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Shocking News for Intel: Government Funding Falls Short
By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.
DALLAS (AP) — Boopie Miller scored 24 points and added seven assists and Yohan Traoire posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to help power SMU to its seventh straight win, closing out its nonconference schedule with a 98-82 victory over Longwood on Sunday. The Mustangs (11-2) shot 62% from the field for the game, knocking down 10 of 20 shots from behind the 3-point arc to earn their seventh win in eight home games. Longwood (11-4) stayed close by taking advantage of 20 SMU turnovers and 10 steals. Elijah Tucker's jumper with 11:37 left pulled the Lancers within seven, 69-62, but the Mustangs answered with a 14-1 run to take a 20-point lead. Miller knocked down 6 of 7 shots from the field, including both of his 3-point attempts, and was 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. Traore was 7 of 10 from the floor, including 2 of 4 from deep, and was 4 for 4 at the line. Matt Cross added 19 points and Chuck Harris chipped in 12 points off the bench. Tucker finished with 20 points and six rebounds to lead Longwood. Coby Garland posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 assists and Emanuel Richards finished with 12 points off the bench. SMU, off to a 2-0 start in its first season of Atlantic Coast Conference play, hosts No. 4 Duke on Saturday. Longwood opens Big South Conference play Thursday at home against Presbyterian. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballFormer New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick has been offered the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina, sources said. A few days after he confirmed having "a couple of good conversations" with North Carolina Chancellor Lee Roberts about the Tar Heels' head-coaching job, multiple sources told WRAL that he was offered the job. Belichick reportedly has a long list of demands for UNC, including a 400-page document calling for a new coaching and recruitment staff. He also demanded his son, Stephen Belichick, be next in line to serve as head coach after him. As for Belichick's salary, analysts have said he could command up to $12 million a year. This week on ESPN's “The Pat McAfee Show,” Belichick said he had spent the 11 months since his departure from the Patriots taking a “longer look” at college football throughout the season as opposed to during the spring lead-up to the draft as a pro coach. Belichick would replace Mack Brown, UNC's all-time winningest coach and College Football Hall of Famer, who was fired in November. Brown's last game was a Nov. 30 loss to rival N.C. State. Belichick, 72, who had decades of success in the NFL, has never worked at the college level but his father was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1953-55. He and the Patriots announced a mutual parting of ways in January , following the end of a disappointing season. Jerod Mayo replaced Belichick as the Patriots head coach the next day. Belichick became head coach of the Patriots on Jan. 27, 2000, less than two weeks after he resigned as head coach of the New York Jets on the day of what was supposed to be his introductory press conference. He had a 296-133 record in 24 seasons as New England’s head coach between the regular season and postseason. When including the five seasons he was head coach of the Cleveland Browns (1991-95), he has a total record of 333-178. His 31 postseason wins, all but one of which came with the Patriots, are the most by a head coach in NFL history, and he is only the third coach to win 300 or more regular-season games. Belichick trails only Don Shula (328) and George Halas (318) on the all-time regular-season wins list, and Shula is the only one ahead of Belichick on the combined wins list (347). Rumors have linked Belichick to the pursuit of other NFL jobs, including the Atlanta Falcons in January, but no job materialized this season and the ex-coach instead signed a deal with ESPN.
As Pakistan prepares for its 5G spectrum auction scheduled for April 2025, the nation stands on the brink of a significant technological evolution. The introduction of 5G technology promises to revolutionise various sectors, offering unprecedented economic, social, and technological benefits. However, the journey towards successful implementation is fraught with challenges that require strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and robust government actions. The upcoming auction marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan's digital landscape. By allocating specific frequency bands to telecom operators, the government aims to facilitate the deployment of 5G networks nationwide. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity, improve service quality, and drive innovation across multiple industries. The deployment of 5G represents not only a step forward for telecommunications but also a broader push towards digital transformation, which is vital for keeping Pakistan competitive in the global economy. The economic potential of 5G deployment is immense. According to a report of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), 5G could contribute over $1.5 billion to Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. In the agricultural sector, improved rural 5G coverage could enhance productivity and reduce waste, potentially increasing long-term GDP by 1.8%. Additionally, industries like manufacturing and logistics are expected to get a significant boost, as 5G enables automation, real-time data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The 5G technology offers transformative benefits in critical areas such as education and healthcare. In education, it can enable virtual classrooms and interactive learning experiences, bridging the gap for students in remote regions. In healthcare, 5G-powered telemedicine services can provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring, resulting in better healthcare access for underserved communities. These applications have the potential to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis. While the prospects for 5G are promising, the path towards its successful implementation is riddled with challenges. One of the most significant barriers is infrastructure. Pakistan's existing telecom network lacks the necessary fibre optic coverage and small cell sites required for 5G deployment. Addressing these deficiencies will require substantial investment and technical expertise. Spectrum allocation and pricing are also critical issues. If spectrum licences are priced too high, they may discourage telecom operators from participating or investing in infrastructure upgrades. Moreover, the government's decision to auction the spectrum in foreign currency, rather than local currency, could create financial burdens and reduce competition. Another pressing challenge is the lack of a clear and transparent regulatory framework. Delays in licence renewals, the absence of a frequency spectrum roadmap, and bureaucratic hurdles like the Right of Way (RoW) granting process create uncertainties for telecom operators. Additionally, the availability of 5G-compatible devices is limited, and their high costs may deter widespread consumer adoption. Economic constraints add another layer of complexity. The high costs associated with 5G deployment, estimated at $8 billion, pose significant financial challenges for the telecom sector. With a depreciating local currency and the need for substantial foreign exchange, the financial environment for 5G investment remains precarious. Recognising the importance of 5G, the government of Pakistan has taken several steps to create a conducive environment for its deployment. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT) has established a 5G task force to develop a comprehensive roadmap. This task force focuses on spectrum management, infrastructure development, and addressing the challenges faced by telecom operators. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated consultations with stakeholders to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the auction process. Moreover, the government is exploring public-private partnerships to share the financial burden of infrastructure development. These partnerships aim to accelerate the expansion of fibre optic networks and small cell sites, critical for 5G technology. To promote investment, the government is considering tax incentives for telecom operators and subsidies for infrastructure development. Efforts are also underway to streamline bureaucratic processes, such as expediting the RoW approvals and resolving pending licence renewal issues. Additionally, the government plans to address consumer adoption challenges by collaborating with manufacturers to make 5G-compatible devices more affordable. Initiatives to educate the public about the benefits of 5G technology are also in the pipeline, aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance among users. To overcome the remaining challenges and ensure the success of 5G, several strategic measures are essential. Affordable spectrum pricing is crucial. Conducting the auction in local currency and setting reasonable prices will encourage participation from a broader range of telecom operators, fostering healthy competition and investment. Regulatory reforms are another key area. Streamlining bureaucratic processes, establishing a clear frequency spectrum roadmap, and addressing pending licence renewal issues can create a more supportive environment for 5G deployment. Infrastructure development must be prioritised. Public-private partnerships can help share the financial burden and accelerate the establishment of critical facilities like fibre optic networks and small cell sites. Consumer adoption will depend on the availability of affordable 5G-compatible devices. Collaboration with manufacturers to lower device costs and promote accessibility is vital. Furthermore, implementing supportive economic policies, such as tax incentives and subsidies, can alleviate the financial burden on telecom operators, making it easier for them to invest in 5G infrastructure. The forthcoming 5G spectrum auction in April 2025 presents a transformative opportunity for Pakistan to advance its digital infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. The benefits of 5G technology are far-reaching, from boosting productivity in key industries to improving access to education and healthcare. Realising these benefits will require addressing significant challenges, including infrastructure gaps, spectrum pricing, regulatory hurdles, and economic constraints. With proactive government actions, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts, Pakistan can harness the full potential of 5G technology. THE WRITER IS A MEMBER OF PEC AND HAS A MASTER'S IN ENGINEERING COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourProposed increase in police funding ‘great news’ for acting chief, disappointment to anti-poverty advocateWake Forest keeps Detroit Mercy at arm's length for win
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American and European stock markets mostly rose on Wednesday after inflation data cemented expectations that the US Federal Reserve will trim interest rates next month. While the Dow fell slightly, the other two major US indices advanced, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq, which piled on almost two percent to close above 20,000 points for the first time. The consumer price index (CPI) rose to 2.7 percent last month from a year ago, up slightly from 2.6 percent in October. "With the CPI numbers broadly in line, it is likely that the Fed will not be derailed and will cut rates again next week," Jochen Stanzl, chief market analyst at CMC Markets. "The data is not a showstopper for the current bull run on Wall Street," he added. Ahead of the data, investors priced in an 86 percent chance the Fed will cut interest rates next week by a quarter percentage point. That rose to more than 98 percent after the CPI data was published. Stocks in Paris and Frankfurt rose ahead of the European Central Bank's own interest rate announcement on Thursday, with analysts expecting another cut as it seeks to boost eurozone growth. Investors are also eyeing political developments in France, where officials said President Emmanuel Macron aims to name a new prime minister "within 48 hours" as he seeks to end political deadlock following the ouster of Michel Barnier. In company news, shares in German retail giant Zalando shed more than four percent on Frankfurt's DAX index, after it acquired domestic rival About You in a deal worth around 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion). Shares in Zara owner Inditex slid more than six percent after a record quarterly profit for the group fell short of market estimates. Among US companies, Google parent Alphabet earned 5.5 percent as it announced the launch of Gemini 2.0, its most advanced artificial intelligence model to date. That added to gains after Google also announced Tuesday details of a breakthrough quantum chip. Shares in Shanghai rose but Hong Kong gave up an early rally to end in the red. Traders were keeping tabs on China to see if it will announce further measures to support its struggling economy as leaders were to gather Wednesday for a conference to hammer out next year's agenda. President Xi Jinping and other top leaders on Monday announced their first major shift in policy for more than a decade, saying they would "implement a more active fiscal policy and an appropriately relaxed" strategy. Those remarks sparked hopes for more interest rate cuts and the freeing up of more cash for lending. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 44,148.56 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.8 percent at 6,084.19 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.8 percent at 20,034.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 8,301.62 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.4 percent at 7,423.40 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.3 percent at 20,399.16 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: FLAT at 39,372.23 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.8 percent at 20,155.05 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 3,432.49 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0498 from $1.0527 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2752 from $1.2771 Dollar/yen: UP at 152.40 yen from 151.95 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.31 from 82.42 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.8 percent at $73.52 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 2.4 percent at $70.29 per barrel burs-jmb/mlm