fortune rabbit sinais
By MICHELLE L. PRICE NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. Related Articles National Politics | Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff National Politics | President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction National Politics | Democrats stick with Schumer as leader, their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain National Politics | Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs National Politics | Democrats’ outgoing chair says Trump’s win forces party to reassess how it reaches voters In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report.Calgary Flames (12-6-3, in the Pacific Division) vs. Ottawa Senators (8-11-1, in the Atlantic Division) Ottawa, Ontario; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Ottawa Senators host the Calgary Flames after the Flames defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in a shootout. Ottawa has an 8-11-1 record overall and a 5-5-1 record in home games. The Senators are 3-4-1 in one-goal games. Calgary is 3-3-3 on the road and 12-6-3 overall. The Flames have gone 7-0-2 in games they have fewer penalties than their opponent. Monday's game is the first time these teams square off this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Tim Stutzle has nine goals and 15 assists for the Senators. Tyler Kleven has scored goals over the last 10 games. Rasmus Andersson has scored five goals with eight assists for the Flames. Matthew Coronato has over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Senators: 3-6-1, averaging 2.3 goals, 4.1 assists, five penalties and 11.7 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game. Flames: 6-2-2, averaging 2.3 goals, 3.5 assists, 3.2 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 2.1 goals per game. INJURIES: Senators: None listed. Flames: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday insisted at a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump that any settlement with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine had to be "just", as fears grow in Kyiv on the position of the incoming administration. President Emmanuel Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the Elysee Palace, discussing what the incoming American president had termed a world that was a "little crazy". Hours after their meeting, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden announced a new $988 million military assistance package for Ukraine. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement. Zelensky's meeting with Trump just before the three men headed to Notre Dame for the re-opening ceremony of the great Paris cathedral was his first face-to-face encounter with tycoon-turned-politician since his election victory. The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky, given fears in Kyiv that Trump, who once boasted he could end Russia's war on Ukraine in 24 hours, may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. It also offered a unique chance for Macron to gain insights into how a second Trump presidency will look when he takes office in January. The trip to Paris is Trump's first international visit since his November 5 election win. "We all want peace. But it is very important for us... that the peace is just for all of us and that Russia, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or any other aggressor has no possibility of ever returning," Zelensky said according to the presidential website. "And this is the most important thing -- a just peace and security guarantees, strong security guarantees for Ukraine," he added. Trump has scoffed at the billions of dollars in US military assistance to Ukraine and has spoken of forcing a quick settlement. But Zelensky also thanked Trump for his "unwavering resolve" describing the talks as "good and productive". Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands several times on the steps of the French presidential palace, with Trump given a full guard of honour despite not yet being in office. "It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that," Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for the talks with Macron. Despite tensions between the two men during his first term, Trump hailed his ties with the centrist French leader, saying: "We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot." Macron told Trump it was "a great honour for French people to welcome you" for the re-opening ceremony at Notre Dame, which was devastated by a blaze in 2019 during Trump's first term. "You were president at that time and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction," Macron added, speaking in English. When he first took office in 2017, Trump's ties with Macron -- then also a fresh face on the world stage -- began warmly despite their obvious political differences. Their long and muscular handshakes -- which saw each man seek to assert his superiority -- became a light-hearted focus of attention before ties cooled, then soured, following disputes about climate change, trade and defence. Trump earlier wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States should "not get involved" in the situation in Syria, where fast-moving rebel forces say they have begun to encircle the capital Damascus. The Republican's return to power has rung alarms in Paris and many European capitals after his promises on the campaign trail to force an end to fighting in Ukraine and levy tariffs on trading partners. In his own reaction to the discussions, Macron wrote on social media: "Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security." European allies have largely enjoyed a close working relationship with Biden on the crisis in the Middle East, but Trump is likely to distance himself and ally the United States even more closely with Israel. In a sign of the importance of Trump's one-day trip to Paris, he was accompanied by his pick for White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, as well as his Near East and Middle East advisors, Steve Witkoff and Massad Boulos, according to a guest list issued by the Elysee Palace. Tesla tycoon and Trump advisor Elon Musk, who was also on the line during a phone call between the incoming president and Zelensky last month, also flew into the French capital was present at the Notre Dame ceremony. sjw/adp/jjMorgan Wallen remains the most popular country artist in contemporary music, as the Tennessee bad boy lands four songs on this year’s Hitmakers countdown. Leading the way is “I Had Some Help,” his chart-topping collaboration with Post Malone, followed by three songs from 2023’s seven-times platinum “One Thing at a Time” album: “Last Night” and “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” as well as “Cowgirls,” featuring co-writer Ernest. The common thread is the tight-knit team of collaborators who work on them. Joey Moi handled production on all three songs on this year’s Hitmakers list, while renowned songwriters Charlie Handsome, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and John Byron show up repeatedly. “There is a really strong group of songwriters that have been using the Big Loud studios as their hub and base,” Big Loud CEO Seth England says. Part of the camp’s secret is their willingness to gamble on talented newcomers such as Ernest, a rising country star in his own right, and songwriter Rocky Block. They joined Moi, Handsome and Gorley to craft “Cowgirls,” which exploded on country radio more than a year after “One Thing at a Time” dropped. By the time an artist gets around to releasing the eighth single from an album, it’s usually something of an afterthought. That was not the case, however, for “Cowgirls,” which proved to be an early fan favorite — a fact that wasn’t lost on Big Loud. Wallen’s team suspected it had the potential to be a big song when they heard the demo. “It was riddled with hooky elements, and the chorus was a one-listen hit,” Big Loud’s Patch Culbertson recalls. Still, the song wasn’t promoted to radio until it had been out for a year. “It wasn’t the frontrunner in topline consumption,” Culbertson says, “but the engagement under the hood was off the charts.” As the weeks and months went by, it saw airplay and social pickup. When it was time for release, the label had a multi-pronged marketing strategy in place. “We made sure our streaming partners were aware of the reactivity and aligned with our plan,” Culbertson adds. That involved sharing the staying power of “Cowgirls” with management, which resulted in it being added to Wallen’s live setlist. “Morgan and Ernest were performing the song every night, and the energy was electric,” Big Loud’s Stacy Blythe says. “As our country radio partners were watching this happen before them, it reinforced a confidence in the song as a radio priority.” Cowgirls Songwriters : Rocky Block, Ernest, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Yung Lan, James Maddocks Producers: Joey Moi, Jacob Durrett Last Night Songwriters: John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin Producers: Jacob Durrett, Joey Moi Thinkin’ Bout Me Songwriters: John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Taylor Phillips Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi Label Big Loud/Mercury/Republic Hitmakers: •Rocky Block, songwriter •Stacy Blythe, EVP of radio promotion, Big Loud •John Byron, songwriter •Patch Culbertson, EVP and GM, Big Loud •Mike Giangreco, VP of A&R, Big Loud Publishing •Ashley Gorley, songwriter •Charlie Handsome, songwriter-producer •Joey Moi, producer •Austin Neal, CEO, The Neal Agency/ Sticks Mgmt. •Taylor Phillips, songwriter •Lucas Romeo, EVP of pop radio, Republic Corps Collective •Candice Watkins, SVP of marketing, Big Loud Publishers: Cowgirls: Empire Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music / Last Night: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Big Loud Mountain, Sony Cross Keys Publishing, Master Of My Domain Music, Poppy’s Picks, Rap Kingpin Music, Prescription Songs, Sony Songs LLC / Thinkin Bout Me: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Big Loud Mountain, Sony Cross Keys Publishing, Michael Scott Paper Company Publishing Company, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Hits From the Tape Room, TDP Publishing, Sony Songs LLC
NoneEmpowered Funds LLC Purchases 10,711 Shares of Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI)Opposition fighters are at Damascus’ gates. Who are they and what now?Share Tweet Share Share Email The housing market is advancing, and with it, the methods of financing homeownership and property improvement. Traditional mortgages are no longer the sole route for aspiring homeowners or those looking to enhance their current homes. Innovative financing solutions have emerged, offering flexibility, accessibility, and creativity. These methods are reshaping how people approach homeownership and property investment. Rent-to-Own Agreements: Bridging the Gap to Ownership Rent-to-own agreements are gaining traction as a flexible option for those unable to secure a mortgage immediately. This arrangement allows individuals to rent a property with the option to purchase it later. A portion of the rent typically goes toward the down payment, enabling renters to build equity while living in their future home. Benefits of Rent-to-Own Provides a pathway for buyers with limited savings or poor credit. Allows tenants to “test-drive” the property before committing. Helps sellers find committed buyers in competitive markets. This approach is especially beneficial in high-demand areas where housing prices can be prohibitive. By locking in a purchase price upfront, renters can avoid the impact of rapid property value appreciation. Shared Equity Programs: Partnering for Homeownership Shared equity programs involve partnering with an investor or organization to purchase a property. These programs are often spearheaded by government agencies or private companies. In exchange for contributing a portion of the down payment, the partner shares in the property’s future appreciation or depreciation. Key Features of Shared Equity Lowers the initial financial burden for buyers. Reduces the risk of market fluctuations. Encourages responsible homeownership. This option is ideal for first-time buyers or individuals in high-cost areas. It balances affordability with the benefits of owning property, making it an appealing alternative to traditional mortgages. Crowdfunding Real Estate: Leveraging Community Support Crowdfunding has moved beyond tech startups and into the realm of real estate. Platforms now allow individuals to raise funds for property purchases or improvements by soliciting small contributions from a large number of people. These contributions may come in the form of donations, loans, or equity investments. Advantages of Real Estate Crowdfunding Expands access to capital for buyers and renovators. Engages the community in property projects. Offers investors opportunities to diversify portfolios. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a property flipper, crowdfunding can provide the financial boost needed to achieve your goals. Home Equity Sharing: A Modern Twist on Co-Ownership Home equity sharing involves selling a portion of your home’s equity to an investor in exchange for cash. Unlike traditional home equity loans, this method does not require monthly payments. Instead, the investor earns a share of the home’s appreciation when it’s sold. How Home Equity Sharing Works Homeowners receive funds without incurring additional debt. Investors gain exposure to real estate markets. Eliminates the need for high-interest loans. This approach is particularly useful for homeowners needing funds for renovations or debt consolidation. It provides liquidity without the financial strain of loan repayments. Green Mortgages: Financing Sustainability Green mortgages, also known as energy-efficient mortgages (EEMs), are designed for buyers investing in eco-friendly properties or upgrades. These loans often feature favorable terms to encourage sustainable living. Benefits of Green Mortgages Lower interest rates and extended repayment periods. Incentives for energy-efficient improvements. Reduced long-term utility costs. Green mortgages align financial incentives with environmental responsibility, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious buyers. Blockchain in Real Estate: Streamlining Transactions Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way property transactions are conducted. By creating transparent, tamper-proof digital records, blockchain reduces the need for intermediaries and simplifies the buying process. Applications of Blockchain Smart contracts for automated transactions. Tokenized real estate investments. Enhanced security and fraud prevention. This innovation is particularly beneficial for international buyers and sellers, who often face complex legal and logistical hurdles. Micro-Mortgages: Unlocking Smaller Opportunities Micro-mortgages cater to buyers interested in affordable homes or tiny houses. These loans are smaller than traditional mortgages, making them accessible to low-income individuals and underserved communities. Advantages of Micro-Mortgages Promotes homeownership in lower-income brackets. Encourages investment in small or alternative housing. Reduces barriers to entry in the housing market. Micro-mortgages are a practical solution for addressing housing affordability challenges while promoting financial inclusion. Community Land Trusts: Preserving Affordability Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations that acquire and manage land for long-term affordable housing. Homeowners purchase the structure while leasing the land, significantly lowering costs . How CLTs Work Keeps housing affordable for future generations. Shields properties from market volatility. Fosters community-driven development. CLTs are a proven method for maintaining affordability in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods, ensuring equitable access to housing. Digital Platforms for Mortgage Comparison The rise of digital platforms has transformed the way buyers shop for mortgages. Online tools now allow users to compare interest rates, terms, and lenders with ease. Benefits of Digital Mortgage Platforms Saves time and simplifies decision-making. Offers transparency in loan terms. Provides access to a wider range of lenders. These platforms empower buyers to make informed choices, ensuring they secure the best financing option for their needs. Flexible Mortgage Products: Tailored Solutions Innovative mortgage products, such as interest-only loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), cater to diverse financial situations. These options offer flexibility but require careful consideration. Pros of Flexible Mortgages Lower initial monthly payments. Opportunities to refinance as circumstances change. Suitability for short-term ownership plans. By understanding the risks and benefits, buyers can leverage these products to their advantage. Conclusion The world of home financing is undergoing a profound transformation. New methods, from rent-to-own agreements to blockchain technology, are breaking down barriers to ownership and improvement. These innovations not only make housing more accessible but also encourage creativity and sustainability in property investments. Hence, it’s essential for buyers and homeowners to stay informed about these emerging trends. By exploring these innovative financing options, individuals can find the perfect fit for their needs and take confident steps toward achieving their property goals . Related Items: Home Financing Innovations , Property Investment , real estate crowdfunding Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you What Is Real Estate Crowdfunding? – How Investors Are Changing Property Markets Real Estate Crowdfunding: How Investors Are Changing Property Markets Long-term Investment for Expats: Property Investment Opportunities in Qatar Comments
HOUSTON (AP) — Will Levis threw for 278 yards and his 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo put Tennessee on top in the fourth quarter and the Titans held on for a 32-27 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday. Okonkwo grabbed a short pass and rumbled for the touchdown to put the Titans (3-8) up 30-27 with 9 1/2 minutes remaining. Safety Eric Murray missed a tackle that would have stopped him near midfield. The Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie it with less than two minutes remaining, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left. He fell to the ground after the miss before getting up and slamming his helmet on the field. Titans coach Brian Callahan held both hands in the air and smiled after watching the miss that allowed his team to win on a day it had three turnovers. The Texans forced a three-and-out, but couldn’t move the ball after that and Harold Landry sacked C.J. Stroud in the end zone for a safety to make it 32-27 and allow Tennessee to snap a two-game skid. Stroud threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions as the AFC South-leading Texans lost for the third time in four games. Jimmie Ward had a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter and the Texans tied a franchise record with eight sacks. But the offense sputtered for most of the game as Joe Mixon was held to 22 yards on 14 carries. Tennessee extended the lead to 23-17 on a 51-yard field goal by Nick Folk with nine minutes left in the third. Stroud threw his second interception with about 90 seconds left in the third quarter but Ward’s touchdown came three plays later to put the Texans on top 24-23. The Titans fumbled a punt early in the fourth quarter and Houston recovered it. A 54-yard field goal by Fairbairn extended the lead to 27-23 with about 10 minutes to go. Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to get the Texans in the red zone. Houston cashed in on the next play when Stroud found rookie Cade Stover on a 19-yard pass for his first touchdown reception. The Titans trailed by four after a field goal by Folk when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine got in front of the defense and was wide open for a 38-yard TD catch that made it 10-7 late in the first quarter. Tennessee extended the lead to 17-7 when Tony Pollard ran 10 yards for a touchdown with about 11 minutes left in the second. Pollard finished with 119 yards and a touchdown. Nico Collins scored on a 5-yard reception with about six minutes left in the second. Levis fumbled on the Houston 32 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first half and Houston recovered the ball. Stroud connected with Collins on a 56-yard pass on the next play, but the Texans couldn’t move the ball and settled for a 28-yard field goal to tie it at 17-17. Houston forced a punt after that, but rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. got his first career interception two plays later to give Tennessee the ball back. Folk’s 56-yard field goal, which tied his career long, put the Titans up 20-17 at halftime. Injuries The Titans were without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, after he was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury, and safety Amani Hooker, who was added to the injury report Sunday morning with an illness. Hooker leads the Titans with three interceptions. ... Houston S Jalen Pitre injured his shoulder in the second quarter and didn’t return. ... CB Ka’dar Hollman left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Up next Titans: Visit the Commanders next Sunday. Texans: Visit Jacksonville next Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press