jilimacao withdrawal

jilimacao withdrawal

Defeated Leipzig lose more ground on Bayern, Frankfurt go secondTCU's TD barrage breaks open tight game vs. Arizona

Let’s have a little fun, as the Dallas Cowboys are not having a good season—a 5-round mock draft . Everyone loves a mock draft. Whether it is good or bad, it is a conversation starter, and this fan base needs a little fun right now because the games are not fun to watch. The coaching staff will undoubtedly be different, but one thing is sure: death, taxes, and the Jones family thinking they are good at their jobs. That said, let’s dive into this and leave a comment about what you think and what changes you would make. Round 1 Pick: Ashton Jeanty (RB) Boise State In this mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts offered a trade: pick 9 and pick 147 for the Colts’ picks 10 and 47. Ashton Jeanty has been a name that has come up in numerous draft talks and the Dallas Cowboys. Taking him with a top-10 draft pick may or may not be the way to go. Ashton Jeanty should be the Heisman winner and lead the NCAA in nearly every running back category. Oh, and he can block and catch out of the backfield. Jeanty’s film study unequivocally demonstrates a generational talent whose skill set surpasses traditional running back norms. His extraordinary vision, unmatched contact balance, and explosive playmaking ability make him the most complete backfield prospect in recent memory. His anticipation and acceleration in zone schemes will leave linebackers flailing, while his decisive cuts and power in gap schemes will dominate even the strongest NFL defenses. Moreover, Jeanty’s receiving skills and route-running potential allow him to be deployed as a receiver, while his elite pass protection establishes him as the quintessential modern three-down back. Jeanty is a transformative talent that franchises cannot overlook. His immediate impact on an NFL offense is beyond question, and any team selecting in the top five will find it nearly impossible to pass on him. He is poised to compete for Offensive Rookie of the Year and quickly establish himself among the league’s elite playmakers. The do-it-all back would be the perfect weapon to add to this offense. Round 2 Pick: Deon Walker (DL) Kentucky The second-round pick was also traded, and the partner was the Chicago Bears. They offered picks 41 and 243 for the Dallas Cowboys’ pick 40. Picking up an extra draft pick to move back one spot is usually not a bad idea. A player the Cowboys can use is still on the board with the 41st pick, and he will boost the defense’s interior. Deon Walker is a massive human being, standing at 6’6′′and 345 pounds. During the year, he had 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 32 total tackles, which may not seem like great numbers, but Deon Walker’s job was to take up blockers and stop the run. Deone Walker is a standout defensive lineman prospect known for his size, power, and agility. He effectively disrupts both the run and pass games, showcasing high energy and versatility. His tackling, quick footwork, and leadership strengths make him a valuable asset for any NFL defense. He takes up blockers and stops the run very well. This frees up the linebackers and allows the defensive ends to avoid double teams. Round 2 Pick: Barrett Carter (LB) Clemson This pick was from the Indianapolis Colts trade in the first round. Barrett Carter would slot in nicely with DeMarvion Overshown to give the Cowboys two great linebackers for a few years. Standing at 6’1 “and 230 pounds, Barrett Carter is a high-upside, three-down linebacker in the NFL. He is known for his sideline-to-sideline range and strong coverage skills. He can effectively match up with tight ends and running backs in sub-packages, and his blitzing ability adds depth to his game. His instincts in zone coverage and route recognition are also expected to translate well to the next level. This would be a great addition to a struggling defense this year. Round 3 Pick: Dane Key (WR) Kentucky A big wide receiver, Dane Key from Kentucky , was available in the third round. With the issues at receiver, taking a flier on Dane Key seemed to be the way to go. Dane Key is 6’3” and 210 pounds with good speed, running a 4.5 forty-yard dash. Key has shown the potential to be a reliable possession receiver in the NFL, possibly developing into a solid WR2 or high-end WR3. His effective route-running and dependable hands will be valuable, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. While he may lack the elite athleticism to play outside against top cornerbacks, his size and catch radius could make him an effective big slot receiver in the right system. Opposite CeeDee Lamb, this pick could pay dividends to Dak Prescott, who has not had two big-time receivers since Amari Cooper was traded. Round 5 Pick: Three Players in Consecutive Picks Due to trades earlier in the draft, the Dallas Cowboys could make three consecutive picks in round five: 170, 171, and 172. Offense and defense were upgraded with these three picks. At Pick 170, Nic Anderson was the choice. The University of Oklahoma wide receiver, standing at 6’4” and 219 pounds, is another big receiver that would elevate this offense. Anderson is seen as a high-upside X-receiver with the potential to be a significant vertical threat. His size, speed, and ball skills make him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add a playmaker to their receiving corps. Coaches view him as a versatile player who can excel in both spread and traditional offenses. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches makes him valuable in deep-passing systems. Pick 171 cornerback Dorian Strong was available. The uncertainty of Jourdan Lewis made this pick a no-brainer. Dorian Strong is 6’1′′and 185 pounds, a nice size for the slot position. Strong’s coverage skills and ball-hawking ability translate well to the NFL level. His proficiency in press-man coverage and awareness of zone coverage offer valuable versatility for different schemes. These attributes, combined with his fluid hip movement and strong anticipation skills, should enable him to compete for playing time early in his career. The last pick of the fifth round is offensive tackle Jack Nelson from the University of Wisconsin. Nelson is 6’7” and 316 pounds. Nelson is seen as a versatile prospect with experience at both tackle and guard, making him valuable for teams seeking offensive line depth. His strong anchoring in pass protection and aggressive run-blocking suggest starter potential, especially at guard. However, his foot speed may limit him against elite NFL edge defenders. He is likely best suited for right tackle in a zone-heavy system or at guard, where he can leverage his strength. His durability and solid performance in the Big Ten will attract the attention of NFL scouts. These picks could potentially help all levels of the offense and defense. Going big with athleticism from big-time schools seems to play out well for teams around the league. Drafting players for fit has always been tricky for the Cowboys front office, but maybe this year will be different. This article first appeared on Inside The Star and was syndicated with permission.

No. 12 West Virginia women beat Boise State 82-47 to reach title game of Gulf Coast ShowcaseNexOptic Technology Corp. ( CVE:NXO – Get Free Report )’s share price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02, with a volume of 436200 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.03. NexOptic Technology Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.03 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$0.02. The stock has a market cap of C$3.90 million, a P/E ratio of -1.00 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a current ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.33. About NexOptic Technology ( Get Free Report ) NexOptic Technology Corp., a technology company, develops artificial intelligence and imaging products. It engages in developing All Light Intelligent Imaging Solutions (ALIIS), a suite of intelligent imaging solution that processes raw images and video in real time; and NexCompress technological solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for NexOptic Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NexOptic Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Malema rallies troops ahead of elective conference

WaFd, Inc ( NASDAQ:WAFD – Get Free Report ) was the target of a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,610,000 shares, an increase of 26.8% from the November 30th total of 1,270,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 473,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.4 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades WAFD has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com raised WaFd from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on WaFd from $36.00 to $35.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 21st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued a “market perform” rating and issued a $40.00 price target on shares of WaFd in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Finally, DA Davidson boosted their price objective on shares of WaFd from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, WaFd has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $38.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on WaFd WaFd Stock Performance WaFd ( NASDAQ:WAFD – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 17th. The bank reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.70 by $0.01. WaFd had a return on equity of 9.44% and a net margin of 13.97%. The business had revenue of $389.98 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $190.43 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.72 EPS. Analysts anticipate that WaFd will post 2.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. WaFd Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 22nd were paid a dividend of $0.26 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 22nd. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.19%. WaFd’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.94%. Insider Buying and Selling In other WaFd news, EVP Ryan Mauer sold 12,132 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Monday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.33, for a total transaction of $404,359.56. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 100,376 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,345,532.08. The trade was a 10.78 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Company insiders own 2.25% of the company’s stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of WAFD. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in WaFd by 80.8% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,188 shares of the bank’s stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 531 shares in the last quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC boosted its stake in shares of WaFd by 112.7% during the 3rd quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 1,323 shares of the bank’s stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 701 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of WaFd by 100.0% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,644 shares of the bank’s stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 822 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of WaFd by 515.8% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,558 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $54,000 after acquiring an additional 1,305 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its stake in shares of WaFd by 60.1% in the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,904 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 715 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.71% of the company’s stock. About WaFd ( Get Free Report ) WaFd, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Washington Federal Bank that provides lending, depository, insurance, and other banking services in the United States. The company offers deposit products, including business and personal checking accounts, and term certificates of deposit, as well as money market accounts and passbook savings accounts. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for WaFd Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WaFd and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Tyngsboro High’s October Students of the Month

FW Thorpe (LON:TFW) Shares Up 1.3% – Still a Buy?Man accused in burning death of a woman on New York subway appears in courtGlobal trends, trading sentiment of foreign investors, and macroeconomic announcements will influence traders in the coming week, analysts said. The experts noted that the equity markets will keenly be on the lookout for fluctuations in currency movements and major data reveals across the globe as investors mark the beginning of the New Year in the week. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-9167143-2"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); The Indian rupee also recorded its steepest fall in almost two years to reach a lifetime intra-day low on Friday, reported PTI. Meanwhile, auto stocks will also be observed by the market players in the week. Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart Ltd, noted, “Persistent FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors) selling has been a source of pressure on Indian markets, and their stance in the new year could shape near-term trends. Meanwhile, monthly auto sales data will also be closely watched. As the Q3 earnings season approaches, corporate quarterly updates will begin trickling in, setting the stage for market expectations.” Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-1253031-3"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Also Read : H1-B Visa Row: What Is The US Visa Programme And Why Has It Become A Hot Topic On Social Media? EXPLAINED The expert said major economic indicators such as manufacturing PMI data from China and the US, along with jobless claims from the US would be crucial factors to watch in the week. “However, the dollar index and US bond yields remain the most critical factors influencing the direction of global markets” he added. Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said, “Auto stocks will also remain in the limelight this week amid monthly sales data announcement. As we step into the new calendar year and month, auto sales data will be closely monitored for initial market cues. In the absence of any significant events, attention is likely to shift toward FII flows and currency movement, especially as the rupee continues to weaken against the US dollar. These factors could play a crucial role in shaping market direction in the near term.” Notably, the equity markets witnessed a major rally last week. The BSE Sensex gained more than 650 points or 0.84 per cent, while the NSE Nifty50 climbed over 200 points or 0.95 per cent in the week. Also Read : Vodafone Idea Says DoT’s BG Waiver Comes As ‘Relief For Telecom Industry’

Australia's prime minister said Sunday he was ready to "engage" with billionaire X owner Elon Musk over his criticism of the government's ban on under-16s joining social media. Anthony Albanese hailed the parliament's Thursday passage of landmark legislation requiring social media firms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent young teens from having accounts. The law, which will come into effect after 12 months, gives few details of how it will be enforced, including how sites like Facebook, Instagram and X will verify users' ages. Musk -- who has been named Donald Trump's government efficiency chief in the incoming US administration -- posted on X last month that the law "seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians". "We will talk to anyone," Albanese said when asked if he would discuss the legislation with Musk. "With regard to Elon Musk, he has an agenda. He's entitled to push that as the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter," Albanese told Australian public broadcaster ABC. When the interviewer mentioned that Musk was also Trump's "right-hand man", the prime minister replied: "We will engage, we will engage." Social media firms that fail to comply with the new law face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million) for "systemic breaches". Musk's platform in October lost a legal bid to avoid a US$417,000 fine levelled by Australia's online watchdog, which has accused X of failing to stamp out harmful posts. - 'Bullying' - The government will decide over the next 12 months how to implement the ban, Albanese said, insisting, however, that it would not require people to provide identification. "The obligation will be on social media companies to do everything they can to make sure that those people under 16 don't have access to social media," the prime minister said. "We know that social media companies have more information about you and I than some of our friends do," he added. "We know that they are able to do that, and the obligation will be on them." Albanese said he was "determined" to implement the legislation. "I've met parents who have had to bury their children as a result of the impact that social media has had as a result of bullying, and we need to do something about it," he said. Several social media giants have promised to work with the government on implementing the law. But they have also criticised the legislation, saying it was "rushed", full of unanswered questions, and did not take into account the views of experts who opposed it. The UN children's charity UNICEF Australia warned this week that the law was no "silver bullet" against online harm and could push kids into "covert and unregulated" spaces online. djw/mp/cwlJAMES MADDISON and Brennan Johnson were spotted enjoying the darts at Ally Pally following Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Wolves. Ange Postecoglou's men conceded a late equaliser in North London, before the Australian coach confirmed the players were "hurting". Advertisement 3 Brennan Johnson and James Maddison were at the darts on Sunday evening Credit: PA 3 It came just hours after the pair played in Tottenham's draw with Wolves Credit: PA 3 Johnson scored what he thought was the winner before Wolves' late equaliser Credit: PA The Spurs players have been given Monday and Tuesday off to recover from a demanding Christmas period - which has seen them play 10 games since November 28. And Maddison and Johnson - who scored Spurs' second goal - took the time to head to the darts to watch the likes of Luke Humphries , Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright. The pair could be seen smiling from their tables as they took in the raucous Ally Pally atmosphere. Maddison, 28, is known as a big fan of the sport - and often mimes throwing a dart after scoring a goal. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL SPURS 2 WOLVES 2 Tottenham duo do ‘Spursiest thing ever’ as side booed off after collapse But it has been a difficult time for Spurs following just one win in seven Premier League games. After the match, Postecoglou said: "It hurts me because I'm responsible ultimately. I'm the person in charge. So of course it hurts. "When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy, which I don't even know where they got from. "I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts. Advertisement Most read in Football ALL ROVER IT Barry Robson appointed manager of SPFL club - 11 months after Aberdeen axe 'I'M NOT CONCERNED' Rangers boss Clement breaks silence on future after latest bad result GER WRONG I'm not a stupid manager says Philippe Clement as he shoots down 'foolish' claims 'YOU WILL LOSE YOUR JOB' Kris Boyd issues stark warning to Clement over sports science CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS World Darts Championship - top stories READ MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza... All the info: All the action as it happens in our LIVE BLOG Everything you need to know about the Ally Pally extravaganza How much prize money can be won? What is the format for the tournament? Who are the Sky Sports presenters and pundits ? News, features and interviews: Mardle to take step back after tragic death of wife Donna Emma Paton reveals rise as Queen of Darts MVG pays tribute to Wayne Mardle's wife Donna Watch Littler hit 180 as Bullseye makes return to TV Littler reveals why he broke down in tears Sosing diagnosed with serious and rare condition after falling ill at Alexandra Palace Barry from EastEnders entertains crowd with singing 'Weird Kettering lad' Ricky Evans wins one of the 'greatest games ever' "It hurts immensely. At the same time it's my responsibility for where we're at right now and it's my responsibility to try to get us out of it." The Spurs boss also explained why he is giving the players two days off. Tottenham fans protest 'Levy out' with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool loss Follow all the action from the World Darts Championship as it happens with SunSport's LIVE blog He added: "It was always planned. We knew this is the first week where we don't have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover. Advertisement "It'll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves with their families and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically." Spurs have now failed to win at home in their last five league games - an unwanted feat not managed since 2008. While seven wins in 19 league games means they are a point nearer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four. Yet Postecoglou still believes his side can achieve something in the league this season. Advertisement The Aussie, whose team are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and still in Europe, added: "I just feel that at some point we'll get a relatively healthy squad and when we do that we'll be able to perform at a high level consistently and we've already shown this year we can beat anyone. "There's a chance there you can go on a run. "But at the moment that's secondary to the first bit, we have to try to get some support for the players - both mentally and physically and in terms of numbers to give them the opportunity to play at their best." Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur is now banned for Saturday’s hosting of Newcastle after a needless foul in stoppage time on Rodrigo Gomes earned him his fifth yellow card of the season. Advertisement Had he waited a week, the cautions picked up in the first half of the campaign would have been wiped. Read more on the Scottish Sun GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ VAX HORROR Striken Scots 'gaslit' by health bosses after complications from Covid vaccine Postecoglou added: "It was an unfortunate moment, didn't really need to happen and I'd much rather he didn't make that tackle and was available for the next game. "The players are obviously hurting, they want to turn this around and it's not for the want of trying."Japan foreign minister planning China visit in late DecemberYankees slugger Aaron Judge wins his second AL MVP award after leading MLB with 58 home runs

Some quotations from Jimmy Carter . We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary - which is wonderful - but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”Former President Jimmy Carter through the years MOUNT ZION — If you wanted to meet former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, you could, but you had to attend his Sunday school class first. Former President Jimmy Carter welcomes visitors June 8, 2014, at Maranatha Baptist Church before teaching Sunday school in Plains, Ga. Jan Williams, who had been his daughter Amy Carter's fourth grade teacher, accompanied the Carters to the White House to serve as Amy's tutor after the president was elected in 1976. She remained close to the family and in charge of the Plains (Ga.) Inn, where tourists who wanted to visit Carter's hometown usually stayed. “She arranges for tourists to come in, and if you want a chance to meet and get a picture with them, you have to follow her rules and you have to come to Sunday school (at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains). That was his stipulation,” said Rich Hansen, who teaches history and choir at Mount Zion High School. Hansen sings with a barbershop quartet and leads barbershop groups at the high school. Another teacher, now retired, told him that if he wanted to meet a former president, visiting Plains was the easiest way to accomplish it. “A year or two later, I was in that general vicinity,” Hansen said. “You don't have to make a reservation. You just wait in line. There's a lot of people that do this. "After I got the chance to meet him the first time, I arranged a return visit with the gospel quartet, I called Jan and said, 'Would you like music for your service sometime?'” Former President Jimmy Carter, left, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, right, flank the members of the 2013-14 girls' quartet and mixed ensemble from Mount Zion High School in Illinois during a visit in Plains, Ga. The students, from left, are Kaitlyn Chisenall, Miranda Richards, Tawni Williams, Ali Scogin, Meredith Jones, Maddy Johnston, Madison Stoecker, Logan Schmidt, Bryant Lane and Brandon Lane. Plains holds an annual Peanut Festival since the town is largely supported by peanut farming, and Hansen thought it would be worth scheduling a visit for the girls' quartet and the mixed ensemble from Mount Zion High School. “We did a little fundraising and sang for some groups and raised some money and went down there in September 2013,” Hansen said. “It was an awesome experience. The kids sang and walked up and down the street. "Plains has 500 people normally, but during the festival they have thousands in. (President) Carter would do book signings and there was a train to his boyhood home and the girls sang for that. That Sunday morning, we got a chance to sing during the service.” Mount Zion High School teacher Rich Hansen, left, met Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter during a visit to Plains, Ga. Logan Schmidt, now a music teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Charleston, was part of that group in his senior year at Mount Zion High School. “After the service, we were able to meet them up close, and I got to sing for them as lead soloist on 'Georgia on My Mind,' which was quite special,” Schmidt said. The former president was kind and soft-spoken, Schmidt said. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter was the more animated and talkative of the two. Mrs. Carter died Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Hansen doesn't make a habit of talking about the event to his students, he said, but when the matter of Carter entering hospice care in February 2023 came up, he did tell his choir students about meeting him and how everyone made the visitors feel at home. “They make everyone feel like family down there,” he said. Jimmy Carter gets his bars pinned on by his wife Rosalynn, left and his mother, Mrs. Lillian Carter at the U.S. Naval Academy in this undated photo. (AP Photo) FILE - In this Sept. 15, 1966 file photo, then Georgia State Sen. Jimmy Carter hugs his wife, Rosalynn, at his Atlanta campaign headquarters. Former State Sen. Jimmy Carter listens to applause at the Capitol in Atlanta on April 3, 1970, after announcing his candidacy or governor. In background, his wife Rosalyn holds two-year-old daughter Amy who joined in the applause. Carter, 45, of Plains, Ga., finished third in the 1966 Democratic Primary behind Gov. Lester Maddox and Ellis Arnall. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly) Gov. Jimmy Carter, holding daughter Amy, and Rosalynn Carter, right, listen while Lt. Gov. Lester Maddox makes his acceptance speech, Jan. 12, 1971, Atlanta, Ga. Carter had just been sworn in as Governor of Georgia. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly) President-elect Jimmy Carter and his family wave to supporters at a celebration in Atlanta, Ga., following Carter's victory over incumbent Pres. Gerald Ford, Nov. 3, 1976. At center is daughter Amy and at right, wife Rosalynn. (AP Photo) Jimmy Carter gives a victory sign after finding he'd won Wisconsin's Democratic presidential primary, April 7, 1976, Milwaukee, Wisc. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, holds a newspaper which in an earlier edition said Udall had won. (AP Photo/Paul Shane) Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn and daughter Amy, lower left, respond to a huge crowd that welcomed them to New York, July 10, 1976. They are here for the Democratic National Convention which is expected to pick Carter as its presidential candidate. (AP Photo) Jimmy Carter with Wife Rosalynn Carter at the National Convention in Madison Square Garden in New York July 15, 1976. (AP Photo) In this Oct. 22, 1976 file photo, Jimmy Carter, second from left, gets a hug from his wife Rosalynn Carter after the third Presidential debate ended, Friday, Oct. 22, 1976, Williamsburg, Va. First Lady Betty Ford, center, and moderator Barbara Walters, right, can be seen in the background. President-elect Jimmy Carter with his wife, Rosalynn, and daughter, Amy, 9, at their home in Plains, Georgia o Dec. 5, 1976. (AP Photo/CWH) Rosalynn Carter, left, looks up at her husband Jimmy Carter as he takes the oath of office as the 39th President of the United States at the Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 20, 1977, Washington, D.C. Mrs. Carter held a family Bible for her husband. (AP Photo) This Jan. 20, 1977 file photo shows President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter waving as they walk down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington after Carter was sworn in as the nation's 39th president. President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter in the blue room of the White House in Washington, Jan. 21, 1977, dancing, following his inauguration, also informal groups in the White House. (AP Photo/Peter Bregg) In this Feb. 17, 1977 black-and-white file photo, President Jimmy Carter talks with his wife Rosalynn Carter, prior to signing an executive order establishing a Presidential Commission on Mental Health, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi, File) President Jimmy Carter, and grandson Jason, two-years-old, return to the White House on Sunday, April 11, 1977, after a holiday weekend in Calhoun, Ga. Jason is the son of Carter's son, Jack, whose home the First Family visited in Calhoun. (AP Photo/ Peter Bregg) President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, carry their luggage to their home in Plains, Georgia Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1977 as they arrived to start their Christmas vacation at home. (AP Photo/DC) President Jimmy Carter and Mrs.Rosalynn Carter laugh while applauding speeches after a dinner in Atlanta Friday, Jan. 20, 1978, where they were honored guests. Carter returned to Atlanta on the first anniversary of his inauguration as President. (AP Photo) President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn lead their guests in dancing at the annual Congressional Christmas Ball at the White House in Washington on Dec. 13, 1978. Pope John Paul II stands on the balcony of the White House with President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 6, 1979. (AP Photo) In this May 10, 1979 file photo, President Jimmy Carter pauses to kiss first lady Rosalynn Carter as he boards a helicopter in Washington, for the trip from the White House to Camp David, Maryland. Sign at upper left is on the tail of the helicopter. (AP Photo/Barry Thumma, File) President Jimmy Carter with wife and others at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy June 1980. (AP Photo) President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, ride on a bicycle built for two in Plains, Georgia on Dec. 24, 1980. The bike was a gift to the Carters and after it was presented to them downtown they rode it to their nearby Plains home. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz) Former president Jimmy carter and his wife Rosalynn wave from the podium of San Francisco's Moscone Center, Monday, July 16, 1984 before carter addressed the opening session of the 1984 Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Peter Southwick) Willie Nelson, center, is shown on stage with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter, following the singing of "Amazing Grace," May 18, 1985 in Plains Ga. at Nelson's Plains Centennial Concert. (AP Photo/Ric Feld) Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn responded by delegates on Monday, July 18, 1988 during the session of the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi) Former Pres. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, stand between Millard Fuller, left, founder of Habitat for Humanity, and Leroy Troyer, right, House Leader of Habitat for Humanity's Los Angeles projects, as they review the building plans for 20 houses in the Watts-Willowbrook area, June 18, 1995, Los Angeles, Calif. The former president has been active as one of Habitat for Humanity's most visible volunteers for over a decade. (AP Photo/Wally Santana) Former first lady Rosalynn Carter reacts after she christened the nuclear-powered attack submarine Jimmy Carter with the traditional bottle of champagne during a ceremony at Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp. in Groton, Conn., Saturday, June 5, 2004. From left are John P. Casey, Electric B oat head; Rosalyn Carter; Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England; former President Jimmy Carter; U.S. Rep. Rob Simmon s, R-Conn. (AP Photo/Bob Child) Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn walk on the tarmac at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, in Grand Rapids, Mich., as they arrive for the interment of President Gerald R. Ford. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) In this Sept. 10, 2007 file photo, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter pose for a portrait during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and his wife Rosalynn wave to the audience at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008.(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn look at a new interactive exhibit Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2009 at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) This Oct. 1, 2009 file photo shows former President Jimmy Carter getting a kiss from his wife Rosalynn as she introduces him during a reopening ceremony for the newly redesigned Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) This Oct. 7, 2009 photo shows former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, left, smiling next to his wife Rosalynn Carter during a visit to Dajabon, on the border with Haiti. Carter is visiting Haiti and the Dominican Republic to urge their leaders to forge a pact to rid the island of Hispaniola of malaria. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Former president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, cheer as the Atlanta Braves are introduced before Game 3 of baseball's National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, left, and his wife Rosalynn visit a Habitat for Humanity project in Leogane, Haiti, Monday Nov. 7, 2011. The Carters joined volunteers from around the world to build 100 homes in partnership with earthquake-affected families in Haiti during a week-long Habitat for Humanity housing project. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Former President Jimmy Carter, right, blows out candles on a birthday cake as wife Rosalynn looks on during his 90th birthday celebration, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman) Former President Jimmy Carter kisses his wife,Rosalynn, on the "Kiss Cam" during a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, right, work at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed "Carter work projects" that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Former President Jimmy Carter, center right, and his wife Rosalynn arrive for a ribbon cutting ceremony for a solar panel project on farmland he owns in their hometown of Plains, Ga., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/David Goldman) Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter are seen ahead of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis) Former President Jimmy Carter, and Rosalynn Carter hold hands as they walk from a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, left, sit as guests of Maranatha Baptist Church come and go to have their photo made with them, after Jimmy taught Sunday school there, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Plains, Ga. (AP Photo/John Amis) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, sit together during a reception to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary, July 10, 2021, in Plains, Ga. Former President Jimmy Carter departs after attending the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Ga., Nov. 29, 2023. In the year since Jimmy Carter first entered home hospice care, the 39th president has celebrated his 99th birthday, enjoyed tributes to his legacy and outlived his wife of 77 years. Rosalynn Carter, who died in November after suffering from dementia, spent just a few days under hospice. Former President Jimmy Carter greets attendees as he departs the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Ga., Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Sukumar Bisetty is a seasoned IT professional with 18 years of experience in AS400 development, SAP MM analysis, and procurement solutions. Known for his expertise in driving technological innovation across industries like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, Sukumar’s journey is marked by his dedication to continuous learning and delivering impactful solutions. In this interview, he shares insights into his career, challenges, and the future of technology in business transformation. You've had an impressive career in the IT industry. Could you tell us how your journey began? My interest in technology started at a very young age. I was always fascinated by computers and their ability to solve real-world problems. I pursued a degree in Computer Science, followed by a Master’s in Computer Applications, which provided a solid foundation for my career. After completing my education, I dove into the IT sector, and over the years, I’ve worked extensively with AS400, SAP MM, and procurement systems. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to several industries, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. You’ve had extensive experience with AS400. How has this technology shaped your career? AS400, now known as IBM iSeries, has been a cornerstone of my career. I’ve worked with RPG, COBOL, and CL programming languages, which are pivotal in AS400 environments. The platform’s reliability and versatility have made it a preferred choice for businesses, and I’ve been fortunate to help clients harness its potential to create robust systems and applications. AS400 has also played a key role in my success with system integrations and process automation projects. You’ve worked in highly regulated environments, particularly FDA-regulated sectors. Can you share a challenge you faced in these environments? One of the biggest challenges I faced was during SAP system implementations in FDA-regulated environments. Compliance is a critical aspect of such projects, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards was no easy task. I had to ensure detailed documentation, regular training for teams, and maintain open communication with stakeholders. But by fostering a culture of awareness and collaboration, we were able to navigate these challenges successfully, ensuring top-notch quality and compliance. Technology is rapidly evolving. How do you stay ahead in such a dynamic field? Continuous learning is key in this industry. I actively participate in workshops, webinars, and industry conferences. Additionally, I pursue online courses to stay updated on emerging technologies. Engaging with industry professionals and being part of forums helps me stay current, which allows me to implement cutting-edge solutions for clients. This constant learning has helped me maintain my edge and deliver impactful solutions. Can you tell us about a standout achievement in your career? One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was implementing a comprehensive procurement solution for a major retail client. By automating key processes within the SAP MM module, we achieved significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. The solution not only streamlined their procurement strategy but also strengthened their vendor relationships, which was a huge win for everyone involved. How do you manage cross-functional teams and ensure project success? I believe in fostering an inclusive environment where team members from various functions can share insights and ideas. Regular meetings, clear communication, and setting aligned goals are essential for smooth collaboration. This approach has consistently led to successful outcomes, as it ensures everyone is on the same page and obstacles are quickly addressed. What does the future hold for you in the IT industry? I plan to continue leading projects that drive technological innovation and business transformation. My goal is to keep enhancing my skill set, especially in areas like SAP Ariba and HANA, and deliver solutions that not only solve immediate business challenges but also position my clients for long-term success. Any advice for budding IT professionals? Focus on continuous learning and be adaptable. The IT industry is evolving rapidly, and staying updated with the latest trends is essential. Also, be open to working on cross-functional projects, as they provide invaluable experience and insight. The most important thing is to be passionate about what you do—this is what will truly drive your success.

Texas A&M-CC takes down Prairie View A&M 109-74Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalise the country’s stagnant economy. Mr Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag – a sister publication of Politico owned by the Axel Springer Group – published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month that he has supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” he wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say that the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality”. The Tesla Motors chief executive also wrote that his investment in Germany gives him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. Billionaire Mr Musk, an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, challenged in his opinion piece the party’s public image. “The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party’s leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” Mr Musk’s commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper’s own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Mr Musk’s social media platform, X. Eva Marie Kogel wrote: “I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print.” A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Mr Musk’s opinion piece. “Musk’s diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong,” he wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Mr Burgard – who is due to take over on January 1 – said in a joint statement that the discussion over Mr Musk’s piece was “very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.” “This will continue to determine the compass of the ‘world’ in the future. We will develop ‘Die Welt’ even more decisively as a forum for such debates,” they wrote to dpa. We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate. Last Updated: Are you sure you want to delete this comment?LITCHFIELD – A fiscally beleaguered Region 20 Board of Education is facing an increasing deficit in its $41.5 million budget for 2024-25, a shortfall that now stands at a projected $2.3 million as the board gears up to seek a cash infusion of $1.9 million in a referendum Dec. 3. The school board, grappling with a deficit since early July, received the latest bad news during its meeting Thursday at Lakeview High School. It came from Acting Superintendent Kristen Della Volpe and the board’s financial consultant, Thomas Ariola. Despite clamping down on discretionary spending, the board continues to face a stubborn deficit, Ariola said, one that is now higher than the projected shortfall of $2.1 million reported in July. “This is getting hard now and you are going to have to look at making cuts,” Ariola told the board. “The budget has some very large concerns, but there are ways to shave (the deficit) down to make it more reasonable.” After discussion, the board directed Della Volpe to develop a list of potential cuts for it to consider, though a dollar figure was not included in the request. Earlier in the meeting, Della Volpe said she was prepared to offer $307,000 in potential reductions. The updated shortfall, Ariola said, was identified after a “deep dive” into the budget and with help from school board member Scott Pottbecker of Morris, who works as a chief financial officer for a private school in Massachusetts. “Can we afford to wait?” Pottbecker asked regarding the prospect of making cuts. “The position we’re in isn’t going to get better. I believe we should empower (Della Volpe) to do the job of reducing the deficit.” Alternatives to cutting spending, Della Volpe said, could include rolling the deficit into the board’s budget for 2025-26 or seeking from Litchfield, Warren, Morris and Goshen a one-time tax assessment that would erase the shortfall. “We need to be prudent, get in there and do it as efficiently as possible,” school board member Matthew Terzian of Litchfield said in support of budget cuts. NEWS OF THE UPDATED DEFICIT comes as the board prepares for a referendum that will ask for $1.9 million in bonding to pay off Litchfield’s $1.8 million in existing education debt as called for in the plan that approved creation of the Region 20 district. The balance of the $1.9 million would cover fees associated with securing bonding. Bonding, if approved, would allow the board to recoup nearly $1.2 million in two payments already made to Litchfield and the remaining $700,000 due in July 2025. Without the bonding, the board could face a cash-flow problem in late winter or early spring, Ariola has advised. According to the update provided by Ariola, the review of the budget identified projected shortfalls that include $820,847 for unbudgeted noncertified staff positions, $415,340 for unbudgeted certified staff positions and $372,695 in tuition for students needing out-of-district services. There also is a projected $326,800 deficit for legal fees associated with formation of Region 20, and for central office transition, special education, technology operations and insurance. Bus transportation, meanwhile, faces a projected $324,286 deficit. That $1,416,000 line item in the budget should be $1,711,600, Ariola noted. An unanticipated increase in fuel of 20 cents per gallon and an increase in special-education transportation round out the shortfall. The review did identify a projected $330,000 surplus in pension costs and projected $143,168 savings in utilities, custodial supplies and maintenance. WARREN FIRST SELECTMAN GREGORY LACAVA will serve as moderator of a public informational meeting Tuesday that will give residents a chance to learn about the Region 20 school board $1.9 million bonding request that voters will consider Dec. 3. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at Warren Woods. Warren’s three board representatives, Tiffany Parkhouse, Ashley Westfall and Robert DeLayo, will participate in the discussion and take questions. Contact John McKenna at jmckenna33 @ optonline.net.

Kagiso Rabada Creates History With Bat As South Africa Qualify For WTC Final, Breaks 108-Year-Old RecordCowley Manor Experimental Cotswolds hotel reviewClean start needed for China football to scoreHow to watch Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride (11/23/24): LIVE STREAM, time, TV, channel for NWSL Final

Maharashtra election results: Addressing farm concerns helps Mahayuti reap gainsPresident-elect Donald Trump is stocking his cabinet with people he wants to carry out his “America First” policies on the border, trade, national security, the economy and more. Trump has put a premium on loyalty with his picks, selecting lawmakers and aides who defended him as he navigated the fallout from the January 6, 2021, attempted insurrection and multiple criminal trials. He’s also prioritized those who have expressed an eagerness to hit the ground running as he prepares an expected flurry of executive actions and legislative proposals to quickly implement his agenda and roll back President Joe Biden’s policies. More choices are expected to be announced in the coming days—a big opening remains at Treasury—with Trump hoping to get as many nominees that require Senate confirmation in place ahead of his inauguration. Meanwhile, one controversial pick has already withdrawn from consideration: Matt Gaetz, who had announced his intention to resign from Congress when Trump named him as his pick for attorney general earlier this month. He faced an uphill battle to be approved on the Hill amid allegations of sexual misconduct. He has continued to deny any wrongdoing, while the president-elect applauded his decision to avoid being a lingering distraction to the incoming administration. Here’s a look at some of the people Trump has lined up so far: Pam Bondi, Attorney General Trump’s new pick to lead the Department of Justice he’s vowed to overhaul is another longtime ally who publicly championed his baseless claims of voter fraud in 2020. In his first administration, Bondi worked out of the White House assisting in communications related to his first impeachment trial. She also worked on an opioid and drug abuse commission in Trump’s first term. As Florida’s attorney general, Bondi earned national attention for her efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act and provisions banning health insurance companies from charging more to customers with preexisting conditions. Linda McMahon, Education Secretary McMahon led the Small Business Administration from 2017-2019 during Trump’s first term, and stayed close to him afterwards, co-leading his transition team this year. She made her wealth as co-founder and chief executive officer of World Wrestling Entertainment. If confirmed for this latest post, McMahon will run a cabinet-level agency with a $114 billion budget that Trump and many of his allies say they’d like to see abolished, leaving its key responsibilities to the states. Such a move would require congressional approval. Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary As the tussle over who gets to head the Treasury Department wears on, one of the post’s contenders was assigned to another economic role, with Trump planning to install his transition co-chair Lutnick to the agency in charge of promoting US businesses and supporting economic growth. The chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald LP is a Wall Street pick who would be expected to carry out policy around Trump’s avowed favorite word—“tariffs”—and continue to tout a populist economic agenda. Among his comments berating the Biden administration on the campaign trail for Trump, Lutnick has said high inflation is “the meanest thing you can ever do to your people.” Trump also signaled Lutnick could have outsize responsibility for the office of US Trade Representative—typically filled by a separate appointment. Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary Ex-congressman and television personality Sean Duffy is set to be Trump’s point person when it comes to decisions about America’s transportation infrastructure, including the expansion and upgrading of highways, rail networks and airports. The former Wisconsin lawmaker is the second Fox News contributor Trump has tapped for a cabinet post. He’ll have to navigate the tricky issue of the president-elect’s criticism of the electric vehicle industry, a focus of Biden’s administration, with the backing Trump has received from Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk. Chris Wright, Energy Secretary A Colorado-based oil and natural gas fracking services executive and Washington outsider, Chris Wright is Trump’s pick to lead the Energy Department. As CEO of Liberty Energy Inc., Wright has been a vocal proponent of fossil fuels and his company published a paper this year concluding there is “no climate crisis.” He is credited by Trump for being a “pioneer” of the “American Shale Revolution” and if confirmed, Wright would also sit on the newly formed National Energy Council. While the department’s mission includes helping to maintain the nation’s nuclear warheads, studying supercomputers and maintaining the US’s several hundred million-barrel stockpile of crude oil, Wright can be expected to push Trump’s over-arching mission to boost domestic energy production. Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins got Trump’s nod to run Veterans Affairs, the second-largest federal government department with more than 400,000 employees tasked with providing health care and other assistance to military veterans and their families. Collins, who left Congress in 2021, would preside over sprawling operations—the department is one of the biggest consumers of medical equipment in the world. He’d also have to ensure the families get adequate support, especially in the wake of a 2014 scandal in which secret wait lists at VA hospitals shattered confidence in the system just as Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were needing fresh aid. Doug Burgum, Secretary of Interior North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is Trump’s pick to run the Interior Department, which oversees energy development, grazing and other activities on some 500 million acres of public land, as well as US federal waters. That includes national parks such as Yellowstone and the Everglades. The 68-year-old raised his profile by running for the Republican nomination, but dropped out early and backed Trump. If confirmed, Burgum would likely be responsible for ramping up the sale of oil and gas leases, including in the Gulf of Mexico, which had been constrained under the Biden administration. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Health & Human Services Secretary The selection of Kennedy, a vocal vaccine skeptic, drew some worries for what it would mean for public health policy, and the news sent vaccine-makers’ stocks for a plunge. The Democrat-turned-independent—who suspended his presidential candidacy in favor of Trump—has long fielded criticism for his controversial comments on vaccines and the Covid-19 pandemic. The son of former Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy became a public face in recent months for Trump’s call to “Make America Healthy Again.” In the final days of his campaign, Trump said he would let Kennedy “go wild” with health policy in his administration. Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence Former US Representative and one-time Democrat Gabbard got Trump’s nod to be his head of the office that overseas the country’s 17 intelligence agencies. In Gabbard, Trump is making another unorthodox pick, elevating a loyalist and skeptic of support for Ukraine. Gabbard is a veteran of the Iraq War and continues to serve as an officer in the Army Reserve. She’s another voice backing Trump’s “peace through strength” strategy, having advocated for fewer deployments of US troops abroad. Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary An Army veteran and Fox News personality, Hegseth would oversee the US military amid Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine, conflicts raging across the Middle East and heightened tensions with China around Taiwan and the South China Sea. While he’s a loyalist, the 44-year-old Hegseth has little experience managing a bureaucracy like the Defense Department, with its 770,000 employees and 2 million men and women in uniform. Its budget is more than $840 billion, and its finances are so complicated it’s never successfully completed an audit. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Government Efficiency Trump turned to his richest supporter and a former primary opponent to oversee what he calls the “Department of Government Efficiency” whose acronym, DOGE, is the same as a popular meme coin that Musk has promoted online. While “department” suggests a government agency, it’s more likely to be a presidential commission that looks at ways to cut spending. Musk—whose companies receive billions in federal contracts—at one point in the campaign suggested that $2 trillion in government outlays could be slashed from the budget. John Ratcliffe, Central Intelligence Agency Trump is turning to his former director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, to lead the CIA. The 59-year-old ex-congressman was a fierce defender of Trump during his first impeachment before winning Senate confirmation to oversee the intelligence services in 2020. Assuming he wins confirmation this time around, Ratcliffe is expected to bring a sharp focus on countering national security threats and foreign adversaries such as China and Iran to the role. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Rubio is a one-time rival of the president-elect who later became one of his biggest supporters in the Senate. He’s also a longtime critic of China, and technically barred from entering the country under retaliatory sanctions. Rubio has defended Trump’s position to bring a swift end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling for talks that could result in Kyiv giving up occupied territory. Mike Waltz, National Security Advisor Waltz is a former Army Green Beret and combat veteran of Afghanistan. As chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s readiness panel, he criticized the Pentagon over teaching Critical Race Theory at military institutions and an overpriced bag of metal bushings for the Air Force, among other objections. Waltz has written that he views China as a “greater threat” to the US than any other nation. Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, once a potential VP pick for Trump, is now his choice to lead the Homeland Security Department. Noem became the subject of intense criticism after she admitted in her book to shooting her own 14-month-old dog. Front and center for the 52-year-old in her expected new role will be implementing Trump’s policies on immigration, including his pledge to carry out mass deportations of undocumented migrants. Elise Stefanik, UN Ambassador Trump has described Stefanik as “an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.” Stefanik was among the House Republicans who voted against certifying Biden’s 2020 victory over Trump and was the first House member to endorse him in this third White House bid. Tom Homan, border czar The man Trump has chosen to put “in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin” was the public face of the “zero tolerance” immigration policies during the Republican’s first term. That episode broke with the practice of keeping families together during detentions and deportations, resulting in thousands of undocumented migrant children getting separated from family members and drawing widespread backlash. Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator The former New York congressman was a member of Trump’s impeachment defense team and a vocal supporter in the aftermath of the January 6 riots. His environmental credentials are less robust, though he worked on Capitol Hill to protect the Long Island Sound from dredge dumping. Zeldin said he will seek to roll back regulations preventing energy development in the role, while also seeking to protect the air and water. Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff The Republican political operative brought stability, order and financial discipline to a campaign whose 2016 and 2020 iterations were far more volatile. She’s set to become the first woman tapped to become chief of staff and will likely help set strategy for Trump’s first 100 days in office. With assistance from Kevin Dharmawan, Justin Sink, Daniel Flatley, Ramsey Al-Rikabi, Meghashyam Mali, Skylar Woodhouse, John Harney and Romy Varghese/BloombergJefferson keeps seeing double as Vikings aim to stay focused on overall offensive production