elf (2003) is a that I actively try to watch every year, so it’s good to know that it will be streaming on Hulu this year (other streamers as well, but this is a Hulu-centric article). The journey of Buddy the Elf as he leaves the North Pole to reconnect with his biological father in New York is hilarious and fills us with plenty of Christmas spirit. Get the What to Watch Newsletter The latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more! National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) It’s that time of year again, to spend the holidays with the Griswolds. The comedy starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and company remains a holiday favorite for many, as Clark holds out hope for a Christmas bonus while trying to stay sane as his relatives invade his house for the holiday. Hopefully, most of us can say our family isn’t this crazy during the holidays. The Polar Express (2004) Based on the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, tells the story of a young boy who is questioning his belief in Santa. But then the Polar Express stops outside his house and whisks him away to the North Pole for an adventure meant to reinstall his belief in the Christmas figure. Tom Hanks stars in multiple roles in this movie that was one of the first to use performance-capture technology and remains a holiday favorite. Nutcrackers (2024) If you're interested in checking out a new Christmas-theme movie instead of (or in addition to) well-known holiday entries, is Hulu's new offering to the genre this year. The movie stars Ben Stiller as the big city uncle of a group of children who recently lost their parents, looking after them on their rural farm as the holidays approach. Antics and heart-pulling emotions are a given.

Police in Georgia on Saturday fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse pro-EU protesters rallying for a ninth consecutive day against the prime minister's decision to shelve talks on joining the bloc. The Caucasus nation has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Thousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia rallied Friday after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement Friday. On Saturday, riot police moved in with water cannon to disperse the rally outside the parliament building, making arrests as the crowd retreated a few metres (yards), an AFP reporter witnessed. Tear gas was later deployed and groups of protesters reportedly spread across the city, blocking traffic along the capital's key thoroughfare. Georgia's rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, said police "had no legal grounds for the dispersal of peaceful rally." He called on the interior ministry "to immediately halt the dispersal of the protest, cease the detention of participants, and refrain from using special measures, ensuring that protesters can continue their demonstration peacefully." Thousands blocked the street outside parliament on Friday, with some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. "People will continue the protest," said one demonstrator, 23-year-old Giorgi, wearing a Georgian flag and a back scarf pulled over his nose. "They're patient, I will be here for the rest of my life if it is necessary to save my country." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's public broadcaster -- accused of being a government propaganda tool -- as well as the education ministry and the country's tourism administration offices. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. On Friday, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Zviad Tsetskhladze told the judge "the rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." The prime minister on Friday praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely," Kobakhidze said. With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants." Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Rights ombudsman Ioseliani has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested. ub-im/rsc

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panalo999 download (PRNewsfoto/AAR) WOOD DALE, Ill. , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, today announced that it will release financial results for its second quarter of fiscal year 2025, ended November 30, 2024 , after the close of the New York Stock Exchange trading session on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 .Oracle Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial Results

NoneThe Golden State Warriors travel to Houston on Wednesday night for a showdown with the Rockets in the quarterfinals of the 2024 NBA Cup . The game is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CT) with TV coverage on ESPN and streaming on-demand . How to watch: Live streams of the Knicks vs. Hawks game are available with offers from DirecTV Stream (free trial) , SlingTV (low intro rate) , FuboTV (low intro rate) . SlingTV is currently offering a 50% discount for the first month, with a starting price of $20 for a full month of live TV. For a limited time, FuboTV is offering $30 off the first month after the free trial period. With the $30 offer, plans start at $49.99 per month. Golden State Warriors (14-9) at Houston Rockets (16-8) 2024 NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup at a glance When: Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CT) Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Teas TV channel: ESPN Live streams: DirecTV Stream (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | FuboTV (low intro rate) A tight matchup is expected in this quarterfinal battle, the winner of which runs into the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Saturday’s semifinals, with the Rockets installed as 1.5-point favorites. Golden State advanced to the knockout stage with a 3-1 record in a rugged Group C, while Houston claimed Group A with the same 3-1 mark. These teams also just met six days ago, with the Warriors defeating the Rockets (99-93) on the road behind a game-high 33 points from young forward Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets: Live Streaming Options SlingTV (low intro rate) - currently offering a 50% discount for the first month, with a starting price of $20 for a full month of live TV. DirecTV Stream (free trial) - standard 7-day free trial is still the longest in streaming FuboTV (low intro rate) - excellent viewer experience with a huge library of live sports content; monthly rate starts at $49.99 after $30 discount offer. The Knicks and Hawks are set for a 7 p.m. ET start on ESPN. Live streams are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial) , DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate) .Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is spreading rapidly, and a new class at Arizona State University could set the standard for how AI literacy is taught across the U.S. The class is called "AI Literacy in Design and the Arts," and it covers the benefits, challenges, and ethics surrounding AI. It was added to ASU's selection of classes this fall.

Adele bids tearful farewell to her Las Vegas residency: I will miss it terriblyMarvell Technology Inc MRVL surged 11.3% to $121.33 on Friday, buoyed by Broadcom’s robust earnings and optimistic AI growth projections, which highlighted the vast opportunities in the custom chip (ASIC) market. Both companies are major players in developing ASICs tailored for hyperscale AI infrastructure, essential for data centers supporting advanced AI workloads. What Happened: Broadcom revealed its AI-related revenue is set to grow from $15-$20 billion in 2024 to $60-$90 billion by 2027, driven by surging demand from hyperscalers like Google . Read Also: Broadcom Hits $1 Trillion Milestone: The Next Magnificent Tech Giant? While Broadcom leads in deploying 3nm ASICs, Marvell is well-positioned to benefit from this trend, serving overlapping customers with a complementary portfolio of custom chips and networking solutions critical for AI cluster performance. The AI market's rapid expansion, with Broadcom projecting a 40%-50% annual growth rate in AI revenues, validates strong demand for ASIC technology. Marvell's expertise in high-speed data transport and networking, which connects compute nodes in AI systems, aligns it with this momentum. Investors might see Marvell as a natural beneficiary of the growing AI serviceable available market (SAM), as it strengthens partnerships with hyperscalers and accelerates its own next-gen ASIC roadmap. Read Also: Fed’s December Meeting Could Crush Rate Cut Optimism For 2025 Is MRVL A Good Stock To Buy? Wall Street analysts view Marvell Technology on the whole as a Outperform, given the history of coverage over the past three months. Christian Schwab from Craig-Hallum in Marvell Tech is the most optimistic, expecting a 50.0% rise in the stock in the coming year. But looking at how the market as a whole thinks of the stock, you can reference historical price action for views on whether investors feel strongly about the stock one way or another. In the past 3 months, Marvell Tech rose 61.12%, which indicates that opinion improved on the business and how attractive it is to own based on either its stock price, or underlying fundamentals, like revenue, which rose 6.84% over the past year. A complete overview of how Wall Street views individual stocks is available here , while real time updates on the latest analyst actions will be delivered via Benzinga PRO . Try it for free. According to data from Benzinga Pro , MRVL has a 52-week high of $121.86 and a 52-week low of $53.19. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.None

Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street lower as oil and gold riseBowls miss out in 4 CFP teams in latest postseason twistVail Resorts Reports Fiscal 2025 First Quarter and Season Pass Sales Results, and Announces 2025 Capital Plan

Woman was doing her Christmas shopping when she got urgent call to beachDerby County 4-0 Portsmouth: Paul Warne's men earn key win in Championship relegation battle as they break winless run with riotous performance at Pride Park

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Q2 GAAP Earnings per Share up 24% to , Non-GAAP Earnings per Share up 10% to Q2 Total Revenue , up 9% in both USD and constant currency Q2 Total Remaining Performance Obligations , up 49% in USD & 50% in constant currency Q2 Cloud Revenue (IaaS plus SaaS) , up 24% in both USD and constant currency Q2 Cloud Infrastructure (IaaS) Revenue , up 52% in both USD and constant currency Q2 Cloud Application (SaaS) Revenue , up 10% in both USD and constant currency Q2 Fusion Cloud ERP (SaaS) Revenue , up 18% in both USD and constant currency Q2 NetSuite Cloud ERP (SaaS) Revenue , up 20% in USD and 19% in constant currency , /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) today announced fiscal 2025 Q2 results. Total quarterly revenues were up 9% year-over-year, in both USD and constant currency, to . Cloud services and license support revenues were up 12% year-over-year, in both USD and constant currency, to . Cloud license and on-premise license revenues were up 1% in USD and up 3% in constant currency, to . Q2 GAAP operating income was . Non-GAAP operating income was , up 10% in both USD and constant currency. GAAP operating margin was 30%, and non-GAAP operating margin was 43%. GAAP net income was . Non-GAAP net income was , up 12% in both USD and constant currency. Q2 GAAP earnings per share was , up 24% in USD and up 23% in constant currency, while non-GAAP earnings per share was , up 10% in both USD and constant currency. Short-term deferred revenues were . Over the last twelve months, operating cash flow was and free cash flow was . "Record level AI demand drove Oracle Cloud Infrastructure revenue up 52% in Q2, a much higher growth rate than any of our hyperscale cloud infrastructure competitors," said Oracle CEO, . "Growth in the AI segment of our Infrastructure business was extraordinary—GPU consumption was up 336% in the quarter—and we delivered the world's largest and fastest AI SuperComputer scaling up to 65,000 NVIDIA H200 GPUs. With our remaining performance obligation (RPO) up 50% to , we believe our already impressive growth rates will continue to climb even higher. This fiscal year, total Oracle Cloud revenue should top ." "Oracle Cloud Infrastructure trains several of the world's most important generative AI models because we are faster and less expensive than other clouds," said Oracle Chairman and CTO, . "And we just signed an agreement with Meta—for them to use Oracle's AI Cloud Infrastructure—and collaborate with Oracle on the development of AI Agents based on Meta's Llama models. The Oracle Cloud trains dozens of specialized AI models and embeds hundreds of AI Agents in cloud applications. For example, Oracle's AI Agents automate drug design, image and genomic analysis for cancer diagnostics, audio updates to electronic health records for patient care, satellite image analysis to predict and improve agricultural output, fraud and money laundering detection, dual-factor biometric computer logins, and real time video weapons detection in schools. Oracle trained AI models and AI Agents will improve the rate of scientific discovery, economic development and corporate growth throughout the world. The scale of the opportunity is unimaginable." The board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of per share of outstanding common stock. This dividend will be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on , with a payment date of . A sample list of customers which purchased Oracle Cloud services during the quarter will be available at . A list of recent technical innovations and announcements is available at . To learn what industry analysts have been saying about Oracle's products and services see . Oracle will hold a conference call and webcast today to discuss these results at Central. A live and replay webcast will be available on the Oracle Investor Relations website at . Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at . Oracle, Java, MySQL, and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company—ushering in the new era of cloud computing. Statements in this press release relating to future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions and prospects, including the expectations for converting the Remaining Performance Obligations to revenue, future total Oracle Cloud revenue this fiscal year and the scale of opportunity for Oracle trained AI models and AI Agents, are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. 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Washington's to walk out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Moscow has come back to haunt them, with Russia the Oreshnik (lit. Hazel) - a new hypersonic, medium-range ballistic missile with MIRV capability and the ability to accelerate to speeds up to Mach 10 (over 3 km per second) this week as the US continues the its long-awaited and medium-range missile designs. The development also bears some resemblance to the US's 2002 the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia - which prompted Moscow to work on, , an array of new ballistic and glide hypersonic technologies in the late 2010s, among them the Kinzhal, Avangard and Zircon. Like these earlier systems, the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile revealed to the world on Thursday is a first, and a step above comparable up-and-coming American designs, missile experts say. “The unique feature of the Oreshnik missile system is that this is a hypersonic medium-range missile flying at a speed of Mach 10,” retired Russian Army colonel and military analyst told Sputnik. “The West does not have missiles that fly at such speeds, or hypersonic missiles in general,” Litovkin said, emphasizing that the Mach 5-5.5 speeds boasted by US missile systems that are in development including Dark Eagle and OpFires program aren’t truly hypersonic – which “begins at Mach 6 or 7,” in the observer’s estimation. 17:00 GMT Russia now has proven hypersonic capability with the Oreshnik, the Mach 10-capable MiG-31-launched Kinzhal missile system, and the Mach 27-ready Avangard hypersonic glider, fitted aboard Russian ICBMs including the UR-100N, Litovkin pointed out. Mach 10 flight speeds mean “the Oreshnik can cause significant damage not only using nuclear or conventional munitions, but also simply with its kinetic force. That is, the impact of the Oreshnik warhead is powerful enough to penetrate concrete, penetrate earth embankments and explode in a deep underground command post, an underground factory, etc. No Western missile has such properties – neither medium-range nor strategic missiles,” Litovkin emphasized. For his part, Russian military observer told Sputnik that while the Dark Eagle and OpFires are still “only undergoing trial operation, testing and development, the Oreshnik has been created, and created on the basis of tried and tested technologies and programs,” which greatly simplifies mass production. Thursday’s real-world combat deployment of the Oreshnik against a military target speaks to the fact that the system is ready for deployment, Kornev said, preempting President Putin's at a defense briefing late on Friday that Russia has already amassed a stockpile of Oreshnik missiles and will continue to test them, "including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and the nature of the security threats that are created for Russia." 14:14 GMT “An element of intrigue here is that we don’t know how many missiles were used – whether it was one missile with these combat capabilities, meaning at least six warheads, or several missiles, which means serial production is probably already underway,” the veteran defense observer explained. Kornev chalks down Russia's ability to rapidly develop and ability to deploy new missile systems to the country's deep-rooted missile design philosophy, which differs greatly from that of the US, in the military expert's estimation. Kornev recalled that during the 1980s between the USSR and the USA, the Soviets' RSD-10 Pioneer missile was designed to ensure strategic deterrence on a continental scale, while the US Pershing and cruise deployments' key goal was to provide Washington with the capability to deliver a strike against enemy targets as quickly as possible from a forward foothold (a strategy which to lives on today with the Pentagon’s highly destabilizing ). “Our system likely has a far greater strike potential in the sense that it was created on the basis of already proven ballistic missile technologies...which means that mass production and rapid deployment of large quantities of the missiles is assured,” Kornev said. "In the case of the West, any similar system will be rather expensive to create." Yesterday, 19:04 GMTTrump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?Kylian Mbappé scored and Real Madrid moved within four points of Spanish league leader Barcelona with a 3-0 win at Leganes on Sunday ahead of its eagerly awaited Champions League match at Liverpool. Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham also scored to close the gap on Barcelona, which conceded two late goals in a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday. Madrid has played one game less than Barcelona after its match at Valencia was postponed because of the deadly floods in October. Madrid will make the trip to England to face Premier League leader Liverpool on Wednesday in the Champions League, and is hoping to recover from a demoralizing 3-1 home loss against AC Milan in the previous round of matches. Madrid's attack worked well against Leganes with Vinícius Júnior playing inside and Mbappé more on the flank. The France striker scored after going four straight games without finding the net for the Spanish powerhouse. “We switched their positions and the team was able to stay in control during the whole match,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. Fourth-place Villarreal scored an equalizer in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw at fifth-place Osasuna. Ante Budimir scored twice in the first 20 minutes for Osasuna. Villarreal, which was coming off three straight victories in all competitions, scored through Álex Baena in the 67th and a penalty kick converted by Gerard Moreno three minutes into injury time. Osasuna, sitting three points behind Villarreal, was coming off a 4-0 loss at Madrid. Also Sunday, Sevilla ended a two-game losing streak in the league with a 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano, which played the entire second half with 10 men after Unai López was sent off for a hard foul. Djibril Sow scored Sevilla's goal in the 27th. Sixth-place Athletic Bilbao hosted midtable Real Sociedad later Sunday in the Basque Country derby. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Pete Hegseth appears to have won over a prominent holdout in his quest to serve as President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Defense secretary. Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst signaled support for Hegseth’s nomination following their meeting Monday afternoon. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement following the meeting. “Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and values of our service men and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks.” (EXCLUSIVE: Hegseth Confirmation Battle Heats Up With New Ad Targeting Joni Ernst) “As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources,” Ernst added. 🚨BREAKING: Senator Joni Ernst announces her SUPPORT For Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Ernst says she believes Pete Hegseth and not “anonymous sources” WE WON: pic.twitter.com/j73zDDkdtV — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 9, 2024 Ernst, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, is seen as a crucial vote Hegseth has to secure in his fight to win Senate confirmation. Hegseth is facing scrutiny from Ernst and other Republican senators over anonymous sexual assault and drinking allegations , which he and his former colleagues have fiercely denied . Hegseth praised Ernst following the meeting, calling the Iowa Republican a “dedicated” voice on defense issues. “The more we talk, the more we’re reminded of as two combat veterans how dedicated we are to defense,” Hegseth told reporters. No Republican senators have pledged to oppose Hegseth’s nomination, but several senators, including Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Republican Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, are noncommittal. Hegseth met with Ernst last week, but the Iowa Republican notably withheld her support, telling reporters they would continue having “constructive conversations” regarding his nomination. Hegseth told SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly last Wednesday that he believed his nomination to serve as defense secretary was being subjected to a “smear campaign.” (RELATED: Pete Hegseth Tells Megyn Kelly He Believes He Is Being ‘Kavanaugh’d’ During Confirmation Process) . @PeteHegseth responds to 2017 rape accusation, the settlement with the accuser, and how he changed his life https://t.co/zha7qV7p4a — The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) December 4, 2024 “I had a member, not 45 minutes ago, look me in the eye in private, just he and I, and say ‘That’s what they’re trying to do to you,'” Hegseth told Kelly. “‘That’s their playbook. Get ready for more, and they’re gonna make it up, just like they have so far. All anonymous, all innuendo, all rumor, nothing sourced, no verification and they’re just gonna keep doing it, because you’re a threat to them. You’re a threat to their system. You’re a threat to all the things in Washington D.C., the swamp, the things that people have rejected. You’re a threat to that, and so they’re coming after you.'” Ernst’s signal of support for Hegseth follows President-elect Donald Trump’s public defense of his embattled defense secretary nominee. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Dec. 6. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org .Peter Thiel says he wouldn't take a 'full-time' Trump administration job: 'I'd be depressed and crazy'

Birthright citizenship means anyone born in the United States automatically becomes an American citizen.The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators wanted to increase defense spending about $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions in the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many nondefense programs. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, proved effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January.

Homeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey

panaloko download app for android BillionToOne to Present at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare ConferenceATLANTA , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- APCU/Center Parc Credit Union (APCU/Center Parc) is excited to announce an agreement with MarkIII (MKIII) to enhance credit access for its members. Through this collaboration, APCU/Center Parc will streamline loan approvals, confidently approve more borrowers, and achieve key goals like ROA targets, capital relief, and new member growth. "Working with MKIII is a key step in enhancing our ability to serve our members," said John Anderson , Chief Lending Officer at APCU/Center Parc. "Their technology will enable us to approve more loans confidently and efficiently, ensuring our members receive the financial support they need. This collaboration directly aligns with our mission to help our members and community achieve their financial goals." MKIII's embedded lending enablement platform will deliver seamless, automated loan applications and improved decision-making capabilities. A key feature of the MKIII platform is its "insurability API," allowing credit unions to assess which loans are insurable instantly. By connecting APCU/Center Parc with A-rated insurance carriers, they'll have protection against loan losses. With MKIII's scalable platform, APCU/Center Parc can meet the evolving demands of its diverse membership and community. Will Rose , CEO and Co-founder of MKIII, echoed Anderson's enthusiasm, stating, "We're excited to support APCU/Center Parc lead the charge in credit union innovation. Our platform is designed to enable credit unions to make smarter, faster lending decisions that benefit both the credit union and its members." APCU/Center Parc has been a cornerstone of financial services for postal employees and consumers throughout Georgia and in North Carolina . The credit union's commitment to innovation and service makes this relationship with MKIII a perfect fit to continue its tradition of member-focused solutions. MKIII's technology and capabilities are designed to help credit unions grow responsibly. As APCU/Center Parc continues to grow, this relationship represents an exciting next step in its ability to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic membership. About APCU/Center Parc At APCU/Center Parc, providing our members first-class service has always been our priority. We're a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative committed to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. For almost 100 years, we've stayed true to these beliefs. As Georgia's oldest credit union, we're proud of our tradition of service. Over the years, APCU/Center Parc assets have grown from an initial investment of $2,505 to more than $2.3 billion . Today, we're one of the largest credit unions in the country. We're proud to serve more than 105,000 members nationwide with a full complement of financial products and services designed to save them money. For more information, visit www.apcu.com . This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. About MarkIII To learn more about partnering with MKIII, you can email [email protected] or visit www.mkiii.ai and follow on LinkedIn for updates. SOURCE APCU/Center Parc Credit Union

Republican senators demand an end to science and tech cooperation with China

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Wisconsin officer grabbing Donovan Raiola's arm a 'misunderstanding,' UW police sayWASHINGTON (AP) — A group of Republican senators is demanding that the Biden administration revoke a science and technology agreement with China, barely a week after the two countries renewed cooperation for five more years to keep ties from deteriorating. In a letter Thursday to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the lawmakers, led by Sen. Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the era in which such cooperation made sense “is long gone" and the extension only “opens the door for further cooptation of American research.” The renewal of the agreement just before President Joe Biden leaves office “denies the incoming administration a chance to weigh in on this highly controversial agreement," they said, urging the administration to “reverse course.” In addition to Risch, the letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Todd Young and Bill Hagerty. The first such agreement was signed in January 1979 when the two countries established diplomatic ties to counter the influence of the Soviet Union and when China severely lagged behind the U.S. and other Western nations in science and technology. The agreement was extended in 2018, and it was given temporary extensions last year and this year to allow for negotiations as the tech war between the two countries has escalated. The State Department has said the new agreement has a narrower scope and more guardrails to protect U.S. interests, including covering only basic research and not facilitating the development of critical and emerging technologies. The Republican senators said they had “deep concerns” that those measures were not sufficient to protect intellectual property and prevent illicit transfer of knowledge. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter Thursday. Deborah Seligsohn, assistant professor of political science at Villanova University, said the U.S. stands to lose more if it cuts off science and technology cooperation with Beijing. “The irony is that as China has become our peer, we have so much more to gain from working with Chinese science than we did in earlier eras, and yet at this moment, when we have the most to gain, there is a demand that we shut the door,” she said. Didi Tang, The Associated PressAVITA Medical Announces FDA 510(k) Clearance for Cohealyx, Expanding its Addressable Market

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats reelected Chuck Schumer as party leader on Tuesday as the party moves into a deeply uncertain time, with no real consensus on a strategy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Schumer faced no opposition in the party leadership elections, in which Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin was also reelected to the No. 2 spot and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar became the new No. 3. In a statement, Schumer, of New York, said he was honored to move the party forward “during this crucial period for our country.” “Our preference is to secure bipartisan solutions wherever possible and look for ways to collaborate with our Republican colleagues to help working families,” Schumer said. “However, our Republican colleagues should make no mistake about it, we will always stand up for our values.” While Schumer remains popular with his colleagues, it is a bleak moment for Senate Democrats, who were hopeful that they could hold the majority for the third election in a row. Instead they lost four seats and will be in the minority, 53-47, as Trump takes office and pressures the Senate to quickly confirm his Cabinet nominees. Unlike eight years ago, when opposition to Trump’s narrow election win fueled enthusiasm in their party, Democratic lawmakers and many of their voters are exhausted and looking for answers. So far, Democrats have stayed relatively quiet on Trump’s nominees and plans for office – a stark contrast from the loud opposition to Trump when he was elected eight years ago. Schumer has declined to comment on specifics of any nominees, instead allowing Republican reaction to dominate the conversation. On Monday, Schumer wrote a public letter to South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the incoming Republican majority leader, asking him to resist Trump’s pressure to allow him to appoint some of his nominees without a Senate vote and to insist on full FBI background checks for all nominees. But he has said little else about Trump’s upcoming presidency. While some have been more aggressive — Washington Sen. Patty Murray, a former chairwoman of the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee, said that Trump’s nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department is “dangerous” and “nothing short of disaster” — several Democratic senators say they are saving their strength and figuring out a focus. “Everybody’s in kind of a wait-and-see mode right now,” said Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who is part of Schumer’s leadership team. “Under the previous Trump administration, there was chaos all the time, all the time. And I do think it is important to pick your battles.” It’s still unclear which battles they will pick. And Democrats have differing opinions on how to fight them. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, who is also in Democratic leadership, says that “anyone who has a grand strategy is full of crap,” but thinks that Democrats, for now, “need to keep things simple.” “We need to talk about people, protect people, advocate for people,” Schatz said. “Do not talk about protecting institutions. Do not talk about advocating for institutions. It’s a not just a rhetorical shift, but an attitudinal shift. We have to remind ourselves, that we’re not fighting for programs and projects and line items and agencies or norms. We’re fighting for people.” Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said that he’s spent a lot of time reflecting, and “I don’t think anyone can claim this was a policy election,” and Democrats need to look at cultural issues. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says Democrats just need to “pace ourselves” and avoid the “massive freakout” of Trump's last term. Democrats should be preparing, says Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal. He says Schumer is picking his battles “very thoughtfully and strategically.” “We’re thinking about how we protect against using the FBI, or the prosecutorial authority of the Justice Department for retribution against critics,” said Blumenthal. “How we elevate these issues in a way that American people understand them.” Democrats know better now, after eight years, “the extraordinary challenges we’re going to face,” Blumenthal said. Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the U.S. compete in the ice dance rhythm dance program at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating series competition in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae) A discarded plastic bag floats in the waters of Botafogo beach in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) China's President Xi Jinping, left center, and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, walk into the Alvorada palace after attending a welcoming ceremony in Brasilia, Brazil, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova competes against Great Britain's Katie Boulter during a Billie Jean King Cup semi-final match at Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., closes a door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) A surfer rides on an artificial wave in the river 'Eisbach' at the 'Englischer Garten' (English Garden) downtown in Munich, Germany, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) A woman carries a gift basket as she arrives at a park to attend a friend's birthday party, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Kampala, Uganda. (AP Photo/David Goldman) Tania hugs her brother-in-law Baruc after rescuing some of their belongings from their flooded house after the floods in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris looks at a monitor backstage, just before taking the stage for her final campaign rally, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President-elect Donald Trump listens during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) A resident returns to his burned village, Monday Nov. 25, 2024, one day after a fire broke out leaving about 2,000 families homeless at a slum area in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Isaac Young rests his cheek on the family horse Rusty's forehead during farm chores before homeschooling, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Sunbury, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Students from anti-discrimination movements attack an Awami League supporter in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu) A young girl holds a "Black Voters for Harris-Walz" sign outside of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' election night watch party at Howard University, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) A man looks from a damaged building a day after it was hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in Ramat Gan, central Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) Visitors walk through the 'Cathedral' on the Christmas light trail as it returns for its12th year with a showcase of new installations set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site landscape of Kew Gardens in London, England, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Venezuelan migrant Alvaro Calderini carries his niece across a river near Bajo Chiquito, Panama, after walking across the Darien Gap from Colombia on their way north to the United States, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) An aerial view shows a packed parking lot at Citadel Outlets in Commerce, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, as early Black Friday shoppers arrive at the mall. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Israeli soldiers holding their weapons bathe with residents in a hot water pool coming from a drilling project which exposed a subterranean hydrothermal spring near Mount Bental in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, on the first day of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) Voters stand in line outside a polling place at Madison Church, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Molten lava flows on the road to the Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, after the volcanic eruption that started Wednesday, on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco di Marco) Firefighters and sheriff's deputies push a vintage car away from a burning home as the Mountain Fire burns in Camarillo, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Supporters of the Frente Amplio (Broad Front) celebrate the victory of candidate Yamandú Orsi in the presidential run-off election in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) People gather at the site where former Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was killed by Israeli airstrikes late September during a memorial ceremony in Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Katia, 11, with her grandmother and mother sit in an armored minivan during en evacuation by the "White Angels" police unit in Kurakhove, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Nov. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Anton Shtuka) People clean mud from a house affected by floods, in Algemesi, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Cattle stand on a heap of textile waste at the Old Fadama settlement of Accra, Ghana, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu) Family members accompany the coffin that contain the remains of Mexican actress Silvia Pinal, during a memorial service at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Pinal, an actress from Mexico's Golden Age of cinema in the 1940s and 50s, died Thursday. She was 93. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario) A family arrive to cross into Lebanon through the Jousieh border crossing, between Syria and Lebanon, Nov. 28, 2024, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki) Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Colorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in Maui

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates is again calling on the provincial government to eliminate parking fees at public hospitals, a day after Niagara Health announced increases to the cost of parking at its facilities. It’s the second time in less than a month the New Democrat has asked the province to adequately fund hospitals, so they “no longer need to rely on parking fees to pay the bills,” he said. “We’re in a severe affordability crisis, and the last thing people of Ontario need is out-of-pocket costs,” Gates said during question period at Queen’s Park, broadcast on ola.org Tuesday morning. Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. On Monday, Niagara Health announced its first parking rate increases in nearly nine years. The increases, effective Dec. 16, will double per-hour rates to $6, and increase daily parking rates to $19, up from $16. Monthly parking rates will increase to $96, up from $80, while the cost of staff parking will increase to $33 for two weeks, up from $27. In a statement sent by email on Tuesday, Niagara Health called parking fees “an essential source of funding for hospitals, with more than 80 per cent going directly to patient care.” “Niagara Health relies on parking revenues to help fund everything within hospital walls, from equipment and beds to linens and technology,” it said. “We have discounted pricing for frequent users, including patients, visitors, staff, physicians and volunteers.” “Niagara Health relies on parking revenues to help fund everything within hospital walls, from equipment and beds to linens and technology,” the hospital system says. At Queen’s Park, Gates said parking fees at Niagara Health hospitals will increase by 44 per cent for doctors, and by 22 per cent for hospital staff, while daily rates for hospital visitors will increase by 19 per cent. “This is at time when hospitals are experiencing a staffing crisis, and we desperately need to recruit doctors and nurses in Niagara,” he said. “I’ve heard directly from front-line hospital workers who are relying on food banks to feed their families; meanwhile, all MPPs, including the premier, don’t have to pay to park to come to work at Queen’s Park.” In response, Health Minister Sylvia Jones accused Gates of being “interested in micromanaging 140 hospital organizations.” “I will leave that to the exceptional leadership of the CEOs that we have across Ontario,” she said. Jones said the province is making sure hospitals “have the support they need,” allowing them to reduce surgical wait times to below pre-pandemic levels and “appropriately deal with emergency department wait times.” “We work very closely with our hospital partners to make sure they have the assistance and policy changes they need to make appropriate decisions based on their community needs,” she said. Gates shot back, saying: “That’s not the answer I wanted to hear. I wanted to hear you stand up and say we shouldn’t be charging parking fees in the province of Ontario.” He said there are “families whose loved ones are dying, and parents with sick kids who must go to the hospital every day, and now their costs are going up.” “For six years, the government has been underfunding hospitals by billions, forcing hospitals to try to do more for less,” he said. “The government shouldn’t force doctors, nurses, patients or caregivers to pay out of pockets to be in a hospital.” Jones said the provincial government has policies allowing hospitals to charge reduced rates for parking on a weekly or monthly basis. She said the provincial government has also been working to ensure people have expanded access for services, including diagnostics, and community surgical centres. “Those are changes we have been implementing and working directly with our partners to make sure people have choice and access in the health-care system,” Jones said. Gates previously called for an end to hospital parking fees on Nov. 5, asking the province at the time to “reverse the underfunding, provide hospital systems with the funding they need, and ensure no one — patients, families and workers alike — have to worry about paying for parking at a hospital.”With rookie QB Penix showing poise in starting debut, the Falcons again control their playoff hopes

Recent events globally have unfolded at a breathtaking speed. After nearly 14 years of conflict in Syria, it is remarkable that within a single week, the opposition managed to dismantle a long-lasting dictatorship and restore peace and stability in the majority of the country. This week, regime change in Syria dominated the global agenda, marking a pivotal moment in the Middle East geopolitics. The opposition achieved legitimacy and drastically shifted the balance of power, making the previous rulers and their allies increasingly illegitimate. A decade ago, during the Geneva peace process, Russia, Iran and the regime of Bashar Assad were regarded as the legitimate representatives of Syria. However, their treatment of the Syrian people, marked by actions akin to those of occupiers, has eroded their standing. Today, the Assad regime, along with Russia and Iran, has shifted from a position of legitimacy to one of profound illegitimacy. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army (SNA), once regarded with suspicion, have unexpectedly emerged as the most legitimate actors in the region. In contrast, Türkiye, despite its active role, appears to be positioned as a more peripheral element in the evolving regional dynamics. Legitimacy is a valuable quality for the future of societies and states. I think all nations of the world should learn lessons from the behavior of Iran, Russia and the Assad regime in Syria. In fact, Russia initially played a more rational role in Syria. However, the involvement of Iran in radicalizing Shiite militias and Hezbollah, pushing them into a position of anger and violence reminiscent of Daesh, effectively poisoned the stance of Russia within the climate shaped by the Assad regime. The actions of Iran have arguably pushed Russia into a position where it perceives all Sunnis as terrorists and views a broad swath of the population as adversaries. Russia will likely reconsider its alliance with Iran and be more cautious in its affinity next time. On the other hand, Trump, believing that it is useless to invest trillions of dollars in the Middle East without any tangible returns, as seen in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, declared that "the Syrian issue belongs to the Syrians" and that the United States would not intervene further. He emphasized his intention to shift focus toward securing peace in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The Damascus regime has collapsed and lost its legitimacy, while the PKK terrorist organization and its Syrian wing YPG have increasingly come to resemble the Assad regime in their actions and approach. As a result, they will also gradually lose their foothold over time. Israel's occupation and immoral policies, along with its disregard for international law, have compounded its aggression toward Syria, particularly at a time when the Syrian people were uniting to secure their future, change the regime and build a new state. In fact, the issue of illegitimacy, previously applicable to Russia, Iran and the Assad regime, will soon extend to Israel as well. Just as Assad oppressed his own people, with Iran supporting him through terrorist organizations, leading to their loss of legitimacy, Israel, as a state, has over the past year adopted policies that impudently violate international law, the laws of war, fundamental human rights, including to access essential food. In doing so, Israel has fallen into an illegitimate position both in the West Bank and Gaza. As if all this illegality and aggression were not enough, Israel directly violated Syria's borders and launched attacks while the Syrian state was in the process of formation. A country's defense industry plays a crucial role in shaping its future, yet Israel launched unlawful attacks on the defense industry and technology of Syria, aiming to cripple its economy. Every nation faces difficult times, and in such moments, some countries offer support, helping others through challenges. In contrast, some nations betray and occupy, exploiting vulnerable periods of transition for their own gain. It remains unclear, for now, which countries will align with the new Syrian government and which will oppose it. However, the new government and the Syrian people are unlikely to hold any significant sympathy for Iran, particularly in light of the actions that it conducted in Syria. Meanwhile, Israel's behavior has been deeply concerning. Besides consistently disregarding international law in Gaza and ignoring United Nations resolutions, Netanyahu has manipulated Biden and the U.S., playing them like a cat does with a mouse. Every time the U.S. takes steps toward peace, Netanyahu escalates the situation – whether by bombing hospitals, attacking places of worship or initiating military invasions. This war will eventually come to an end, and a state will be established in Syria. Just as Israel has made enemies of nations worldwide, its invasion of Syria has made 30 million Syrians its enemies for eternity. While Syria may not be the wealthiest state in the Arab world, it stands out for its profound historical legacy. Aleppo has a 5,000-year history, and Damascus, with its 10,000 years, was also the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, one of the most significant states in history. Syria is the cultural and historical homeland of all Arabs, and Syrians have been pioneers in education and intellectualism across the Arab world. By attempting to occupy Syria, Israel is effectively declaring to the world, "Muslims and Arabs should hate and oppose us until the end of time." It is hard to imagine a more significant self-destructive impact on a nation's future and on the Jewish people than the course of actions taken by Israel in this conflict.S&P/TSX composite down more than 100 points, U.S. stock markets mixed

SAO PAULO (AP) — Police have formally accused Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of attempting a coup to keep the right-wing leader in office after his electoral defeat in 2022. Their allegations threaten to torpedo Bolsonaro's hopes of returning to politics. Brazil’s Supreme Court said Friday that police findings were delivered to Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who next week will relay them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro or toss the investigation. Bolsonaro told the news website Metropoles on Thursday that he is waiting for his lawyer to review the police report, which is reportedly about 700 pages long, but that he would fight the case. He dismissed the investigation as the result of “creativity.” The former president denies that he tried to stay in office after his narrow electoral defeat in 2022 to leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has since faced a series of legal threats. That police are seeking formal charges indicates the investigation found evidence of “a crime and its author,” and it is likely there are legal grounds for the prosecutor-general to file charges, said Eloísa Machado de Almeida, a law professor at Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university in Sao Paulo. On Friday, the attorney for Bolsonaro’s former right hand, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, said in a live television interview that his client had informed the Supreme Court that Bolsonaro was aware of the coup plot. “The then-president knew it all. Actually, he led this organization,” Cid’s attorney, Cezar Bitencourt, told network GloboNews. Just minutes later, Bitencourt partially retracted his statement. "I didn’t say Bolsonaro knew it all. ‘All’ is a lot. He was evidently aware of some things.” Police said the Supreme Court agreed to the release all 37 names in the police report “to avoid the dissemination of incorrect news.” Among them are dozens of former and current Bolsonaro aides, including: Gen. Walter Braga Netto, who was his running mate in the 2022 campaign; former Army commander Gen. Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira; Valdemar Costa Neto, the chairman of Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party; and his veteran former adviser, Gen. Augusto Heleno. Braga Netto’s lawyers said they would wait to formally receive the police documents before making any comments. The retired general shared their statement on X late Thursday. Bolsonaro is already accused separately of smuggling diamond jewelry into Brazil and directing Lt. Col. Cid to falsify his and others’ COVID-19 vaccination statuses. Bolsonaro has denied those charges. Another probe found he abused his authority by casting doubt on Brazil's electoral system, and judges on the top electoral court barred him from running again until 2030. Still, he insists he will run in 2026, and many in his orbit were heartened by President-elect Donald Trump's recent election win despite his swirling legal troubles. Local media report that Gonet is already under pressure to move forward with multiple investigations against the former president, and politicians say if the 69-year-old Bolsonaro does stand trial his allies and rivals will race to seize his influence with voters. “Bolsonaro is no longer the sole leader of the right-wing. He is coming out of mayoral elections in which most of his candidates lost. All these probes don’t help him at all,” said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper, a university in Sao Paulo. “The governor of Sao Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, the radical candidate for Sao Paulo mayorship Pablo Marçal, the governor of Goias state, Ronaldo Caiado ... There are politicians lining up to court Bolsonaro voters,” Melo said. Creomar de Souza, a political analyst of Dharma Political Risk and Strategy, said the formal accusation is “obviously bad” for Bolsonaro, but that it might not impede him if he does decide to run for office again. “This could give those targeted a chance to portray themselves as being persecuted,” de Souza said, adding that could benefit them. Bolsonaro's allies in Congress have been negotiating a bill to pardon individuals who stormed the Brazilian capital and rioted on Jan. 8, 2023, in an attempt to keep the former president in power. Analysts have speculated that lawmakers want to extend the legislation to cover the former president himself. However, efforts to push a broad amnesty bill would be “politically challenging” in light of the new allegations against Bolsonaro and others, Machado said. On Tuesday, Federal Police arrested four military and a Federal Police officer, accused of plotting to assassinate Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes in an effort to overthrow the government following the 2022 elections. Last week, a man tried to enter the Supreme Court in the capital Brasilia with explosives but was blocked by guards. He threw the explosives outside the building , killing himself.SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) has strategically bolstered its financial standing by executing a registered direct offering of over 13 million ordinary shares at $1.90 each, amassing gross proceeds of $25 million. This move contributes to a total of $60 million raised through financings this week. The company has declared its resolve to abstain from further registered direct offerings for at least the next 60 days. The net proceeds are earmarked for significant technological advancements. SEALSQ plans to channel these funds into the deployment of next-generation post-quantum semiconductor technology and a boost in their ASIC capabilities across the United States. This allocation will not only support the firm’s technological infrastructure but will also aid in meeting general corporate needs and enhancing working capital. These steps are part of a broader strategy to strengthen their market position in cutting-edge technologies. Maxim Group took the central role as the sole placement agent in this financial maneuver, ensuring a smooth execution of the share offering. The company’s assertive financial activities signal its commitment to innovation and sustaining growth in the competitive semiconductor industry. This fundraising success solidifies SEALSQ Corp’s path towards future advancements. With significant funds secured and strategic plans in place, SEALSQ is well-positioned to make substantial strides in cutting-edge technology development and operational growth. SEALSQ Corp Raises $25 Million for Quantum Tech Innovations In an impressive financial move, SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) has successfully raised $25 million through a registered direct offering. This was achieved by issuing over 13 million ordinary shares at $1.90 each. In combination with previous financings, the company has now secured a total of $60 million within a week. Despite this aggressive fundraising, SEALSQ has announced a pause on additional registered direct offerings for at least the next 60 days. The funds raised are designated for crucial technological advancements, specifically in the realms of next-generation post-quantum semiconductor technology and enhanced application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) capabilities in the United States. This strategic investment is not only aimed at strengthening SEALSQ’s technological infrastructure but also at boosting their overall market presence in the semiconductor industry. Maxim Group played a pivotal role as the sole placement agent in the execution of this share offering, ensuring its smooth transition in the financial landscape. SEALSQ’s strategic financial maneuvers underline its unwavering commitment to innovation and growth within the highly competitive semiconductor sector. Technological Investments and Market Positioning SEALSQ’s significant injection of funds towards post-quantum semiconductor technology reflects the company’s focus on sustaining long-term growth in cutting-edge fields. This focus aligns with broader industry trends where advancements in quantum computing are becoming a significant point of interest for technology companies worldwide. The expansion of ASIC capabilities further underscores SEALSQ’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing its competitive edge in the semiconductor market. Future Outlook With the recent financial boost and clear strategic plans, SEALSQ Corp is poised for substantial progress in its technological development and operational capabilities. By prioritizing advanced technologies, SEALSQ is setting the stage for future innovations that could redefine their standing in the semiconductor industry. For more information about SEALSQ Corp and their future initiatives, visit their official website .

US Stocks-S&P 500, Nasdaq close up in Santa Claus RallyLondon honored for supporting student mental health and eliminating barriers to care NATICK, Mass. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal honored Uwill founder and CEO Michael London as part of its 2025 Innovators in Healthcare list . Honorees represent a cross-section of Boston -based innovators addressing some of the most urgent and pressing challenges in the health care industry. London is the founding CEO of Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution proudly supporting more than 3 million students at 400 institutions globally. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. "It's truly an honor to be recognized among this incredible group of innovators," said Michael London , Uwill founder and CEO. "At Uwill, our mission is to break down barriers to mental health care, delivering immediate and accessible support to students worldwide. This recognition reflects more than innovation—it underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing a vital need for students everywhere." London is a recognized thought-leader and pioneer within social impact entrepreneurship, having created more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. In 2013, he founded Examity, a leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Prior, London led Bloomberg Institute, an EdTech start-up funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg . Earlier in his career, he founded College Coach and co-founded EdAssist, both acquired by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2019, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and held a position on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission for Digital Education and Lifelong Learning. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College where he graduated with honors. He also received his MBA from Boston University . About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 400 institutions, including Princeton University , the Ohio State University , Santa Fe Community College , and University of Alabama - Online. Uwill is also the exclusive teletherapy education partner for the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy education partner of NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk bsilk@uwill.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uwill-founder--ceo-michael-london-named-innovator-in-healthcare-302338655.html SOURCE Uwill, Inc

Unconstrained LNG exports will cost consumers and the climate: U.S. Department of EnergyUConn head coach Dan Hurley insists he's not overvaluing Wednesday night's game between his 25th-ranked Huskies and No. 15 Baylor in Storrs, Conn. Sure, it comes on the heels of the two-time reigning national champion Huskies (5-3) responding to losing all three games during the Maui Invitational with a blowout victory over Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday. UConn, which had won 17 consecutive games entering the Maui tournament, fell 23 spots from No. 2 to nearly out of the Associated Press Top 25 poll released Monday. "I think it's such a long season and we're eight games in," Hurley said when asked about facing the Bears. "Our performance in Maui shocked the college basketball world and the sports world, and obviously a lot went on there." "I don't think it's a must-win game in Game 9 of the season, but it's an opportunity to play in Gampel (Pavilion), where we play great and are very comfortable, and we know we're gonna have a great crowd." "We also know we're playing a top-level team, so it's a big game for us and it's a big game for them." Wednesday's game signifies the start of a tough stretch in UConn's schedule. The Huskies will visit Texas on Sunday and challenge No. 7 Gonzaga in New York on Dec. 14 before beginning Big East play on Dec. 18 against Xavier, which fell from No. 22 to out of the poll on Monday. But let's go back to Saturday's 99-45 dismantling of the Hawks. Jaylin Stewart started in place of the injured Alex Karaban (head) and joined Liam McNeeley by scoring 16 points to put UConn back in the win column. Solo Ball contributed 12 points, Aidan Mahaney had 11 and Tarris Reed Jr. (10 points, 12 rebounds) and Jayden Ross (10 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded a double-double. "This experience they're getting, (Stewart), Jayden Ross, Solo Ball, these guys are going to keep getting better and better," Hurley said. "Jaylin Stewart has flashed. That Memphis game (in which he scored 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting), he flashed a lot in that one. "... These sophomores are just going to keep getting better and better. That's why I do think we do need the grace and support of our people here at UConn. Because they're going to be such different players in January and February." On Tuesday, Hurley told reporters that Karaban would remain out for Wednesday's game. Coming off a split in the Bahamas, Baylor (5-2) bounced back from a 77-62 setback to then-No. 11 Tennessee on Nov. 22 with a decisive 91-60 victory over New Orleans last Wednesday. "I know we're all a little tired," Bears coach Scott Drew said. "Whenever you come back from the Bahamas and a trip like that, the first game, you can be playing in mud. And I think the guys did a pretty good job, for the most part." Jayden Nunn drained six of his seven 3-pointers in the first half and finished with a season-high 23 points to power Baylor past the Privateers. Robert Wright III scored 18 points, Jeremy Roach had 17 and Miami transfer Norchad Omier recorded his third consecutive double-double after finishing with 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. --Field Level Media

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024-- Krispy Kreme, Inc. (NASDAQ:DNUT) (“Krispy Kreme” or the “Company”), today announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.035 per share of common stock, in accordance with the Company’s dividend policy. The dividend was declared today, December 13, 2024, and will be paid on February 5, 2025 to shareholders of record on January 22, 2025. About Krispy Kreme, Inc. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. Our iconic Original Glazed ® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Krispy Kreme operates in 40 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing digital business with more than 15,500 fresh points of access. Our purpose of touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme guides how we operate every day and is reflected in the love we have for our people, our communities, and the planet. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com and follow us on social: X , Instagram and Facebook . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211058746/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations IR@krispykreme.comFinancial Media Edelman Smithfield for Krispy Kreme, Inc. KrispyKremeIR@edelman.com KEYWORD: NORTH CAROLINA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL FOOD/BEVERAGE ORGANIC FOOD SOURCE: Krispy Kreme, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/13/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/13/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211058746/enAfter reporting in all 55 counties this year, Mountain State Spotlight reporters reflect on the lessons they’ve learnedRepublican senators demand an end to science and tech cooperation with ChinaREVIVER® HELPS DRIVE THE SPIRIT OF GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Andrej Jakimovski hit a layup with 8 seconds left, and Colorado upset No. 2 UConn 73-72 in the consolation bracket of the Maui Invitational on Tuesday in Lahaina, Hawaii. Colorado (5-1) rallied from down 11 in the first half to get the win over the two-time defending national champions Huskies. Jakimovski finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Julian Hammond III and Elijah Malone each scored 16 for the Buffaloes, who advanced to the fifth-place game in Maui on Wednesday. Down 72-71, Jakimovski drove the right side of the lane and made a scoop shot as he was falling down. UConn called timeout to set up the final play but Hassan Diarra missed a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left. Liam McNeeley led UConn with 20 points, Solo Ball scored 16 and Diarra finished with 11. The Huskies (4-2) lost two straight for the first time since dropping three in a row from Jan. 11-18, 2023. Colorado trailed by eight at halftime and Diarra hit two 3-pointers early in the second half that made it 46-37. The Buffaloes scored the next 11 points to take a 48-46 lead, their first of the game. Hammond bookended that run with a pair of triples. UConn went back in front 55-52 on Tarris Reed Jr.'s driving layup but Malone's bucket with 8:34 left tied it at 59. McNeeley's hook shot gave the Huskies a 63-60 lead before Jakimovski drained a 3-pointer to tie it again with 5:16 left. Ball hit a 3-pointer and a layup to give UConn a five-point lead but Colorado got within 70-69 on two free throws by Malone with 2:04 left. A putback from Jaylin Stewart made it a three-point game with 1:29 remaining. Malone answered with a layup, Javon Ruffin blocked Diarra's shot and Colorado got an offensive rebound with 24 seconds left to set up the winning basket. McNeeley made his first four shots from deep and had 16 points by intermission to lead the Huskies. Colorado had opportunities to make it a close game by halftime but went just 12-for-19 from the foul line and trailed 40-32. UConn attempted only four free throws in the first half and had five players with two or more fouls, including Reed, who had three. --Field Level Media

Hysata, POSCO Holdings and POSCO E&C partner to advance green hydrogen high efficiency electrolyser technology Hysata, an Australian manufacturer pioneering high-efficiency electrolysers for green hydrogen production, has entered two Joint Development Agreements (JDA) with POSCO Holdings Inc. (POSCO Holdings) and POSCO Eco & Challenge (POSCO E&C). These collaborations aim to advance the development and deployment of Hysata’s next-generation electrolyser technology. This builds on the strategic partnership established earlier this year through POSCO Holdings and POSCO E&C investments in Hysata’s Series B funding round. Under the terms of the JDA with POSCO Holdings, both companies will contribute technical knowledge and expertise to jointly develop materials and systems for high-efficiency electrolysers. The partnership will also focus on utilising each other’s capabilities to conduct joint activities aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of Hysata’s electrolyser technology. Under the terms of the JDA with POSCO E&C, both companies will contribute knowledge towards the construction of electrolysers that will benefit the green hydrogen industry and its derivatives. Hysata CEO, said: “This is an important partnership that leverages Hysata’s groundbreaking electrolysis cell technology and POSCO Group’s extensive expertise in materials, system development, engineering and construction of innovative technologies. POSCO Holdings New Experience of Technology Hub, Head of Clean Hydrogen Research Center said: “POSCO Group is actively pursuing the innovation and its synergies with breakthrough technologies. This joint development effort is poised to accelerate global green hydrogen advancements, contributing to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, including steelmaking.” the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hysata, POSCO Holdings and POSCO E&C partner to advance green hydrogen high efficiency electrolyser technology, Revolutionizing the Green Hydrogen Market: City of Lancaster and City of Industry Launch First Public Hydrogen (FPH2)–the First Public Hydrogen Utility LANCASTER, Calif., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The... Axpo and partners launch further green hydrogen plant 13.12.2024 – A ground-breaking ceremony was held today by Axpo and its partner shareholders in the H2Uri company to mark the start of construction on a new... Hydrom and thyssenkrupp nucera Collaborate on Developing Oman’s Green Hydrogen Industry Hydrom and thyssenkrupp nucera sign Memorandum of Understanding to explore the potential of localization of assembly and service...Tenant, Inc. and Storelocal Storage Team Up with OC Rescue Mission for Holiday Donation Drive

HP forecasts Q1 profit below estimates on sluggish demand in PC marketMaryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, along with Sen.-elect Angela Alsobrooks, endorsed former Maryland Gov. and Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley for Democratic National Committee chair. The endorsement comes on the heels of O’Malley’s recent chairmanship bid and ahead of the expected DNC chair election early next year. “As Marylanders, we are proud to support and endorse former Governor Martin O’Malley for DNC Chair. His leadership plan centers around a 50-state strategy focused on jobs, opportunity, and economic security for all. There’s no question that Democrats stand on the side of hardworking Americans. We need a DNC chair like Governor O’Malley focused on making it clear to voters that Democrats will listen to Americans’ concerns and deliver real solutions for their families and our country,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. O’Malley revealed his plan to step down from his current position as Social Security Administration commissioner last Monday, Nov. 18, in an interview with The New York Times. In a social media post, O’Malley thanked President Joe Biden for his opportunity to serve as the leader of the SSA and praised the agency. “It has been a great honor to serve alongside the people of the Social Security Administration, who have turned around this agency and put it on a better path forward. For the dignity of every individual, social security works,” O’Malley wrote on X. “Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to have served so many Americans...with such a fine group of Americans. Stronger Together.” His bid for chairmanship comes at a chaotic time for the Democratic Party. On Sunday, Nov. 17, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Democrats are in the “wilderness” without a “clear leader” after President-elect Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. “We face enormous challenges and a lot of soul-searching,” O’Malley told The New York Times. “We need to focus on fixing the problem and not the blame.” O’Malley is expected to campaign on his experience as mayor, governor and one-time leader of the Democratic Governors Association to land the position as chair of the DNC. This is not the first time O’Malley has pursued the party’s leadership; he ran for DNC chair in 2016 but withdrew his candidacy early in the race. The current DNC chair, Jaime Harrison, is not expected to run for a second term. The former two-term governor is the first candidate to formally enter the race for DNC chair, though several state Democratic Party leaders have been rumored to want to join as well. The DNC chair election is expected to happen Feb. 1 at the party’s annual winter meeting in National Harbor, Maryland. Have a news tip. Contact Lori Rampani at lrampani@sbgtv.com .Manz , which employs around 1,200 people, has revised its earnings forecasts multiple times in 2023. As of early December, it anticipated annual sales between €170 million ($187 million) and €180 million ($198 million), significantly lower than the €250 million ($275 million) reported the previous year. The estimated operating loss lies between €30 million ($33 million) and €35 million ($38 million), along with additional write-downs. The CEO position changed hands in the summer of 2023, while company founder Dieter Manz still holds approximately 19% ownership. Manz encountered severe obstacles in the display equipment market, where it lost competitiveness to lower-cost Asian producers. In solar production equipment, the company faced weakened global subsidies and intense price competition, and technological improvements were not enough to counter an unfavorable market environment. The electric vehicle battery equipment segment experienced rising competition and volatile demand, compounded by the bankruptcy filing of a major European battery manufacturer that disrupted the industry. Manz also carried substantial debt due to its large-scale expansion in renewable energy. When banks withdrew financial support and talks with potential investors failed, the company faced a critical liquidity shortfall days before the Christmas break. Among other things display, Manz specializes in wet chemical processes for display production, including cleaning substrates, developing photoresists, and etching fine structures on LCDs, touch sensors, and OLED panels. The company also provides fully automated systems for loading and unloading in-line sputter systems, laser-cutting glass substrates, and conducting in-line inspections, all designed for clean room environments.

The chairs of an annual science and technology conference say Nobel Prize recipient Geoffrey Hinton is donating some of his winnings to create a new award. They say of the Neural Information Processing Systems conference say the US$10,000 award will be handed out at the event each year. It will be given to teams of two or more researchers under the age of 40 who write a paper proposing a novel theory of how the brain works. The award will be named the Sejnowski-Hinton Prize after computational neurobiologist Terry Sejnowski and AI pioneer Hinton. Hinton received the Nobel for physics along with computer scientist John Hopfield earlier this week in Stockholm. Hinton has said he will also donate a portion of the 11 million Swedish kronor — about $1.4 million Canadian dollars — prize money he and Hopfield will split to Water First, an organization working to boost Indigenous access to water. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Presspanaloko download app free 。

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Rep. Nancy Mace’s former communications director isn’t buying Mace’s claims that she was attacked by a trans activist. On Tuesday night, Mace wrote that she was “physically accosted tonight on Capitol grounds over my fight to protect women.” According to reports , James McIntyre, cofounder of the Illinois chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America, was arrested and charged with assaulting a government official after an event at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Tuesday night. Witnesses have said that what they saw does not match Mace’s claims. Mace posted a picture of herself wearing a sling, writing on X “Just sitting here with your run-of-the-mill gentle ‘normal handshake,’” an apparent reference to the claim that she was assaulted. Natalie Johnson, who served as former communications director for Mace during her first year in Congress, responded to Mace’s tweet. “This is the same woman who told staff, myself included, during Jan. 6 that she wanted to get ‘punched in the face’ by a rioter so she could get on TV,” Johnson wrote . “She’s full of shit and her prop of a sling is a pathetic ploy for attention.” According to the Washington Post, Elliot Hinkle, a foster-care advocate from Wyoming, witnessed the interaction between Mace and McIntyre. Johnson has been critical of her former boss in the past. Recently, the former staffer slammed Mace after the lawmaker promoted a bill, disingenuously called “Protecting Women’s Private Spaces Act,” that bans trans women from using single-sex federally owned bathrooms. The move was a direct attack at Delaware's newly elected Rep. Sarah McBride. McBride is the first openly transgender member of Congress. “Tweeting 262 times about a bill that applies to like .00000001% of Congress in 36 hours is definitely about protecting women. It's certainly not just a ploy for media attention,” Johnson wrote on X . "If you think this bill is about protecting women and not simply a ploy to get on Fox News, you've been fooled,” Johnson added. Since joining Congress in 2021, Mace's affinity for Matt Gaetz-style stunts has grown. She even joined Gaetz , whom she had previously described as a “political D-lister” and a “fraud,” in ousting former GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy. In 2023 , former staffers revealed that the South Carolina congresswoman had increasingly become obsessed with seeking media attention. McIntyre was held overnight in a D.C. jail complex and allowed to return to his home in Chicago under conditions he stay at least 100 feet away from Mace, and he is also banned from entering D.C. The latter condition was objected to by his attorney. Daily Kos is now on Bluesky—and we want to make it easy for you to join us! Click here for the Daily Kos Blueskey Starter Pack.

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 data-driven analysis 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, called earlier this month 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 Israeli restrictions, 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.

Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings

Toronto Argonauts sign American running back Kevin BrownWater pipes to power cables, survey to map utilities on new metro route in Gurgaon beginsMax George reveals he will be spending Christmas in hospital due to heart issues

Mike Ferry, with the University of California San Diego Center for Energy Research, shows a bank of lithium ion batteries at UCSD in September 2022 in La Jolla, Calif. Winter Storm Elliott caused widespread power outages across the eastern U.S. in 2022, leaving 1.5 million people without electricity just days before Christmas. Indiana narrowly avoided similar rolling blackouts from the storm, which caused a huge spike in energy consumption while slowing the production of the natural gas that runs most power plants. But those outages could have been avoided or reduced if states had more large-scale battery energy storage systems, according to clean-energy advocates. The technology stores energy and can immediately disperse it to the grid whenever and wherever it’s needed. That was was proven true in Texas last year during an extreme heat wave that spiked energy use and threatened power outages. The state had massively increased its battery energy storage capacity following a deadly winter storm two years earlier. The extra power kept the lights on for Texans during the heat wave. But in Indiana, electric utilities have been slow to adopt the technology that advocates say is essential as electricity-guzzling data centers and high-tech manufacturing facilities move into the state and strain the grid. Indiana’s main power-grid operator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), has already issued warnings it could face an electric-capacity deficit as early as next summer as coal plants rapidly close and energy demand grows. The deficit is only expected to increase over the next five years in the 15 states in which MISO operates. Now, even with the looming energy threat, Indiana utility companies still aren’t fully utilizing battery storage to stabilize and bolster the grid, according to Kerwin Olson, executive director of the Citizen Action Coalition, the state’s largest consumer and environmental advocacy organization. “Battery storage has enormous value,” he said. “But I think it’s a matter of moving these conservative utilities to adopt new technologies that they might not be as familiar with. I think they’re a little hesitant to accept it as a real resource.” Today, Indiana’s utility companies operate six battery-energy-storage facilities with a total capacity of 100 megawatts (MG). That’s enough to power roughly 16,000 homes for several hours, but not nearly adequate to stop blackouts during extreme weather events. For comparison, Texas has over 5,700 MG of battery storage capacity tied to the grid. Nearly all of that has been built over the last four years. The state now has the most battery energy storage in the nation. A view from inside one of AES’ existing battery storage projects in the U.S. The Indianapolis utility installed the state’s first facility in 2016. The industry as a whole has also seen major growth. By the end of 2024, the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects that the nation’s battery capacity will exceed 30 GW, or 30,000 MG, marking a five-fold increase since 2020. Energy storage systems do more than help avoid blackouts. Clean-energy advocates say they are playing a critical role in transitioning to renewables like wind and solar, which produce extra energy during peak operation that can be stored in batteries and then dispersed when needed. Those systems have existed for decades, but improvements to battery technology are making storage facilities more affordable and reliable than ever. In Indiana, the Indianapolis-based utility AES has led the state in implementing battery storage. The company tested the first grid-connected commercial lithium-ion battery in 2008 and opened a 20-MG site in 2016 that became the first grid-scale battery storage system in MISO. Now, AES is building a facility in Pike County that will store and deliver up to 200 MW of electricity for four hours to help meet energy demand during peak times. The project will be one of the largest storage systems in MISO. “As we’ve seen our generation portfolio transform over the past decade to include natural gas, wind and solar, battery storage has been necessary to improve grid operation and efficiency,” AES said in an email. Other utilities have been far less aggressive. Duke Energy and CenterPoint have each installed two smaller-scale systems. NIPSO this summer opened a 60-MW facility in White County and will soon open another 75-MW storage system in Jasper County. Most state utilities’ snails-pace adoption of battery storage indicates they don’t fully buy in to the benefits and are hesitant to embrace and incorporate a new technology, explained Olson. Kerwin Olson, executive director of the Citizens Action Coalition, informs residents of New Albany about proposed rate increases and how they will affect them. “I’ve heard utilities say, ‘We know what we know and we like what we know,’” he said. “Except what they know is incredibly expensive and incredibly dirty, and there’s a better way to do it.” But the biggest obstacle to quickly expanding battery storage in Indiana isn’t the utilities, argued Noah Roberts, vice president of energy storage at American Clean Power, which represents over 800 clean-energy companies. It’s grid operators like MISO, which have outdated rules on how energy storage can be incorporated into the electric grid, he said. That’s led to a backlog of projects waiting to come online in Indiana. Those connection queues have become significantly longer in the last few years due to the increased requests coming from the growing number of renewable facilities, according to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s annual 2024 report. In 2021, over 22% of requests to connect to the grid came from battery storage. Roberts said how quickly battery energy is deployed in Indiana depends on whether MISO updates its rules to fully utilize the technology. Once those barriers are lifted, he predicts a major uptick in battery-storage projects. “As energy storage is deployed in Indiana and other states in the Midwest, they will realize the very real and tangible benefits of integrating energy storage,” Roberts said. “That will accelerate other changes that need to occur to enable more energy storage.” Even with grid restrictions, a slate of battery projects are under construction that will substantially expand the state’s capacity. But it’s not utilities building them. Nearly all the projects are coming from private developments. Five projects are set come online in the next three years, adding in total 443 MG of storage. A list of upcoming battery storage projects being built by private companies that have been approved in Indiana as of July 1, 2024. That energy can be sold to utilities, some of which do have plans to add substantial amounts of battery storage to their portfolio in the next five years. Duke Energy wants 400 MW of storage to be in service by 2030. NIPSCO plans to add 500 to 900 MG by 2029, but noted that depends on MISO and how it accredits the energy. Indiana lawmakers have also started to cautiously consider battery storage and have approved new regulations on the burgeoning industry. An energy-policy task force report in 2022 determined that “thoughtful attention to fact-based and rational timelines” is necessary to responsibly include battery storage on the grid. Legislators followed up on the report last year by passing a bill detailing a number of siting and safety rules for battery projects, which must now receive approval from the Department of Homeland Security and comply with the National Fire Protection Association’s standards. The Indiana Office of Energy Development has also commissioned a report researching utility-scale battery energy storage systems and their economic impact to provide best practices for local governments and utilities that want to implement them. The report is due in March. Indiana Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, who chairs the Senate Utility Committee, said he hopes battery-storage technology continues to improve, but until it does, he holds some reservations about its large-scale adoption. Eric Koch “We have to be very careful about introducing new technologies into the field before they’ve been validated and verified, but we should always be doing research,” he said. Koch said he and other lawmakers have put serious thought into ensuring the state has enough electricity to accommodate the rapid growth of data centers and other high-energy users. They plan to introduce legislation next year targeting energy policy involving those industries, he said. “It could be an issue, but it is certainly a manageable issue,” he said. “And if we manage it right, I don’t foresee any concerns.” But Olson said legislators and utilities need to make battery storage a top priority in that plan. Failing to incorporate it into the state’s energy portfolio likely means utilities will only build more natural gas power plants, which are far more expensive and come with their own environmental concerns. For that to happen, state officials need to fully embrace the benefits battery storage provides to the grid and to Hoosier residents, he argued. “Storage is an absolute necessity if we are going to have an all-of-the-above energy strategy that has a goal of reducing prices for customers and increasing reliability, resiliency and stability of the grid,” he said. “Otherwise, we’re going to be left with the outdated 20th century model.”Middle East latest: Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 6 medics in Gaza

Bills defense lives by its front four, which needs to show more consistency

ANGE Postecoglou savaged Timo Werner in the aftermath of Spurs’ disappointing draw with Rangers in the Europa League at Ibrox tonight and warned he needs more from his senior players. Posteocoglou substituted the experienced German internationalist at the start of the second and put on Dejan Kulusevski after a flat first half performance from the English club. Swedish internationalist Kulusevski netted an equaliser with 15 minutes of regulation time to earn the visitors a draw in the league phase match. However, the former Celtic manager, who has a raft of key personnel missing through suspension and injury, was still deeply unhappy with how Werner performed after the full-time whistle. “We weren't anywhere near our best, that's fair to say,” he said. “But at the same time we're in a period of games where we're grinding through at the moment. “Obviously we're a fairly depleted squad and there are some players who need to stand up week in, week out. In the context of that, like I said, in the end I think it was a good outcome for us.” Asked why he substituted Werner, he said: “He wasn't playing anywhere near the level he should. “When you've got 18-year-olds, it's not acceptable to me. I said that to Timo. He's a senior international, he's a German international. It's not like we've got many options. “I need everyone to at least be going out there, trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn't acceptable.” Asked how the RB Leipzig loanee and former Chelsea man had responded to his words, Postecoglou said: “I don't really know and it's not really of great concern. “Like I said, we just need everybody, including him, to be contributing because we don't have the depth to leave people out if they're performing poorly. We need them to play their part. “Like I said, especially the senior guys, when I'm asking younger guys to do massive jobs, I expect a level of performance from some of the senior guys and today wasn't that.” Postecoglou was pleased with how youngster Archie Gray, the son of former Scotland internationalist Andy, performed at centre half in the 1-1 draw with Rangers in Govan. “He's 18 and it’s a big experience for him,” he said. “I thought he handled himself really well. We're asking him to do something, to play in an unfamiliar position in such big games, as an 18-year-old in his first year at this level. “I think it's outstanding what he's doing. And I thought Lucas [Bergvall] was excellent when he came on as well. He was due to start tonight but he wasn't feeling well today, he was a bit under the weather so we had to keep him on the bench. “But that's a massive positive for us. I think those two, as 18-year-olds, who are already contributing and experiencing these things, will be of enormous benefit to us.”

A federal judge on Tuesday night rejected the auction sale of Alex Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet, criticizing the bidding process as flawed and the amount of money that families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting stood to receive. The Onion had been named the winning bidder on Nov. 14 over a company affiliated with Jones, whose conspiracy theory platform was put up for sale as part of his bankruptcy case stemming from the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered him to pay over falsely calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax. The decision by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez of Houston to not approve the sale means Jones can stay at his Infowars headquarters in Austin, Texas. The Onion had planned to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody. “We are deeply disappointed in today’s decision, but The Onion will continue to seek a resolution that helps the Sandy Hook families receive a positive outcome for the horror they endured,” Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, posted on social media late Tuesday. Lopez cited problems — but no wrongdoing — with the auction process. He said he did not want another auction and left it up to the trustee who oversaw the auction to determine the next steps. The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash and other incentives for Infowars’ assets in the auction. First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements, bid $3.5 million. The bids were a fraction of the money that Jones has been ordered to pay in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Lopez said the auction outcome “left a lot of money on the table” for families. “You got to scratch and claw and get everything you can for them,” Lopez said. Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families who sued Jones in Connecticut, said they were disappointed in the judge’s ruling. “These families, who have already persevered through countless delays and roadblocks, remain resilient and determined as ever to hold Alex Jones and his corrupt businesses accountable for the harm he has caused,” Mattei said in a statement. “This decision doesn’t change the fact that, soon, Alex Jones will begin to pay his debt to these families and he will continue doing so for as long as it takes.” Jones, who did not attend the proceedings, quickly went back on the air to applaud the judge’s decision. “We can celebrate the judge doing the right thing with the most ridiculous, fraudulent auction known in human history,” he said. Although The Onion’s cash offer was lower than that of First United American, it also included a pledge by many of the Sandy Hook families to forgo $750,000 of the auction proceeds due to them and give it to other creditors, providing the other creditors more money than they would receive under First United American’s bid. Alex Jones’ bankruptcy case The sale of Infowars is part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Jones repeatedly called the shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control. Parents and children of many of the victims testified in court that they were traumatized by Jones’ conspiracies and threats from his followers. Jones has since acknowledged that the Connecticut school shooting happened. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones’ personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families. Some proceeds will go to Jones’ other creditors. The auction overseer defends his decision Trustee Christopher Murray had defended The Onion’s bid during a lengthy two-day hearing in Houston, testifying that he did not favor either bidder over the other and was not biased. He also revealed that First United American submitted a revised bid in recent days, but he said he could not accept it because the Sandy Hook families in the Connecticut lawsuit objected. The Onion valued its bid, with the Sandy Hook families’ offer, at $7 million because that amount was equal to a purchase price that would provide the same amount of money to the other creditors. In a court filing last month, Murray’s lawyers called First United American’s request to disqualify The Onion’s bid a “disappointed bidder’s improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open election process.” Jones’ attorney, Ben Broocks, noted that the Sandy Hook lawsuit judgments could be overturned in pending appeals and got Murray to acknowledge that the Sandy Hook families’ offer in The Onion bid could fall apart if that happens. That’s because the percentage of the auction proceeds they would be entitled to could drop sharply and they wouldn’t get the $750,000 from the sale to give to other creditors. Auctioneer Jeff Tanenbaum on Monday defended both the value of the bid and its selection. Putting Infowars up for auction Up for sale were all the equipment and other assets in the Infowars studio in Austin, as well as the rights to its social media accounts, websites, video archive and product trademarks. Jones uses the studio to broadcast his far-right, conspiracy theory-filled shows on the Infowars website, his account on the social platform X and radio stations. Many of Jones’ personal assets also are being sold. Jones has set up another studio, websites and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. Jones has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him. Jones is appealing the money has been ordered to pay in judgments citing free speech rights.As the investigation into Liu Yusheng unfolds, it is vital that all relevant parties cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure a thorough and fair process. The reputation of Anhui Provincial Hospital, as well as the credibility of the medical profession as a whole, is at stake, and it is imperative that justice is served.www panaloko ph 。

None4. Wilfried Zaha - The Ivorian forward, who did not feature prominently in the title-winning season, now plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Despite the assumptions that the missing woman had been held against her will, Zhang explained that she had always been free to come and go as she pleased. Zhang had even gone the extra mile to organize banquets and gatherings in the missing woman's honor, showing her care and concern for the well-being of her guest. Far from being a captor, Zhang had acted as a kind-hearted foster parent, providing a safe haven for the missing woman all these years.On the other side of the table stood the 23-year-old challenger, a rising star whose remarkable speed, agility, and raw talent have garnered attention and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. With a string of impressive performances in recent tournaments, the young player was seen as a formidable opponent for the seasoned veteran.Florida social media influencer arrested after police say she filmed herself while shoplifting - USA TODAY

As Mr. Li continued to implore Lily to promise never to get married, Mrs. Li decided to step in and diffuse the situation before it escalated further. With a gentle smile on her face, she approached her husband and gently guided him back to his feet. "Come on, dear, it's time for bed," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:51 p.m. EST

Moreover, the "failed cooling" trend has implications for consumer behavior and consumption patterns. As temperatures fail to drop significantly after snowfall, it can disrupt the seasonal rhythm and expectations of consumers. This can affect various industries, such as clothing retail, outdoor recreation, and food and beverage sectors, that rely on seasonal changes to drive consumption. For example, clothing retailers may struggle to sell winter collections if temperatures remain higher than expected, while winter sports industries may face challenges in attracting participants.As the community waits for the promised repairs to take place, they remain resilient and determined to make the best of the situation. They continue to support each other, sharing rides, offering assistance, and maintaining a sense of unity in the face of adversity. Their collective efforts demonstrate the power of community spirit and the importance of coming together to address common challenges.WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers, meet your latest lobbyists: online influencers from TikTok. The platform is once again bringing influencers to Washington, this time to lobby members of Congress to reject a fast-moving bill that would force TikTok's Beijing-based parent company to sell or be banned in the United States. On Tuesday, some influencers began a two-day advocacy event in support of TikTok, which arranged their trip ahead of a House floor vote on the legislation on Wednesday. But unlike a similar lobbying event the company put together last March when talks of a TikTok ban reached a fever pitch, this year’s effort appeared more rushed as the company scrambles to counter the legislation, which advanced rapidly on Capitol Hill. Summer Lucille, a TikTok content creator with 1.4 million followers who is visiting Washington this week, said if TikTok is banned, she “don’t know what it will do” to her business, a plus-sized boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It will be devastating,” Lucille said in an interview arranged by the platform. In an unusual showing of bipartisanship, a House panel unanimously approved the measure last week. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation if lawmakers pass it. But it’s unclear what will happen in the Senate, where several bills aimed at banning TikTok have stalled. The legislation faces other roadblocks. Former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who holds sway over both House and Senate Republicans, has voiced opposition to the bill, saying it would empower Meta-owned Facebook, which he continues to lambast over his 2020 election loss. The bill also faces pushback from some progressive lawmakers in the House as well as civil liberties groups who argue it infringes on the First Amendment. TikTok could be banned if ByteDance, the parent company, doesn’t sell its stakes in the platform and other applications it owns within six months of the bill’s enactment. The fight over the platform takes place as U.S.-China relations have shifted to that of strategic rivalry, especially in areas such as advanced technologies and data security, seen as essential to each country’s economic prowess and national security. The shift, which started during the Trump years and has continued under Biden, has placed restrictions on export of advanced technologies and outflow of U.S. monies to China, as well as access to the U.S. market by certain Chinese businesses. The Biden administration also has cited human rights concerns in blacklisting a number of Chinese companies accused of assisting the state surveillance campaign against ethnic minorities. TikTok isn’t short on lobbyists. Its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance has a strong lobbying apparatus in Washington that includes dozens of lobbyists from well-known consulting and legal firms as well as influential insiders, such as former members of Congress and ex-aides to powerful lawmakers, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will also be in Washington this week and plans to meet with lawmakers, according to a company spokesperson who said Chew’s visit was previously scheduled. But influencers, who have big followings on social media and can share personal stories of how the platform boosted their businesses — or simply gave them a voice — are still perhaps one of the most powerful tools the company has in its arsenal. A TikTok spokesperson said dozens of influencers will attend the two-day event, including some who came last year. The spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how many new people would be attending this year’s lobbying blitz. The company is briefing them ahead of meetings with their representatives and media interviews. Lucille, who runs the boutique in North Carolina, says has seen a substantial surge in revenue because of her TikTok page. The 34-year-old began making TikTok content focusing on plus-sized fashion in March 2022, more than a decade after she started her business. She quickly amassed thousands of followers after posting a nine-second video about her boutique. Because of her popularity on the platform, her business has more online exposure and customers, some of whom have visited from as far as Europe. She says she also routinely hears from followers who are finding support through her content about fashion and confidence. JT Laybourne, an influencer who also came to Washington, said he joined TikTok in early 2019 after getting some negative comments on videos he posted on Instagram while singing in the car with his children. Laybourne, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, said he was attracted to the short-form video platform because it was easy to create videos that contained music. Like Lucille, he quickly gained traction on the app. He says he also received more support from TikTok users, who reacted positively to content he produced on love and positivity. Laybourne says the community he built on the platform rallied around his family when he had to undergo heart surgery in 2020. Following the surgery, he said he used the platform to help raise $1 million for the American Heart Association in less than two years. His family now run an apparel company that gets most of its traffic from TikTok. “I will fight tooth-and-nail for this app,” he said. But whether the opposition the company is mounting through lobbyists or influencers will be enough to derail the bill is yet to be seen. On Tuesday, House lawmakers received a briefing on national security concerns regarding TikTok from the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence officials. AP Journalist Didi Tang contributed to this report. This story was originally published on March 12, 2024. It was updated on December 23, 2024 to clarify a quote by TikTok content creator Summer Lucille.He is not yet in power but President-elect Donald Trump rattled much of the world with an off-hours warning of stiff tariffs on close allies and China -- a loud hint that Trump-style government by social media post is coming back. With word of these levies against goods imported from Mexico, Canada and China, Trump sent auto industry stocks plummeting, raised fears for global supply chains and unnerved the world's major economies. For Washington-watchers with memories of the Republican's first term, the impromptu policy volley on Monday evening foreshadowed a second term of startling announcements of all manner, fired off at all hours of the day from his smartphone. "Donald Trump is never going to change much of anything," said Larry Sabato, a leading US political scientist and director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "You can expect in the second term pretty much what he showed us about himself and his methods in the first term. Social media announcements of policy, hirings and firings will continue." The first of Trump's tariff announcements -- a 25 percent levy on everything coming in from Mexico and Canada -- came amid an angry rebuke of lax border security at 6:45 pm on Truth Social, Trump's own platform. The United States is bound by agreements on the movement of goods and services brokered by Trump in a free trade treaty with both nations during his first term. But Trump warned that the new levy would "remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country" -- sowing panic from Ottawa to Mexico City. Seconds later, another message from the incoming commander-in-chief turned the focus on Chinese imports, which he said would be hit with "an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs." The consequences were immediate. Almost every major US automaker operates plants in Mexico, and shares in General Motors and Stellantis -- which produce pickup trucks in America's southern neighbor -- plummeted. Canada, China and Mexico protested, while Germany called on its European partners to prepare for Trump to impose hefty tariffs on their exports and stick together to combat such measures. The tumult recalls Trump's first term, when journalists, business leaders and politicians at home and abroad would scan their phones for the latest pronouncements, often long after they had left the office or over breakfast. During his first four years in the Oval Office, the tweet -- in those days his newsy posts were almost exclusively limited to Twitter, now known as X -- became the quasi-official gazette for administration policy. The public learned of the president-elect's 2020 Covid-19 diagnosis via an early-hours post, and when Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani was assassinated on Trump's order, the Republican confirmed the kill by tweeting a US flag. The public and media learned of numerous other decisions big and small by the same source, from the introduction of customs duties to the dismissal of cabinet secretaries. It is not a communication method that has been favored by any previous US administration and runs counter to the policies and practices of most governments around the world. Throughout his third White House campaign, and with every twist and turn in his various entanglements with the justice system, Trump has poured his heart out on Truth Social, an app he turned to during his 20-month ban from Twitter. In recent days, the mercurial Republican has even named his attorney general secretaries of justice and health via announcements on the network. "He sees social media as a tool to shape and direct the national conversation and will do so again," said political scientist Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University professor. cjc/ft/dw/bjt

Barcelona, led by their talismanic captain Lionel Messi, have shown glimpses of their trademark attacking prowess and flair this season. With key players such as Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong also making significant contributions, Barcelona have maintained their place near the top of the table and remain strong contenders for the title.None

Nintendo fans and collectors around the world were thrilled to hear that the highly anticipated Nintendo Alarm Clock was available for pre-order once again. Designed with a retro-inspired look and featuring iconic Nintendo characters such as Mario, Zelda, and Pikachu, the alarm clock quickly became a must-have item for gaming enthusiasts. However, the excitement soon turned to disappointment as consumers discovered the unexpected shipping delays that left many scratching their heads.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, there is a sense of cautious optimism among the staff at Weber. The temporary takeover by Willcox, coupled with the impending departure of Weber, presents an opportunity for the organization to redefine its identity and chart a new course for the future.The year started with a bang when a shop wall fell down in the first of two unprecedented storms, users queued up to have a go when a brand-new skatepark was unveiled as the first part of the transformation of The Leys and news broke about the Eynsham park and ride with no access road. We look back at the biggest news stories of the first six months of the year in Witney. Storm Henk followed by intense heavy rain caused flooding across West Oxfordshire , closing roads and lanes and forcing The Maybush pub at Newbridge to shut after water started seeping through the floor. A criminal investigation was confirmed into Thames Water allegedly releasing “significant” levels of pollution which affected Colwell Brook and Queen Emma’s Dyke which flow into the River Windrush in Witney. Rights and climate collective, Rights Community Action, won their High Court case against the planning inspector’s decision not to require the new homes at Salt Cross Garden Village to be net-zero. wanted the garden village, set to be built north of the A40 between Witney and Oxford, to be fossil free. The judge ruled planning inspectors were wrong to remove certain net zero policies from the area action plan. Since the ruling, the council has temporarily paused the planning process to speak directly to the Government to amend current policy and allow its net zero policy on the site. Witney's new-look skatepark welcomed BMXs, scooters, rollerbladers and skateboarders after a £57,975 upgrade. The park was officially opened by Witney mayor Cllr Owen Collins who said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to reopen the wheeled sports park, and to see over a hundred young people come down to get stuck in immediately." The Oxford Mail broke the story that the £51million park and ride in Eynsham had been completed without an access road linking it to the A40. It made national headlines as well as the pages of satirical magazine Private Eye. The 850-space facility on the A40 was mostly completed, however, the funding needed for an access road had not been secured. Meanwhile broke the news that the £180million plan for improvements on the congested A40 would have to be scaled back due to inflation and spiralling costs. Following the local elections West Oxfordshire District Council remained under no overall control but the Liberal Democrats won three extra wards while the Conservatives lost five of the seven wards they were defending. It left the Conservatives with their lowest number of wards in the district council’s 50-year history. Dozens of trophies were damaged after a break-in at Witney Vikings Youth Football Club. Club chairman Steve Bott said there were around 100 personalised trophies damaged, some pitch equipment and footballs when a storage container was ransacked. The town set up a fundraising page to support the club which quickly raised more than £8,900. The £700,000 overhaul of The Leys was paused. The project includes refurbishment of the café, improved toilets and changing rooms, indoor activity space, four tennis courts, mini tennis courts, covered Padel courts and a mix of facilities including netball, 3x3 basketball and table tennis. The Coffee Shed and old toilet block had been demolished and the site had been cleared. However, the design team announced it would have to modify some of the groundwork and foundations and work stopped. Social enterprise Courtside said they would “work at pace” to get the new multi-activity hub open as soon as possible.

The match in question was a crucial fixture for both teams, with Liverpool vying for the title and the opposing team fighting to avoid relegation. Tensions were running high throughout the game, and it all came to a head when the referee made a controversial decision that went against the club's interests.As the situation escalated and danger loomed closer, Mr. Li made the bold decision to evacuate his guests to ensure their safety. With limited resources and amidst the chaos of war, this task seemed daunting and almost impossible. Yet, undeterred by the challenges, he reached out to a group of local militants known to have influence in the area.

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Trump taps retired general for key Ukraine conflict roleLast month, Microsoft announced that , thanks to a recent ruling, it would allow people buy and play Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android starting in November. But, as we reach the end of the month, it looks like those plans will have to wait a bit. Xbox President Sarah Bond announced on X/Twitter on Wednesday that "a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts" has delayed the functionality. Still, Bond added that they're ready to launch with the feature as soon as they have the legal go-ahead. At Xbox, we want to offer players more choice on how and where they play, including being able to play and buy games directly from the Xbox app. I recently shared our ambition to unlock these features first with the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S. while other app...— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) November 27, 2024 "At Xbox, we want to offer players more choice on how and where they play, including being able to play and buy games directly from the Xbox app," Bond wrote. "I recently shared our ambition to unlock these features first with the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S. while other app stores adapt to meet consumer demand." "Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned," she continued. "Our team has the functionality built and ready to go live as soon as the court makes a final decision. We are eager to launch and give more choice and flexibility to players." Microsoft announced its plans following a recent decision by a U.S. judge that forces Google to open up its Play Store to competitors for three years . Per the ruling — the latest victory in Epic Games' long-running antitrust battle against Google — Google will have carry third-party Android app stores in the Play Store and grant third-party app stores full access to Google Play's catalogue of apps. Google, however, vowed to appeal the decision in a subsequent blog post . For Microsoft, the ruling meant that, in theory, it would free to sell Xbox games on Android devices and allow them to be streamed as soon as they're purchased from within the same app without having to use Google Play Billing. However, it's currently unclear what this court order will mean for Microsoft's plans beyond just delaying them. The ability to expand purchasing to the Google Play Store was only one of Microsoft's recent moves to grow Xbox's footprint in the mobile space. In May , Bond announced that Microsoft was planning to launch its own mobile game store in July, although that's been delayed. In the wake of Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which owns Candy Crush maker King, the company certainly has more firepower to bring to the mobile landscape. Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

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Best of the West power rankings: Arizona State inches up, Boise State ticks down, Colorado slides and Oregon State reappearsProvidence 60, Delaware 53College GameDay Announces Controversial Guest Pickers For Saturday

A late-game rally derailed by a missed extra point and Cowboys stun Commanders 34-2649ers’ Shanahan expects Jake Moody to be his kicker into the futureAston Villa had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 0-0 with Juventus in the Champions League . Morgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery 's side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers' moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne's free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the "best teams in the world, historically and now", but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa's first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne's 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.A South Australian man’s festive cheer may be a little dimmer after allegedly drink-driving his Christmas-themed car through a busy public space in Adelaide. On Sunday evening about 8.20pm, a grey Mazda Astina decked out in Christmas lights, ornaments and other decorations was spotted driving along a footpath in Henley Square, a busy public space restricted to pedestrians and cyclists only, in Adelaide. A man will face court after driving his Christmas-themed car through Henley Square. Police were called to the scene and began speaking to the driver, a 65-year-old man from Croydon Park, who explained to authorities he had taken a wrong turn. He was asked to take a breath test, which returned a positive result of 0.071. The man was reported for drink-driving and driving in a dangerous manner. His car has been defected and impounded for 28 days. The man will appear in court at a later date. Originally published as Man caught allegedly driving Christmas car through busy pedestrian strip Breaking News Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Breaking News IOC chief hopeful Sebastian Coe: ‘We run risk of losing women’s sport’ IOC chief hopeful Sebastian Coe: 'We run risk of losing women's sport' Read more National Scam warning ahead of Black Friday sales Australia Post says consumers need to be on guard for scams as Black Friday sales ramp up and criminals target unsuspecting victims. Read more

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NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The retail market in vietnam size is estimated to grow by USD 226.4 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.64% during the forecast period. Growing demand for convenience food products is driving market growth, with a trend towards emergence of urban lifestyles in Vietnam . However, issues related to logistics and supply chain operations poses a challenge.Key market players include 7 Eleven Inc., AEON CO. LTD., Berli Jucker Public Co. Ltd., Central Group of Company, Central Retail Corp., Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, Circle K, E Mart Co. Ltd., FPT Retail Joint Stock Co., Lotte Shopping Plaza Vietnam Co. Ltd., Masan Group, MM Mega Market Vietnam, Saigon Union of Trading Cooperatives, and SPAR International. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Vietnam's retail market is experiencing significant growth due to economic development. Traditional formats like brick-and-mortar stores, shopping malls, boutiques, and specialty stores coexist with modern retailing. The digital wave is transforming businesses with tech-savvy consumers preferring ecommerce platforms. AI, machine learning, IoT, and omnichannel strategies offer seamless shopping experiences, enhancing customer loyalty. Price sensitivity remains a key factor, with health, wellness products, fitness, and wellness supplements gaining popularity. Brands focus on brand awareness and shopping experience, offering diverse product ranges. Sustainability is a growing trend, with eco-friendly products, green technologies, and reduced plastic use. Mahindra, the Chairperson, sustainability and environmental awareness in the supply chain. Adaptation to changing consumer preferences, data analytics, and omnichannel experiences are essential for businesses. Urbanization increases the demand for modern retail, including department stores and organized sector growth. Traditional stores like Kirana shops and street vendors maintain their local connection and personalized service, offering lower operational costs. Cultural significance remains, with infrastructure improvements supporting the expansion of both modern and traditional retail sectors. Vietnam's retail market is experiencing significant growth due to urbanization and changing consumer preferences among young urban customers. This shift is leading to the expansion of contemporary retail channels, including convenience stores and e-commerce. Online retail sales have seen substantial growth, with both established and private retailers effectively selling their products through digital platforms. The elimination of physical stores, merchandise, salespeople, and inventory requirements makes online sales an attractive option for retailers. Additionally, the increasing Internet and smartphone penetration in Vietnam provides retailers with an opportunity to expand their reach and offer their products online. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges In Vietnam's retail market, economic development brings new opportunities but also challenges. Traditional formats like brick-and-mortar stores face competition from modern retailing and ecommerce platforms. Tech-savvy consumers prefer seamless shopping experiences, digital technologies like AI and machine learning, and omnichannel strategies. Businesses must adapt to the digital wave and offer convenience, customer loyalty, and eco-friendly practices to stay competitive. Price sensitivity remains a key factor, with health, wellness products, fitness, and wellness supplements popular. Brands aim for increased awareness and better shopping experiences through payment options, infrastructure, and personalized service. Sustainability is a growing concern, with green technologies, ecofriendly products, and reduced plastic use gaining importance. The organized sector, including department stores and modern retail, competes with the unorganized sector, including traditional stores, kirana shops, and street vendors, which offer local connection and lower operational costs. Mahindra's Chairperson sustainability and environmental awareness in the retail sector's supply chain. Urbanization and changing consumer preferences drive e-commerce expansion and adaptation to an omnichannel experience. Data analytics plays a crucial role in understanding consumer behavior and adapting to their evolving needs. In Vietnam's retail market, back-end supply chain management processes are intricate due to the developing infrastructure. Functions include product acquisition, warehouse management, packaging, inventory, distribution, and merchandising. Costs entail IT support, infrastructure, and customer service. Managing transportation and multiple retail stores adds complexity, with potential product damage risks. Retailers face challenges in optimizing these processes for efficiency and cost savings. Effective supply chain management is crucial for retailers to remain competitive in Vietnam's market. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This retail market in Vietnam report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Offline 1.2 Online 2.1 Grocery 2.2 Electronics and appliances 2.3 Home and garden 2.4 Health and beauty 2.5 Others 3.1 APAC 1.1 Offline- The retail market in Vietnam offers significant growth opportunities, yet faces intense competition among domestic and international retailers. Supermarkets, with their wide range of daily necessities and convenient one-stop shopping experience, remain popular among consumers. These stores provide food, non-food items, and household appliances, as well as in-house bakeries and cafes. Traditional retailers continue to dominate due to their extensive availability, lower prices, and fresh produce offerings. Convenience stores, offering everyday essentials, are strategically located near highways and busy roads. Department stores or commercial centers provide a broad selection of consumer goods, shaping urban shopping habits. Despite the rise of digital channels, physical retail channels continue to dominate the Vietnamese retail landscape. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Vietnam's retail market is experiencing rapid growth due to the country's economic development. Traditional formats like street markets and mom-and-pop stores continue to coexist with modern retailing, offering a diverse shopping experience. The economy's digital wave has brought about a tech-savvy consumer base, leading businesses to adopt digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, and IoT for omnichannel strategies. Ecommerce platforms and brick-and-mortar stores are merging to provide seamless shopping experiences. Shopping malls, boutiques, and specialty stores cater to various consumer needs, from health and wellness products to fitness and wellness supplements. The organized sector, including department stores and brand awareness, is expanding, offering a wider range of products at competitive prices. Price sensitivity remains a key factor, making affordability a priority for many businesses. Overall, Vietnam's retail market is an exciting space to watch as it continues to evolve and adapt to consumer demands. Market Research Overview Vietnam's retail market is experiencing significant growth due to the country's economic development. Traditional formats are evolving as modern retailing gains popularity among tech-savvy consumers. The digital wave is transforming businesses with ecommerce platforms and AI, machine learning, IoT, and omnichannel strategies offering seamless shopping experiences. Convenience, customer loyalty, and environmental impact are key considerations. Indian consumers are price-sensitive and prefer health, wellness products, fitness products, and wellness supplements. The organized sector, including department stores and modern retail, is expanding, while the unorganized sector, including traditional stores, Kirana shops, and street vendors, maintains a local connection and offers personalized service at lower operational costs. Sustainability and environmental awareness are increasingly important, with eco-friendly products, green technologies, and plastic use reduction becoming priorities. Urbanization and changing consumer preferences are driving the adoption of digital technologies and infrastructure development. Adaptation to these trends is essential for businesses to thrive in this dynamic market. Mahindra, the Chairperson, the importance of sustainability and environmental awareness in the retail sector. Supply chain optimization and brand awareness are also crucial factors in the shopping experience, with payment options and infrastructure development playing a significant role in the success of both physical stores and online platforms. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Distribution Channel Offline Online Type Grocery Electronics And Appliances Home And Garden Health And Beauty Others Geography APAC 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technaviopanalo999.com login 。

Blues have struggled to string together positive results so far this season. But Morton says having a more settled team and strength in depth will enable Kevin Maher’s side to be at their best more often. “It helps having a settled team and having competition for places too,” said Morton. “We need 20 players, not just 11 and there will be rotation, injuries and setbacks so every player is important in getting a consistent team gelling. “We’ve had some clean sheets under our belts against top teams too now and naturally it builds confidence. “That confidence will continue and hopefully we can get a good unbeaten run going to climb the league table.” The Shrimpers triumphed 2-0 at Halifax Town on Saturday to make it three matches unbeaten. And Morton labelled it a significant success for Blues, who are now 14th in the table. “It was really important to get three points at the end of what I thought as a positive week,” said Morton. “Getting two draws and a win in the week is good, especially having Forest Green, Woking where we went down to 10 men and Halifax away. “It’s a tough week and to get the win was massive. “We’re really big on clean sheets so that was pleasing too. “Collectively we felt it was a good performance and it’s one we’ll take confidence from too which is important.” Morton also played a key part in securing Saturday’s win as he set up both of Southend’s goals. And the 25-year-old wants that to be a sign of things to come. “It's always good to be involved in goals and it’s something I want to add to my game,” said Morton. “Maybe it will be assists more than goals playing deeper but I want to help the team any way I can. "I’ve not always based my game on stats mainly because of the position I play and the responsibilities I have elsewhere but you’ve got to do a bit of everything. “I feel I can add a few more stats but as long as my performance is positive overall then those stats will come.” Morton’s next chance to impress comes at Brentwood Town in the FA Trophy this weekend. And the midfielder stressed the Shrimpers would be taking the third round tie seriously. “We want to win every game,” said Morton. “We’ve had a bit of inconsistency this season but cup games can help with your league performances. “We look at this as just as important as a league match where hopefully we can get a good performance and win. “We’ll be taking it seriously and we’ve prepared properly this week. “I see it as a great opportunity to make it four unbeaten so we feel more positive and confident going into the Hartlepool game next week.” Morton again looks likely to feature in the centre of the park having started nine of the last 10 games. And he is enjoying his regular role in the team. “To be playing as regularly as I have been and getting the minutes I have means you’re naturally going to progress,” said Morton. “You’ll be fitter and sharper and getting that base means you’ll be able to express yourself a lot more. “The way we want to play suits me and you build relationships with the players on the pitch when you play. “Like I said previously, the team has been quite consistent in terms of who has been playing which helps with the team performance. “You’re gelling and everyone will be doing better the more you play. "For me I feel like I’ve been doing OK but I know there’s more to come and I’m really focused on being even better.How to protect your communications through encryption

Agriculture & Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation Receives FIRB Approval In Connection with Previously Announced Business CombinationNew Delhi: Over 58 lakh property cards providing 'Record of Rights ' will be issued for owners in over 50,000 villages across 12 states and union territories on Friday at a virtual event which will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , officials of Panchayati Raj Ministry said on Wednesday. At least 13 union ministers will meanwhile address events in different states where the property cards will be distributed, officials said. ET Year-end Special Reads It's all Gucci for Indians' luxury craving even as economy shows wrinkles Investing in 2025: Will domestic funds continue to counter FPI sell-offs amid rising valuations? 2024 exposed the underbelly of India's Silicon Valley SVAMITVA Scheme, which was launched in 2020, aims at providing a "Record of Rights" to every property owner in the Village Abadi area. Officials from the Panchayati Raj Ministry said the virtual event, which will be addressed by the Prime Minister, property cards will be issued to 58 lakh property owners in approximately 50,000 villages across 10 states - Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and two Union Territories- Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. Meanwhile, several union ministers will reach out to the beneficiaries at different locations in these states, and also distribute some of the property cards. In Rajasthan, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will attend an event in Jodhpur, while JP Nadda will be in Jaipur, Bhupender Yadav in Alwar, Annpurna Devi will be in Kota, and Arjun Ram Meghwal will be in Bikaner. 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View Program In Maharashtra, union minister Piyush Goyal will address an event in Ahilya Nagar, MoS Raksha Nikhil Khadse in Nandurbar, and Murlidhar Mohol will be in Pune. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will address an event in Bhatinda, Punjab, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will be in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, while Jitendra Singh will be in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. Secretary Panchayati Raj Vivek Bharadwaj said including the latest tranche, 2.19 crore property cards have been finalised so far. Besides, 92 percent of the drone mapping has been done covering around 3.17 lakh of the over 3.44 lakh villages that were the target. The scheme's targets are likely to be achieved by 2026. Survey of rural land in India for Settlement and record of rights had last been completed many decades back. Moreover, Abadi (inhabited) area of villages were not surveyed/ mapped in many States. Hence, no record of Rights could be created for the Village Abadi areas. The scheme aims to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India. The demarcation of inhabited land in rural areas would be done by the use of drone's technology with the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Revenue Department, State Panchayati Raj Department and Survey of India The outcome from the scheme would include creating/ updating the 'record-of-rights' in the revenue/property registers and issuance of property cards to the property owners. So far, 31 States/UTs have joined the Scheme. Of these, Sikkim, Telangana and Tamil Nadu had participated only in the pilot phase of the Scheme. Further, States of West Bengal, Bihar, Nagaland and Meghalaya have not joined the Scheme. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Drivers to face new registration requirements under ‘Priscilla’s Law’ as officials crack down on dangerous road habit