Xiaomi Automotive Achieves Strong Growth Momentum with Annual Sales Exceeding 130,000 UnitsIn a symbolic move to reflect the societal values and concerns of Taiwan, the word "greed" has been elected as the representative word for the year 2024. The decision was made after a thorough consultation process involving linguistic experts, cultural scholars, and members of the public. This choice aims to shed light on the pressing issues of materialism, excess, and unethical behavior that have permeated various aspects of Taiwanese society.slotvip slot 。

You are alive, alert and full of positive energy. You’re confident with your own views and ideas. This is a year of learning, teaching and reflection. You might renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore philosophies that give you a better sense of your own self-awareness. The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult  Owners should be vigilant today because something unexpected related to your pet might occur. Keep your eyes open. Likewise, anything related to your job might suddenly go sideways in a New York minute. Stay on your toes! Tonight: Confusion. This week: Finish writing projects. Study history.  Parents should be extra vigilant today because this is a potentially accident-prone day for your kids. Meanwhile, social plans might suddenly change. They could be canceled, delayed or, alternatively, you might receive an unexpected invitation. Act fast, because this window of opportunity will be brief. Tonight: Disappointment? This week: Financial affairs, especially inheritances and shared property and insurance issues.  Your home routine might change today. Small appliances might break down or a minor breakage could occur. Someone unexpected might knock at your door. Stock the fridge. If there’s food on hand, everyone can cope better. Tonight: Do nothing. This week: Ex-partners are back on the scene.  Pay attention to everything you say and do today, because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. New faces, new places and new ideas will intrigue you. Tonight: Daydreams. This week: Goofy mistakes, mixed up communications, misplaced paperwork. Grrr.  Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today to avoid loss, theft or damage, because something unexpected could impact your wealth. For example, you might find money; you might lose money. Tonight: Check your money. This week: Dress well. Old flames are back.  This is a restless day. You might spontaneously do something and go off in a new direction, which is just fine. That’s because the moon is in your sign dancing with unpredictable Uranus. It’s a perfect day to meet unusual people. “Hi Darth.” Tonight: Misunderstandings? This week: Stock the fridge. Company’s coming!  You might feel restless today. You have the feeling that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. A sense of anticipation will pervade this day, and yet, you might not know why. Don’t worry about this. Relax. Tonight: Solitude. This week: Relatives, siblings and memories from the past.  Today a friend or even a member of a group might do or say something that surprises you. Perhaps they are going to change their mandate. Are these your people? It’s not a boring day. Tonight: Ideals. This week: Financial delays and misplaced items might frustrate you.  Be on the lookout today. Bosses, parents, teachers and the police — all authority figures — might suddenly throw a curveball at you. (“Busted!”) Be ready for the unexpected. Tonight: Double-check everything. This week: Welcome faces from the past who are back in your world.  Some opportunities to travel might fall in your lap today. Alternatively, scheduled travel plans might suddenly change or be delayed. If you’re picking someone up at the airport, double-check details. You might be surprised by something you learn today. Tonight: Unexpected guests? This week: Past secrets might be revealed. (Oops.)  Keep an eye on issues related to shared property, inheritances, insurance matters and banking. Know what’s happening. Very likely, something you didn’t expect could impact these areas, and if you are not aware of it, it could cost you money. Or it might be a windfall. Tonight: Propaganda? This week: It’s good to see old friends again.  This is a tricky day, because people who are closest to you are quite unpredictable. They might be charming, or they might not be. They might be moody. It’s also possible that you will be introduced to someone who is unusual or highly individualistic. Tonight: Check your finances. This week: Parents and authority figures from the past. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Trump Border Czar Tom Homan Plans PR War over Migration and Repatriations

Furthermore, international stakeholders and mediators have been urged to play a more proactive role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating dialogue among the warring factions. By engaging with all parties involved and offering diplomatic support, they can help prevent the situation from spiraling out of control and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.But it is not just Empress Xi's outward appearance that captivates audiences; it is also her undeniable charisma and magnetic presence that truly set her apart. Her commanding presence and unwavering confidence command attention and respect, making it impossible to look away. Whether she is engaged in a heated debate with court officials or sharing a tender moment with the emperor, her sheer magnetism draws the viewer in and holds them captive until the very end.The deceased worker, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly a migrant worker who had traveled from a rural village in search of employment opportunities to support his family. With no income for several months and mounting debts to repay, he was pushed to the brink of despair, culminating in the tragic decision to take his own life.

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One major challenge in determining the authenticity of products in Russian supermarket stores is the complex nature of global supply chains. With goods passing through multiple intermediaries and distributors before reaching the shelves, it can be difficult to trace the true origin of a product. This opacity in the supply chain opens the door for counterfeit products to enter the market, masquerading as genuine imported goods.

The supporting cast of "Moonlight Madness" includes veteran comedians and talented newcomers who will complement Fu Jing's performance with their own unique comedic styles. Together, they will create a dynamic and entertaining ensemble that will keep audiences laughing from start to finish.New Delhi, December 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met the newly-crowned World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, during which he also held an interaction with the 18-year-old Chennai resident, who scripted history earlier this month by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion in chess. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "Had an excellent interaction with chess champion and India’s pride, @DGukesh! I have been closely interacting with him for a few years now, and what strikes me most about him is his determination and dedication. His confidence is truly inspiring. ‘From Grandmaster to World Champion,’ Video Goes Viral of D Gukesh With His Parents, Showcasing His Journey After Becoming FIDE World Chess Champion. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1560419204258-2'); }); I am also delighted to have received from Gukesh the original chessboard from the game he won. The chessboard, autographed by both him and Ding Liren, is a cherished memento. pic.twitter.com/EcjpuGpYOC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2024 "In fact, I recall seeing a video of his few years ago where he had said he would become the youngest world champion -- a prediction that has now clearly come true thanks to his own efforts." PM Modi also had words of appreciation for the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, saying: "Along with confidence, Gukesh embodies calmness and humility. Upon winning, he was composed, basking in his glory while fully understanding how to process this hard-earned victory. Our conversation today revolved around the transformative potential of yoga and meditation." D Gukesh Meets Rajinikanth, Youngest Chess World Champion Thanks 'Superstar' for Sharing His Wisdom (See Pics). The Prime Minister also noted the role of his parents in his success. He said: "In the success of every athlete, their parents play a pivotal role. I complimented Gukesh’s parents for supporting him through thick and thin. Their dedication will inspire countless parents of young aspirants who dream of pursuing sports as a career." "I am also delighted to have received from Gukesh the original chessboard from the game he won. The chessboard, autographed by both him and Ding Liren, is a cherished memento," PM Modi posted on X. On December 12, D. Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion in chess, beating Ding Liren of China in the 14-game match in Singapore. Gukesh had capitalised on a blunder by Ding in the winner-takes-all 14th game to dethrone the champion, winning the match 7.5 to 6.5 and becoming only the second Indian to win the World Chess Champion. By beating Ding, Gukesh became the 18th World Champion in the over century-long history of chess and the youngest after beating Garry Kasparov's record of winning the title at the age of 22 and heralding the arrival of a new king on the chess horizon. Gukesh is the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship title, claiming the title in just over a decade after five-time Champion Viswanathan Anand had lost the title to Magnus Carlsen of Norway in Chennai in 2013. Carlsen has abdicated the crown in 2023, paving the way for Ding to beat Ian Nepomniachtchi. In a winner-takes-all 14th and final game of the World Chess Championship match Ding had steered towards a draw after starting with Reversed Grunfeld variation of Zukertort Opening, the 32-year-old from China made a sensational blunder. Having battled it out for 13 games over three weeks, Ding was looking forward to the rapid and blitz tiebreakers as had effectively countered the aggressive tactics of the young Indian challenger to steer the game towards a drawish position. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 28, 2024 07:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. And this wasn't on a whim: He knows how to play and even brought his own chess set. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. People began showing up almost immediately. Washington Square Park is a known spot for chess in New York — Bobby Fischer among others have famously played there, and it's been used for multiple movie scenes featuring the game. Wembanyama was there for an hour in the rain, from about 10-11 a.m. He played four games, winning two and losing two — he told Bleacher Report afterward that both of the losses were to professional chess players — before departing to catch the Spurs' flight. Wembanyama had been trying to get somewhere to play chess for the bulk of the team's time in New York — the Spurs played the Knicks on Christmas and won at Brooklyn on Friday night. The schedule never aligned, until Saturday morning. And even with bad weather, he bundled up to make it happen. He posed for photos with a couple of dozen people who showed up, braving a morning of cold rain to play chess with one of the NBA's biggest stars. “We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner,” he wrote on social media after his chess trip was over. Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, his second in the NBA after winning rookie of the year last season. The Spurs play at Minnesota on Sunday.

Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.Klavan's retirement marks the conclusion of an illustrious career that saw him play for clubs such as Liverpool, Augsburg, and Cagliari, among others. Known for his solid defending skills, leadership qualities, and versatility on the pitch, Klavan amassed a loyal fan base throughout his career. His time at Liverpool, in particular, endeared him to the club's supporters, with memorable performances in both domestic and European competitions.

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Title: Upgrade of WeChat Group Call Feature"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, a ray of hope emerges in the form of a new legend of honor - the "Guarding the Covenant." This new tale promises to showcase Sun Ce in a new light, highlighting his unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of this new legend, hoping that it will reignite the spark that made Sun Ce a beloved hero.Manchester City, the reigning champions of the English Premier League, find themselves embroiled in a deepening crisis as the league's allegations against them intensify. The club, known as the 'Sky Blues' or 'Cityzens', has been accused of violating financial fair play regulations by reportedly inflating sponsorship deals to circumvent the rules. This latest development threatens to cast a dark shadow over the once illustrious reputation of the Etihad Stadium outfit.

Biden Administration Is Right To Expand Access to Weight Loss Drugs | Opinion

Stock market today: Nasdaq hits a record as Wall Street drifts ahead of Federal Reserve's meeting

The circumstances surrounding the student's disappearance and subsequent hospitalization are still shrouded in mystery. Investigators are working diligently to gather information, interview witnesses, and piece together a timeline of events leading up to the incident. The student's family has been informed of her whereabouts and is receiving updates on her condition.The victim, whose name has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, was known for regularly sharing her adventures and experiences on various social media platforms. With a large following and a significant online presence, she had become a well-known figure in the digital world. However, her recent trip to the Philippines took a tragic turn when she reportedly went missing under mysterious circumstances.

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A PREMIER League star’s domestic rubbish was dumped illegally outside an apartment block. Furious residents contacted Crystal Palace to report Jefferson Lerma for fly-tipping . 3 Crystal Palace's Jefferson Lerma has been reported for fly-tipping Credit: Getty 3 The garbage included broken toys, full carrier bags and dozens of opened parcels and boxes bearing Lerma’s address The club investigated and discovered that the Colombian midfielder, 30, had paid for a “legitimate waste disposal service” to dispose of the trash “in good faith”. The rubbish was strewn across the front of garages behind flats in Streatham, South London — nine miles from Lerma’s home. Grainy CCTV images show men arriving in cars with fake number plates to dump the trash. The garbage included broken toys, full carrier bags and dozens of opened parcels and boxes bearing Lerma’s address. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS money talks Football icon turned down big money I’m A Celeb offer - but there's a twist KICKING OFF Footie ultras ARRANGING Fight Club-style brawls with brutal rules of engagement Recent windy weather spread the rubbish further. Heidi Vella, who lives in the flats, said: “Fly-tipping is illegal and a social blight and so it was a real shock to the residents here to see a Premier League footballer’s rubbish dumped on our property. “A quick look showed it was Jefferson Lerma’s domestic rubbish. Now we want to pursue the ‘man with a van’ so he is dealt with by law.” Lerma signed for Bournemouth for £25million in 2018 and joined Palace on a free transfer last year. Most read in Football LEVEL HEAD Clement shrugs off Celtic record as Rangers boss warns against Hoops' mind games BOOKIE BASHER Jim Delahunt's Celtic v Rangers League Cup Final verdict & 12/1 weekend acca LEAVE IT OUT Rodgers makes something clear about Clement 'financially out our league' claim CRYSTAL BALL Celtic vs Rangers score predictions as SunSport writers have their say The club said: “When this matter was drawn to our attention, we immediately arranged for the rubbish to be collected and disposed of correctly. “We apologise for any inconvenience.” Bournemouth target Jefferson Lerma is an absolute beast of a defensive midfielder 3 Heidi Vella, who lives in the flats, said: 'Fly-tipping is illegal and a social blight and so it was a real shock to the residents here to see a Premier League footballer’s rubbish dumped on our property' Credit: Louis WoodPrairie premiers urge action on security to fend off Trump's tariff threats

No. 1 UCLA vs. Long Beach State women’s basketball matchup is rife with history

( MENAFN - The Conversation) As we enter the holiday season many young people are no doubt beginning to consider their future options. With a range of paths to pursue, a high rate of youth unemployment in Canada and a higher education sector facing unprecedented challenges it may seem logical to wonder if university is worth it. In my role as president of York University I see these issues play out every day in the lives of my students and faculty. However, I can say with certainty that, yes, university is worth it for both students and society. And while you might think that I might be biased, there is real data to back it up. Simply put, going to university enriches both students and society over the long term. We must ensure that students and universities are supported to help ensure as broad access as possible. While many students entering the market fresh out of university will make entry-level wages, the reality is that over the longer term their earning potential has more room to expand . Those with a bachelor's degree earn 24 per cent more than the national average. The more education, the higher the earning potential. Students with a university degree are more likely to have stable employment even amidst economic disruption, as the COVID-19 pandemic revealed . Graduates are also more likely to gain employment that offers a wider range of benefits. Simply put, an education increases one's chances of finding fulfilling employment and living a longer and healthier life. Read more: Colleges' career success stats don't tell the whole story about how their graduates are doing after they get their degree Beyond individual benefits, there are also key benefits to society. Canada . Further research has shown that education is central to a healthy, democratic society To quote Nelson Mandela:“education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .” The world faces a host of wicked problems ranging from economic inequality to climate change, geopolitical conflict and ongoing wars. Universities and graduates play a key role in addressing these challenges. Technology is not going away and it is not slowing down. A recent study revealed that the jobs of more than 60 per cent of Canadians may be at risk to AI . Moreover, an estimated one out of 10 employees in Canada could be at a high risk of automation-related job redundancy. Canada's already volatile job market will continue to be impacted. Those with higher levels of education are the best equipped to benefit from technologies in ways that complement the work they do . Graduates are also more likely to have the transferable skills needed to withstand workforce disruption. According to the OECD , AI technologies pose less of a risk for highly-skilled workers. In fact, their jobs are less likely to be replaced by automation because they possess the critical thinking skills needed to provide oversight to tasks that use AI and automation. While these technologies are sophisticated and becoming even more so each day, they currently cannot replicate human cognitive, critical and decision-making skills. There is also compelling research that shows students with higher education are more likely to pursue continuing education to upgrade and reskill, a quality that makes students more agile in a shifting labour market. Universities have also been increasing micro-credentials , programs which help learners re-skill while they are holding employment and balancing familial obligations, to support lifelong learning and build a more resilient Canadian workforce. Read more: I got generative AI to attempt an undergraduate law exam. It struggled with complex questions If Canada is to meet the expanding needs of students and of the country then we must invest now in higher education. Access is something I worry deeply about to ensure that we are not leaving any talent behind. Data from the 2017 National Survey of Engagement indicates that 48 per cent of first- and fourth-year undergrad students at York came from households where neither parent held a bachelor's degree. What's more, York's 2020 Economic and Social Impact Report revealed that 59 per cent of students could not have attended university without financial support. Creating accessible educational opportunities for diverse learners to develop responsive skills is critical for a vibrant future workforce and for resilient communities. York and other universities in Canada have a good track record for this. At the same time, social mobility and productivity have been declining in Canada in recent years . Continuing to ensure that eligible students have access to university education including at the graduate level is imperative to address these trends. The significant numbers of Canadian students leaving the country to study medicine overseas while Canada is facing a significant gap in primary care physicians is just one example . These are troubling trends which Canadian universities are committed to addressing. Read more: Waiting for exam results can be awful. Our research shows how best to manage the stress While the commitment and innovation of universities is evident, the unfortunate truth is that universities across much of Canada have seen a steady decline in real dollar funding for years. In Ontario, recommendations from the government's blue-ribbon panel strongly advocated for the urgent increase in financial support for universities . To meet the changes in Canada's labour market, universities have developed new programs to meet the talent needs in areas such as science, technology, engineering and health . We have also worked to enhance access through flexible teaching formats and strengthened international and cross-sector research collaborations to tackle complex societal problems . Universities have also increased supports for students including activities to help them connect with careers and become more entrepreneurial and efficient . In short, universities in Canada are one of the country's most important assets. If we are to continue delivering the high-quality education for which we are known and serving the needs of the communities who rely on us, especially given fierce global competition for talent, it is essential that we secure a financially sustainable model for universities. Canada's high youth unemployment has many people anxious about how they will fare in a job market that bears a striking resemblance to the Hunger Games. Expanding employment opportunities is necessary and will require collaboration across all sectors. But the data are clear. A university education will provide our youth with a running start and the ability to adapt as they go. MENAFN23122024000199003603ID1109025350 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘disappointed’ and ‘hurt’ after cutting ties with Man Utd

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Highly-anticipated video game The Witcher 4 has entered "full-scale production" at CD Projekt Red. Studio VP and game director Sebastian Kalemba confirmed the news Tuesday on social media following the CD Projekt Q3 financial update presentation.

BOISE, Idaho — Freshman wide receiver George Dimopoulos threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge on the first play of double overtime and Jordan Hansen ended the game on a fourth-down sack to give Northern Illinois a 28-20 victory over Fresno State on Monday in the Idaho Potato Bowl. Dimopoulos, who played quarterback in high school, also converted the two-point conversion when he passed it to quarterback Josh Holst for his second completion of the season. Holst, a freshman walk-on, was making just his third start at quarterback as NIU was without starter Ethan Hampton, who entered with 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns to go with six interceptions. Holst completed 18 of 30 passes for 182 and two touchdowns for Northern Illinois (8-5). He was also intercepted on the first play of the game. Both teams missed a 35-yard field goal in the final three minutes of regulation, including Dylan Lynch's third miss of the game on the final play to send it to overtime. Fresno State started overtime with a touchdown when Bryson Donelson was left wide open out of the backfield to haul in a 9-yard touchdown pass. NIU needed five plays, and a defensive holding penalty, to score as Holst found Grayson Barnes for a 3-yard touchdown. Donelson finished with 15 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown for Fresno State (6-7). He added three catches for 28 yards and another score. Dual-threat quarterback Joshua Wood was 16 of 23 for 180 yards and a touchdown. Mac Dalena made six catches for 118 yards to help go over 1,000 yards for the season. Fresno State was without 14 players, including starting quarterback Mikey Keene after he transferred to Michigan. Two top-three receivers, Jalen Moss and Raylen Sharpe, also did not play as the Bulldogs were forced to use five new starters. UTSA 44, COASTAL CAROLINA 15: Owen McCown threw for 254 yards and a touchdown and UTSA scored the opening 27 points of the Myrtle Beach Bowl to cruise past short-handed Coastal Carolina in Conway, S.C. UTSA (7-6) broke away in the second quarter by scoring a touchdown on three straight drives for a 21-0 lead. McCown was 14 of 17 in the first half, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Overmyer. McCown also scored on a 35-yard run after breaking two tackles near the end zone. The other score was a 9-yard touchdown run by Brandon High. Coastal Carolina (6-7) finished the first half with just 140 total yards — 60 coming on the final drive. The Chanticleers punted on five straight drives to begin the game — with the longest possession lasting seven plays for 25 yards. UTSA added short field goals on its opening two drives of the second half, while Coastal Carolina started with two straight three-and-out drives. UTSA ended CCU’s third drive on Jakevian Rodgers’ first career interception to extend the program's single-game streak with an interception and a sack to 23 games. CCU’s first touchdown came on the first play of the fourth quarter when Bryson Graves caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Tad Hudson. But UTSA’s Chris Carpenter returned the ensuing kickoff for a 93-yard touchdown to make it 34-7. It was the largest margin of victory in the five-year history of the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For years, Pat Verhaeghe didn’t think highly of Donald Trump as a leader. Then Verhaeghe began seeing more of Trump’s campaign speeches online and his appearances at sporting events. There was even the former president’s pairing with Bryson DeChambeau as part of the pro golfer’s YouTube channel series to shoot an under-50 round of golf while engaging in chitchat with his partner. “I regret saying this, but a while ago I thought he was an idiot and that he wouldn’t be a good president,” said the 18-year-old first-time voter. “I think he’s a great guy now.” Verhaeghe isn't alone among his friends in suburban Detroit or young men across America. Although much of the electorate shifted right to varying degrees in 2024, young men were one of the groups that swung sharply toward Trump. More than half of men under 30 supported Trump, according to AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, while Democrat Joe Biden had won a similar share of this group four years earlier. White men under 30 were solidly in Trump’s camp this year — about 6 in 10 voted for Trump — while young Latino men were split between the two candidates. Most Black men under 30 supported Democrat Kamala Harris, but about one-third were behind Trump. Young Latino men’s views of the Democratic Party were much more negative than in 2020, while young Black men’s views of the party didn’t really move. About 6 in 10 Latino men under 30 had a somewhat or very favorable view of the Democrats in 2020, which fell to about 4 in 10 this year. On the other hand, about two-thirds of young Black men had a favorable view of the Democrats this year, which was almost identical to how they saw the party four years ago. “Young Hispanic men, and really young men in general, they want to feel valued," said Rafael Struve, deputy communications director for Bienvenido, a conservative group that focused on reaching young Hispanic voters for Republicans this year. “They're looking for someone who fights for them, who sees their potential and not just their struggles.” Struve cited the attempted assassination of Trump during a July rally in Pennsylvania as one of the catalyzing moments for Trump’s image among many young men. Trump, Struve said, was also able to reach young men more effectively by focusing on nontraditional platforms like podcasts and digital media outlets. “Getting to hear from Trump directly, I think, really made all the difference," Struve said of the former president's appearances on digital media platforms and media catering to Latino communities, like town halls and business roundtables Trump attended in Las Vegas and Miami. Not only did Trump spend three hours on Joe Rogan's chart-topping podcast, but he took up DeChambeau's “Break 50” challenge for the golfer's more than 1.6 million YouTube subscribers. Trump already had an edge among young white men four years ago, although he widened the gap this year. About half of white men under 30 supported Trump in 2020, and slightly less than half supported Biden. Trump's gains among young Latino and Black men were bigger. His support among both groups increased by about 20 percentage points, according to AP VoteCast — and their feelings toward Trump got warmer, too. It wasn’t just Trump. The share of young men who identified as Republicans in 2024 rose as well, mostly aligning with support for Trump across all three groups. “What is most alarming to me is that the election is clear that America has shifted right by a lot,” said William He, founder of Dream For America, a liberal group that works to turn out young voters and supported Harris’ presidential bid. With his bombastic demeanor and a policy agenda centered on a more macho understanding of culture , Trump framed much of his campaign as a pitch to men who felt scorned by the country’s economy, culture and political system. Young women also slightly swung toward the former president, though not to the degree of their male counterparts. It's unclear how many men simply did not vote this year. But there's no doubt the last four years brought changes in youth culture and how political campaigns set out to reach younger voters. Democrat Kamala Harris' campaign rolled out policy agendas tailored to Black and Latino men, and the campaign enlisted a range of leaders in Black and Hispanic communities to make the case for the vice president. Her campaign began with a flurry of enthusiasm from many young voters, epitomized in memes and the campaign's embrace of pop culture trends like the pop star Charli XCX's “brat” aesthetic . Democrats hoped to channel that energy into their youth voter mobilization efforts. “I think most young voters just didn’t hear the message,” said Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, a liberal group that engages younger voters. Mayer said the Harris campaign’s pitch to the country was “largely convoluted” and centered on economic messaging that he said wasn’t easily conveyed to younger voters who were not already coming to political media. “And I think that the policies themselves were also very narrow and targeted when what we really needed was a simple, bold economic vision,” said Mayer. Trump also embraced pop culture by appearing at UFC fights, football games and appearing alongside comedians, music stars and social media influencers. His strategists believed that the former president’s ability to grab attention and make his remarks go viral did more for the campaign than paid advertisements or traditional media appearances. Trump's campaign also heavily cultivated networks of online conservative platforms and personalities supportive of him while also engaging a broader universe of podcasts, streaming sites, digital media channels and meme pages open to hearing him. “The right has been wildly successful in infiltrating youth political culture online and on campus in the last couple of years, thus radicalizing young people towards extremism,” said He, who cited conservative activist groups like Turning Point USA as having an outsize impact in online discourse. “And Democrats have been running campaigns in a very old fashioned way. The battleground these days is cultural and increasingly on the internet.” Republicans may lose their broad support if they don't deliver on improving Americans' lives, Struve cautioned. Young men, especially, may drift from the party in a post-Trump era if the party loses the president-elect's authenticity and bravado. Bienvenido, for one group, will double down in the coming years to solidify and accelerate the voting pattern shifts seen this year, Struve said. “We don’t want this to be a one and done thing,” he said. ___ Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan, and AP polling editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux contributed to this report.What do Reviews of Real Mitolyn Users Say About Purple Peel Exploit for Weight Loss?

Javon Leake is staying put. A CFL source said Friday the veteran running back-returner has agreed to terms on a two-year extension with the Edmonton Elks. Leake was slated to become a free agent in February. The source added the deal — which was negotiated by Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes — was worth more than $270,000 in hard money. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as the Elks hadn't formally announced the move. The six-foot, 205-pound Leake ran for a career-high 661 yards on 102 carries (6.5-yard average) with six TDs in 15 games this past season, his first with Edmonton. Leake also had two 100-yard rushing contests in 2024 while adding 34 catches for 301 yards and a touchdown. Leake also had 23 punt returns for 214 yards and 25 kickoff returns for 539 yards. Leake joined the Elks as a free agent after spending two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, winning a Grey Cup with the club in 2022. Leake was used predominantly as a returner with Toronto and was the CFL's top special-teams player in 2023 after registering 81 punt returns for 1,216 yards and four TDs. He had 38 kickoff returns for 793 yards. Leake had 15 carries for 52 yards over his two seasons with the Argos. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. The Canadian Press

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Everton striker Neal Maupay has sparked outrage among Toffees fans by taking a swipe at his parent club in a post on social media. Maupay also had a dig at Everton when he departed on loan to Marseille in the summer and his latest taunt has further angered the Premier League club’s supporters. The 28-year-old said on X after Sean Dyche’s side had lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday: “Whenever I’m having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile.” Whenever I’m having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile 🙂 — Neal Maupay (@nealmaupay_) December 29, 2024 Former boxer Tony Bellew was among the Toffees’ supporters who responded to Maupay, with the ex-world cruiserweight champion replying on X with: “P****!” Maupay endured a miserable spell at Everton, scoring just one league goal in 29 appearances after being signed by the Merseysiders for an undisclosed fee in 2022. He departed on a season-long loan to his former club Brentford for the 2023-24 season and left Goodison for a second time in August when Marseille signed him on loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent. After leaving Everton in the summer, Maupay outraged their fans by posting on social media a scene from the film Shawshank Redemption, famous for depicting the main character’s long fight for freedom.LEXINGTON, Va. (AP) — Leo Colimerio had 15 points in Queens' 81-78 win against VMI on Saturday. Colimerio had seven rebounds and five assists for the Royals (4-5). Jaxon Pollard scored 13 points while finishing 6 of 8 from the floor and added eight rebounds. Yoav Berman had 12 points and shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 1 for 4 from the line. A 3-pointer by TJ Johnson got VMI within 77-76 with 8 seconds remaining, but Nasir Mann's layup gave Queens an important three-point lead with 6 seconds left. Rickey Bradley, Jr. led the way for the Keydets (5-6) with 19 points and four steals. TJ Johnson added 17 points, six rebounds and three steals for VMI. Augustinas Kiudulas also put up 15 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .None

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Ticket to Ride launched and won the Spiel de Jahres 20 years ago. Along with Catan and Carcassonne , it is widely considered to have helped push the popularity of modern board gaming. The original title is really easy to pick up, just as easy to teach , and it has enough direct competition for routes to keep it interesting. But, after 20 years, you’re probably a bit sick of trying to get routes into Miami and Las Vegas. Fortunately, since its launch, Ticket to Ride has spawned an absolute ton of map packs and variants, most of which bring new game mechanics as well as alternative maps. Below are the 10 that we feel are the best. Note that the map collection sets below do require you to have either the original Ticket to Ride or Ticket to Ride: Europe to play them as you need the train cards and trains from one of these games. 1. Ticket to Ride: Rails & Sails Ticket to Ride is a game all about trains. Except when it isn’t. As the name suggests, Rails & Sails combines trains with boats. First, you can choose from the Great Lakes or the whole world map on the double-sided board. Then, once you’ve picked your destination cards, you split your transportation stock between trains and ships, and you can’t change your mind later. Substantial bonuses and penalties are awarded in this game, and while the original can be considered a bit light, Rails & Sails ’ complexity may put some people off. It also lasts longer, with a game taking around 90 minutes. 2. Ticket to Ride: Europe Ticket to Ride: Europe was one of the first standalone variants of the game and it introduced ferries and tunnels as well as stations. The European map is excellent and the new mechanics do add an extra layer but without over-complicating matters. This is still easy enough for beginners to grasp, although the original title remains the best teaching game of the bunch, and you can always add the Europa 1912 expansion for even more depth. 3. Ticket to Ride Map Collection 7: Japan & Italy Map Collection 7: Japan & Italy includes a double-sided board. In Japan, certain routes are reserved for the Bullet Train. Once a single player claims the Bullet Train route, all players contribute to the shared project. At the end of the game, points are awarded to players according to how much they contributed. There is also a separate inlay for routes that involve the Tokyo subway system. Italy has regions with bonuses for connecting more regions. There are also ferry routes, which require the use of ferry cards as well as standard train cards. 4. Ticket to Ride Map Collection 5: UK & Pennsylvania The UK side of the UK & Pennsylvania map pack adds a whole new mechanic of technology. Initially, players won’t be able to build many routes but, as the game progresses and more technology is researched, many options open up. Pennsylvania is similar to the original titles except it incorporates stocks and shares for some light investment action. 5. Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries is a standalone game that is similar to the original but does add a couple of location-specific mechanics – tunnels and ferries. To use a tunnel, the player flips the top 3 train cards from the deck. If one of these trains matches the color of the tunnel, the player has to pay extra or forego building the route. Ferries require the payment of a set number of wild cards to establish the route. 6. Ticket to Ride Map Collection 6: France & Old West The France board doesn’t have routes between cities. Instead, players turn cards and the routes could benefit anybody at the table. It ramps up the luck element of the game, which some people will appreciate. The Old West map is the one we prefer here, with players having a starting city. Routes must be built outwards from that starting point rather than anywhere on the board. 7. Ticket to Ride Map Collection 4: Nederland Nederland is a unique Ticket to Ride map because it incorporates money into the game. When a bridge route is first claimed, the player pays a toll to the bank. If another player claims that route, the first player receives the toll fee. Bonuses are awarded according to how many toll tokens players have at the end of the game. 8. Ticket to Ride: London Ticket to Ride: London is a standalone variant of the game that is especially popular for its brevity with a single game taking around 20 minutes to complete. In London, players are building bus routes rather than train routes, to complete destination tickets, connect districts, and, of course, get the most points by the end of the game. 9. Ticket to Ride: First Journey Ticket to Ride: First Journey is almost identical to the original Ticket to Ride , except it scores differently. Rather than adding up routes and calculating the longest contiguous route lengths, the winner of Ticket to Ride: First Journey or Ticket to Ride: First Journey (Europe) is the first player to complete six destination tickets. It’s a simpler system and is designed to keep the attention of younger players. 10. Ticket to Ride There’s a reason so many variants and expansions of the original have launched, and that’s because Ticket to Ride was and still is a brilliant game. Despite having a collection comprising some of the latest, greatest, and meatiest board games available, we still reach for Ticket to Ride when we want a simple, enjoyable, chilled family game. If you want to get into titles with greater complexity or added mechanics, Ticket to Ride is the best place to start, and if you want to play the map packs you will need one of the base games so you can use the trains and other elements of the game. And, in a lot of cases, if you have Ticket to Ride , you likely won’t need the versions aimed at children, unless they are very young.NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration has launched its own news service, with city employees producing a “news magazine” on the city’s official YouTube channel . Segments of “City News” will highlight New Orleans’ “rich culture, diverse communities, and untold stories,” the administration said in a news release. “City News is designed to meet the community where they are,” Deputy Press Secretary Kourtney Williams said in the release. “The ongoing mission is to connect with the people of New Orleans.” A city spokesperson did not respond to questions about the new outlet, which is expected to cover “news, in-depth features and inspiring stories” in New Orleans. Details were not released about whether Cantrell will participate in its coverage, how much it will cost or how it will be funded. Williams will co-host the program with Raven Frederick, a digital communications director on Cantrell’s staff. Steven Martinez, a multimedia manager for the city, will work on production. The release also named three producers. It was unclear if they were already city employees. Cantrell for months has avoided attention from traditional media outlets amid a federal investigation and political challenges from the City Council. She launched a podcast in April, which her team said would “bridge the gap” between New Orleans residents and their local officials, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported . The podcast has released just two episodes , the newspaper said.

(From left) US President-elect Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Dec 7. PARIS - US President-elect Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky held talks in Paris on Dec 7, brought together by a grand ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Mr Macron convened the trilateral meeting ahead of an evening event he was hosting to celebrate the cathedral’s restoration five years after it was ravaged by fire. President Zelensky and European leaders have been concerned that Trump, who takes office in January, could withdraw US military aid to Ukraine at a crucial juncture in Kyiv’s battle to repel Russia. Mr Zelensky said the meeting was “good and productive” and that the three men agreed to continue working together. “President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him,” Mr Zelensky wrote on social media platform X. “We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way.” Trump was on his first trip overseas since winning November’s presidential election and the visit to Paris was seen as offering Mr Macron an early opportunity to play the role of mediator between Europe and the incoming president, a role the French leader has relished in the past. Mr Macron is a strong supporter of the Nato alliance and Ukraine’s fight, while Trump feels European nations need to pay more for their common defence. He has said a negotiated settlement is needed to end the Ukraine war. Arriving at the Elysee Palace, Trump told Mr Macron they had enjoyed “really great success” working together during his first term in office. “And it certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And we’ll be talking about that,” Trump added. Trump gave Mr Zelensky a firm handshake and patted him on the back before Mr Macron stood between them and Trump smiled for the camera. The meeting between the three men lasted about 20 minutes. By inviting Trump to the reopening of Notre-Dame, Mr Macron was repeating a personalised approach that had some limited success during Trump’s first term, said Ms Heather Conley, senior adviser to the board of the German Marshall Fund, which promotes US-European ties. “Mr Macron knows Mr Trump greatly appreciates the pomp, circumstance and grandeur of state and he provides it to him in abundance,” Ms Conley said. Trump later joined world leaders, royals and business tycoons for a ceremony that got under way with the tolling of Notre-Dame’s great bourdon bell. Trump, who will be sworn in on Jan 20, has already held discussions with a number of world leaders and members of his team are trying to get up to speed on a number of world crises, including Ukraine and the Middle East. Global spectacle Trump, a Republican, was in power when Notre-Dame was devastated by fire in 2019 and visited France four times while president from 2017-2021, including D-Day anniversary ceremonies in 2019. “Symbolically, both Mr Trump’s presidency and Notre-Dame have been restored in approximately the same time period. His visit to Paris is also the opening salvo of his return to the world stage, further diminishing the final days of the Biden administration,” Ms Conley said. President Joe Biden’s wife, first lady Jill Biden, was representing the United States at the Notre-Dame event. Republican strategist Doug Heye said Trump would convey a statesman-like position in Paris. “It’s not images of him at Mar-a-Lago,” Mr Heye said, referring to Trump’s Florida home where he has spent the bulk of his time since the election. “This is the biggest event of the world and he’ll be peer-to-peer with other leaders.” Mr Macron, who is grappling with a deep political crisis at home after his government was ousted by parliament this week, pursued a non-confrontational approach towards Trump during the latter’s first term, hoping that by engaging with him he could win concessions. But as the years passed, policy decisions on climate, taxation and Iran in particular caused friction between the two leaders. By the end it was a more fractious relationship. There could well be disputes in Trump’s second administration, fuelled by Trump’s desire to impose sweeping tariffs on Europe and other US trade partners, and disagreement over how to handle the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Mr Macron invited Trump to the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris in July 2017, a spectacle that inspired Trump to order up his own military parade in Washington to mark America’s Independence Day in 2019. Trump hosted Mr Macron at a White House state dinner in 2018, but a year later the two quarrelled over comments Mr Macron made about the state of Nato. “Trump coming to Paris is a ‘good coup’ by Emmanuel Macron,” said Mr Gerard Araud, a former French ambassador to Washington. “It is indispensable to have a direct relationship with the only man who counts in the Trump administration, Trump himself.” REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now

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Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as U.S. surgeon general during President-elect Donald Trump 's first term, warned on Saturday that the incoming administration needs a "strong infectious disease response plan" as cases rise in three public health threats. Adams, who was a member of then-president Trump's coronavirus task force in 2020, noted increases in cases of whooping cough, measles, and H5N1, also known as bird flu, in the country in a Saturday post on X, formerly Twitter . "The new administration had better have a strong infectious disease response plan- and had better ensure public health and vaccine confidence stays high. Or they'll be distracted with outbreaks for 4 years this time instead of 1," he wrote, referencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Newsweek has reached out to Adams for comment via email on Saturday. Adams' comments come days after Trump nominated vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS), which leads America's public health agencies. Kennedy Jr. is on leave as the chair of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense and has long repeated the debunked claim that childhood vaccines cause autism. He also advocated against COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic . Despite insisting that he is not anti-vax and claiming that he's never told the public to avoid getting vaccinated, he is a vocal opponent to immunizations. Newsweek has also reached out to Kennedy Jr.'s press team and Trump's team for comment via email on Saturday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), like Adams, recommends vaccinations to prevent the spread of diseases at the population level. In response to Adams' X post, a user who said their grandson contracted whooping cough despite being vaccinated, wrote: "Let's be sure vaccines work before requiring them." Adams then replied back: "No medical treatment is 100% effective—and I'm sorry your grandson was one of the exceptions. But let's not confuse anecdotes with population-level evidence," reaffirming his support for vaccinations. Whooping Cough Whooping cough, or pertussis, cases are "up 5x this year," Adams said on Saturday of the highly contagious respiratory illness. There are currently around 25,216 cases reported as of November 16, compared to 5,404 reported in all of 2023. The CDC noted the shift is a "return to pre-pandemic [COVID-19] patterns." The spread of many contagious diseases decreased during the pandemic, largely due to social distancing. Newborns, infants, and people with pre-existing health conditions are at the greatest risk of severe symptoms. The bacteria spreads through the air, and people can remain contagious for weeks. The CDC recommends DTaP and Tdap vaccinations, depending on one's age, as a preventive measure. The number of children with all four recommended doses of the DTaP vaccine dropped by 2.5 percentage points between 2018 and 2021, according to recent CDC data. Measles Adams also warned about measles, noting that this year there have been "100,000 global measles deaths—mostly in kids." As of November 21, there have been 280 measles cases in the U.S. this year, with 16 outbreaks reported, a four-fold increase from four cases reported in 2023, per the CDC. About 40 percent of cases resulted in hospitalization. The CDC reported that 89 percent of the U.S. cases were individuals who were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was not known. People with two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) doses were only 4 percent of the impacted individuals. The number of children with at least one dose of the MMR vaccine dropped by 1.7 percentage points between 2018 and 2021, according to CDC data. Prior to the vaccine, the CDC reported that "an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized and 400–500 people died in the United States each year." It also notes that two doses are 97 percent effective at prevention, although there are breakthrough infections. The infectious, airborne disease can result in a severe skin rash. Avian Flu Adams then turned to bird flu, writing on Saturday in his X post: "H5N1 steamrolling towards pandemic status. Egg prices skyrocketing." Bird flu spreads among wild birds to other poultry and animals, including dairy cows and humans. The virus is more common among animals, currently affecting 109 million poultry and 616 dairy herds across the U.S., according to the CDC as of November 22. Egg prices have risen due to the impact of bird flu on the supply chain. Infection in humans is most common after direct contact with animals , for instance after touching the saliva, mucus or feces of sick or dead birds. A person may be infected if the virus gets into their eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled, via droplets or dust in the air, or via contaminated surfaces. So far, the CDC labels it as a "low" public health risk, with 55 confirmed total cases this year, majority in California transmitted via cattle. Cases have also been reported in Washington, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, and Texas. Trump's Pick for Surgeon General On Friday, Trump named Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, as his pick for U.S. surgeon general. Nesheiwat is a practicing doctor who was on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic treating thousands of Americans. Nesheiwat is also a Fox News medical contributor and serves as a medical director at CityMD. Trump praised her "expertise and leadership," citing his collaboration with her as part of Operation Warp Speed, the U.S. plan to develop and deliver the COVID-19 vaccine – something Trump had shied away from discussing in his 2024 campaign after repeatedly taking credit for it after he left the White House in 2021. Nesheiwat's sister, Julia Nesheiwat, had served during the previous Trump administration as the Homeland Security adviser. Update 11/23/24, 4:50 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Trump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon

Sharp Co. ( OTCMKTS:SHCAY – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,900 shares, a drop of 25.6% from the November 30th total of 3,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 3,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Sharp Price Performance Sharp stock opened at $1.52 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.95 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.47 and a beta of 0.80. The company’s fifty day moving average price is $1.51 and its 200 day moving average price is $1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.15, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.21. Sharp has a 1 year low of $1.16 and a 1 year high of $1.91. Sharp Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sharp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sharp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Tyler Technologies CFO sells shares for $1.58 million

Hyperallergic’s 10 Hottest Social Media Videos of 2024Dazostinag sodium is under clinical development by and currently in Phase I for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. According to GlobalData, Phase I drugs for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer have an 80% phase transition success rate (PTSR) indication benchmark for progressing into Phase II. GlobalData tracks drug-specific phase transition and likelihood of approval scores, in addition to indication benchmarks based off 18 years of historical drug development data. Attributes of the drug, company and its clinical trials play a fundamental role in drug-specific PTSR and likelihood of approval. Dazostinag sodium overview Dazostinag sodium (TAK-676) is under development for the treatment of advanced or metastatic solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), oropharyngeal cancer, colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma. The drug candidate is cyclic purine dinucleotide and acts by targeting stimulator of interferon genes (STING/TMEM173). It is a new molecular entity. It is administered via intravenous route. Takeda Pharmaceutical overview (Takeda) is a global pharmaceutical company primarily engaged in the research, development, production, and commercialization of biopharmaceutical products. It provides treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, acid-related diseases, motility disorders and liver diseases; hemophilia and hereditary bleeding disorders; primary immunodeficiency and multifocal motor neuropathy; major depressive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; and its cancer treatment encompasses multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia. While the company markets its pharmaceutical products directly, it also collaborates with marketing alliance partners in worldwide. Takeda operates in various countries worldwide, including Japan, the US, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific region. Takeda is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. For a complete picture of Dazostinag sodium’s drug-specific PTSR and LoA scores, This content was updated on 12 April 2024 From Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors. , the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article. GlobalData’s Likelihood of Approval analytics tool dynamically assesses and predicts how likely a drug will move to the next stage in clinical development (PTSR), as well as how likely the drug will be approved (LoA). This is based on a combination of machine learning and a proprietary algorithm to process data points from various databases found on GlobalData’s .

Former Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya (left) and Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu (right) Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has called for a thorough investigation into potential criminality and a possible cover-up related to the dismissal of former Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya. While acknowledging the Prime Minister’s decision to remove Tabuya from her ministerial role, Seruiratu expressed concerns about the integrity of the former. The main issue raised by Seruiratu involves the misrepresentation of Tabuya’s marital status. Tabuya had previously declared that she had been divorced from Robert Semaan since 2016 which allowed her to exempt his assets from official declarations. However, Seruiratu stated that recent revelations suggest they are still married, casting doubt on her honesty and transparency. Seruiratu also pointed to the controversy surrounding a private video involving Tabuya, which has circulated widely. The video, which Tabuya has stated is a personal matter with her husband, contradicts her earlier claim of being divorced. Seruiratu said that these contradictions further undermine her credibility and trust with the public. Another concern highlighted by Seruiratu is Tabuya’s role as co-chair of the National Taskforce to address Pornography in Fiji. Given the strict code of conduct required for such a position, Seruiratu argued that Tabuya’s involvement in this matter compromises her ability to lead efforts to combat pornography and protect children from online exploitation. Seruiratu also raised concerns about the influence of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali in closing the investigation into Tabuya’s false declaration. He called for an investigation into whether Tabuya exerted any influence over Malimali to end the case, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of Fiji’s anti-corruption institutions. Seruiratu called for a transparent investigation into these matters to restore public trust. He emphasized the need for public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. He also stated that he would bring this matter to parliament to ensure it receives the attention it deserves. Meanwhile, FBC News has sent questions to Tabuya and Malimali regarding the concerns raised by Seruiratu.vip slot 77 。

JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. “We will strike (the Houthis’) strategic infrastructure and cut off the head of the leadership,” he said. “Just like we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon, we will do in Hodeida and Sanaa,” he said, referring to Hamas and Hezbollah leaders killed in previous Israeli attacks. The Iranian-backed Houthis have launched scores of missiles and drones at Israel throughout the war, including a missile that landed in Tel Aviv on Saturday and wounded at least 16 people. Israel has carried out three sets of airstrikes in Yemen during the war and vowed to step up the pressure on the rebel group until the missile attacks stop. Here’s the latest: WASHINGTON — The Pentagon acknowledged Monday that there are more than 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, the total routinely touted publicly. It also said the number of forces in Syria has grown over the past “several years” due to increasing threats, but was not openly disclosed. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement that there are “at least 2,500” U.S. military personnel in Iraq “plus some additional, temporary enablers” that are on rotational deployments. He said that due to diplomatic considerations, the department will not provide more specifics. The U.S. concluded sensitive negotiations with the government of Iraq in September that called for troops to begin leaving after the November election. The presence of U.S. troops there has long been a political liability for Iraqi leaders who are under increased pressure and influence from Iran. U.S. officials have not provided details about the withdrawal agreement, but it calls for the mission against the Islamic State group to end by September 2025, and that some U.S. troops will remain through 2026 to support the anti-IS mission in Syria. Some troops may stay in the Kurdistan region after that because the regional government would like them to stay. Ryder announced last week that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria – more than double the 900 that the U.S. had acknowledged publicly until now. On Monday he said the extra 1,100 deploy for shorter times to do force protection, transportation, maintenance and other missions. He said the number has fluctuated for the past several years and increased “over time.” JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. BEIRUT — The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon on Monday said it has observed recent “concerning actions” by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of residential areas and road blockages. A spokesperson for the peacekeeping mission, Kandice Ardiel, told The Associated Press that peacekeepers also observed on Monday an Israeli flag flying in Lebanese territory near Naqoura. The town hosts the headquarters of the peacekeeping mission, known as UNIFIL. Under the terms of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended the 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli army is required to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon within 60 days of the agreement’s signing on Nov. 27. Since the ceasefire went into effect, the Israeli army has conducted near-daily military operations in southern villages, including firing gunshots, house demolitions, excavations, tank shelling and strikes. These actions have killed at least 27 people, wounded more than 30, destroyed residential buildings and, in one case, a mosque. “Peacekeepers continue to monitor the situation on the ground and report violations of Resolution 1701,” Ardiel said. “We reiterate our call for all actors to cease and refrain from violations of Resolution 1701 and any actions that may upset the current delicate balance.” On Monday, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern town of Khiam as part of a tour of front-line areas alongside army chief Joseph Aoun and UNIFIL Head of Mission Aroldo Lazaro. Mikati and Lazaro urged the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory to allow the army to fully assume its duties. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says three soldiers were killed Monday in combat in northern Gaza. The military did not provide details of the circumstances. According to a statement released Sunday, the brigade in which the three were serving completed its operational activities in the northern town of Beit Lahiya on Sunday. It then began operating in the nearby town of Beit Hanoun following intelligence suggesting the presence of militants there. Since the start of the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, 389 Israeli soldiers have been killed. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday there is “some progress” in efforts to reach a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza, although he added he could not give a time frame for a possible agreement. Of the roughly 250 people who were taken hostage in the Hamas-led raid on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 that sparked the war, around 100 are still inside the Gaza Strip, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Speaking in the Knesset, Netanyahu said “we are taking significant actions through all channels to return our loved ones. I would like to tell you cautiously that there is some progress.” Netanyahu said he could not reveal details of what was being done to secure the return of hostages. He said the main reasons for the progress were the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israel’s military actions against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants who had been firing rockets into Israel from neighboring Lebanon in support of Hamas. “Hamas hoped that Iran and Hezbollah would come to its aid but they are busy licking the wounds from the blows we inflicted on them,” he said, adding that Israel was also putting “relentless military pressure” on Hamas in Gaza. “There is progress. I don’t know how long it will take,” Netanyahu said. JERUSALEM — Israel's military said Monday it intercepted a drone launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli territory, days after a long-range rocket attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels hit Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people from shattered glass. The military said no air raid warning sirens were sounded Monday. Israel says the Iran-backed Houthis have fired more than 200 missiles and UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis have also been attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — attacks they say won’t stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. The attacks on shipping and Israel are taking place despite U.S. and European warships patrolling the area. On Saturday night and early Sunday, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Yemen. Last week, Israel launched its own airstrikes on Yemen, killing at least nine people, and a Houthi missile damaged a school in Israel. DAMASCUS, Syria — A Qatari delegation visited the Syrian capital on Monday for the first time in more than a decade and met with the country's top insurgent commander, who said strategic cooperation between Damascus and Doha will begin soon. Qatar, along with Turkey, has long backed the rebels who now control Damascus, and the two countries are looking to protect their interests in Syria now that former President Bashar Assad has been overthrown. The Qatari delegation was headed by the minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed al-Khulaifi, who met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the insurgent group that overthrew Assad on Dec. 8. Al-Sharaa was quoted as saying by Syrian media that they have invited the emir of Qatar to visit Damascus adding that relations will return to normal soon. Al-Sharaa said Qatar will back Syria during the transitional period and the two countries will soon start “wide strategic cooperation.” Al-Sharaa also met Monday with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi as well as a Saudi official. Unlike Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan had relations with Assad’s government until he was removed from power. JENIN, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority says a second member of its security forces has been killed in the West Bank town of Jenin during clashes with Palestinian militants . Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab, the spokesman for PA security forces, said 1st Sgt. Mehran Qadoos was killed on Monday by “outlaws” in the volatile northern town, where the security forces launched a rare crackdown earlier this month. A member of security forces also was killed on Sunday. An Associated Press reporter in Jenin heard heavy gunfire and explosions, apparently from a battle between the security forces and Palestinian militants. There was no sign of Israeli forces in the area. Militant groups had earlier called for a general strike across the territory, accusing the security forces of trying to disarm them in support of Israel’s half-century occupation of the territory. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians , in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Israel accuses the authority of incitement and of failing to act against armed groups. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. Israel’s current government is opposed to Palestinian statehood and says it will maintain open-ended security control over the territory. Violence has soared in the West Bank following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. JENIN, West Bank — Palestinians in the volatile northern West Bank town of Jenin are observing a general strike called by militant groups to protest a rare crackdown by Palestinian security forces. An Associated Press reporter in Jenin heard gunfire and explosions, apparently from clashes between militants and Palestinian security forces. It was not immediately clear if anyone was killed or wounded. There was no sign of Israeli troops in the area. Shops were closed in the city on Monday, the day after militants killed a member of the Palestinian security forces and wounded two others. Militant groups called for a general strike across the territory, accusing the security forces of trying to disarm them in support of Israel’s half-century occupation of the territory. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians , in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Israel accuses the authority of incitement and of failing to act against armed groups. The Palestinian Authority blamed Sunday’s attack on “outlaws.” It says it is committed to maintaining law and order but will not police the occupation. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. Israel’s current government is opposed to Palestinian statehood and says it will maintain open-ended security control over the territory. Violence has soared in the West Bank following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has begun a tour of military positions in the country’s south, almost a month after a ceasefire deal that ended the war between Israel and the Hezbollah group that battered the country. Najib Mikati on Monday was on his first visit to the southern frontlines, where Lebanese soldiers under the U.S.-brokered deal are expected to gradually deploy, with Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops both expected to withdraw by the end of next month. Mikati’s tour comes after the Lebanese government expressed its frustration over ongoing Israeli strikes and overflights in the country. “We have many tasks ahead of us, the most important being the enemy's (Israel's) withdrawal from all the lands it encroached on during its recent aggression,” he said after meeting with army chief Joseph Aoun in a Lebanese military barracks in the southeastern town of Marjayoun. “Then the army can carry out its tasks in full.” The Lebanese military for years has relied on financial aid to stay functional, primarily from the United States and other Western countries. Lebanon’s cash-strapped government is hoping that the war’s end and ceasefire deal will bring about more funding to increase the military’s capacity to deploy in the south, where Hezbollah’s armed units were notably present. Though they were not active combatants, the Lebanese military said that dozens of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes on their premises or patrolling convoys in the south. The Israeli army acknowledged some of these attacks.

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Stock market today: Wall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its recordRICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- The Board of Directors of NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) (the “Company”) approved a new share repurchase program authorizing management to repurchase up to $500 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock through December 31, 2027, as market conditions warrant and covenants under the Company’s existing debt agreements permit. The new repurchase program will replace the Company’s existing $500 million repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in October 2021, which will expire on December 31, 2024. Under the new program, the Company may conduct share repurchases in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through block trades or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The new program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated or suspended at any time. NewMarket Corporation is a holding company operating through its subsidiaries Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), and American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC). The Afton and Ethyl companies develop, manufacture, blend, and deliver chemical additives that enhance the performance of petroleum products. AMPAC is a manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. The NewMarket family of companies has a long-term commitment to its people, to safety, to providing innovative solutions for its customers, and to making the world a better place. Some of the information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although NewMarket’s management believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the availability of raw materials and distribution systems; disruptions at production facilities, including single-sourced facilities; hazards common to chemical businesses; the ability to respond effectively to technological changes in our industries; failure to protect our intellectual property rights; sudden, sharp, or prolonged raw material price increases; competition from other manufacturers; current and future governmental regulations; the loss of significant customers; termination or changes to contracts with contractors and subcontractors of the U.S. government or directly with the U.S. government; failure to attract and retain a highly-qualified workforce; an information technology system failure or security breach; the occurrence or threat of extraordinary events, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars and health-related epidemics; risks related to operating outside of the United States; political, economic, and regulatory factors concerning our products; the impact of substantial indebtedness on our operational and financial flexibility; the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; resolution of environmental liabilities or legal proceedings; limitation of our insurance coverage; our inability to realize expected benefits from investment in our infrastructure or from acquisitions, or our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our business; the underperformance of our pension assets resulting in additional cash contributions to our pension plans; and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports that NewMarket files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024, which are available to shareholders at www.newmarket.com . You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by NewMarket in the foregoing discussion speaks only as of the date on which such forward-looking statement is made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this discussion after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that the events described in any forward-looking statement made in this discussion, or elsewhere, might not occur. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210821417/en/ CONTACT: FOR INVESTOR INFORMATION CONTACT: William J. Skrobacz Investor Relations Phone: 804.788.5555 Fax: 804.788.5688 Email: investorrelations@newmarket.com KEYWORD: VIRGINIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CHEMICALS/PLASTICS ENERGY MANUFACTURING OIL/GAS SOURCE: NewMarket Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 05:01 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 05:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210821417/en

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8k8 slot vip The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa (OON), opens up about her heydays in school sports and how her office is working with relevant sports bodies in Nigeria, in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE During your speech at a recent table tennis event in Lagos, you mentioned that you were an athlete for school. How deep was your involvement in sports back then? I was involved and I mean at St. Teresa’s College, Ibadan I was a sports prefect. I participated in 400m, 800m, and one mile and even those days, we ran for the western state and we ran 400m. Beyond that, you will always see me leading the march past and this is why I like what Yemi Edun did with that table tennis tournament. Investing in sports is very important, catching them young and then it also helps in cognitive development. I thank Mr Yemi Edun for what he is doing here and I hope other Nigerians in the diaspora, just look back, and give back, no matter how small. You played a sort of table tennis exhibition game against 9ice at the event. Is that one of the games you enjoy? 9ice wanted to take the shine in that match but don’t mind that. I might not have played table tennis as much as him but during my school days I used to run for my school and I did well in 100m, 400m, 800m and even relays. Are there some of your contemporaries then in school who made it as a professional athlete? They are all retired. Senior Glory Ayanlaja was the lead athlete. Yinka Folorunso is late now. Those are the two I remember. So, did you also nurse the ambition of becoming an athlete? No, I never considered that. In those days, they don’t even encourage you especially when you are a bright student in school. We had competitions among schools and even among western states before moving to the national level. I just happened to be part of a relay team that did very well. Aside from athletics, what are your favourite sports? I love football and basketball. Any sport where Nigeria attracts global attention also draws me and I tend to pay attention to it subsequently. Related News NiDCOM resolved over 1,000 petitions in five years - Abike Dabiri-Erewa Family urges FG to save brother in South African prison 13 more trafficked Nigerian girls rescued from Ghana -- NiDCOM Tell us about your favourite teams in these sports and why you love them. In football, I will always go with the Nigeria national team. My favourites are the Super Eagles and Super Falcons as well as other age-grade teams because I know they do well too. I support these teams because of patriotism, it comes naturally. If we do what Yemi is doing, let’s encourage our teams and local sports. You find out we pay more attention to foreign clubs. In basketball, it depends, I just love the game. I love to watch them play. Did you watch the D’Tigress at the Olympics and how did they make you feel with their performance? It was a proud moment for me at the Olympics despite the results we had in other sports. I saw how good they were and I was rooting for them. They put Nigeria on the map again and I am very proud of them. They also reminded me that we have Nigerians in sports abroad. For instance, we have the Ogwumike sisters. They have done great in the WNBA and there are many others in different sports. I am so proud of them. We have to encourage those of them abroad too and they are willing to represent Nigeria and we are also willing to engage with them. That is where we are going now with the chairman of the National Sports Commission, Sheu Dikko. We need to reach out to them. I know of a lady in Gymnastics, all she said was let them just give me a training kit. So, let us encourage them, we will get more of them to participate in Nigeria. So, how are you engaging the sports commission to achieve these things? We are already doing that, we are engaging with Nigerians in the diaspora in the sporting field and we will be having a conversation with the chairman of the NSC Mr Dikko. We are already talking to a lot of them in basketball and athletics but we need to have that engagement with them. There is a lot of frustration along the way and that is reality. I know about two athletes who wanted to swim for Nigeria but it was kind of difficult. It’s important that this is the time to tap into the enormous resources to have them home which I’m sure Mr Dikko will. While doing that, the relevant sports bodies must also not forget the need to nurse the talents we have at home too. About what you do at NiDCOM, we get stories of athletes, especially footballers who get stranded in foreign countries with fake agents. Recently there was a particular Jerry Moses from Taraba State. How many more of these cases do you get and how do you get involved? There are many you don’t even hear about but as we get them we work with the relevant ministry, the Ministry of Sports and now we have the National Sports Commission. A lot of agents take them away, fake agents, so they need to be wary of agents who promise them heaven and earth and it never happens. There were two we brought back not long ago. The advocacy for equal pay in sports has been on for a while, do you also believe it is practicable? Of course, there should be equal pay, not only in sports but everywhere. I hope that changes.No. 15 Tennessee women beat Winthrop 112-50 for seventh 12-0 start in program history

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s personnel choices for his new Cabinet and White House reflect his signature positions on immigration and trade but also a range of viewpoints and backgrounds that raise questions about what ideological anchors might guide his Oval Office encore. With a rapid assembly of his second administration — faster than his effort eight years ago — the former and incoming president has combined television personalities , former Democrats, a wrestling executive and traditional elected Republicans into a mix that makes clear his intentions to impose tariffs on imported goods and crack down on illegal immigration but leaves open a range of possibilities on other policy pursuits. “The president has his two big priorities and doesn’t feel as strongly about anything else — so it’s going to be a real jump ball and zigzag,” predicted Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence during Trump’s 2017-21 term. “In the first administration, he surrounded himself with more conservative thinkers, and the results showed we were mostly rowing in the same direction. This is more eclectic.” Indeed, Secretary of State-designee Marco Rubio , the Florida senator who has pilloried authoritarian regimes around the world, is in line to serve as top diplomat to a president who praises autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon has been tapped to sit at the Cabinet table as a pro-union labor secretary alongside multiple billionaires, former governors and others who oppose making it easier for workers to organize themselves. The prospective treasury secretary, Scott Bessent , wants to cut deficits for a president who promised more tax cuts, better veterans services and no rollbacks of the largest federal outlays: Social Security, Medicare and national defense. Abortion-rights supporter Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump's choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which Trump’s conservative Christian base has long targeted as an agency where the anti-abortion movement must wield more influence. Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich allowed that members of Trump’s slate will not always agree with the president and certainly not with one another. But he minimized the potential for irreconcilable differences: “A strong Cabinet, by definition, means you’re going to have people with different opinions and different skills.” That kind of unpredictability is at the core of Trump’s political identity. He is the erstwhile reality TV star who already upended Washington once and is returning to power with sweeping, sometimes contradictory promises that convinced voters, especially those in the working class, that he will do it all again. “What Donald Trump has done is reorient political leadership and activism to a more entrepreneurial spirit,” Gingrich said. There's also plenty of room for conflict, given the breadth of Trump's 2024 campaign promises and his pattern of cycling through Cabinet members and national security personnel during his first term. This time, Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on foreign goods, end illegal immigration and launch a mass deportation force, goose U.S. energy production and exact retribution on people who opposed — and prosecuted — him. He's added promises to cut taxes, raise wages, end wars in Israel and Ukraine , streamline government, protect Social Security and Medicare, help veterans and squelch cultural progressivism. Trump alluded to some of those promises in recent weeks as he completed his proposed roster of federal department heads and named top White House staff members. But his announcements skimmed over any policy paradoxes or potential complications. Bessent has crusaded as a deficit hawk, warning that the ballooning national debt , paired with higher interest rates, drives consumer inflation. But he also supports extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts that added to the overall debt and annual debt service payments to investors who buy Treasury notes. A hedge-fund billionaire, Bessent built his wealth in world markets. Yet, generally speaking, he’s endorsed Trump's tariffs. He rejects the idea that they feed inflation and instead frames tariffs as one-time price adjustments and leverage to achieve U.S. foreign policy and domestic economic aims. Trump, for his part, declared that Bessent would “help me usher in a new Golden Age for the United States.” Chavez-DeRemer, Trump promised, “will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.” Trump did not address the Oregon congresswoman’s staunch support for the PRO-Act, a Democratic-backed measure that would make it easier for workers to unionize, among other provisions. That proposal passed the House when Democrats held a majority. But it’s never had measurable Republican support in either chamber on Capitol Hill, and Trump has never made it part of his agenda. When Trump named Kennedy as his pick for health secretary, he did not mention the former Democrat’s support for abortion rights. Instead, Trump put the focus on Kennedy’s intention to take on the U.S. agriculture, food processing and drug manufacturing sectors. The vagaries of Trump’s foreign policy stand out, as well. Trump's choice for national security adviser , Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, offered mixed messages Sunday when discussing the Russia-Ukraine war, which Trump claims never would have started had he been president, because he would have prevailed on Putin not to invade his neighboring country. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Waltz repeated Trump’s concerns over recent escalations, which include President Joe Biden approving sending antipersonnel mines to Ukrainian forces. “We need to restore deterrence, restore peace and get ahead of this escalation ladder, rather than responding to it,” Waltz said. But in the same interview, Waltz declared the mines necessary to help Ukraine “stop Russian gains” and said he’s working “hand in glove” with Biden’s team during the transition. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence , the top intelligence post in government, is an outspoken defender of Putin and Syrian President Bashar al Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran. Perhaps the biggest wildcards of Trump’s governing constellation are budget-and-spending advisers Russell Vought, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Vought led Trump’s Office of Management and Budget in his first term and is in line for the same post again. Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, and Ramaswamy, a mega-millionaire venture capitalist, are leading an outside advisory panel known as the “Department of Government Efficiency.” The latter effort is a quasi-official exercise to identify waste. It carries no statutory authority, but Trump can route Musk’s and Ramaswamy’s recommendations to official government pathways, including via Vought. A leading author of Project 2025 , the conservative movement’s blueprint for a hard-right turn in U.S. government and society, Vought envisions OMB not just as an influential office to shape Trump’s budget proposals for Congress but a power center of the executive branch, “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” As for how Trump might navigate differences across his administration, Gingrich pointed to Chavez-DeRemer. “He might not agree with her on union issues, but he might not stop her from pushing it herself,” Gingrich said of the PRO-Act. “And he will listen to anybody. If you convince him, he absolutely will spend presidential capital.” Short said other factors are more likely to influence Trump: personalities and, of course, loyalty . Vought “brought him potential spending cuts” in the first administration, Short said, “that Trump wouldn’t go along with.” This time, Short continued, “maybe Elon and Vivek provide backup,” giving Vought the imprimatur of two wealthy businessmen. “He will always calculate who has been good to him,” Short said. “You already see that: The unions got the labor secretary they wanted, and Putin and Assad got the DNI (intelligence chief) they wanted. ... This is not so much a team-of-rivals situation. I think it’s going to look a lot like a reality TV show.”

Wake Forest still experimenting ahead of Detroit Mercy game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Married couples across the U.S. have had access to no-fault divorce for more than 50 years, an option many call crucial to supporting domestic abuse victims and key to preventing already crowded family courts from drowning in complicated divorce proceedings. But some advocates for women worried as old comments from now Vice President-elect JD Vance circulated during the presidential campaign opposing no-fault divorce. After President-elect Donald Trump and Vance won the election, warnings began popping up on social media urging women who might be considering divorce to "pull the trigger" while they still could. Some attorneys posted saying they saw a spike in calls from women seeking divorce consultations. Donald and Ivana Trump pose in May 1988 outside the Federal Courthouse in New York after she was sworn in as a United States citizen. Trump — who is twice-divorced — hasn't championed overhauling the country's divorce laws, but in 2021 Vance lamented that divorce is too easily accessible, as have conservative podcasters and others. "We've run this experiment in real time and what we have is a lot of very, very real family dysfunction that's making our kids unhappy," Vance said during a speech at a Christian high school in California, where he criticized people being able to "shift spouses like they change their underwear." Marriage rates held steady but divorce rates of women age 15 and older declined from 2012 to 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released in October. Despite concerns, even those who want to make divorces harder to get say they don't expect big, swift changes. There is not a national coordinated effort underway. States determine their own divorce laws, so national leaders can't directly change policy. "Even in some of the so-called red states, it hasn't gotten anywhere," said Beverly Willett, co-chair of the Coalition for Divorce Reform, whose group unsuccessfully attempted to convince states to repeal their no-fault divorce laws. A couple exchanges wedding bands Oct. 11, 2018, at City Hall in Philadelphia. Mark A. Smith, a political science professor at the University of Washington, said while many Americans became accustomed to no-fault divorce being an option, Vance's previous comments on making it more difficult to separate from a spouse could help jump-start that effort. "Even though he's not directly proposing a policy, it's a topic that hasn't gotten a ton of discussion in the last 15 years," Smith said. "And so to have a national profile politician talk that way is noteworthy." Meanwhile, Republican Party platforms in Texas and Nebraska were amended in 2022 to call for the removal of no-fault divorce. Louisiana's Republican Party considered something similar this year but declined to do so. A handful of proposals were introduced in conservative-led statehouses over the years, but all immediately stalled after they were filed. In January, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Dusty Deevers introduced legislation that would have removed married couples from filing for divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. Deevers backed the bill after writing a piece declaring no-fault divorce was an "abolition of marital obligation." Sen. JD Vance smiles as his wife Usha Vance applauds Nov. 6 at an election-night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. Similarly, in South Carolina, two Republican lawmakers in 2023 filed a bill that would have required both spouses to file for a no-fault divorce application rather than just one. In South Dakota, a Republican lawmaker attempted to remove irreconcilable difference as grounds for divorce since 2020. None of the sponsors of these bills responded to interview requests from The Associated Press. All are members of their state's conservative Freedom Caucus. Nevertheless, some Democratic lawmakers say they remain worried about the future of no-fault divorce. They point to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 as an example of a long-accepted option that was revoked through a decades-long effort. "When you choose to be silent, you allow for this to creep in," said Democratic South Dakota Rep. Linda Duba. "These are the bills that gain a foothold because you choose to be silent." Before California became the first state to adopt a no-fault divorce option in 1969, married couples had to prove their spouse violated one of the approved "faults" outlined in their state's divorce law or risk a judge denying their divorce, said Joanna Grossman, a law professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Qualified reasons varied from state to state, but largely included infidelity, incarceration or abandonment. Donald and Marla Trump wave to photographers Dec. 20, 1993, as they enter their wedding reception in New York's Plaza Hotel. The system was a particular burden on domestic violence victims, who are often women who could be stuck in dangerous marriages while they try to prove their partner's abuse in court through expensive and lengthy legal proceedings. "If there was any evidence that the couple both wanted to get divorced that was supposed to be denied because divorce was not something you got because you wanted it, it was something you got because you've been wronged in a way that the state thought was significant," Grossman said. To date, every state in the U.S. adopted a no-fault divorce option. However, 33 states still have a list of approved "faults" to file as grounds for divorce — ranging from adultery to felony conviction. In 17 states, married people only have the option of choosing no-fault divorce to end their marriages. Photo Credit: shisu_ka / Shutterstock Marriage—and divorce—in the U.S. today are starkly different than in earlier eras of the country’s history. A series of economic, legal, and social shifts reshaped marriage in the second half of the 20th century. More women began working outside of the home in the post-World War II era, which provided avenues to financial security and independence outside of marriage. Greater emphasis on postsecondary educational attainment and career development have led young people to wait longer to enter marriage. States began to adopt no-fault divorce laws throughout the 1960s and 1970s that made it easier to end a marriage. Meanwhile, changing social and cultural attitudes have made it more common for couples to cohabitate, combine finances, and raise children prior to getting married—or without getting married at all. These trends have contributed to a decline in the overall number of marriages and to delays in when people get married for the first time. In the U.S., there are currently only 6.5 marriages per 1,000 people each year , compared to 10.9 five decades ago. For those who do choose to get married, the age of first marriage is happening later. As late as the early 1970s, the median age for a first marriage in the U.S. was just 22. By 2018, that figure had increased to 28.8. These shifts have also affected how likely married couples are to stay together. As women entered the workforce in the mid-20th century and feminism and the sexual revolution took hold, rates of divorce rose quickly throughout the 1960s and 1970s. From 1960 to 1980, the divorce rate per 1,000 people in the U.S. more than doubled from 2.2 to 5.2. But the rate began to fall steadily after 1980, and as of 2018, the rate of divorce had dropped to 2.9 per 1,000 people. The link between rates of divorce and age at first marriage has been borne out over time, but it also explains geographic differences in rates of divorce. Today, most of the states with the lowest rates of divorce are also those with a higher median age for marriage. States like New Jersey, New York, California, and Massachusetts all stand out for having fewer than 10% of adults divorced and an age at first marriage above 30. One exception to this is Utah, which has the lowest overall median age for first marriage at 25.5 but also the third-lowest share of divorced adults at 9%, likely due in part to the state’s strong religious ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . In contrast, Maine and Nevada lead all states in the share of the population currently divorced at 13.9% and 13.8%, respectively. And at the local level, many of the cities with the highest levels of divorce are found in Florida, Appalachia, and the Southwest. The data used in this analysis is from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey . To determine the most divorced locations, researchers at ChamberOfCommerce.org calculated the percentage of adults currently divorced. In the event of a tie, the location with the higher percentage of adults currently separated was ranked higher. To improve relevance, only cities with at least 100,000 residents were included. Additionally, cities were grouped into cohorts based on population size: small (100,000–149,999), midsize (150,000–349,999), and large (350,000 or more). Here are the most divorced cities in the U.S. Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: photo.ua / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Jonny Trego / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Tupungato / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Kevin J King / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Galina Savina / Shutterstock Photo Credit: f11photo / Shutterstock Photo Credit: CHARLES MORRA / Shutterstock Photo Credit: LHBLLC / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Valiik30 / Shutterstock Photo Credit: turtix / Shutterstock Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.The changes announced by the world's biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump's incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches -- the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President -- are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI," Glasgow said. "The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America's top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart's announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart's need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer's ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart." Walmart's announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.

Ashlon Jackson scores career-best 30 points to lead No. 13 Duke past No. 9 Kansas 73-62

How Moeller IP empowers brand protection against counterfeiting in Latin America 11-26-2024 11:24 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Notorial Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732637974.jpeg In today's global market, protecting your brand from counterfeiting is more crucial than ever. For businesses entering emerging markets like Latin America, the stakes are particularly high. Moeller IP, with over 90 years of expertise as a boutique Intellectual Property (IP) firm, is well-equipped to help companies secure their brands in key Latin American markets, including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. Counterfeiting Risks in Latin America Counterfeiting remains a significant challenge in Latin America, where evolving IP regulations create vulnerabilities for brands. Fake products range from luxury goods to pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food items, often posing serious health risks due to poor-quality materials and manufacturing practices. For international brands, partnering with a local expert like Moeller IP is a strategic move to mitigate these risks. Impact on Brand Reputation The impact of counterfeiting goes beyond lost revenue-it affects brand credibility and consumer trust. In industries like pharmaceuticals and electronics, counterfeit products pose safety risks, leading to legal liabilities and damaging a brand's standing. Moeller IP's expertise helps companies protect their reputation by implementing effective IP protection measures across Latin America, ensuring consumers can trust the authenticity and quality of their products. Moeller IP's Anti-Counterfeiting Strategies Moeller IP employs a comprehensive approach to combat counterfeiting, customized to the unique challenges in Latin America: * Product Authentication and Digital Monitoring: Moeller IP advises on integrating secure features, like holograms, watermarks, and QR codes, into product packaging. These features help consumers identify genuine products. Additionally, Moeller IP utilizes digital watermarking and monitoring software to detect unauthorized sales on social media and online marketplaces, tackling both physical and digital counterfeiting. * Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement: With Moeller IP's support, businesses can register trademarks and patents, providing legal grounds to challenge counterfeiters. Our local presence in countries like Brazil and Mexico enables swift action to protect IP rights, collaborating closely with local authorities to address counterfeit issues. * Collaborations with Law Enforcement: Moeller IP works with law enforcement agencies across Latin America to identify, seize, and halt the distribution of counterfeit goods. This minimizes the spread of fake products and strengthens brand protection in high-risk regions. Choosing Moeller IP for Brand Protection in Latin America Moeller IP stands out for its deep understanding of the IP landscape in Latin America and its commitment to ensuring international brands thrive in this dynamic market. With a localized presence and comprehensive coverage, Moeller IP offers a seamless experience for companies looking to protect their brands across multiple jurisdictions, all through a single point of contact. Explore Moeller IP's Brand Protection Services [ https://moellerip.com/our-service/anti-counterfeiting/ ] to learn more. If your company is expanding into Latin America, reach out to Moeller IP to discover how our anti-counterfeiting expertise can protect your brand and maintain consumer trust. Get in touch with Moeller IP [ https://moellerip.com/contact/ ] for tailored solutions. Looking to the Future: Strengthening Brand Protection in Emerging Markets As Latin America's IP regulations continue to evolve, the region presents growing opportunities for international brands. Moeller IP remains at the forefront of these developments, helping businesses establish a robust IP strategy that adapts to local market conditions. For more insights into our expertise across Latin America, visit our area of coverage [ https://moellerip.com/our-area-of-coverage/ ] to see how Moeller IP can help secure your brand. Media Contact Company Name: WEAPP Contact Person: Press Office Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=how-moeller-ip-empowers-brand-protection-against-counterfeiting-in-latin-america ] Country: United States Website: https://moellerip.com/our-service/anti-counterfeiting/ This release was published on openPR.SANTA CRUZ, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC ), a top-rated community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz County , is pleased to announce that Alison Voorhees has joined as Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing. Ms. Voorhees is responsible for all aspects of marketing and maintains her office at the Bank's 75 River St., Santa Cruz, Ca. location. Ms. Voorhees has a more than 20-year marketing background with extensive experience in branding, rebranding and creative direction, business and creative writing, corporate and executive communications, strategic business and marketing campaigns, media partnerships and community relations. She is a Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP), Certified Digital Marketing Professional and Professional Certified Marketer (PCM ® ) in Digital Marketing. Her attention to creative excellence includes internal and external communications, data storytelling, marketing technology and automation tools and overall brand and integrated marketing strategy with a multi-channel approach. Krista Snelling , Santa Cruz County Bank President and CEO, commented, "Alison brings a wealth of bank marketing experience and fresh perspectives to help us continue our mission of serving the community with excellence. We are confident that under her leadership our brand, built over the past two decades, will continue to flourish and evolve in exciting ways that remain true to our roots." Early in her career, Ms. Voorhees established herself as an effective campaign and event coordinator, a strategic business and marketing planner, a dedicated team leader and a committed community partner. Ms. Voorhees most recently ascended to the role of Vice President, Marketing Strategy Manager for Capital City Bank where she also previously served as Assistant Vice President, Advertising Manager and Public Relations Specialist. Prior to a career in banking, she worked in fundraising and special events for Orlando Ballet and Opening Nights Performing Arts as well as in sales and marketing support for Ben Nye Company. Of this new opportunity, Ms. Voorhees said, "Joining a talented team of leaders at such a beloved community banking institution is a dream move for my career. I am honored to be entrusted with taking up the marketing mantle to shape the future of the Santa Cruz County Bank brand and beyond." Ms. Voorhees holds a Master of Arts in Global Communications from the University of Southern California , a Master of Science in Global Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English from Florida State University . She also obtained a graduate certificate in Publishing and Editing from Florida State University and a certificate in Principles and Practices for Advertising Ethics from the Institute for Advertising Ethics. An avid community volunteer in the arts, elder care, literacy, placemaking, workforce development and youth sports, Ms. Voorhees has relocated to Santa Cruz from Tallahassee, Fla. ABOUT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK AND WEST COAST COMMUNITY BANCORP Founded in 2004, Santa Cruz County Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of West Coast Community Bancorp, a bank holding company. The Bank is a top-rated, locally operated and full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, Ca. with branches located in Aptos , Capitola , Cupertino , King City , Monterey , Salinas , San Luis Obispo , Santa Cruz , Scotts Valley and Watsonville . Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The Bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, asset-based lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local nonprofit organizations. Visit sccountybank.com for more information. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to the successful integration with 1st Capital Bancorp post-merger, achieving the targeted cost savings and synergies within expected time-frames or at all, retaining employees and customers, fluctuations in interest rates (including but not limited to changes in depositor behavior in relation thereto), inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank is conducting its operations, health of the real estate market in California, Bancorp's ability to effectively execute its business plans, and other factors beyond Bancorp and the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. Bancorp undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. SOURCE Santa Cruz County BankPatricia Technologies continues repayment to customers

https m slotvip ph Results mixed during cold closing weekend in southeast Montana( MENAFN - The Conversation) 20 years have passed since the Aceh tsunami, leaving deep scars on Indonesia, especially for those directly affected. Aceh was also recovering from a three-decade armed conflict between the Free Aceh Movement and the national government Throughout December 2024, The Conversation Indonesia, in collaboration with academics, is publishing a special edition honouring the 20 years of efforts to rebuild Aceh . We hope this series of articles preserves our collective memory while inspiring reflection on the journey of recovery and peace in the land of 'Serambi Makkah.' In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Acehnese interpreted the disaster in various ways. Initially, the tsunami was interpreted as a punishment or warning from God. Over time, a collective interpretation of the disaster emerged: “The tsunami as a test from God” . This later narrative was compelling enough to accelerate the post-tsunami recovery process . People in Aceh moved past the tsunami trauma by believing their deceased family members were martyrs who deserved a place in heaven, while those who survived were given the opportunity by Allah to live better lives. The process of forming this narrative is called memory canonisation . It occurs when the government and ruling elites impose a specific interpretation or narrative of a disaster, including what to remember and how to remember it . Memory canonisation is evident in the creation of disaster monuments and commemoration events, including in Aceh. Unfortunately, many survivors feel detached from the monuments because they do not evoke personal memories of the tsunami. Constructing permanent memorials after a disaster is a common trend in a modern society . Many tsunami monuments exist in Aceh, and some have even become tourist destinations. Tsunami monuments can be divided into two categories based on the construction. First , monuments built from tsunami debris that are deliberately maintained, modified, or enhanced with certain elements. Examples include the stranded electric-generator ship (the PLTD Apung), the ship on the top of a house in Lampulo, and the tsunami debris at the Rahmatullah Mosque in Lampuuk. Second , monuments intentionally designed and constructed as new buildings after the tsunami, such as the Aceh Tsunami Museum and the Tsunami Poles erected in over 50 locations across Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar. The establishment of disaster memorials is always political . Disaster monuments represent how governments and elites promote specific interpretations as dominant. This is achieved through specific architectural designs or curated narratives in the monument. However, the memory canonisation process is never final. Once established, each disaster monument becomes a place to form, strengthen, modify, alter, and revise the interpretation of the disaster. In a post-disaster situation, the affected community faces 'push and pull' between remembering and forgetting the disaster . They must let go of trauma to move forward while preserving disaster memories to honour victims and enhance future preparedness. The memory of the disaster resides in the back of their mind, but not constantly remembered in everyday life. It will move to the surface as an active memory only when triggered by certain factors, such as a place, object, or event. This memory closely relates to how the survivors give meaning to the disaster. In everyday life, survivors interact with disaster monuments in various contexts –for instance, as a source of income or a place for leisure . Thus, the meaning of a disaster monument can vary, even becoming completely unrelated to its creators' narratives and original goals. Preliminary findings from my ongoing research in Aceh show that among survivors, tsunami memories are often triggered by specific places associated with their experiences. These include the house where they found safety, the coastal area that swept them away, or the ruins of their homes. I refer to these as“the forgotten memories of the tsunami.” Since many tsunami monuments were erected without involving local residents , they feel barely connected, let alone have a sense of ownership, towards the monuments. For survivors, the established monuments do not trigger their memories of the tsunami. Today, 20 years after the tsunami, we can still meet survivors who offer valuable and insightful stories about starting over, rebuilding their homes and villages, and cultivating cultural awareness about tsunamis while embracing vulnerability. However, once these survivors pass away, future generations will lose access to primary sources of learning about the tsunami. This includes new inhabitants who moved to Aceh after the tsunami and rent houses in coastal areas. They will, therefore, depend on the tsunami memorials around them, though many have been neglected . To address these risks, I recommend two measures. First , we can document the“forgotten tsunami memories” creatively through formats like documentary videos, comics, photos, social media content, or other mediums that highlight stories offering insights into disaster risk reduction and education for younger generations. Second , we must encourage sustainable and meaningful interactions between locals and tsunami monuments. Disaster memorials serve their purpose best - preserving the memory of the disaster and educating younger generations - when they remain relevant to residents' daily activities. Locals' active participation is essential in Aceh, including school visits and involvement in . These measures aim to foster a sense of ownership among residents of the tsunami monuments in their neighbourhoods. They encourage voluntary maintenance of the monuments and make them integral to disaster risk reduction efforts. This article was originally published in Indonesian MENAFN23122024000199003603ID1109025583 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

NoneWhile you prepare to deck the halls and hang those Christmas lights, double-check the websites you buy from that are claiming to sell holiday cheer. “People are definitely out there spending more, and scammers know that,” said Clay Campbell the Director of Marketing for the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland. On average, consumers are expected to spend $71.36 per person on holiday decorations this year, according to the National Retail Federation , compared to $60.43 in 2020. However, certain items will cost you a lot more. “The scammer is able to get, you know, sometimes, $300 to $400 for these trees. They offer it a slight discount in comparison to a reputable website,” said Campbell. RELATED STORY | Small business owner fighting to get back $50K after being targeted by bank imposter Last year, the Better Business Bureau put out an alert for a company called AdjustableTrees after receiving reports from customers that they made payments via Zelle or Venmo, but never received the product or a refund. “These payment methods are pretty convenient, but they don't offer any protection,” Campbell warned. And the BBB said it’s happening again this year. A reverse image search shows the exact same product photos on other retailer's websites. The customer service phone number rings until you get a message that the call cannot be completed as dialed, and the company claims to be a BBB-accredited business. “They never ship the item, and the customer is never able to contact the business, because this business is not actually at the location that's listed on their website,” said Campbell. Homeowners are also taking their decorations outside and hiring individuals to hang their lights, but sometimes they’re a no-show. "If you are interested in doing something like this, it is important that you do your research and it's not just a fly-by-night operation,” said Ted Carter, president of Pinehurst Landscaping. RELATED STORY | Remembering this unwritten rule can help you avoid a job scam Carter is a professional when it comes to large light installments and recommends homeowners hire someone with experience. “You don't want to have anyone getting onto your roof that isn't properly trained and insured. You also want to make sure someone actually has experience in designing lighting that they're not just haphazardly installing lights,” said Carter. If you’re looking for less hassle, inflatable yard decorations have become more popular. “You know those giant snowmen or giant Santa Clauses? When people are buying these items, they either don't come at all, or they show up and they're a lot smaller than they expected,” said Campbell. Inaccurate website descriptions deceived a woman expecting a massive rainbow Christmas tree. Instead, she received a colorful feather duster lookalike. And another shopper thought they were getting a Grinch Christmas advent calendar with dimensional characters, but the ornaments that arrived were flat, plastic, and miniature. When shopping online, do a little research before buying from a company you’ve never heard of. Check their address, contact information, return policy, use a credit card, and screenshot the item description so you can dispute the transaction if you run into any issues with your order. Scammers are also tracking your buying habits and targeting you through social media ads. Before purchasing anything based on a photo in your feed, look into the company first. To see the other 12 Scams of Christmas from Scripps News Baltimore, click here . This story was originally published by Mallory Sofastaii at Scripps News Baltimore .(BPT) - The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals. According to Bank of America's Small Business Owner's Report , more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season. Scammers know how to exploit the season's hustle and bustle. But don't let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact. The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams In today's digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it's a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns. The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app . With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next. Beyond just protecting your systems, it's essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention. The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season. Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it's your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.

Thanks to meme culture, a whole new generation is enjoying the beloved 2003 holiday movie, “Elf.” We are now learning the behind-the-scenes story about one particular scene that has gone viral. According to Mark Acheson, who played “Mailroom Guy” in the film, not only was much of his scene improvised, it almost didn’t make it into the movie. “I called my agent and he said, ‘Listen, they would like you to come and do one line with Will Ferrell. Would you like to do it?,’” Acheson told People magazine. “And I said, yeah, I’d be happy to do that. I was only supposed to say ‘work release’ and that was the end of it.” Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf, sent to the mailroom at his father’s office to stay occupied. “Elf” director Jon Favreau got Acheson to improvise with Ferrell. During the scene, Acheson’s character tells Ferrell’s character he’s 26 years old but has “nothing to show for it.” “You’re young, you’re so young,” Ferrell’s Buddy tells the “Mailroom Guy.” But not everyone loved the banter, and Acheson said the improvised dialogue initially landed on the chopping block. “The producers wanted to axe the whole scene because of that. I think, ‘Who is gonna believe this guy is 26?’ I mean, seriously,” Acheson said. “I believe I was 46 at the time and an older, 46 even at that. Because I never looked young in my life.” Favreau fought to keep it in the movie. “He said that the joke, that’s the funny part, right?” Acheson recalled. “He kept me in. They didn’t want me, but he did and thank God for me because it changed my career quite a bit.” The scene is now being shared all over social media.

Elon Musk's xAI artificial intelligence company on Saturday rolled out a free beta version of its Aurora image generator, capable of producing photo-realistic pictures upon request. The Aurora service is available through the Grok 2 add-on to Musk's X social media platform, which for all users earlier this week. "Congrats for releasing a brand new image gen model -- Aurora!" xAI developer Chris Park Saturday. "Grok 2 + Aurora is now available with your X app in the model selector. Oh, by the way, Grok 3 is coming!" xAI doesn't need to wait until Monday. This team is too cracked and stays shipping. Congrats for releasing a brand new image gen model -Aurora! Grok 2 + Aurora is now available with your X app in the model selector. Oh, by the way, Grok 3 is coming. — Chris Park (@chrisparkX) Under the terms of the free service, users can send up to 10 messages to Grok every two hours and generate up to three images per day, . One AI analyst reacted by noting the roll-out was done over a weekend. "I don't think people realize how much effort goes into these launches," Rowan Cheung, producer of The Rundown AI newsletter. "OpenAI, Google, etc., would rarely -- if ever -- launch something big over the weekend, given the risks and the need to pull in more people if something goes wrong. "Something to pay attention to." Like earlier versions of xAI's ultra-realistic image generator, it appeared unclear on Saturday what if any guardrails exist on what can be drawn, including ultra-realistic depictions of public figures. Some early users reported being able to generate images of well-known celebrities and politicians, such as Musk and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Grok + Aurora achieves a level of photorealism that I have never seen before in Gen AI. Here is and made with . — Pasquale (@raider99k) When first introduced for premium subscribers in August, xAI claimed its image generator to exclude "illegal activities" and "deepfakes or misleading media," yet users were still able to generate highly controversial images such as former President Barack Obama taking illegal drugs or presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris holding guns.

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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk reciprocated Sen. John Fetterman 's (D-PA) recent bipartisan rhetoric with friendly words about the Democratic lawmaker Friday. Although they backed different candidates during the 2024 elections, Musk said it was “hard not to like” Fetterman in a social media post over the weekend. “He puts country over party,” Musk added in an X post . His words came in response to a cordial video of Fetterman saying he would work with Musk to reduce government spending and waste through the incoming Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. President-elect Donald Trump appointed Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the department after he won a second term earlier this month. “I admire Mr. Musk,” Fetterman said Thursday in comments that noted he had played an “important” role in American society through artificial intelligence and SpaceX , among other things. “Yes, he's on a different team,” Fetterman conceded, alluding to the fact that Musk became one of Trump’s most powerful allies during his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris, whom the senator backed. “But that doesn't make me an enemy,” Fetterman continued. “I’m not gonna automatically going to become a critic. It's like, hey, he has made it, you know, he's made our economy and our nation better and our politics are different, and I don't agree with some of the things that he might say, but that doesn't make him like I said, an enemy.” Fetterman’s words follow remarks he made to Semafor , in which he called Musk “incredibly compelling to a demographic in my state.” His comments came as he reflected on the vigorous campaigning Musk did on behalf of Trump in Pennsylvania, a battleground widely considered essential to secure in order to win the election. In the final weeks of the election, Musk held a series of town halls in Fetterman’s home state. Pennsylvania was also one of the swing states where Musk awarded a million dollars to one voter each day until Election Day if they signed a petition backing the Constitution. After Trump pulled off a clean win in Pennsylvania, Fetterman credited his victory in part to the “Elon Musk factor.” “He’s like Tony Stark. I thought it was just dumb to attack him or imply that he might be breaking the law with his $1 million checks, because, to me, that just projects weakness. And I promise you: Musk doesn’t give a s**t,” he said. It isn’t atypical for Fetterman to offer an olive branch to the other side of the aisle. On Thursday, he called on President Joe Biden to pardon Trump of all the federal crimes he has been accused of. His rhetoric on Israel and immigration also often sounds more in tune with Republicans than with some of the more progressive factions in his own party. Although Fetterman supported Harris during her bid for the White House, he often played a cautionary role in her campaign, warning that she faced falling support from union workers and deep competition from Trump in reaching the working class. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Fetterman isn’t the first Democrat to signal a willingness to work with Musk and Ramaswamy’s DOGE to slash wasteful government spending. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) became the first Democrat to join the House DOGE Caucus earlier this month. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has also signaled that he will work with DOGE, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who caucuses with Democrats, has emerged as another surprise supporter.Group of B.C. Conservative MLAs turn on fellow caucus member for backing police board member's resignation

(BPT) - The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals. According to Bank of America's Small Business Owner's Report , more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season. Scammers know how to exploit the season's hustle and bustle. But don't let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact. The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams In today's digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it's a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns. The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app . With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next. Beyond just protecting your systems, it's essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention. The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season. Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it's your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda’s U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Major stock indexes rose on Wall Street in afternoon trading Monday, after a choppy start to a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered from an early slide to gain 29 points, or 0.1% as of 3:40 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.8%. Gains in technology and communications stocks helped outweigh losses in consumer goods companies and elsewhere in the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3.3%. Broadcom climbed 5.5% to also help support the broader market. Walmart fell 2% and PepsiCo slid 1.2%. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. U.S.-listed shares in Honda jumped 13.4%, while Nissan slipped 0.2%. Eli Lilly rose 3.5% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.6% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a roughly 25% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets were mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.Wildlife, Maasai Culture, Local Food On A New Kenya Culinary Safari

Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug useWhile presenting producer and long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff with the Producer of the Decade award at Variety’ s eighth-annual Hitmakers event, Lana Del Rey made a rare mention of her husband Jeremy Dufrene, crediting Antonoff’s marriage to actress Margaret Qualley as “a big reason” why she married the 49-year-old Louisiana boat captain. “I’m grateful for [Antonoff] for the example he gave me in his marriage to [Margaret Qualley],” Del Rey said. “I saw the way he looked at her when he met her, and he’s a big reason why I waited so long to get married, and why I met my amazing husband.” Del Rey officially introduced Dufrene to the media in September, when she brought him as her plus-one to the glitzy New York wedding between model Karen Elson and Lee Foster. Only a few weeks later on Sept. 26, the pair got their marriage license and were married the same day. “I feel like there’s a singers’ curse around meeting an honest partner who has no skin in the game, no dog in the race,” Del Rey continued. “It’s super nerve-wracking to hold on to an innocent perception of how things could go when you’re in an industry where maybe your values and your morals don’t quite match up with what’s going on. Especially when people think you probably don’t have any morals or values.” Dufrene serves as captain for an alligator boat tour boat company just outside of New Orleans. According to Dufrene’s bio on the company’s website , “Jeremy decided life at a chemical plant working 7 days a week and shrimping on vacation days was not his calling. After a little convincing by his family, he got his captain’s license and started running tours. He quickly realized that this was a great fit and he has never thought of going back to his previous career at the plant. Jeremy’s a great airboat captain and loves interacting with wildlife & customers.”Non-Hindu Staff: New TTD Board Charts Course to End Row

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DAVE CHISNALL crashed out of the World Darts Championship in an epic clash against Ricky Evans. The world No6, who was a runner-up at Ally Pally in 2010, was expected to cruise past his darts opponent on Monday night. But Chisnall missed a crucial match dart before Evans, ranked No45 in the world, triumphed in a thrilling sudden death leg. With the scores tied at 2-2, both men pulled out some amazing throws to leave the crowd on the edge of their seats. Follow all the action from the World Darts Championship as it happens with SunSport's LIVE blog The pressure saw Chisnall miscount his finish to leave Evans clinging on. And 'Rapid' made sure to punish the mistake by sealing the final leg 6-5. READ MORE IN SPORT Speaking after, Evans revealed his shock and delight at winning the battle while setting up a clash against Welshman Robert Owen. Referring to himself as a "weird lad from Kettering", he beamed: "I played a world class player, I actually played well for once - normally it's poo, normally it's boring. "Look at this, I'm a weird Kettering lad, I don't understand it, why are they cheering me on? "I wished I'd have beat Chizzy 3-0 because my ticker would have been a bit better. Most read in Darts CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "What am I doing the other 11 months of the year? "I don't get this treatment in my household, I don't understand it! "They kept getting louder and louder, what are they cheering me for. "Thank you for that everyone, you've made a fat lad very happy." He then added to his adoring fans: "Merry Christmas you weirdos!" 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 Littler loses record to breakthrough star Peter Wright 'lost it' in emotional moment with daughter MVG pays tribute to Wayne Mardle's wife Donna Watch Littler hit 180 as Bullseye makes return to TV Commentator stunned with player's bizarre routine Nick Kenny bursts into tears after beating Van Barneveld Littler storms into third round with impressive win Littler breaks down in parents arms after emotional win THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball .Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week

ALPHARETTA, Ga. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arclin, a leading material science company, officially launched its new brand on November 12, 2024 . This modern rebranding reflects the company's evolution as a material science provider with a focus on protective and mission-critical products and its expanded presence as a global leader across key market sectors. To better align its brand with its evolving vision, Arclin embarked on a year-long research, strategy, and creative development process. The initial months focused on gathering insights from internal stakeholders, existing customers, and industry experts to identify key strengths, value propositions, and areas for growth. "The research phase was pivotal in helping us sharpen our focus and align internally so that we could better represent our true value and potential to different internal and external audiences," said Mark Glaspey , Arclin's Chief Operating Officer. A key partner in this transformation has been Matchstic, a brand identity firm based in Atlanta, GA. Collaborating closely with the Arclin team, Matchstic helped transform the company's narrative from a chemical and applications company to that of a global leader in formulated technologies that are essential to meeting worldwide demand. As part of its overall rebranding effort, Arclin also worked with Whiteboard, a Chattanooga, TN , based company, to completely overhaul its website onto a more robust, easier-to-navigate platform that more clearly represents the depth and breadth of the company's offerings. Inspired by the Arclin out-of-the-box approach to thinking and innovating, the new brand symbol is a nod to a deconstructed cube. The shape of the panels implies movement and momentum that speaks to the company's continued innovation and commitment to bringing life-changing products to the world. "The selection of a vibrant orange as our primary color represents a bold departure from our previous brand," said Jana Wright , Arclin's Vice President of Brand & Marketing. "This change signals a confident transition, positioning Arclin as a leading material science company. Our new logo reflects our philosophy of technological precision and innovation." The stenciled wordmark visualizes the relationship between the seen and the unseen with intentional gaps inside the letterforms. This idea highlights the seemingly invisible science that is the backbone of Arclin products—technologies that are vital and found in essential protective products across numerous industries, enhancing our lives in ways that many people do not realize. "We've been around for many years, but never have we been able to fully articulate or capture what we do," stated Bradley Bolduc , Arclin's President and Chief Executive Officer. "It's a complex process, producing polymers and materials that touch so many products and areas of life. We've always taken a back seat in that story. But now is the time to change that, highlighting our transformation over the past five years, by making a bold change in how we present ourselves to our employees, customers and industry as a whole." About Arclin Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design, and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia , Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., Canada , and U.K. and manufactures for customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.arclin.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arclin-unveils-striking-new-brand-that-stands-out-in-the-material-science-industry-with-exacting-precision-and-a-bold-new-look-302315751.html SOURCE Arclin © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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IOC needs to take a binary position on transgender participation in women’s sportBrexit has made touring in Europe “simply not economically viable” for many artists , a minister has admitted, in a damning assessment of the impact leaving the EU is having on musicians . Creative industries minister Chris Bryant said the government “fully recognises the scale of challenges facing professionals wishing to tour in Europe ”. “Many have concluded it is simply not economically viable or logistically possible to tour in Europe,” he added. His comments are the most stark assesment of Brexit’s impact on the music industry by a member of Sir Keir Starmer’s top team, and comes as the prime minister is seeking to rebuild ties with Brussels in a post-Brexit “reset” . The admission came after a parliamentary question by SNP MP Stephen Gethins, who asked what the impact was of leaving the EU on touring artists. Mr Gethins told The Independent : “For years we have known that a disastrous Brexit deal is damaging our important music industry. It makes music and promotion of our artists much harder and in particular difficult for new and emerging talent. “This is an astonishing admission from the government that the Brexit deal is not sustainable. “The question is what are they going to do about it. Labour have told us they it will continue to support a hard Tory Brexit and refuse to rejoin the Single Market or Customs Union. We know from the Treasury’s own analysis that this will continue to damage every sector. “I welcome the admission but unless the government does something about it, Labour now owns this horrific Brexit deal as much as the Tories.” It comes after a report by UK Music found that almost every artist was suffering from the impact of Brexit, with leading musicians describing life outside the EU as “hell”. A survey by the industry body showed the number of artists saying Brexit had hit their income rose to 87 per cent in the last 12 months, compared with 82 per cent a year earlier. And its annual economic report said Brexit has been a “catastrophe” for the sector, with artists still seeing fewer invites to perform in the EU because of the difficulty bringing UK artists to the EU. The end of EU free movement at the start of 2021 reintroduced costly bureaucracy and paperwork for UK musicians wanting to perform on the continent and vice versa. Regulations included so-called “cabotage” rules that restrict UK lorries to just three stops while touring, as well as work permits and visas for some countries. Customs paperwork and “carnets” are also required to transport instruments and equipment – a formality last seen decades ago before the foundation of the bloc. UK-based songwriter Victoria Canal said: “Brexit is hell. It is expensive logistically, navigating routing and carnets, and it puts pressure on all of us. Whether you are an artist or crew, touring has a deep effect on mental health.” UK Music said: “A much more ambitious plan is needed to ensure the UK keeps pace with intensifying global competition.” Labour’s election manifesto promised to “improve trade and investment relations with the EU... to help our touring artists”, after years of chaos since the UK left the EU. Responding to Mr Gethins, Mr Bryant said: “We are already working collaboratively with the live music sector to address these key issues for our brilliant musicians, artists and their support staff and are engaging with the EU and EU Member States, with a view to improving arrangements for touring across the European continent without seeing a return to free movement. This is a priority for the whole ministerial team, the department and the government.” But James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrats spokesperson on Europe, said: “Artists and performers are cultural ambassadors, yet the barriers they face touring Europe post-Brexit are stifling creativity and costing livelihoods. “In 2023, UK music's contribution to the economy hit a record £7.6 billion, proving just how vital this industry is to our nation's prosperity and growth. It's refreshing to hear a minister finally admit that musicians have been let down by this botched Brexit deal. “We urgently need a better deal to make touring simple and affordable again – no more delays.”

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KYIV, Ukraine — Desertion is starving the Ukrainian army of desperately needed manpower and crippling its battle plans at a crucial time in its war with Russia, which could put Kyiv at a clear disadvantage in future ceasefire talks. Facing every imaginable shortage, tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops, tired and bereft, walked away from combat and front-line positions to slide into anonymity, according to soldiers, lawyers and Ukrainian officials. Entire units abandoned their posts, leaving defensive lines vulnerable and accelerating territorial losses, according to military commanders and soldiers. Some take medical leave and never return, haunted by the traumas of war and demoralized by bleak prospects for victory. Others clash with commanders and refuse to carry out orders, sometimes in the middle of firefights. “This problem is critical,” said Oleksandr Kovalenko, a Kyiv-based military analyst. “This is the third year of war, and this problem will only grow.” Although Moscow has also been dealing with desertions, Ukrainians going AWOL laid bare deeply rooted problems bedeviling their military and how Kyiv is managing the war, from the flawed mobilization drive to the overstretching and hollowing out of front-line units. It comes as the U.S. urges Ukraine to draft more troops and allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. The Associated Press spoke to two deserters, three lawyers and a dozen Ukrainian officials and military commanders. Officials and commanders spoke on condition of anonymity to divulge classified information, while one deserter did so because he feared prosecution. “It is clear that now, frankly speaking, we have already squeezed the maximum out of our people,” said an officer with the 72nd Brigade, who noted that desertion is one of the main reasons Ukraine lost the town of Vuhledar in October. More than 100,000 soldiers have been charged under Ukraine’s desertion laws since Russia invaded in February 2022, according to the country’s General Prosecutor’s Office. Nearly half have gone AWOL in the past year alone, after Kyiv launched an aggressive and controversial mobilization drive that government officials and military commanders concede largely failed. It’s a staggeringly high number by any measure, as there were an estimated 300,000 Ukrainian soldiers engaged in combat before the mobilization drive began. And the actual number of deserters may be much higher. One lawmaker with knowledge of military matters estimated it could be as high as 200,000. Many deserters don’t return after being granted medical leave. Bone-tired by the constancy of war, they are psychologically and emotionally scarred. They feel guilt about being unable to summon the will to fight, anger over how the war effort is being led and frustration that it seems unwinnable. “Being quiet about a huge problem only harms our country,” said Serhii Hnezdilov, one of few soldiers to speak publicly about his choice to desert. He was charged shortly after the AP interviewed him in September. Another deserter said he initially left his infantry unit with permission because he needed surgery. By the time his leave was up, he couldn’t bring himself to return. He still has nightmares about the comrades he saw get killed. “The best way to explain it is imagining you are sitting under incoming fire and from their (Russian) side, it’s 50 shells coming toward you, while from our side, it’s just one. Then you see how your friends are getting torn to pieces, and you realize that any second, it can happen to you,” he said. “Meanwhile guys (Ukrainian soldiers) 10 kilometers (6 miles) away order you on the radio: ‘Go on, brace yourselves. Everything will be fine,’” he said. Hnezdilov also left to seek medical help. Before undergoing surgery, he announced he was deserting. He said after five years of military service, he saw no hope of ever being demobilized, despite earlier promises by the country’s leadership. “If there’s no end term (to military service), it turns into a prison — it becomes psychologically hard to find reasons to defend this country,” Hnezdilov said. Desertion turned battle plans into sand that slips through military commanders’ fingertips. The AP learned of cases in which defensive lines were severely compromised because entire units defied orders and abandoned their positions. “Because of a lack of political will and poor management of troops, especially in the infantry, we certainly are not moving in a direction to properly defend the territories that we control now,” Hnezdilov said. Ukraine’s military recorded a deficit of 4,000 troops on the front in September owing largely to deaths, injuries and desertions, according to a lawmaker. Most deserters were among recent recruits. The head of one brigade’s legal service who is in charge of processing desertion cases and forwarding them to law enforcement said he’s had many of them. “The main thing is that they leave combat positions during hostilities and their comrades die because of it. We had several situations when units fled, small or large. They exposed their flanks, and the enemy came to these flanks and killed their brothers in arms, because those who stood on the positions did not know that there was no one else around,” the official said. That is how Vuhledar, a hilltop town that Ukraine defended for two years, was lost in a matter of weeks in October, said the 72nd Brigade officer, who was among the very last to withdraw. The 72nd was already stretched thin in the weeks before Vuhledar fell. Only one line battalion and two rifle battalions held the town near the end, and military leaders even began pulling units from them to support the flanks, the officer said. There should have been 120 men in each of the battalion’s companies, but some companies’ ranks dropped to only 10 because of deaths, injuries and desertions, he said. About 20% of the soldiers missing from those companies went AWOL. “The percentage has grown exponentially every month,” he said. Reinforcements were sent once Russia wised up to Ukraine’s weakened position and attacked. But then the reinforcements also left, the officer said. Because of this, when one of the 72nd Brigade battalions withdrew, its members were gunned down because they didn’t know no one was covering them, he said. Still, the officer harbors no ill will toward deserters. “At this stage, I do not condemn any of the soldiers from my battalion and others. ... Because everyone is just really tired,” he said. Prosecutors and the military would rather not press charges against AWOL soldiers and do so only if they fail to persuade them to return, according to three military officers and a spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Investigative Bureau. Some deserters return, only to leave again. Ukraine’s General Staff said soldiers are given psychological support, but it didn’t respond to emailed questions about the toll desertions are having on the battlefield. Once soldiers are charged, defending them is tricky, said two lawyers who take such cases. They focus on their clients’ psychological state when they left. “People cannot psychologically cope with the situation they are in, and they are not provided with psychological help,” attorney Tetyana Ivanova said. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Heat star Jimmy Butler seen serving up cocktails made with his coffee. How to order one in Miami.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- An online debate between big tech and politics continues into the weekend. At the center of the issue - the H-1B visa program. It's a gateway for skilled workers from around the world who specialize in areas that include mathematics, technology, engineering, and science; 65,000 visas are issued each year with an additional 20,000 given to those who have masters degrees or higher. Ahmed Banafa is an engineering professor at San Jose State. "This thing about having this limit about having 65,000 - I mean we could miss someone," Banafa said. MORE: Mexico tests cellphone app allowing migrants to send alert if they are about to be detained in US Google and Meta were each approved to hire 5,000 H-1B-workers this year. Trump's new AI advisor has advocated for the U.S. to remove country-specific caps on H-1B visas. Tech industry leaders and Trump advisors Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk both made long posts on X on how their businesses rely on H-1B workers. Ramaswamy pointed to the "American culture" that celebrates the prom queen over the math Olympiad. MORE: Proposed CA bill would offer protection to immigrant children in schools, child care facilities MAGA supporter Laura Loomer tweeted the H-1B program takes away jobs from American STEM students. In a comment post Musk said "OF COURSE my companies and I would prefer to hire Americans and we DO, as that is MUCH easier than going through the incredibly painful and slow work visa process. HOWEVER, there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America." "Look at Musk himself. He is one of the products of the H-1B visa. I mean, we don't have Elon Musk - you agree or disagree with him we're not going to have Tesla, we're not going to have Space X, Starlink," Musk said. ABC7 News insider Phil Matier weighed in on Musk's support for the visa program. MORE: Attorney General Bonta bolsters California's response to Trump's immigration proposals "He's not only in favor of H-1B visas, he's also in favor of expanding them. To where if someone comes to America and completes a four-year college program they should automatically get a green card. That's bringing a competitive workforce into America that will be competing with native-born Americans for jobs," Matier said. On Friday, Marjorie Taylor Greene made the case young people are spending all their time trying to be "the next YouTuber, content creator or social media influencer instead of pursuing a useful skill set, trade -education." So, what will happen to H-1B visas during Trump's second term? That's unclear. Trump restricted the program in 2020 during his first administration.

Nigeria, for the very first time, squashed Ghana in an African Nations Championship qualifying fixture, and with so much style, to earn the ticket to the eighth instalment of the competition scheduled for Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda in February 2025 after a 3-1 whiplash of the visitors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. Three well-taken goals in six minutes wrote a new chapter in the history of contests between both nations at this level, and it was seriously not at a turn that Ghana would have wanted it. Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani expressed confidence ahead of the game, saying his boys would play an attacking game, but it was Nigeria that was on the front foot throughout the first period and could have finished the half with more than their three brilliant goals. First, telepathy was at play as Captain Junior Nduka flung the ball from the defence to Remo Stars’ team-mate Ismaila Sodiq, who sprang Ghana’s offside trap and buried the ball past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in the 18 minute. Two minutes later, it would have been two for the Super Eagles B but Adamu Abubakar’s close-range shot found the back of defender Abban Ebenezer and went shy of the goal. From the resultant corner kick, Captain Nduka made hay, sweeping the ball past Asare as the visiting rearguard ball-watched against a Nigerian side playing with so much gusto. Three minutes later, from a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Asare and defender Nurudeen Abdulai, Saviour Isaac snatched the ball at pace and slotted past Asare to make it 3-0. Dominated and flustered, the Black Galaxies were pleading for mercy, but it would still have been four if veteran forward Sikiru Alimi had not been tardy with a good chance as Isaac sent him through on the counter in the 44 minute. In the second half, with the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade and President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau among the watching dignitaries, the Super Eagles refused to take their feet off the pedal, as Isaac, and later Alimi with a brilliant header off Sodiq’s free-kick, could have added to the visitors’ misery. Ghana hit one back with 18 minutes left to play, when the precocious Stephen Amankona fired to the blind side of goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena after an exchange of passes with Albert Amoah. Still, it was too little too late. Ghana’s miserable year was complete, with the Black Stars’ horrendous group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, failure of the Black Stars to qualify for next year’s AFCON, and the failure of the Black Starlets to qualify for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations. Deservedly, Nigeria celebrated wildly at a return to the CHAN, at which they won the silver medals in Morocco six years ago, and at the expense of bogey team Ghana for that matter. President of NFF, Alhaji Gusau said: “We are very happy to end the year on a high. Returning to the African Nations Championship has been part of our agenda and we are happy to have achieved that. Now, the real work begins, which is to ensure that the team is adequately prepared to go for the trophy in East Africa early next year.” Galaxies’ Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani attributed his team’s failure to the fact that Daniel Ogunmodede’s charges were hungrier for glory. “They were full of running and played their hearts out. Congratulations to Nigeria because they deserved their victory. They were the better team.” Ogunmodede said it was not yet time for celebrations. “We are happy to have given Nigerians a good gift for this yuletide period, but we will not over-celebrate this achievement and forget the crux of the matter. We will work hard so that we can contend very well for the trophy at the finals in February.”Group of B.C. Conservative MLAs turn on fellow caucus member for backing police board member's resignation

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers were hit by another family tragedy with the announcement that star left tackle Trent Williams' wife gave birth to a stillborn son late last week. Sondra Williams announced on Instagram on Sunday that she gave birth to Trenton O’Brien Williams Jr. on Nov. 24. Williams also wrote that she was initially pregnant with twins and lost the other child earlier in the pregnancy. “I can’t even begin to describe how I felt leaving the hospital without you,” she wrote. “Nor how it feels being home celebrating Thanksgiving without my baby in my arms. My heart is broken and my arms are empty. But I know you’ll always be near watching over me and your sisters. And for that, my heart smiles with gratitude. Thank God for allowing us to bond for 35 weeks and for me to birth you so I could hold you in my arms. I’m at peace knowing you will never have to suffer.” Williams wrote that her son was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a genetic condition also known as Patau syndrome that affects how the face, brain and heart develop, along with several other internal organs. Trent Williams spent time last week at the hospital and grieving with his family, including the couple's three young daughters. “He was there at the hospital with her and got to meet him and say bye,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. "Then he had to cremate him on Friday. So he’s been dealing with that and he’s working through it. But we’re all just trying to be here for him through it all.” This is the second tragedy to hit the Niners in recent weeks. Cornerback Charvarius Ward's 1-year-old daughter , Amani Joy, died on Oct. 28. She had born prematurely with Down syndrome and had open-heart surgery in April 2023. Ward spent a few weeks away from the team and returned to the field for the first time on Sunday. Williams has missed the last two games with an ankle injury but Shanahan said he is hoping to be able to the return as soon as he's healthy. “It’s hard as a coach. It’s hard as a friend. It’s hard as a family member. It’s hard for everybody," Shanahan said. ”But we spend a lot of time with each other. That’s what’s cool about a football team. Whatever you go through, the good or the bad, we go through it together. I do like that they have a group of guys they can go to, a group of guys that can see them every day. You can never escape that full grief and stuff. But I do think it’s nice for those guys to have another avenue to get out on the football field, to get around teammates and things like that." AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflThe San Francisco Bay Area music scene salutes beloved concert promoter, graphic artist and club fixture Michael "Mikey" Madfes with a three-part, two-venue memorial in the city's Potrero Hill neighborhood Sunday. A seemingly ubiquitous presence at rock venues on both sides of the bay dating back to the '90s, Madfes has worked as doorman, bar manager and independent promoter at most of the currently active local clubs in SF and the East Bay -- including the Ivy Room, the Rickshaw Stop, the Bottom of the Hill, the Knockout, the Masonic, the Fillmore, Bender's, Thee Parkside, the Kilowatt, the SF Eagle, the Golden Bull and the Cat Club. He also was a regular sight at numerous defunct spots that are part of San Francisco's storied nightlife history like the Covered Wagon Saloon, Annie's Social Club and the Pound. Born in the city in 1979, he attended George Washington High School and cultivated his interest in music working at Tower Records as a teenager. He went on to graduate from San Francisco State University and started augmenting his jobs in bars and nightclubs with graphic and web design work for local businesses, film festivals and radio stations. Madfes also started making stickers -- often with a musical and or satirical bent -- that he would slap up around San Francisco. Over the decades to come, that street art project blossomed into his SubliminalSF brand that mixed art, concert promotion (with a focus on underground metal and punk bands) and t-shirt design that showcased his dark sense of humor and gifts as a visual artist. That venture would evolve into his Running With Scissors (RWS) promotion business that revived the Bottom of the Hill's Sunday barbecue matinee shows and presented several editions of the Heavy Psych Sounds Festival. Through his hard work, discerning taste and acerbic yet warm demeanor, Madfes became a vital part of the fabric of Bay Area nightlife. He died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep on Sept. 3, 2024, leaving a void in the local music scene that will be next to impossible to fill. Madfes is survived by his father David and sister Sasha along with a huge community of friends, collaborators and colleagues who will come together Sunday, Dec. 8, to celebrate his life in the only appropriate way: with a full day and evening of loud live music at two of the venues where he regularly put on shows. The memorial events -- dubbed "Madfest" or "WWMMD (What Would Mikey Madfes Do?)" -- will begin with a celebration of life and remembrance at Thee Parkside at 2 p.m. Sunday that will be followed by a four-band bill down 17th St. at the Bottom of the Hill at 5 p.m. featuring some of Mikey's favorite local metal bands, topped by experimental group Sleepbomb. A group that has made a name for itself since 2003 performing live original ambient drone/doom soundtracks to movies like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari , Conan the Barbarian , Metropolis and Bladerunner , Sleepbomb currently features bassist/synth player Tim Gotch, singer/keyboardist Claire Hamard, guitarist Charlie Hernandez and drummer Rob Johnson. While the band has been making music in various configurations for two decades, live performances during film screenings were the main way fans could experience their music. However, last year Bill Gould -- bassist for Bay Area band Faith No More who has also collaborated with Mexican grindcore band Brujeria, This Heat drummer Charles Hayward and the late MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer -- released the group's soundtrack to The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari on his Kool Arrow imprint. A collection of music drawn from the band's score for George Romero's Night of the Living Dead entitled The Sleeping Dead is set to be issued next month. The line-up also includes local metal heroes Molten. The all-star quintet features a murderer's row of scene veterans including guitarists Chris Corona (Floating Goat, Hazzard's Cure, and Wild Eyes among others), Gary Goudreau (East Coast band End-time Illusion), drummer Damon Lockaby (Banquet) and former Hell Fire bassist Herman Bandala playing bass as well as keys and classical guitar (singer Brandon Bristol rounds out the band). The band quickly gained a following with its brutal mix of thrash and death metal influences, garnering national press coverage just on the strength of their demo. Molten self-released its punishing debut full-length Dystopian Syndrome in 2021 to wide praise. The band's latest acclaimed album Malicide came out on Transylvanian Recordings earlier this year. The Bottom of the Hill show is rounded out by corrosive old-school metal band Gravedodger and San Francisco headbangers Theya . After that show concludes, the third and final event will bring attendees back to Thee Parkside at 9 p.m. for another show that includes the East Bay's self-described "beast metal" outfit Vorlust, Oakland hardcore bands Powerhouse and Party Force and reunited pre-Neurosis punk group Violent Coercion.

Jailed fraudster faces additional 13 months for property dodgeNigerian President Bola Tinubu has returned home after completing trips to France and South Africa. He arrived in Abuja on an Airbus A330 at 9:10 pm, marking the end of his 33rd foreign trip since taking office 18 months ago. During his visit to France from November 27 to December 1, 2024, Tinubu met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais des Elysée in Paris. The two leaders signed important agreements focusing on developing critical infrastructure and ensuring long-term agricultural and food security. The trip also included some significant business developments. The United Bank for Africa Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry Antoine Armand signed an agreement for the bank to start operations in Paris. Additionally, Zenith Bank launched its services in France during this visit. Read Also: Why Senate suspended action on tax reform bills On December 2, Tinubu travelled to South Africa, where he co-chaired the 11th Bi-National Commission with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town. At the event’s opening, Tinubu emphasized the importance of Nigeria and South Africa working together for the benefit of the African continent. Upon returning to Nigeria, Tinubu was greeted at the airport by key government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. To date, President Tinubu has spent 139 days abroad, visited 17 countries, and logged approximately 304 flight hours since taking office.

O’Shea stands by decision to keep playing Collaros after QB was hurt in Grey CupTrent Williams' wife, Sondra, says their son was stillborn

Ireland's election is over, but the country faces weeks of talks before there's a governmentChennai, Dec 28 (PTI) Amidst severe criticism from various political parties over his whiplash agitation, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on Saturday said his action should be likened to that of a "brother's primal anger" over the sexual assault of his sister. His action should not be viewed as political but ought to be seen as an elder brother's outburst over the "system failure" in the state, Annamalai said a day after he staged a unique whiplash agitation of flogging himself to condemn the ruling DMK and the state police over the handling of the case of sexual assault on a Chennai college student. "Don't see me as a political party leader but see me as the affected girl's elder brother. It's (inflicting whiplash on himself) like primal anger of a brother because the system has failed," Annamalai told reporters at the airport here when sought for his reaction. "Has the police been impartial in handling the case? No. There was no chance for the FIR to get leaked. How did it get leaked?" the BJP president asked. He lashed himself several times with a whip in front of his house in Coimbatore demanding justice for the Anna University student who was sexually assaulted on Christmas Eve. The police had arrested the suspect in the case. Several political parties including the ruling DMK had mocked Annamalai for the agitation which was also to dislodge the DMK government. He had vowed not to wear sandals till the DMK was dethroned and had even begun a 48-day ritual for a pilgrimage to Murugan temples. Also, he justified his stance on the issue. He said the "system has deteriorated" in the state. Former Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and BJP members were arrested when they staged a protest demanding justice for the affected girl student. "So I was constrained to take up this agitation. I have taken up the issue with a religious zeal," Annamalai said. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Ziyambi’s Plea: Rethinking Sanctions and Their Human Impact

slot vip bet login At a recent Political Bureau meeting, the Chinese government sent out six positive signals that shed light on the country's economic policies going forward. The meeting emphasized the need for "extraordinary countercyclical adjustment" and reintroduced the concept of "moderate easing" – a term that has not been mentioned in official documents for the past 14 years.To make his dream a reality, Tang Shangjun has been working tirelessly, saving every penny he can and seeking assistance from friends and well-wishers in the community. His determination and dedication have touched the hearts of many, who have come forth to support his cause and contribute towards building a new home for his mother.

Watch embarrassing moment darts star miscounts and wrongly celebrates before crashing out in second roundThe tragic incident has sparked a wave of conversations about the dark side of influencer culture, highlighting the risks and dangers that come with sharing one's life in the public eye. Many have called for greater protections and support for individuals who make a living through social media, emphasizing the need for increased security measures and awareness of potential threats.

Boopie Miller's 24 points spark SMU to a 98-82 win over Longwood in nonconference finaleStocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda’s U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. On Monday: The S&P 500 rose 43.22 points, or 0.7%, to 5,974.07. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 66.69 points, or 0.2%, to 42,906.95. The Nasdaq composite rose 192.29 points, or 1%, to 19,764.89. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 4.93 points, or 0.2%, to 2,237.44. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,204.24 points, or 25.2%. The Dow is up 5,217.41 points, or 13.8%. The Nasdaq is up 4,753.53 points, or 31.7%. The Russell 2000 is up 210.36 points, or 10.4%.