The Canadian benchmark index has delivered impressive gains of over 19% this year, reflecting strong performance across multiple sectors. However, several with businesses have underperformed and eroded investors’ wealth. Let’s look at a few stocks that missed the mark in 2024 and assess whether they present a value opportunity for investors. ( ), one of Canada’s top telecommunications companies, has had a tough year, with its stock plummeting over 31% in 2024. The steep decline reflects mounting challenges, including intense competition, shrinking margins, and the impact of economic pressures on consumers’ spending. Adding to investor concerns, BCE recently announced that its annual dividend will remain unchanged at $3.99 per share through 2025. While this move was strategic to boost its liquidity and financial position, it disappointed investors accustomed to steady dividend increases, further pressuring the stock. Despite the near-term setbacks, BCE’s fundamentals remain solid. The pause in dividend growth comes after BCE’s acquisition of Ziply Fiber, which will expand its footprint in the U.S. fibre market. While the move didn’t sit well with investors, it positions BCE for long-term growth by diversifying its revenue streams and enhancing its scale. Given the decline in its share price, BCE offers an exceptionally high yield of over 12%. While such a high yield seems unsustainable, BCE’s focus on cost optimization and growing its subscriber base profitably could support future earnings growth, potentially paving the way for dividend increases down the line. Further, BCE will likely benefit from ongoing investments in its fibre network and 5G services. These initiatives are expected to attract more subscribers and drive revenue growth. Additionally, the company is capitalizing on emerging opportunities in digital advertising, cloud computing, and cybersecurity—areas poised for significant growth. While BCE faces short-term challenges, its focus on driving profitable growth, revenue diversification, and investments in network infrastructure augurs well for long-term growth. ( ) is another top TSX stock that missed the mark in 2024. Shares of this cloud-based commerce platform provider are down about 19%, significantly underperforming the broader markets due to macro uncertainty and concerns over a potential slowdown in consumer spending. Despite challenges, this is consistently growing its gross payment volumes and organic revenue at a solid pace. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing shift toward multi-channel sales platforms, a trend expected to sustain momentum in the coming years. While the stock is undervalued, Lightspeed’s focus on delivering sustainable earnings makes it a compelling long-term investment. The company’s focus on high gross transaction volume customers is another growth catalyst that will likely drive its revenue per user and support margins. These customers use multiple modules within the platform, which enhances Lightspeed’s customer retention rate and drives higher revenue per user and overall margins. This strategy strengthens Lightspeed’s business model, making it more resilient to market fluctuations. Additionally, Lightspeed’s strategic acquisitions are poised to drive further growth. These acquisitions will expand Lightspeed’s customer base and increase its global footprint. In conclusion, while Lightspeed’s recent stock performance has been disappointing, its solid growth prospects, focus on high-value customers, and low current valuation position it as a promising long-term investment.casino slot 2024 。

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With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.Crypto Chaos Sparks Demand for Plus Wallet’s Smart Features; Binance Web3 Wallet Relaunch in Focus

1 2 3 Kendrapada: Central Institute of Fisheries Technology ( CIFT ), in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority ( MPEDA ) and state fisheries department, conducted a successful trial of the turtle excluder device (TED) near Gahirmatha marine sanctuary on Friday. TED, a metal grid device, allows trapped turtles to escape while retaining the fish catch. The demonstration, aimed at promoting turtle-safe fishing practices, involved two trawlers operating for two hours. One trawler was equipped with a TED, while the other operated was without it. Trial results revealed the TED-equipped vessel experienced only an 8-9% reduction in catch compared to the traditional trawler, effectively preventing turtle casualties. "Results clearly demonstrate that TED can protect turtles from accidental drowning in trawler nets while maintaining viable catch levels. The benefits significantly outweigh the initial installation costs," said Subhrakanta Mohapatra, MPEDA's state coordinator. This initiative comes in response to a 2019 US ban on wild-caught shrimp imports from India, imposed due to high turtle mortality rates in fishing nets. Sources said the embargo has cost India around Rs 4,500 crore annually in lost exports. Before the ban, US markets offered premium prices of $9.87 (Rs 837.07) per kg, compared to $6.93 (Rs 587.73) in other markets. The Odisha coast, particularly Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beach, is a critical nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles during winter. Hemant Rout, secretary of the Gahirmatha Marine Turtles and Mangrove Conservation Society, emphasised the effectiveness of TED, sayingg, "TED can reduce turtle capture by 97% while only decreasing prawn catch by 2%." Authorities have now mandated the installation of TED in all fishing trawlers. Access to the US export market depends on the successful implementation of TED across India's fishing fleet and subsequent US certification. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, GallupI n the intricate tapestry of legal education, beyond the familiar realms of criminal law, corporate law, and family law, lies a universe of specialised fields. These unique specialisations cater to a range of legal needs, offering students the opportunity to delve into niche areas and contribute to the evolution of the legal landscape. Sports law: Practitioners deal with a range of issues, such as player contracts, endorsements, labour disputes, and intellectual property rights. They work for professional sports leagues, teams, athletes, and agencies, advising them on matters such as salary negotiations, contract disputes, agent representation, and legal disputes involving sports organisations. Maritime law: This is a specialised branch that governs activities on the high seas and navigable waters. It encompasses a range of issues, including ship ownership and registration, maritime contracts, salvage operations, maritime torts, and maritime insurance. Maritime insurance is a specific kind that provides financial protection against losses and covers various risks, such as ship damage, cargo loss, and liability for accidents at sea. Gaming law: In the digital age, gaming law addresses legal issues related to video games, online gaming platforms, and virtual reality. Specialists can work for game developers, publishers, and online gaming platforms, advising on matters such as intellectual property rights, privacy laws, and consumer protection. Space law: It governs activities in outer space and encompasses various aspects such as the exploration, use, and exploitation of celestial bodies, as well as the regulation of satellite launches, space debris, and the legal framework for space colonisation. Space law seeks to establish international standards and principles to ensure peaceful and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. Food law: Another specialised field, this deals with the legal aspects of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Specialists can work for food manufacturers, retailers, and government agencies, advising on matters such as food safety regulations, labelling requirements, and consumer protection laws. They play a vital role in ensuring that food products are safe and meet regulatory standards. Art law: These specialists can work for art galleries, auction houses, museums, and artists, advising on matters such as copyright, authentication, and art fraud. They help protect the rights of artists and ensure the integrity of the art market. Art law encompasses a wide range of issues, including copyright, trademark, and patent law as applied to artistic works; contract law in the context of art sales and exhibitions; and issues related to the authentication and provenance of artworks. Technology law: In the age of digital technology, technology law is essential to address the legal challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology. Specialists can work for technology companies, Internet service providers, and government agencies, advising on matters such as intellectual property rights, privacy laws, and cybersecurity. These are just a few examples of the many specialised fields within the ever-evolving legal profession. As technology continues to advance and societal needs evolve, new specialisations are likely to emerge. The writer is Dean, School of Law, GD Goenka University, Gurugram. Published - December 14, 2024 08:00 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit education / The Hindu Education Plus / higher education / careers / students / university / universities and colleges / lawyer / crime, law and justice / laws

Louisiana GOP lawmakers want to make it easier to try juveniles as adults( MENAFN - Robotics & automation News) Saudi Arabia invests in automated construction startup GMT Robotics NEOM , the sustainable region taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, has signed a landmark investment agreement with GMT Robotics , one of Europe's emerging innovators in advanced construction technology. Led by NEOM's strategic investment arm, NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), the investment will accelerate the delivery of the region's expansive capital project program through construction robotics, while underpinning NEOM as an innovator in modern construction techniques, including automation. Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, says:“Our investment in GMT Robotics reflects NEOM's commitment to driving transformative technologies that will unlock next-generation industries. “By localizing this advanced technology, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable development, high-skilled jobs and the growth of commercially viable sectors. It is through partnerships like these that NIF will turn visionary goals into reality and establish NEOM as a global hub for innovation.” NEOM's Design and Construction Sector, tasked with incorporating the latest developments in Construction 4.0 across NEOM, has been leading the partnership and the implementation of the technology across key projects. Bandar Ashrour, sector head, design and construction at NEOM, says:“Enabling construction technology start-ups to align with NEOM's ambitions is fundamental to what we do. GMT's agility and expertise in harnessing robotics for construction bring unparalleled efficiency, consistency and sustainability. “We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that paves the way for a safer and more sustainable next generation of NEOM-built assets.” Based in Copenhagen, GMT Robotics offers robotic technology tailored specifically to the rebar market. The company's innovative robotic rebar cage assembly and handling systems deliver significant advancements in efficiency and workplace safety for the construction industry. In addition to enhancing safety, GMT Robotics' systems reduce onsite workforce requirements by an average of 90 percent through offsite prefabrication, significantly boosting productivity. GMT Robotics will play an instrumental role in localizing the technology, with rebar cages produced in NEOM-based factories. The collaboration will also open a new frontier for Saudi engineers to further leverage robotics in other construction applications. Ulrich Deichmann, CEO of GMT Robotics, says:“Having worked in the rebar industry in various forms for the past 30 years, it is very exciting to reach a point where the large-scale adoption of robotics and automation to improve the rebar process is happening. “We share in NEOM's ambition to rethink how construction is delivered and look forward to a highly successful partnership that will help revolutionize the construction industry.” With the global construction robotics market valued at $168.2 million in 2022 and expected to reach $774.6 million by 2032, representing market growth of more than 360 percent in 10 years, the benefits of robotics application within the construction sector are numerous. They include boosting task efficiency, reducing operating costs, improving health and safety, and optimizing design flexibility. The partnership joins a series of investments by NIF and embodies the Fund's role in supporting NEOM's sector strategy by enabling new technologies, establishing new businesses and creating more job opportunities to serve NEOM's growing economy. MENAFN14122024005532012229ID1108993085 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.India’s Data Centre Investments To Exceed $100 Billion by 2027: CBRE

Lightchain AI , the groundbreaking project that bridges blockchain and AI, is quickly gaining momentum in the crypto market. Based on cutting-edge technologies like Proof of Intelligence (PoI) and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), Lightchain AI provides real-world utility, scalability, and long-term growth potential. For investors, this is an exceptional opportunity to participate in the Lightchain AI Presale and acquire $LCAI tokens at a very attractive entry price. This article explores the price predictions for Lightchain AI in 2025 and beyond, while assessing its potential as a long-term investment. Technological Innovation Driving Adoption Lightchain AI’s innovative approach combines blockchain and artificial intelligence to address real-world inefficiencies. Its Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism redefines validation by rewarding nodes for completing AI-driven computations, such as training machine learning models and optimizing algorithms. This ensures that every action on the network has a tangible impact, moving beyond the speculative nature of traditional blockchain projects. Similarly, the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) is a game-changer, allowing developers to execute AI-specific tasks seamlessly. This enables the creation of intelligent decentralized applications (dApps) that scale effortlessly and deliver actionable insights across industries. From healthcare to logistics, Lightchain AI demonstrates versatility and functionality, which makes it a preferred platform for enterprises and developers. Furthermore, its energy-efficient design aligns with sustainability goals, ensuring reduced environmental impact while enhancing scalability. These unique features provide Lightchain AI with a competitive advantage in a market that increasingly values innovation and practical utility. Market Performance and Adoption Trends The early success of the Lightchain AI presale reflects strong market interest and investor confidence. With an initial price of $0.003 per token, $LCAI has provided an accessible entry point for individuals eager to capitalize on its potential. The growing buzz surrounding Lightchain AI, combined with its active and engaged community, highlights a promising adoption curve. Early-stage investors have positioned themselves to benefit significantly from the project’s expected growth trajectory. Lightchain AI’s adoption trends further reinforce its market potential. Industries like finance, healthcare, and supply chain management are already exploring its capabilities to reduce inefficiencies and enhance decision-making. This broad applicability ensures that Lightchain AI remains relevant across diverse sectors. As more developers leverage the platform for decentralized AI applications, its utility and demand will continue to grow. The project’s presale performance and adoption trends signal an exciting future, solidifying its reputation as a leading contender in the crypto and AI space. Factors Influencing Lightchain AI Price Predictions 1. Innovative Technology: The Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) differentiate Lightchain AI from competitors, solving challenges like scalability and energy inefficiency. 2. Real-World Utility: By enabling AI-specific tasks such as predictive modeling and data optimization, Lightchain AI demonstrates applicability across multiple industries, ensuring sustained demand. 3. Market Sentiment: Positive market sentiment and growing interest in decentralized AI solutions drive $LCAI’s adoption and potential price growth. 4. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with enterprises and developers enhance Lightchain AI’s ecosystem, boosting token utility and long-term value. 5. Global AI Adoption: As AI becomes integral to industries worldwide, Lightchain AI’s technology positions it to capitalize on this trend, increasing its market relevance and potential returns for investors. Lightchain AI Price Prediction for 2025 Lightchain AI is expected to experience significant price growth by 2025, supported by its strong technological foundation and increasing adoption. Analysts predict that in a conservative scenario, $LCAI could reach $0.50, representing substantial returns for early investors. In a bullish scenario, where the platform successfully secures key partnerships and continues to expand its ecosystem, $LCAI could surpass $1 per token. Such growth would deliver over 300x returns for those who invested during the presale phase. These projections are based on Lightchain AI’s ability to solve real-world problems, such as enabling AI-powered diagnostics in healthcare and improving efficiency in logistics. Its growing developer base and enterprise interest further reinforce its value proposition. As the project achieves its roadmap milestones and captures market attention, Lightchain AI’s price is likely to experience consistent upward momentum, making it an attractive option for long-term investors looking to capitalize on emerging blockchain trends. Long-Term Projections What to Expect Beyond 2025 Beyond 2025, Lightchain AI is positioned for sustained growth, with analysts projecting that the token could reach $3 to $5 by 2030. This optimistic outlook is fueled by the increasing demand for decentralized AI solutions and Lightchain AI’s ability to innovate continuously. The platform’s versatility ensures its relevance across industries, from finance to healthcare, as businesses increasingly adopt blockchain-based AI technologies. The continued development of its ecosystem, combined with new use cases for the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), will likely attract more developers and enterprises, further enhancing its value. Lightchain AI’s sustainability initiatives, such as its energy-efficient consensus mechanism, also align with global trends favoring eco-friendly solutions, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious stakeholders. As the blockchain and AI sectors continue to evolve, Lightchain AI’s focus on utility and innovation ensures its competitiveness and long-term appeal, making it a strong candidate for exponential growth. Why Lightchain AI Might Be a Strong Long-Term Investment Opportunity Lightchain AI’s innovative approach to integrating blockchain and AI positions it as a trailblazer in the crypto space. Its unique features, such as the Proof of Intelligence consensus mechanism and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine, address critical challenges in scalability, sustainability, and real-world applications. With all of these enhancements, $LCAI has evolved to be much more than just a cryptocurrency: this is a solution-driven platform. A solid roadmap, partnership with key players, and building community add to long-term attractiveness. For investors seeking access to the fast-growing markets in AI and blockchain, Lightchain AI offers an excellent opportunity for participation in transformative innovation. Its low presale price and promising growth trajectory make it very attractive for both seasoned investors in the crypto space and those who are new to the scene. Focusing on utility and sustainability, Lightchain AI has made sure that it would remain relevant in a highly competitive market, making it one of the best for portfolio diversification and good returns. Lightchain AI Worth the Investment? Lightchain AI is more than just a speculative cryptocurrency; it is a platform that has the potential to redefine how blockchain and artificial intelligence can be integrated. The innovative technologies, growing adoption, and promising price predictions make this a very attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on emerging trends. Where there is risk, there is, however, the strong base of fundamentals and a visionary approach in Lightchain AI to make it an investment-worthy one for long-term perspectives. For those seeking financial returns as well as the potential of helping change, Lightchain AI presents an opportunity that cannot be found elsewhere. Lightchain AI Official Website Lightchain AI Whitepaper Join Lightchain AI Telegram Follow Lightchain AI on Twitter/X Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.DC Edit | Linking India’s rivers gigantic national challenge

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Amazon is the latest tech giant to donate to Donald Trump's inaugural fund. The company plans to give $1m to the fund, first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Amazon follows Meta, Facebook's parent company, also handing over $1m to Trump's inaugural committee. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on Friday that he, too, would make a personal donation of $1m, first reported by Fox News. As Trump prepares to enter office for a second time, several tech titans are cozying up in hopes of favorable treatment for their businesses. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is slated to meet with Trump next week. And Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg dined with him at his Mar-a-Lago estate last month. Google CEO Sundar Pichai reportedly had plans to meet with the president-elect this week at his club as well. And Time magazine, which is owned by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, has named Trump its "person of the year". OpenAI's Altman says that Trump will be a leader in technological progress. "President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," he said in a written statement to the Guardian. Donations to inaugural committees are fairly standard for big businesses... Dara KerrTeen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in ‘Baby Driver,’ dies after falling from moving vehicle

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs earned a much-deserved extended rest after their Christmas Day rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which capped an unbeaten stretch of three games in 11 days and clinched them the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs . That extended rest? Well, it can be just about as long as Chiefs coach Andy Reid wants it to be. The Chiefs (15-1) face the Broncos in their regular-season finale next weekend, a game whose kickoff remains up in the air. But it will be at least 10 days after their 29-10 win in Pittsburgh, a nice rest for a weary team whose bye was back in Week 6. But with nothing to play for in that game, Reid could conceivably give some of his most important players the entire week off ahead of the playoffs. And now that the Chiefs have a first-round bye , that means they wouldn't face anybody until at least Jan. 18 in the divisional round, meaning a full 24 days between games. “It's been almost 10 weeks of football, grinding on this short schedule at the very end of the year,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “We'll see how Week 18 goes — who plays, who doesn't play. That's up to Coach. But having this break, getting healthy, getting ourselves ready for the playoffs, it was super important, especially with the guys we have banged up.” The Chiefs dominated the Steelers without four-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was resting his sore calf on Wednesday. They also have not had cornerback Chamarri Conner, who has been out with a concussion, or D.J. Humphries, the former Pro Bowl left tackle who appeared in one game for Kansas City before straining his hamstring. All of them figure to be healthy for the playoffs. The same for guys who have been dealing with minor injuries, such as right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who played against the Steelers despite straining his hamstring the previous week against Houston, and running back Isiah Pacheco, who dinged up his ribs in the win in Pittsburgh. “It will definitely help with some of the guys that are banged up, to get guys back, freshened up a little bit,” said Reid, who has rested important players in Week 18 in the past, including last season against the Chargers. “I think it will be a positive for us.” The trick is to decide exactly how much rest to give everyone. For those dealing with injuries, that full 24-day span without a game could be exactly what they need. For others, it might be too long between games, and getting at least a half of play against the Broncos would help prevent some rust from setting in. “I was just talking to my family about it,” Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie said. “My rookie year, we were able to get, you know, all home games, and you just can't be out (on the road) in the playoffs. I mean, I'm excited to go out there. I know we got the first round, you know, off, but I mean, I can't wait to play now.” What’s working The Chiefs won the Super Bowl last season with a wide receiver group that — outside of Rashee Rice — was lacking in dynamic ability. But with the trade for DeAndre Hopkins, the return of Hollywood Brown from an injury and the emergence of rookie Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs have gone from a position of peril to one of profound strength. What needs help The Chiefs have struggled to the run the ball consistently the past few weeks. Pacheco gained just 18 yards on six carries before hurting his ribs against Pittsburgh, and Kareem Hunt was held to 20 yards on nine carries — a 2.2-yard average. Stock up Worthy has smashed through the rookie wall, just as Rice did at this point last season, and has proven to be more than a speedster. He had eight catches for 79 yards and a touchdown Wednesday, giving him at least five catches in each of his past five games. Stock down Pacheco has not been the same after missing more than two months to injury. He has been held to 55 yards rushing or fewer in each of his past five games, and he's averaging just 2.7 yards per carry over his past three. Injuries There were no significant injuries sustained against the Steelers. Key number 77 — Travis Kelce caught his 77th touchdown pass, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. Kelce finished with eight catches for 84 yards and a score against Pittsburgh, making him the third tight end in NFL history with at least 1,000 receptions. Gonzalez had 1,325 and Jason Witten had 1,228 while Kelce has 1,004 and counting. Next steps The Chiefs get the long weekend off before deciding who will play in Denver in their regular-season finale. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflSuriname rules out state funeral for ex-dictator Bouterse

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{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "dateCreated": "2024-12-05T21:59:14+02:00", "datePublished": "2024-12-05T21:59:14+02:00", "dateModified": "2024-12-05T22:24:26+02:00", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22383/sports/football/1000-hills-derby-who-makes-the-cut-in-rayon-vs-apr-combined-xi", "headline": "1000 Hills derby: Who makes the cut in Rayon vs APR combined XI?", "description": "Amahoro Stadium is expected to be filled to full capacity on Saturday, December 7, when two Rwandan heavyweights, Rayon Sports and APR FC, resume their...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22383/sports/football/1000-hills-derby-who-makes-the-cut-in-rayon-vs-apr-combined-xi" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/05/65715.jpg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/05/65715.jpg" }, "articleBody": "Amahoro Stadium is expected to be filled to full capacity on Saturday, December 7, when two Rwandan heavyweights, Rayon Sports and APR FC, resume their rivalry in crunch Rwanda Premier League clash. The Rwandan derby was initially scheduled for September 14 before the league body postponed it to spare time for APR FC to prepare for the CAF Champions League. Rayon Sports have been in unstoppable form with nine wins in a row and are the only unbeaten team in the league so far this season. They lead the table with 29 points after 11 league games and are now 11 points clear of their fierce rivals who have played two games less. APR FC, on the other side, started the campaign on a wrong foot, but head coach Darko Novic has been working on fixing the loopholes in his squad and the team has started to gain momentum. Some players produced standout performances which have made a crucial impact on their respective teams' form. The likes of red-hot striker Fall Ngagne and Kevin Muhire have been so exceptional that they currently lead the top scoring and assist charts respectively in the league. APR, on the other hand, have been shy in front of goal but their defense, marshaled around Clement Niyigena, has been their strongest department. Stakes are high ahead of Saturday’s derby and Weekend Sport’s Edmund Okai Gyimah has picked his combined 11 from the two fierce rivals. Pavelh Ndzila (APR) The Congolese shot stopper has conceded just one goal in 9 league games so far this season and he has been vital to APR. Pavelh may not be that flamboyant in shot stopping but his ability to launch APR FC’s attack from the back with strong distribution skills and efficient range of passing is essential and it gives him the nod over Rayon’s Khadime Ndiaye. Omborenga Fitina (Rayon Sports) The experienced right back has been in good form so far this season with 3 assists to his name as the Blues lead the league table. His marauding runs down the right flank and his ability to whip in crosses makes him a standout player. Omborenga set up Olivier Niyonzima with a fine free kick in Blues’ 2-1 win over Muhazi United and it is something he has been doing consistently. ALSO READ: APR share spoils with Police FC in epic encounter Omborenga has flourished under returning head coach Ronertinho and his experience and longevity gives him an edge ahead of Gilbert Byiringiro who took over his place when he crossed over to Rayon from APR in July. Claude Niyomugabo (APR) The APR skipper struggled in club’s 1-1 draw with Police as he was skinned on the flanks by Peter Agblevor and substitute Elijah Ani. Niyomugabo has been efficient for APR in 8 of their last 9 games and he gets into our combined 11 ahead of Hakim Bugingo. ALSO READ: Niyonzima fires Rayon past Muhazi United Clement Niyigena (APR) Arguably the best central defender in the Rwanda Premier League, Niyigena has always been the rock at the back of APR. He defends, tackles and, above all, he is capable of scoring goals. Aimable Nsabimana (Rayon Sports) Nsabimana is very dangerous in the air and he also uses his size to great effect in 1 vs 1 situations. He already has a goal to his name so far this season and he is the main man in the Blues defense. On any day, he can be a nightmare for any of the strikers in the league. Nsabimana is no stranger to derbies, and it is good for him to prove his worth against his former employers. Taddeo Lwanga (APR) Lwanga has bossed APR midfield to perfection as he sits in front of the back four and does all the dirty work for the team. With APR missing Dauda in central midfield due to illness, the Uganda international has held his might, protecting the back four and the fact that the Lions have conceded just one goal this campaign justifies his work rate. Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports) The Rayon captain has provided 8 assists in 10 games this season making him the highest assists provider. On his day, he majestically controls the tempo of the game and sets up Rayon's attacking football in motion. Jean Bosco Ruboneka (APR) Ruboneka is vital for APR due to his ability to play anywhere in midfield. He is also a set piece expert and has provided two assists so far this season. He is the engine of APR and the team revolves around him. If Ruboneka gets his day, the team performs well when he gets his day. Gilbert Mugisha (APR) The tricky winger is deadly on the left wing with his pace on artistry. Mugisha can torment any full back on any day with his pace and footwork. He has been one of the brightest spots in the APR tem this campaign. Against his former club, the winger must remind Robertinho what they miss from him. Hadji Iraguha (Rayon Sports) Iraguha has been in electric form for league leaders Rayon Sports and four goals in 10 games for a winger makes statistics worth laudable as it shows his quality. He makes things easy for the Blues as he always forges to get into the opponent penalty box to either score or assist. Fall Ngagne (Rayon Sports) A versatile centre forward who can drop back and hold up play, Ngagne has been key to the Rayon Sports unbeaten run. He has netted 6 goals in 10 league games and remains a major threat in front of the opponent’s post. Coach: Robertinho The wily Brazilian gaffer has brought life into Rayon Sports and they have shown that they are real title contenders. Under Robertinho, Rayon are unbeaten in 11 games as they have won 9 straight games and drawn twice. They have won all their games after draw with Marines and Amagaju in the first two league games of the season.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Edmund Okai Gyimah" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }RBI Innovation Hub pilots digital unsecured loans for gig workers

Cameron Haffner helps Evansville end five-game skid with 57-40 victory over Missouri State

Liverpool punish rivals’ errors with dominant win over Leicester to stretch leadNon-profits will have to comply with new rules and share more information when they renew and apply for the licence to obtain foreign donations. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for The chief functionary of a trust running such a non-government organisation (NGOs) must sign on each page of key documents like the memorandum of association, trust deed, and constitution, and submit the entity's year-wise activity report to the authorities instead of presenting a general report. Non-profits have to also share their receipt and payment accounts with the government along with the audited accounts. Several non-government organisations whose licenses under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act - a stern and oft-invoked law - expire on December 31, have learnt about the new compliance requirements after logging on to the FCRA portal hosted by the ministry of home affairs which frames the regulations. Also, applicants must now scan the original copy of their constitution even if it is in a language other than English and make sure that the documents uploaded are legible and not blurred. With the government delaying FCRA renewals of a number of NGOs and questioning the intent of some of the overseas donors during the past few years - amid suspicions that funds were spent on activities unrelated to the stated purposes or amounts spent on administrative expenditure breached the regulatory limit - the new conditions would make key NGO officials more accountable and cautious. According to Dr Gautam Shah, partner of the CA firm Gautam Shah & Associates, which advises many trusts, the additional requirements for new applications and renewal of FCRA are a welcome, but never in the past were they proposed or discussed. "If it was conveyed to the trusts that these conditions would have to be followed at the time of application, a lot of time would have been saved. Getting FCRA registration or renewal is very difficult. For better governance a separate helpline or email or any other social media channel should be provided to address the grievances of applicants," said Shah. 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View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program ALIGNING WITH GLOBAL PRACTICES? Practitioners like Isha Sekhri, partner at the CA firm Ajay Sekhri and Co think that the further tightening of KYC norms is a step to align with global best practices in compliance and transparency. "Mandating the chief functionary's signature on every page of key documents ensures accountability and reduces the risk of document manipulation. Also, the shift to a year-wise activity report, instead of a generic summary brings granularity to the evaluation of an organisation's operational history and the use of foreign contributions.While the norms may demand more rigorous compliance efforts, they would ensure that foreign contributions are managed with integrity and aligned to their intended purposes," said Sekhri. However, there is always a lurking fear among NGOs over how the law would be invoked to stop foreign donations. Among other things, what fuelled the debate since 2020 was the allegation that dollar donations were being diverted to lure the poor to embrace a new faith. TACKLING TAX Of late, some of the NGOS are also facing a tax issue. A charitable trust is entitled to exemption for accumulation of income and for amounts spent by it. So, if a NGO spends 85% of its income, the entire income is exempt from tax. If spending in any year is less than 85% of its income, it can choose to accumulate the shortfall amount to be spent for specific purposes within the next 5 years. According to Gautam Nayak, partner at CNK & Associates, which advises several charitable trusts, "Till AY 2022-23, this accumulated amount could be spent in the year following the completion of 5 years, and if not spent, it would be taxable in the sixth year. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

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InterDigital Declares Regular Quarterly Cash DividendCOLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024-- Dr. Johney Green Jr. has been named the next Laboratory Director at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). He currently serves as the Associate Laboratory Director for mechanical and thermal engineering sciences at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213541679/en/ Dr. Johney Green Jr. (Photo: Business Wire) SRNL, a multi-program national laboratory with an annual operating budget of about $400 million, is a leading research and development institution for the Offices of Environmental Management and Legacy Management at the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Weapons and Nonproliferation programs for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). “We are thrilled to have Johney become the new leader of SRNL,” said Juan Alvarez, Battelle’s Executive Vice President for National Laboratory Management and Operations and Chair of the Board of Directors at Battelle Savannah River Alliance , LLC (BSRA). “We are confident that he is the right person to lead this exceptional national asset with a legacy of delivering impactful solutions for environmental, energy, and security challenges.” At NREL Green currently oversees NREL's transportation, buildings, wind, water, geothermal, advanced manufacturing, concentrating solar power, and Arctic research programs, which encompass a portfolio of more than $300 million and a workforce of about 750. Directorate staff conduct research and development to enable technology innovations in the areas of energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and renewable power. “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to join the SRNL community and work alongside our dedicated staff and regional university partners” Green said. “Together, we will drive innovation, enhance the laboratory’s capabilities, and expand its contributions to national security, environmental sustainability, and energy resilience for the benefit of the nation.” Among his accomplishments at NREL, Green transformed the lab’s wind site into the Flatirons Campus and transitioned the campus from a single-program wind research site to a multiprogram research campus that is the foundational experimental platform for the DOE’s Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) initiative. Prior to his time at NREL, Green held several leadership roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where he served as director of the Energy and Transportation Science Division and group leader for fuels, engines, and emissions research. Green managed a broad science and technology portfolio and user facilities that made significant science and engineering advances in building technologies; sustainable industrial and manufacturing processes; fuels, engines, emissions, and transportation analysis; and vehicle systems integration. During his tenure as a division director, ORNL developed the Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE) demonstration project, a model of innovative vehicle-to-grid integration technologies and next-generation manufacturing processes. Early in his career, Green conducted combustion research to stabilize gasoline engine operation under extreme conditions. In the course of that research, he joined a team working with Ford Motor Co., seeking ways to simultaneously extend exhaust gas recirculation limits in diesel engines and reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. He continued this collaboration as a visiting scientist at Ford's Scientific Research Laboratory, conducting modeling and experimental research for advanced diesel engines designed for light-duty vehicles. On assignment to the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office, Green also served as technical coordinator for the 21st Century Truck Partnership. He also contributed to a dozen of ORNL's 150-plus top scientific discoveries. Green is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and an SAE International fellow. He serves on the Defense Science Board and several advisory boards including those at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Memphis. Green is also the former chairman of the board for the National GEM Consortium and has been an invited participant in several National Academy of Engineering programs. Green has received several awards during his career and holds two U.S. patents in combustion science. Additionally, he has an h-index of 34 with more than 4,500 citations, is the lead or co-author of several technical publications, and has given many invited, keynote, and plenary presentations. Green holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Memphis and a master's and doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. About Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), a not-for-profit limited liability company, manages and operates SRNL for the DOE. BSRA board leadership includes Battelle Memorial Institute, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Battelle Memorial Institute and the five universities are joined in partnership with preferred subcontractors TechSource and Longenecker & Associates with the singular purpose of maintaining SRNL as a best-in-class national laboratory. About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213541679/en/ CONTACT: SRNL ContactChris O’Neil, APR, Director, Office of Communications Savannah River National Laboratory (803) 725-1004 (O) or (803) 679-7788 (M) or at chris.o'neil@srnl.doe.govBattelle ContactKaty Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or atdelaneyk@battelle.org or contact T.R. Massey at (614) 424-5544 or atmasseytr@battelle.org KEYWORD: OHIO GEORGIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING MANUFACTURING DEFENSE ENVIRONMENT OTHER SCIENCE AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH OTHER DEFENSE OTHER POLICY ISSUES SCIENCE PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT OIL/GAS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENERGY OTHER MANUFACTURING GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SOURCE: Battelle Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/13/2024 01:30 PM/DISC: 12/13/2024 01:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213541679/en

(The Center Square) – Although it remains unclear how many Democratic Senators will vote for the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, some House members in the party have explained why they voted yes, despite a controversial provision restricting military-funded transgender surgeries for minors. The nearly $900 billion bill passed the House 281-140 Wednesday, with 200 Republicans and 81 Democrats voting in favor versus 124 Democrats and 16 Republicans voting against it. Most of the NDAA consists of bipartisan agreements, such as pay raises for service members, strengthened ties with U.S. allies, and funding of new military technology. But a critical point of contention is a Republican addition that would prohibit the military’s health program from covering any gender dysphoria treatments on minors that could "result in sterilization.” The must-pass bill is so critical that nearly 40% of House Democrats voted in favor–but not without expressing their disappointment. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., condemned Republican colleagues who, she said, “chose to sully this bill with political culture wars;” nevertheless, she voted in favor. “While it doesn't address everything we asked for and consider important, including the full ability of parents to make their own decisions about healthcare for their children, it marks a rare moment of productive bipartisan agreement on what is arguably the most crucial legislation we take up as a body each year,” Houlahan said. The bill’s provision does not forbid service members’ children from receiving transgender therapy. It forbids the military’s health insurance provider, TRICARE, from covering treatments on minors that “may result in sterilization.” Reps. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., also voted in favor of the bill despite their displeasure at the ban. “The NDAA is a hugely important bill. We had to pass it, which is why I voted yes,” Landsman posted on X Friday. “However, the anti-trans language that was attached to it was mean and awful and should never have been included.” “I have serious concerns about some remaining provisions that were placed in the bill for political purposes,” Sewell said Wednesday. “Still, the responsibility to support our service members and provide for our national security is one that I do not take lightly, which is why I ultimately chose to support the bill.” Besides the importance of annual military funding, another reason some House Democrats assented to the legislation is because they were successful in axing other House Republican amendments, such as a plan to eliminate reimbursements for service members who travel to obtain abortions. The Senate is expected to pass the bill within the next few days, after which President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law.

Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes Sunday and the Jacksonville Jaguars earned a season sweep of the visiting Tennessee Titans with a 20-13 victory. Jones connected on 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards, finding Parker Washington and rookie Bryan Thomas Jr. for scores, as Jacksonville (4-12) left Tennessee (3-13) behind in the AFC South cellar. Cam Little booted field goals of 48 and 44 yards. Mason Rudolph hit 19 of 31 attempts for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Titans, which dropped their fifth consecutive game. Tyjae Spears rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries, playing in place of Tony Pollard (flu/ankle). Jones' 11-yard scoring strike to Thomas with 7:05 left in the game gave the Jaguars a 20-10 lead but Tennessee responded with Matthew Wright's 28-yard field goal at the 2:02 mark. After getting a three-and-out, the Titans had a chance to force overtime and reached the Jacksonville 26. But Rudolph's fourth-down pass intended for Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was knocked down at the goal line with nine seconds left. The pregame storyline concerned which team could benefit most from a loss. Both entered a game behind the New York Giants for the potential No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft. Jacksonville initiated scoring on the game's opening drive, needing to drive only 38 yards on nine plays to set up Little for his first field goal at the 10:46 mark. The Jaguars got into the end zone for the first time with 8:59 left in the half on Jones' 2-yard touchdown pass to Washington, coming five plays after Rudolph tossed a tipped-ball interception. Little's second field goal upped the margin to 13-0 with 2:02 remaining before Tennessee pieced together a two-minute drive that set up Wright for a 39-yard field goal as time expired, making it 13-3 at halftime. The Titans started the second half with their best drive of the game, chewing up 85 yards and eight minutes before Rudolph hit Nick Vannett with an 8-yard strike to cut the margin to 13-10. --Field Level MediaConsumers shop at a supermarket in Zaozhuang, Shandong province, in November. (Sun Zhongzhe/Xinhua) China's policymakers are set to take a more proactive approach to macroeconomic policies in the year ahead, aiming to tackle both short-term challenges arising from lackluster demand and structural issues, said economists. Citing the recently concluded Central Economic Work Conference, they said the country is fine-tuning its macroeconomic strategy, marking a significant shift toward a consumption-driven economy as it prepares for expansionary fiscal and monetary policies in 2025. "The deficit ratio for 2025 is likely to be the highest on record," said Xiong Yuan, chief economist at Guosheng Securities, anticipating that the government would set the projected deficit-to-GDP ratio for 2025 at 3.5-4 percent or higher in March, up from 3 percent for this year. The Chinese government started to release the annual projected deficit ratio in 2010, with the highest reading in 2020 at 3.6 percent as COVID-19 hit, according to market tracker Wind Info. Xiong said next year's quota of special local government bonds is expected to increase to more than 4.5 trillion yuan ($616.5 billion) from a record high of 3.9 trillion yuan this year, in addition to special treasury bonds of over 2 to 3 trillion yuan in 2025, up from 1 trillion yuan for 2024. Xiong's remarks came as the Central Economic Work Conference held in December pledged to implement more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies, boost domestic demand, drive the integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation, and stabilize the real estate sector and stock markets. The nation will maintain basic equilibrium in the balance of payments and better synchronize the income growth of households and economic expansion, according to the meeting. "While promoting industrial sectors was the top task last year, expanding domestic demand is in the top spot this year," said Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura. Lu said that the conference called for more specific measures to support consumption, including increasing basic pension payments, raising fiscal subsidies for basic medical insurance, and developing policies to boost fertility. "Overall, the conference adds support to our relatively optimistic view on fiscal policies in 2025 and our view that Beijing may stick to the 'around 5 percent' GDP growth target in 2025," he said. According to the conference, policymakers pledged to roll out more initiatives to boost consumption, including greater strides in equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs. Looking forward, Lu said policymakers might consider an increase in spending on social security for lower-income households and encouraging childbirth. "We especially expect policymakers to significantly increase payments to those rural pensioners (55 percent of total pensioners) whose average monthly pension income is only 225 yuan," he said. "They may also increase financial support for families with a second or third child. And they may also waive part of the annual 400 yuan fee on basic medical insurance for low-income individuals." As the conference reiterated a "more proactive fiscal policy", Lu said his team forecasts a total of 3.6 trillion yuan in incremental borrowing for 2025 versus 2024, or around 2.6 percent of GDP. "We expect the official deficit ratio to be raised from 3 percent this year to 4 percent next year," he said. "We expect net financing from central government special bonds to be raised to 1.5 trillion yuan from 1 trillion yuan in 2024." Regarding local government special bonds, Lu said his teams expect a small increase to 4.5 trillion yuan in 2024. Echoing the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held earlier this month, the Central Economic Work Conference statement vowed to conduct a "moderately accommodative" monetary policy, switching away from a "prudent" monetary policy for the past 14 years. "The use of words 'moderately accommodative' for monetary policy is the first time since the meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in July 2010, when China was still dealing with the aftermath of the global financial crisis," Lu added. "The readout emphasizes the dual roles of aggregate and structural monetary policy instruments, leaving room for potential incremental policies from these People's Bank of China structural facilities." The Central Economic Work Conference also promises to launch policy rate cuts and reserve requirement ratio cuts in a timely manner or whenever it is deemed appropriate, maintaining sufficient liquidity, leading the growth rate of aggregate financing and monetary supply to be mostly aligned with the expected targets of economic growth and price inflation. "The focus on the policy rate and RRR cuts is consistent with our view, as we forecast two rounds of policy rate cuts in the first quarter and second quarter of 2025, respectively, and one 50-basis-point RRR cut before end-2024 and two 50-basis-points RRR cuts in 2025," Lu said. With the help of a raft of government measures aimed at stimulating domestic demand and stabilizing growth in the second half of this year, China's economy showed sustained recovery with the latest economic indicators pointing to green shoots of a steady rebound heading into 2025. Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that China's value-added industrial output grew 5.4 percent year-on-year in November, up from a 5.3 percent rise in the previous month. "This improvement reflects the impact of a series of incremental policy measures that have bolstered market confidence and supported demand recovery," said Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International. Looking ahead, Wang believes that the demand for consumption and investment will continue to pick up amid a series of stimulus measures, driving strong growth in industrial production. "Industrial production growth will remain robust in December, likely in the range of 5 percent to 6 percent." NBS data showed that the growth of retail sales slowed to 3 percent year-on-year in November from 4.8 percent in October, while fixed-asset investment saw 3.3 percent year-on-year growth during the January-November period, down from 3.4 percent in the first 10 months. Wang said the growth rate of retail sales slowed in November, as this year's "Double 11" shopping festival presale started earlier, shifting some consumer demand from November to October. With consumption-boosting policies taking effect gradually and the gradual improvement in consumer sentiment, Wang estimated retail sales to grow around 4.5 percent year-on-year in December. "We anticipate that in 2025, policy measures to stimulate consumption will be further ramped up," he said. Among these measures, Wang said the country may fund a 600 billion yuan trade-in deal for consumer goods to spark household demand, and the range of subsidized products is likely to expand to include consumer electronics, home furnishings, and other durable goods. Meanwhile, he believes fiscal support for childbirth might be piloted next year, such as one-time or monthly subsidies for families with newborns, with the support scale potentially reaching 100 billion yuan. "There may also be a nationwide issuance of consumption vouchers and subsidies in 2025, which would expand the scope of consumption stimulation from durable goods to include general merchandise and service consumption," he said. "This reflects an important shift in the current macroeconomic policy direction, where the previous countercyclical investment policies with a key emphasis on investment are now shifting toward a more balanced approach, prioritizing both consumption and investment, with an increased focus on consumption."

BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. and the head of NATO have met for talks on global security, the military alliance said Saturday. In a brief statement, NATO said Trump and its secretary general, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida. “They discussed the range of global security issues facing the Alliance,” the statement said without giving details. It appeared to be Rutte’s first meeting with Trump since his Nov. 5 election. Rutte had previously congratulated Trump and said “his leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong” and that he looked forward to working with him. Related Articles Trump has for years expressed skepticism about and complained about the defense spending of many of its member nations, which he regarded as too low. He depicted NATO allies as leeches on the U.S. military and of the alliance that has defined American foreign policy for decades. He NATO members that fail to meet defense-spending goals. Rutte and his team also met , U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, and other members of the president-elect’s national security team, the NATO statement said. Rutte in October.

A 13-year-old boy inexplicably survived electrocution by a live wire — twice! — while surfing atop a train in Brazil, disturbing footage shows. The shocking video shot from Rio de Janeiro’s Anchieta Station Monday shows the teenager’s limp body lying on top of a train just moments after being electrocuted, with his legs dangling over the side as other travelers panic on the platform below. A brave young man is seen scaling the train car to rescue the boy, barely dodging the live wire himself as passengers scream about the danger from below. The good Samaritan then grabs the teen’s arm to pull him up, and the teen is exposed to the live wire once again, causing a fiery explosion and a second severe shock, forcing the young man to abort the attempted rescue. The unnamed victim was eventually freed and rushed to Albert Schweitzer Municipal Hospital in Realengo, where he was reported to be in serious condition Tuesday morning. Supervia, the Brazilian train company that operated the locomotive, warned against train “surfing” — a dangerous social media trend that has killed six people in New York City this year . “These actions, in addition to being irresponsible, compromise the safety of all passengers and impact the proper functioning of the railway operation,” the rail company said in a statement. “It is essential that everyone, passengers and pedestrians, collaborate, respecting safety rules, and that society as a whole mobilizes to avoid tragedies and eradicate this dangerous practice,” Supervia added. The company also warned against passengers “touching or attempting to remove equipment” due to the high voltage of electricity. In New York City, MTA officials pleaded with parents this week to “take control” of their kids to deter them from participating in the deadly social media trend. Most “subway surfers” are teenagers filming themselves performing the stunt for internet clout. The MTA attempted to curb the activity last year with its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” public service announcement initiative featuring Big Apple students urging their peers not to attempt deadly subway surfing. The transit agency has also pushed social media platforms to remove subway surfing videos, which often go viral and inspire more teens to hop on top of train cars.

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Republican Senator Rand Paul voiced opposition on Sunday to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the military for mass deportations of undocumented individuals. Speaking on a news program, Paul stated, “You don’t do it with the Army because it’s illegal. If they send the Army into New York and you have 10,000 troops marching carrying semi-automatic weapons, I think it’s a terrible image, and I will oppose that.” He highlighted the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th-century law that prohibits the use of federal troops in domestic law enforcement without Congressional authorization, reinforcing his stance against the plan. Support for Deporting Criminal Offenders While opposing military involvement, Paul expressed support for deporting undocumented individuals with criminal records. He emphasized that law enforcement agencies like the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are better equipped to handle such operations within the legal framework. Paul also referenced the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, stating, “There is a distrust of putting the Army into our streets.” Impact on Senate Confirmations When asked if this issue would influence his vote on confirming Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, Paul firmly stated, “I will not support and will not vote to use the military in our cities.” Trump’s Largest Deportation Effort in U.S. History President-elect Trump has vowed to initiate the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history upon taking office. On social media, Trump indicated plans to declare a national emergency and use military resources to expedite the deportation of undocumented individuals. Differing Republican Perspectives Opinions within the Republican Party vary on Trump’s plan. Representative Byron Donalds described the potential use of the military in deportation campaigns as “hyperbole,” suggesting it could act as a deterrent. “I think you’re going to see a lot of self-deportation once this process begins,” Donalds commented. Senator John Barrasso, however, defended the plan, stating that Trump could “appropriately use the military” if he declares a national emergency. Debate on Legal Ambiguities Paul also raised concerns about the use of the National Guard, noting that its role in deportation efforts is legally ambiguous, given that it operates under both state and federal authority. The discussion highlights ongoing divisions within the Republican Party over the legality and practicality of Trump’s proposed measures. Read More : Joe Rogan Mulls Role as Musk Hints at MSNBC Buy: ‘How Amazing Would This Be?’None

Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, has died

OTTAWA — Former Toronto Blue Jays all-stars Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin scored a major win against the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a Tax Court judge cried foul over the agency’s attempt to tax millions of dollars in additional income. In an extensive ruling published Wednesday, Tax Court of Canada judge Jean-Marc Gagnon found that the CRA’s calculation of Donaldson and Martin’s taxable income during some of the years they played in Canada was “faulty.” The precedent-setting decision found that the star players’ taxable income in the years audited by CRA was millions of dollars less than what the agency claimed. In total, Martin’s total taxable income in Canada dropped by roughly $4 million for 2015 to 2017, whereas Donaldson’s was reduced by a total of roughly $2.6 million for 2016 and 2017. Veteran tax lawyer and partner at KPMG Mark Feigenbaum said the ruling will bring a sigh of relief to Canadian professional sports teams and organizations that tend to hire foreigners for high-paid positions. “This was a really big deal,” said Feigenbaum, who often represents clients in sports and entertainment. He was not involved in these cases. As first reported by National Post last year , Donaldson and Martin’s cases raised a common issue that tax experts argued could have a chilling effect on Canadian sports teams’ ability to attract top international athletes: namely, how non-resident top earners can protect their income and mitigate Canada’s higher income-tax rates. Specifically, the tax agency challenged how much income the players could deduct from their taxes using contributions to a form of pension plan called a Retirement Compensation Agreement (RCA). RCAs are commonly used by high-earning athletes and top executives recruited by Canadian organizations. It defers income and tax payments, and isn’t subject to strict contribution limits like an RRSP. The taxpayer is allowed to contribute a “reasonable” amount to their retirement every year, but the CRA withholds half of it in a fund that cannot be invested. When an RCA holder retires or loses their job, the pension account will begin paying out, at which point the money will be taxed, presumably when they are in a lower tax bracket. The CRA will then also refund the 50-per-cent portion of all contributions that it withheld. The crux of the battle between CRA and the two former Blue Jays stars was a disagreement on how the players’ contributions should be deducted from their income tax while they played for Toronto. At issue was that Russell and Donaldson spent 60 per cent of their time in the United States and only 40 per cent in Canada, with taxes payable split accordingly. The time spent in Canada was called “duty days.” CRA argued that the retirement contributions should be deducted before the 60/40 American-Canadian split was calculated, meaning the players would end up paying more taxes on the Canadian portion. The two baseball stars, represented by lawyer Marie-France Dompierre, argued the opposite: that the contributions should only be deducted from the Canadian portion after the split. Ultimately, the Tax Court sided with the players, noting that CRA’s interpretation was “faulty” in many ways. “The RCA regime is meant to be applied solely to Canadian-source income of non-residents. A non-resident’s foreign-source income is not subject to Canadian RCA rules, as it does not fall within the jurisdiction of Canada,” Gagnon wrote. The CRA’s interpretation, the judge continued, “could not have been what Parliament intended when it created the RCA regime.” The difference in interpretation — in the case of players who were paid US$28.65 million (Donaldson) and US$42 million (Martin) during the years audited by CRA — was worth potentially millions of dollars in unpaid income tax. For example, the taxable portion in Canada of Martin’s US$20 million salary in 2017 was US$7 million in CRA’s view, but US$5.5 million in the players’ view. “An athlete has difficulty with the tax rate here and compared to where they could be playing or could be based. So this mitigates a little bit of the of the differential,” Feigenbaum said. “If the government takes that away... that makes in really less competitive for someone to want to temporarily be in Canada,” he added. According to the ruling, one reason CRA’s decision was “faulty” was that the Income Tax Act is “very clear that income earned in two places, whether that income is earned by a resident or a non-resident without distinction, must be calculated as two distinct sources,” Gagnon wrote. He also noted that “Canada does not have jurisdiction over a non-resident foreign-source income and therefore cannot include, exclude, or deduct amounts under the Act to such foreign-source income.” In other words, the government can only calculate Canadian deductions from income earned in Canada. CRA declined to comment on the case, citing its policy of not commenting on court cases. “ The courts provide Canadians with an independent review of disputed issues, and court decisions serve to clarify the law or resolve disputes between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and taxpayers,” CRA spokesperson Étienne Biram said in a statement. National Post cnardi@postmedia.com Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what’s really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our politics newsletter, First Reading, here .Over 20,000 jobs for working families are at risk in California’s Inland Empire. The reason? Fallout from a regulation raising concerns amongst businesses, labor groups, government officials, and even environmental advocates . Let’s take a step back. Founded over 50 years ago, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been a world leader in air pollution control, smog reduction, and climate science. And the air across Southern California is better for it. However, CARB’s new “In-Use Locomotive Regulation,” mandating railroads like Union Pacific and BNSF set aside hundreds of millions of dollars today for the technology of the future, risks undermining this precarious balance. While the goal of reducing emissions is commendable, the technology required to meet this mandate is not yet commercially viable to move freight across the country. BNSF has said that its planned $1.5 billion investment in the Barstow International Gateway (BIG) is in jeopardy if the regulation moves forward. As a result, this regulation could jeopardize over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in the high desert. BNSF plans to develop the 4,500-acre Barstow rail yard, intermodal facility and warehouses for transloading freight project in the next few years, creating thousands of jobs and reducing truck miles traveled from the 130-mile trip from the ports to the Inland Empire along the Interstate 15 corridor. The project would also reduce vehicle miles traveled up and down the Cajon Pass from high desert residents who would have job opportunities closer to home. However, the costs of complying with the regulation and transitioning to non-existent technology would divert capital and resources from railroads, threatening the viability of significant investments like BIG. The potential loss of the BIG project would deal a significant blow to the local economy, particularly to the working families in the region. Moreover, over 86,000 businesses and one in nine jobs in Southern California connected to the San Pedro Bay Port Complex depend on efficient rail connections. Maintaining these connections is essential for the region’s growth and stability and we cannot afford increased traffic congestion and carbon emissions from continuing to force freight onto highways. Related Articles Commentary | A roadmap for healthcare reform in the Trump era Commentary | Californians deserve real solutions, not yet another Newsom vanity project Commentary | Biden wanted to be a transformative historical figure. Instead, he will be a footnote. Commentary | As Los Angeles prepares for Olympics, transportation money gets shuffled toward fiber network Commentary | Democrats welcome Trump ‘the fascist’ with open arms Freight rail, which is responsible for 40 percent of U.S. long-distance freight but only 1.7% of transportation emissions, is one of our most efficient means of moving goods. BIG is also touted to be a state-of-the-art answer to many of the regional and national supply chain issues we’ve all felt over the last several years as our ports have been winning back trade from importers because they are rail connected. While the goals of CARB’s locomotive rule are aligned with our shared commitment to addressing climate change, the regulation’s timing and feasibility are out of step with current technological realities. Our organizations agree with CARB on this: we see a path forward for zero emissions locomotives; we need to convene to align timing, technology, and transition. As Californians, we understand the urgency of transitioning to a zero-emission future, but we must also ensure that our policies support both environmental and economic sustainability. By aligning climate goals with technological capabilities, we can protect jobs, support economic growth, and continue to lead in the fight against climate change while maintaining good jobs for working families in our region. Jon Switalski is the executive director of the Rebuild SoCal Partnership. Sarah Wiltfong is the chief public policy and advocacy officer at the Supply Chain Council

Damascus: As Syrian dictator and President Assad Al Bashar suddenly fled the war-torn country, people stormed into the presidential palace in Damascus. The mob looted his belongings. Several videos of the mob entering the palace and looting Bashar's belongings surfaced online. Assad left the country as rebels entered Damascus, the head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said. The rebels hailed the purported fall of the Syrian government as a “moment of freedom after decades of pain and suffering”. They said that the end of al-Assad’s rule marks a new chapter in Syria’s history. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies, while thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Videos Of People Storming Presidential Palace In Damascus: After ruling the country for almost 24 years, Asad along with his family left the country on an aircraft to an undisclosed location. The fighters, who have reached the capital for the first time since 2018, are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, along with an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Both have been entrenched in the northwest. They launched the shock offensive on November 27 with gunmen capturing Aleppo, Syria's largest city, and the central city of Hama, the fourth largest. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Middle East, World and around the world.

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casino slot free 100 no deposit Former US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100Nearly three in five Americans approve of President-elect Donald Trump ’s handling of his transition to the White House , according to a CBS/YouGov poll released Monday. Over half of Americans—55 percent—also said they were “happy” or “satisfied” with Trump’s election victory. Underscoring the poll, however, was a sense of doom and fatigue among the Democratic base: Just 15 percent of Democrats said they feel excited or optimistic as Trump prepares to take office, and only 44 percent said they feel motivated to oppose him. “The bottom line is this: Republicans are very motivated by Donald Trump’s win and, compared to eight years ago, Democrats are just really, really, tired,” said CNN data reporter Harry Enten, as he talked through the poll results on air. “They have just given up.” Enten also noted Trump’s +18 net approval rating, which stands in contrast to the +1 he had after winning the 2016 election. Much improved from 2016, this Trump presidential transition is getting 2 thumbs up from Americans. Trump's net approval rating is up 17 pts (to +18 pts). A majority (53%) are excited/optimistic for Trump's coming term. Trump also seems to have exhausted his Democratic rivals: pic.twitter.com/2dGCT6h5po Hulk Hogan hinted at a possible position in Donald Trump ’s incoming administration during a Fox News interview on Saturday. “My president said, ‘You know something, you’d be great to run the President’s Council on Physical Fitness,‘” Hogan told host Brian Kilmeade . The council advises the president on policies related to healthy eating and fitness. The current council is in place until Sept. 30, 2025. Hogan continued, “At the end of the day, when I was in the back at Madison Square Garden after the whole rally, we were talking about Robert Kennedy, I was talking about nutrition, and how many foreign countries won’t even let their people eat the food that we eat here in America.” Trump tapped vaccine skeptic Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a move that has worried health-care groups and experts. “It’s so bad, and it’s poisoned a generation of kids,” Hogan added. “And at the end of the day, we start talking about physical fitness.” With the holidays around the corner, Flamingo Estate has everything you need to surprise friends and family with the gift of handmade everyday essentials for the home. Flamingo Estate partners with over 120 farms to source clean, traceable, and sustainable ingredients for all its products. It believes in doing things the slow and proper way, whether that’s carefully pouring candles or harvesting ingredients by hand. 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Lauren Boebert is the latest politician to launch a Cameo — with videos starting at $250 for a personal message. “Hey, Cameo, it’s your girl from Colorado, Lauren Boebert,” she said in the page’s introductory video. “Whether you or someone you know needs an America First pep talk, if you want to surprise friends or family with a message for a special day, or if you just want to know my thoughts on whatever’s on your mind, Cameo is the place to connect with me.” Boebert’s foray into Cameo comes just days after former Rep. Matt Gaetz also launched a page on the site after withdrawing his name for consideration for attorney general. While Gaetz is charging $500 for a video, fellow disgraced Republican Rep. George Santos, who first started Cameo in 2023, charges $250, like Boebert. The House Ethics Committee notes that representatives can earn up to $31,815 from outside sources. Department store behemoth Macy’s has suffered an embarrassing faux pas after it was revealed that an accounting employee hid up to $154 million in delivery expenses in a years-long scheme. The employee, who has not been named, has been given the boot but Macy’s has been forced to delay its quarterly results after stumbling across the matter that stems back to 2021, the Wall Street Journal reported . However, mystery surrounds the strange saga because the ex-worker didn’t actually pocket the funds, and Macy’s won’t say how they were busted. “While Macy’s cannot control the actions of every employee, it is worrying that these are intentional accounting errors that go back to 2021,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of research firm GlobalData. Saunders added that it “also raises the question as to the competence of the company’s auditors.” The company’s auditor, KPMG, has refused to comment. Everyone loves curling up on the couch after a stressful day to binge a new show or rewatch their favorite movie. Now, imagine if you could lounge around, watch TV, and make your complexion more radiant than ever. No need to imagine it: you can do it right now with the Lumina LED Therapy Mask from Bloomingdale’s. It’s $100 off for Bloomingdale’s Really Big Deals . But you need to hurry—the sale ends tonight. This lightweight mask has 600 optimized points of light to ensure every millimeter of skin receives the full benefit of collagen-boosting LED therapy. Other masks on the market concentrate light on specific points, leading to uneven coverage. The LEDs penetrate multiple layers of skin, using varying wavelengths to tackle a range of concerns, including wrinkles, blemishes, and dullness. You don’t have to sit still either to enjoy this mask’s skin-rejuvenating power; the soft, non-slip straps keep the mask securely in place no matter what you’re doing. Think about all the activities you can do while giving your skin a glow up, like preparing dinner or tidying up your space. Heck, use it while you’re working from home. Just remember to take it off before your next call. Free Shipping If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. Elon Musk had some relatable thoughts on the new “department” of government efficiency he’s been tasked to head with Vivek Ramaswamy . “I still can’t believe DOGE is real,” he wrote on his social media platform X on Sunday night, followed by that emoji where the face is crying from laughter. After Musk powered Donald Trump ’s return to the White House, pouring an estimated $200 million into his campaign, the president-elect announced he and Ramaswamy would lead an outside advisory panel aiming to slash $2 trillion in government spending—a plan that even conservative economists have called a “fantasy.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Fla.) will lead a new House Oversight Committee working with the DOGE panel—an appointment that some of Taylor Greene’s fellow lawmakers have likened to a punishment, not a reward—and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is forming a DOGE Senate Caucus. Critics have pointed out that DOGE has no budget, no offices, no personnel and no long-term mandate, but Musk doesn’t seem to care. “I think it’s actually going to work,” he wrote on X. But I think it’s actually going to work Liam Payne had a fear of being locked in rooms that dated back to his One Direction days and may have been trying to escape from his hotel room when he fell from the second-floor balcony to his death, according to TMZ. Former One Direction star Payne, 31, died after the incident in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October and prosecutors confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant. TMZ reports that Payne had escaped from another room via a balcony as recently as mid-September and claims that sources told them the hotel was aware he may try and get out of the room via the balcony. Images obtained by TMZ reportedly capture the moments before Liam was forcefully put into his room. Minutes later, he fell from the balcony. According to a 911 transcript obtained by the site, a hotel employee told a 911 operator: “I don’t know whether his life may be in danger. He is in a room with a balcony, and, well, we’re a little afraid...” The autopsy indicated he died from “multiple trauma.” Barron Trump is back at Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving and was spotted dining with his mom and dad–Melania and Donald Trump–at the Florida club on Saturday night. The footage was posted by influencer Karina Safarova Rudeva, who was described in a 2019 L’Officiel Singapore profile as a “Russian fashionista” and “high network entrepreneur.” Rudeva posted a number of videos to her Instagram story showing the trio eat and converse among other club members. Melania’s father, Viktor Knavs, was also in attendance. Melania can be seen wearing an all-white ensemble, while Barron and his father wore a suit and tie. Barron, 18, is a freshman at New York University’s Stern School of Business. According to the Daily Mail , Barron will return to classes after Thanksgiving break but will return to Florida for the holidays at the end of semester on Dec. 12. Video of Melania Trump having dinner last night at Mar-a-Lago with President Trump, Barron Trump, and her father Viktor Knavs pic.twitter.com/iTMRzQXziw Social media footage has captured the moment passengers on a Russian plane rushed to evacuate as it burst into flames on a Turkish runway on Sunday. According to the Moscow Times , more than 90 passengers and crew were evacuated from the Azimuth Airlines flight after one of its engines caught alight. According to an airport official, the engine caught fire as the plane was landing at Antalya airport. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. The flight had taken off from the summer beach resort of Sochi. The fire was quickly extinguished and there were no injuries reported. Footage posted by the aviation news website, Airport Haber, shows passengers evacuating from the plane on an emergency slide, with some carrying belongings. Eus şirket Azimuth'a ait Sukhoi Superjet 100 tipi yolcu uçağının Antalya Havalimanı'nda motorunun yandığı anlar bir yolcu tarafından kaydedildi. Olayda herhangi bir yaralanma bildirilmedi. pic.twitter.com/umoa6KdVL8 Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Don’t get me wrong—I’m looking forward to turkey and mashed potatoes next week, but when I saw The Caviar Co . was offering a whopping 40 percent off all caviar and roe this week (including the smallest sizes!), I nearly screamed. The huge (and very rare) sitewide sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on my favorite fancy treat or to spice things up on Turkey Day. The Caviar Co . offers a wide range of roe and caviar species, breeds, and styles (e.g., some with more “pop” and others that are more of a dip or spread) at various price points. Roes start at just $10 an ounce, and caviar at $40 an ounce. If you’re looking for an at-home caviar experience that’s equal parts chic and tasty (and never stuffy), The Caviar Co . will not disappoint. Whether you’re new to caviar and looking for a solid, entry-level-friendly tasting kit or a seasoned caviar connoisseur, you really can’t go wrong with The Caviar Co .—especially when everything is almost half off. A breakthrough ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah could be just days away, according to the Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Mike Herzog. Speaking Monday to Israeli Army Radio, Herzog said negotiators were hammering out the final details of an agreement to clear southern Lebanon of both Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops—an effort to avoid a repeat of the devastation of the 34-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006. “We are close to a deal... It can happen within days,” Herzog said, according to a report from the Associated Press. He added that approval from the Israeli government remains a must before anything is finalized. Israel is demanding the right to reply with force if Hezbollah breaches the terms, a condition Lebanon might not accept. Israel accuses the Iranian-backed militia group of ignoring the U.N. resolution that ended the 2006 conflict and fears Hezbollah could launch a Hamas-style raid into Israel if allowed to maintain its current presence near the border. Lebanon, meanwhile, says Israel routinely violates the same U.N. resolution with frequent air and naval incursions into its territory. Hezbollah attacked Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after a Hamas raid into Israel led to the slaughter of more than 1,200 people. Regular contacts escalated into an all-out war in Lebanon in September, with an Israeli ground incursion and huge Israeli airstrikes. Megachurch pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes is recuperating after suffering a health emergency on stage during a Sunday sermon. His church, The Potter’s House of Dallas, was livestreaming Jakes’ message when the incident occurred. Video posted to X shows him sitting on a stool and speaking slowly before letting the microphone drop to his side as he looks downward with his eyes closed. Less than a minute later, church staff stormed the stage and gathered around the pastor before the stream cut off. “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message,” a statement posted to the church’s Facebook page reads. “Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.” A STATEMENT FROM THE POTTER'S HOUSE OF DALLAS -November 24, 2024 During today's service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of... pic.twitter.com/Hgz63d4J0B

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

Photos: Remembering former President Jimmy Carter

Drew Lock matched his career high of four touchdown passes and also rushed for a score and the New York Giants snapped their franchise-record 10-game losing streak with an entertaining 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Malik Nabers had seven receptions for a career-best 171 yards and two touchdowns to exceed 100 receptions and 1,000 yards during his strong rookie campaign. New York (3-13) registered a season best for points scored by more than tripling its league-worst season average of 14.3 per game. The setback eliminated the Colts (7-9) from the AFC playoff race. Lock completed 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards and Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Stayton also had receiving scores for the Giants, who won at home for the first time this season. Ihmir Smith-Marsette returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Joe Flacco started for Indianapolis with Anthony Richardson (back/foot) sidelined and completed 26 of 38 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. But he also was intercepted twice and lost a fumble. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries, Michael Pittman Jr. had nine receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown and Alec Pierce caught six passes for 122 yards and a score. Indianapolis pulled within 35-33 on Flacco's 7-yard touchdown pass to Pittman with 6:38 remaining. The Giants answered with Lock's 5-yard scramble with 2:57 left to push the lead to nine. After Flacco was picked off by Dru Phillips, Graham Gano tacked on a 30-yard field goal 37 seconds later to put it away. New York held an eight-point halftime lead before Smith-Marsette fielded the opening kickoff of the second half and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown to give the Giants a 28-13 advantage. The Colts answered with Taylor's 26-yard run to move within eight with 11:03 left in the third quarter. Flacco threw a 13-yard touchdown catch to Pierce with 10:53 remaining in the game to move Indianapolis within two. A trick play on the two-point conversion failed. New York increased its lead to nine just more than two minutes later when Nabers caught a short pass at midfield and easily shed two tacklers before sprinting down the right sideline for a 59-yard score. Lock tossed three first-half touchdown passes as the Giants led 21-13 at the break. Nabers caught a short pass in the right flat and raced 31 yards for a score to give New York a 7-3 lead with 1:05 left in the opening quarter. He finished the day with 104 receptions for 1,140 yards. Lock tossed touchdown passes of 32 yards to Slayton and 5 yards to Robinson while increasing the lead to 21-6. Taylor scored on a 3-yard run with 20 seconds remaining. --Field Level MediaObie Okoye: Empowering Communities through technology, innovation

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Michael Gray Jr. had 19 points and Byron Ireland made two free throws with 6 seconds left to rally Nicholls to a 76-75 victory over Louisiana on Saturday night. Gray shot 6 for 11, including 5 for 10 from beyond the arc for the Colonels (4-4). Jamal West added 15 points and nine rebounds. Jaylen Searles hit three 3-pointers and scored 15. Ireland also finished with 15 points. The Ragin' Cajuns (1-7) were led by Kyran Ratliff's 25 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Mostapha El Moutaouakkil added 19 points and six rebounds. Christian Wright had 12 points. The loss is the sixth in a row for the Ragin' Cajuns. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .NoneCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Related Articles College Sports | Michigan shocks No. 2 Ohio State, 13-10, wins fourth straight in heated rivalry College Sports | Michigan State holds off No. 12 North Carolina 94-91 in overtime for 3rd at Maui Invitational College Sports | Danny Wolf scores 20 and Michigan knocks off No. 22 Xavier 78-53. College Sports | SEC losses are big gains for SMU and Indiana in latest College Football Playoff rankings College Sports | Hunter, Haggerty again lead way for Memphis in 71-63 win over Michigan State to reach Maui finale Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines’ flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren’t going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn’t like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines’ postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game,” he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides,” he said. “Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” — By MITCH STACY, Associated Press

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former White House senior adviser to Trump who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Charles Kushner arrives July 20, 2022, for the funeral of Ivana Trump in New York. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to Kushner's own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, sought. Christie blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. 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.Facts and challenges for the Philippine good governance advocates

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Paul Zilinskas put up 32 points as IU Indianapolis beat Alabama A&M 88-83 on Monday. Zilinskas shot 11 for 20 (5 for 10 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Jaguars (3-5). Jarvis Walker scored 13 points while going 3 of 9 from the floor, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and 5 for 7 from the line. Timaris Brown and Sean Craight both added 11 points. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The democratic process may empower dangerous demagogues but it can also bring about necessary reforms. And so, as Donald Trump returns to Washington, Germany appears to be moving towards loosening the “debt brake” which forbids the country from borrowing more than the equivalent of 0.35 percent of its GDP each year and impedes growth. This limit was imposed through a constitutional amendment in 2009, when the German economy was booming and the only problem that the country and the European Union seemed to face was Greece’s debt crisis. But when things got difficult, first with the pandemic, then with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the measure was suspended for four years. Now that it is back, it is clear what an impediment it is. The Social Democrat chancellor, Olaf Scholz, wanted to loosen the brake, but the leader of the conservative opposition CDU party, Friedrich Merz, would hear none of it. The Liberals, who were part of the Scholz government, chose to be thrown out of it rather than agree to loosening the brake. The country is now headed for early elections on February 23. Suddenly, Merz appears willing to discuss raising the debt limit. What happened? If the polls are correct, Merz will be the next chancellor, possibly in a “grand coalition” with the Social Democrats. He will then face the impasse that troubled Scholz. The “brake” was instituted when Angela Merkel was chancellor, when the economy was growing and creating jobs. The eurozone’s structural problems benefited Germany, as the flight of capital towards the safety of its banks resulted in the government and German companies swimming in cheap cash. At the time, (Russian) energy was cheap and America took care of Europe’s defense. It seemed that the whole world, and more and more people in Germany, were working for Germany. The government at the time, though, did not take advantage of the opportunity to build new infrastructure and to strengthen its military. Now that problems are mounting, Germany needs to break the borrowing limit of 0.35 percent of GDP. As Scholz noted, additional spending on defense should not be at the cost of investments and welfare programs. “I think that targeted, moderate reforms of the debt brake are possible. They’re being broadly debated,” Finance Minister Jorg Kukies said on Friday. He noted the need to “combine the existing fiscal solidity with better incentives for public investments in the future.” Politicians broach the issue warily, as many Germans fear debt and inflation. If the populist parties on the extreme-right and extreme-left (AfD and BSW, respectively) gain more than a third of the seats in the Parliament, the governing coalition after the elections will not have the necessary majority to amend the constitution. If Germany cannot borrow as much as it needs to, it will face an economic impasse, a weakened military, and the need to cut welfare programs, along with all the social problems that this will cause. This would benefit the extremist parties at home and the country’s enemies abroad. A wounded and even more introverted Germany will seriously undermine the political, economic and military credibility of the European Union. German members of parliament and others who participate in the public debate are aware of the need to contribute towards strengthening Europe. That is why dedication to strict economic discipline should not be an end in itself. Fortunately, the question of political survival, which democracy raises regularly through elections, drives politicians to become more flexible. In this case, this benefits their country and the European Union, too.casino slot free spins no deposit 。

The Nigerian stock market closed the trading week ending December 27, 2024, on a bullish note, as the All-Share Index (ASI) surged by 1,004.21 points to reach 102,133.30. This marks a 0.99% week-on-week increase, pushing the index past the significant 102,000-point threshold, up from its previous close of 101,129.09 points. Despite the market’s positive momentum, trading volume dropped sharply by 46.7%, falling to 1.3 billion shares from 2.5 billion the previous week. Related Stories Weekly Market Wrap: Nigerian stock market soars 1.76% as All-Share surpasses N61 trillion, MRS Oil and ETERNA PLC lead gains CBN Requirements: Jaiz Bank announces conclusion of N10.04 billion private placement Market breadth remained strong, with 64 stocks recording price gains, an improvement from the 61 gainers in the prior week. Conversely, only 20 stocks declined, fewer than the 26 laggards observed previously. This performance reflects investor optimism as the year-end approaches, underscoring resilience in key market sectors. The Nigerian stock market exhibited a largely bullish trend throughout the week, with market capitalization briefly surpassing the N62 trillion mark before settling at N61.9 trillion on Friday. The All-Share Index (ASI) began the week on a strong note, sustaining gains up to Christmas Eve, December 24. However, after the market holiday on December 25 and 26, the index shed 52 points, closing slightly in the red. The NGX Premium Index advanced by 2.29%, driven by positive performances from stocks like FBN Holdings (FBNH), United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Zenith Bank (ZENITHBANK). The NGX 30 Index also posted a 1.36% increase. NGX Main Board Index closed the week at 0.33%, maintaining its positive momentum. NGX Insurance Index led sectoral gains, soaring by 7.87%, fueled by over 20% increases in UNIVERSAL INSURANCE PLC, PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC, and SUNU ASSURANCES NIGERIA PLC. The NGX Consumer Index climbed by 3.13%, supported by an impressive 26% surge in PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. The NGX Banking Index registered a modest rise of 1.97%, while the NGX Industrial Goods Index increased by 0.09%. Conversely, the NGX Oil and Gas Index bucked the bullish trend, declining by 0.12%. Leading the pack of gainers, IKEJA HOTEL PLC surged by 32.79%, followed by MULTIVERSE MINING AND EXPLORATION PLC, which rose by 32.61%. Other notable gainers included: PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC: up 26.09% to N29.00 UNIVERSAL INSURANCE PLC: up 25.00% to N0.55 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC: up 24.66% to N0.91 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC: up 23.46% to N1.00 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC: up 21.00% to N217.80 SKYWAY AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC: up 20.75% to N33.75 JOHN HOLT PLC: up 20.58% to N7.09 SUNU ASSURANCES NIGERIA PLC: up 20.03% to N8.99 On the losing side, THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC led the decline, falling by 10.00%, followed by ARADEL HOLDINGS PLC and AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC, which fell by 9.64% and 9.29%. Other significant decliners included: DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC: down 6.45% to N0.58 NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC: down 5.00% to N1.90 LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC: down 4.88% to N3.90 HALDANE MCCALL PLC: down 4.40% to N4.78 NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC: down 4.32% to N31.00 ETERNA PLC: down 3.23% to N28.50 OANDO PLC: down 3.09% to N67.35 This week, several corporate developments captured investor attention: Transnational Corporation Plc announced a proposed mandatory tender offer, signaling strategic moves to consolidate its holdings. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc revealed plans to expand regionally with the establishment of Julius Berger operations in Benin Republic. MTN Nigeria Communications Plc unveiled its intent to issue up to N50 billion in Series 15 and 16 Commercial Paper Notes. Vitafoam Nigeria Plc released its audited financial statement for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, showcasing its latest performance metrics. MTN Nigeria Communications Plc also disclosed the renewal of its spectrum lease agreement with Ntel. Access Holdings Plc made headlines with its Rights Issue allotment announcement, providing updates on its equity expansion efforts. Tantalizers Plc ventured into the blue economy, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire a fish trawling company, marking its diversification into a new sector. These announcements underscore key strategic initiatives across various sectors, showcasing the dynamism of the Nigerian corporate landscape. The All-Share Index continues to ride a wave of bullish momentum, surpassing the 102,000 milestone and setting its sights on the 104,000 level. If the recent rally above 102,000 is not viewed by investors as overbought, the index has the potential to advance further, testing the 103,000 and eventually the 104,000 thresholds. This upward trajectory is expected to be fueled by consistent daily gains in mid- and large-cap stocks, reflecting sustained investor optimism.

(BPT) - This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement and posture that begins in early childhood development. It is the most common cause of motor disability in children, affecting about one in 345 children in the United States. 1-2 It may happen as a result of lack of oxygen during or around birth, stroke, infection, a problem with metabolism or other problems that cause injury or affect the development of parts of the brain involved in movement control in the first few years of life. 3 CP is a permanent condition, affecting a person for their entire life. People living with CP typically have motor problems, which may include spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness), dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements) or ataxia (poor muscle control), and many people have a mix of these motor disorders. 4 Dyskinesia due to CP (DCP) is one of the most disabling forms of CP and impacts approximately 10% to 20% of people living with CP. 5-6 According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), the combination of irregular and unpredictable movements (chorea) and twisting and repeating movements (dystonia) often disrupt activities and cause significant functional impairment, including the ability to maintain balance, walk or fine motor control. 7 Heather Riordan, M.D., Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist, Director of the Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, discusses the symptoms of chorea and impact on patients in a video shared on the CPF website here . About 30% of people with DCP are affected mostly by these involuntary and irregular movements (chorea), while dystonia is the predominant motor finding in the remaining 70%. 8 However, it is common for both chorea and dystonia movements to be present together. 6 For people living with DCP, these movements can occur in any region of the body, including the arms and legs, torso and face and may vary in severity. They are often triggered or made worse by stimulation or stress. Because dyskinesia can occur at rest and/or when actively using the body, the problems with movement are very burdensome in day-to-day living, with discomfort and pain affecting the quality of life for people and their caregivers. 9 Jen Lyman, mom to a son with DCP, highlights how dyskinesia makes communicating more difficult. "The most difficult thing about dyskinesia is watching my son struggle to do things that he wants to do, but the extra movements get in the way...special things, such as using a touch screen to video chat with his grandmother, are nearly impossible despite his best efforts to use his hands and fingers. Something so simple, yet so special for him should be effortless." DCP has a wide-ranging impact on the individual, including lifelong challenges with movement, a higher risk of other medical issues, a higher rate of mental health challenges and difficulties with communication. 10-12 "Those of us who have the privilege to serve patients with dyskinetic, hyperkinetic or mixed cerebral palsy see the functional impact of this very challenging type of tone every day," said Susan Biffl, M.D., Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and Assistant Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "Patients face challenges with self-care, independence, mobility, communication, fine motor skills that affect occupational and recreational activities, swallowing, social interactions and even sleep. As this tone is variable, it is much more challenging to treat than more consistent tone issues, such as spasticity." Treatment Options There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for DCP. Dystonia and chorea are often managed separately as they respond differently to various treatments, which can make treatment challenging. 3 Most drugs being investigated for DCP have focused on dystonia, and more research is needed to determine potential treatments for chorea. New treatment options are needed to help manage these movement disorders and improve daily function and quality of life for those affected. "After 20 years of caring for individuals with cerebral palsy, I continue to find those with dyskinetic cerebral palsy among the most challenging to treat, largely due to the limited effectiveness of available pharmacologic options," said Joyce Oleszek, M.D., Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine. "There is an urgent need for more robust evidence to support pharmacologic treatments for this condition, given its profound impact on function, comfort and quality of life." Ongoing Research Clinical studies are important in the development of treatment options, allowing researchers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medicines. The data from clinical studies are used to determine if an investigational treatment can be approved for use to treat certain disorders. There are ongoing clinical studies evaluating potential treatments for DCP, including one for chorea. Neurocrine Biosciences is conducting the KINECT ® -DCP clinical study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study investigating the study drug, valbenazine, for the treatment of DCP. The clinical study is currently enrolling children, adolescents and adults six to 70 years of age who have been diagnosed with DCP. "The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is excited to partner with Neurocrine Biosciences on this study," said Rachel Byrne, Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. "We are proud to support strong research that can potentially bring meaningful change to the lives of those living with cerebral palsy." If you or someone you know may be eligible for this research study, please visit the study website for additional information here: FindADCPStudy.com . REFERENCES © 2024 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAP-NBI-US-0115 12/2024 NBI-98854-DCP3018_11DecMatRelease_v1.0_25November2024

Questioning the decisions of professionals is a time-honored tradition of sports fans and automotive enthusiasts alike. Professional athletes train their entire lives, honing physiques, sharpening minds, studying every aspect of their chosen game, only to have thousands of fans spilling beverages while scrutinizing every move and shouting suggested improvements. While automotive enthusiasts aren't as vocal, we suffer the same angst and spill the occasional beverage when discussing the state of automobiles for which we've developed a passion. One area in particular that gets our blood boiling is news that a beloved model is getting the axe just because some corporate bean counter (no offense intended to those tasked with the counting of beans) placed more beans in the "cons" column than they did in the "pros." We won't include the Nissan MID4 among our lost loves since it was discontinued before it even rolled off the factory floor , but the recently announced discontinuance of the Nissan GT-R has already left a hole in some of our hearts. In addition to the GT-R, the Nissan Titan XD is among the top brand cars and trucks being discontinued in 2025 that we wish would stick around. Other Nissan models we wish were still available include the Xterra, Juke, and Murano CrossCabriolet. If you hurry, you might be able to snag a new Nissan GT-R, but with the beloved model's slated demise following a limited 2025 production run, your opportunity to be the first owner of one of Nissan's most iconic sports cars is slipping away, at least for a while. The suggested prices of the 2024 Nissan GT-R range from $121,090 for the Premium AWD version to $221,090 for the AWD Nismo. Intermediate models include the Skyline Edition and T-spec AWD. In all, these model names are reminiscent of some of the best special edition Nissan GT-Rs ever made . The top-spec 2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo AWD features a specially-tuned 600-horsepower twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6. The Nismo V6 produces 481 pound-feet of torque and gets an estimated 22 mpg on the highway using premium unleaded gas. Power transmits to all four tires through a six-speed auto-shift manual transmission and limited-slip differential system. The final GT-R features independent double wishbone suspension up front and independent multi-link rear suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. The rack-and-pinion steering mechanism features hydraulic power-assist and speed-sensitive operation. The Titan is another discontinued model you might still find on a dealer lot if you hurry. While the Cummins diesel-powered Nissan Titan XD , discontinued following the 2019 model year, was never particularly well-suited to compete in the heavy-duty pickup truck segment it was often associated with, it served a noble purpose nonetheless. It was the worst truck, the truck that other trucks aspired to be better than. With the Titan XD's absence, other automakers could let their trucks slip into the lowest position and begin to feel comfortable there. The loss of diesel-powered half-ton trucks, and entire V8-engine lineups, are the slippery-slope that the Nissan Titan XD once held firm. While rumors of the Nissan Titan making a comeback in 2025 appear false, the gas-powered 2024 Titan XD is likely still available, although it's also being discontinued. The 2024 Titan XD featured a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 with 413 lb-ft of torque. Its drivetrain consisted of a nine-speed automatic transmission, a two-speed switch-operated transfer case, and Nissan's standard four-wheel drive while the Titan XD PRO-4X trim came with an electronic locking rear differential. However, we wish the 5.0 Cummins diesel-powered Nissan Titan XD was still available. We'll admit that if you peruse the pages of SlashGear you'll find the Nissan Xterra listed among the used Nissan models you should steer clear of at all costs . But that was the 2005 model year that kicked off the Xterra's second generation. Of course, we'd like to see a host of improvements associated with the return of the Xterra, but hopefully with enough of its rugged charm to compete with other off-road-oriented SUVs dominating the market today. Early versions of the Xterra included the XE and SE trims. Engine offerings were divided between a 2.4L inline four-cylinder and a 3.3L V6. We'd expect a returning Nissan Xterra to share drivetrain specs with the ongoing midsize Nissan Frontier pickup truck. For 2024, the Frontier featured a 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 delivering up to 281 lb-ft of torque, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a two-speed transfer case on 4x4 models. Hopefully, if it returns, the Xterra doesn't devolve into another soccer-team-transport vehicle best suited to traversing mall parking lots. It would be nice to see an Xterra equipped to compete with the likes of the Ford Bronco Raptor, or Wildtrak . The Nissan Juke, with its quirky front turn signals perched atop its fenders like raised eyebrows, didn't present a face everyone loved. Nissan introduced the Juke, a compact crossover, in 2010. Inspired by the Qazana concept vehicle that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show the year prior, the innovative Juke featured torque-vectoring technology, the first for a compact car. In the early model Jukes, it was common to find a naturally aspirated 188-horsepower 1.6-liter engine under the hood. However, before the Juke was discontinued in the U.S . and replaced by the Nissan Kicks following the 2017 model year, Nissan changed up the Juke's engine lineup. Starting in 2014, Nissan began offering the Juke with a smaller 1.2-liter DIG-T 115 (Direct Injection Gasoline-Turbo offering 115 ps, or 113 horsepower) and a revised 188-horsepower DIG-T 190 engine for the Juke Nismo with 177 lb-ft of torque. Of course the Nismo RS sits on top of our Nissan Juke wishlist. It not only featured race-inspired seats, an aerodynamic body kit, and Nismo-tuned suspension components, its engine produced 215 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Up to this point, our wish list for returning Nissan models has included a sports car, a diesel pickup, a rugged off-road vehicle, and a quirky yet sporty compact SUV. For our final wish, provided we can find a genie that grants five wishes, we'd like to see an updated version of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Sure, maybe the Murano CrossCabriolet, arguably one of the weirdest SUVs ever made , was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2011 as a convertible SUV with soft suspension and odd steering. And its low sales volume suggests that the SUV-buying public didn't warm up to its uniqueness by the time Nissan pulled the plug on it after the 2014 model year. But the world has changed in the 11 years since its departure. The basic Nissan Murano, now in its fourth generation, has proved quite popular with U.S. SUV buyers, although it flopped in other parts of the world. Given the Nissan Murano's staying power and the popularity of convertible SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, the CrossCabriolet is sure to find some buyers given the proper treatment and an affordable suggested price from Nissan.

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Lockheed Reaches Understanding With F-35 Program Office For Next 2 Lots Of LightningsContinuing unemployment benefit applications are now at their highest in more than three years. Data released Thursday (Dec. 26) by the U.S. Labor Department showed these applications — typically seen as a stand-in for the number of people getting benefits — climbing to 1.91 million for the week ending Dec. 14. The data also showed initial claims — a proxy for the number of people being laid off — were down somewhat, 219,000 for the week ending Dec. 21. “The low level of initial jobless claims this year reflects the low take-up rate of unemployment benefits — due to ineligibility for some persons, and a lack of incentives to apply among those who are eligible,” said Eliza Winger , Bloomberg economist. “The surge of continuing jobless claims, with laid-off workers facing longer stretches of unemployment, shows the labor market slowing.” The new data comes days after the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index showed consumer confidence falling in December, with a growing number of Americans expressing concerns about politics and tariffs . The index dropped by 8.1 points to 104.7, a move that reversed a November rebound in consumer confidence and brought the index back to the middle of the range it has been in for the past two years. The December results showed a 1.2-point decline in the Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, and a 12.6-point dip in the Expectations Index, which tracks consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions. “While weaker consumer assessments of the present situation and expectations contributed to the decline, the expectations component saw the sharpest drop,” Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board, said in a news release. “Consumer views of current labor market conditions continued to improve, consistent with recent jobs and unemployment data, but their assessment of business conditions weakened.” An increasing share of consumers said their views on the economy were being impacted by tariffs and the outcome of November’s election , with 46% of consumers saying tariffs will raise the cost of living, while 21% expect tariffs to create jobs. The index came days after the release of the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers for December, showing that consumer sentiment rose 3.1% in December and reached its highest point since April.

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In the midst of a world filled with turmoil and suffering, the image of a Syrian prisoner running and laughing reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope. It is a testament to the fact that, no matter what challenges we may face, there is always the possibility of finding moments of joy and light in the darkness.

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Apple Seed Oil Market Trend To Eyewitness Huge Growth $6.9 Billion By 2032Bitcoin Depot Continues Mission of Bringing Bitcoin to the Masses as Bitcoin Surges Past All-Time High of $100,000BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A top Romanian court on Friday annulled the first round of the country's presidential election, days after allegations emerged that Russia ran a coordinated online campaign to promote the far-right outsider who won the first round. The Constitutional Court’s unprecedented decision — which is final — came after President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence on Wednesday that alleged Russia organized thousands of social media accounts to promote Calin Georgescu across platforms such as TikTok and Telegram. The court, without naming Georgescu, said that one of the 13 candidates in the Nov. 24 first round had improperly received “preferential treatment” on social media, distorting the outcome of the vote. Georgescu denounced the verdict as an “officialized coup” and an attack on democracy, as did the second-place finisher, reformist Elena Lasconi of the center-right Save Romania Union party. Despite being an outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner who was to face Lasconi in a runoff on Sunday. Some 951 voting stations had already opened abroad on Friday for the runoff for Romania’s large diaspora, but had to be halted. Iohannis said he would remain in office until a new presidential election could be rerun from scratch. On Dec. 1, one week after the first round of the presidential race, Romania also held a parliamentary election , which saw pro-Western parties win the most votes but also gains for far-right nationalists. Iohannis said that once the new government is formed, the date of the new presidential vote would be set. On Wednesday the president had released intelligence files from the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the Special Telecommunication Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In a televised statement Friday, Iohannis said he was “deeply concerned” by the contents of the intelligence reports. “Intelligence reports revealed that this candidate’s campaign was supported by a foreign state with interests contrary to Romania’s. These are serious issues," he said. The Constitutional Court in its published decision cited the illegal use of digital technologies including artificial intelligence, as well as the use of “undeclared sources of funding.” It said one candidate received “preferential treatment on social media platforms, which resulted in the distortion of voters’ expressed will." Georgescu slammed the verdict as putting “democracy is under attack.” “I have only one pact ... with the Romanian people and God,” he said in a video statement. “We are no longer talking about fairness but rather about a mockery that betrays the principles of democracy ... It is time to show that we are a courageous people who know that the destiny and rights of the Romanian nation are in our hands.” Lasconi also strongly condemned the court's decision, saying it was “illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of democracy" and that the second round should have gone forward. “Whether we like it or not, from a legal and legitimate standpoint, 9 million Romanian citizens, both in the country and the diaspora, expressed their preference for a particular candidate through their votes," she said. “I know I would have won. And I will win because the Romanian people know I will fight for them, that I will unite them for a better Romania,” she added. Some 9.4 million people — about 52.5% of eligible voters — had cast ballots in the first round in this European Union and NATO member country. The president serves a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in national security, foreign policy and judicial appointments. Most surveys had predicted the top candidate would be Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the ruling center-left Social Democrats. They indicated that second place would be claimed by either Lasconi or the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, George Simion. As the surprising results came in with Georgescu on top, and Lasconi narrowly beating Ciolacu, it plunged the political establishment into turmoil. The same court last week ordered a recount of the first-round votes, which added to the myriad controversies that have engulfed a chaotic election cycle. Following a recount, the court then validated the first-round results on Monday. Many observers have expressed concerns that annulling the vote could trigger civil unrest. The court said Friday that its decision was meant “to restore citizens’ trust in the democratic legitimacy of public authorities, in the legality and fairness of elections.” Simion, of the far-right party, said the development was a “coup d’état in full swing” but urged people not to take to the streets. “We don’t let ourselves be provoked, this system has to fall democratically,” he said. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said the court's decision amounts to a “crisis mode situation for Romanian democracy.” “In light of the information about the external interference, the massive interference in elections, I think this was not normal but predictable, because it’s not normal times at all, Romania is an uncharted territory,” he told The Associated Press. “The problem is here, do we have the institutions to manage such an interference in the future?” Georgescu’s surprising success left many political observers wondering how most local surveys were so far off, putting him behind at least five other candidates before the vote. Many observers attributed his success to his TikTok account, which now has 6 million likes and 541,000 followers. But some experts suspected Georgescu’s online following was artificially inflated while Romania’s top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates. In the intelligence release, the secret services alleged that one TikTok user paid more $381,000 (361,000 euros) to other users to promote Georgescu content. Intelligence authorities said information they obtained “revealed an aggressive promotion campaign” to increase and accelerate his popularity. Georgescu, when asked by the AP in an interview Wednesday whether he believes the Chinese-owned TikTok poses a threat to democracy, defended social media platforms. “The most important existing function for promoting free speech and freedom of expression is social media,” he said.WASHINGTON — The brazen shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has prompted an outpouring of dark online humor from health insurance industry haters. Many commenters online have responded to the news of his death with variations of the phrase “thoughts and prayers are out of network,” a reference to the language insurers often use when refusing to reimburse patients for their health care costs. The motives of Thompson’s killer remain unknown, but police said shell casings discovered at the scene had been inscribed with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” possibly a reference to health insurance industry practices. A manhunt is underway. In response to photos of the suspect seeking tips, commenters on used insurance jargon to explain why they couldn’t help. “My regular insurance doesn’t cover vision so I can’t really see,” one poster wrote. “We need prior authorization first,” wrote another. Some prominent voices on the left, such as journalist , suggested the morbid comments were a legitimate outpouring of discontent in response to the health insurance industry’s attempts to ration health care for millions of people. Others condemned the killing, but said the industry has escaped criticism that it deserves. “Shooting the UnitedHealthcare CEO is a terrible thing to do. It’s deeply immoral and solves nothing,” Cenk Uygur, a host on The Young Turks, Thursday. “At the same time, 76,000 Americans die every year because of the health insurance industry. I also mourn for them. And I don’t see any press coverage or concern for their deaths.” Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), the first public official to chime in, noted that UnitedHealthcare, which is based in his district, merely follows the laws written by Congress. “Like other insurers, they play by rules allowing the industry to net >$100 billion/year while patients go bankrupt from medical debt,” Phillips . “The real culprit is Congress and money in politics, and it’s time for change.” Onetime Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang tried to remind gleeful followers that political violence is bad. “Guys, defending or justifying shooting a man in the street is a path to hell,” he . “Don’t do it.” Thompson’s death also inspired people to share their own horror stories of having coverage denied, either for , for family members or for . Though a vast majority of insured adults said their coverage was “excellent” or “good” in a last year, 58% said they’d had a problem with their policy in the prior 12 months, such as denied claims, provider network problems or trouble with prior authorization. Of those who had problems, half couldn’t get the matter resolved, with 17% saying they’d missed out on care as a result and 15% saying their health declined. There’s no official repository of information on how often insurers deny health claims. ProPublica that limited government data suggest 10% to 20% of claims are denied, but those numbers are aggregates that don’t account for differences between insurers or plans. Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb, an assistant professor at CUNY Graduate School of Public Health in New York City, offered a few reasons why people may feel justified using social media to convey “ ” over the killing of an insurance executive. For starters, she said, so many people in this country share the experience of an insurance company denying their health care coverage. That camaraderie stands in sharp contrast to the relatively small number of people who have ever personally known an insurance executive. “People identify with their own emotive experience,” said Piltch-Loeb. “There is a level of ‘othering’ that is naturally occurring when we’re thinking about the murder of somebody, in contrast to this experience that many people have had.” Beyond that, people tend to want to place blame on something or someone to make sense of a bad experience, she said, rather than try to address systematic reasons for why it happened. She gave the example of people’s very different reactions to a naturally occurring hazard, like a tornado, versus an act of terrorism. “In the case of the health insurance industry, that blame is frankly being placed ... on an insurance executive, to the point where it is seemingly justifying his murder,” said Piltch-Loeb. There’s the added dimension of people feeling justified saying whatever they want online, thanks to their anonymity and freedom of speech. People have experienced so much negative rhetoric on social media, and so often, that our society has accepted this as a normal way to talk to each other on the internet, Piltch-Loeb said. “I would have a hard time believing that these same people offline are going to be saying, ‘Oh I’m so glad that guy was murdered,’” she said. Other observers suggested there’s a bigger problem going on here: the normalization of violence. Laura Lyster-Mensh is a death doula at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. She helps people navigate their health insurance and finances to cover the high costs that come with death, like hospital care and funerals. “I’m very concerned about the cruelty and depersonalization,” Lyster-Mensh said, noting she’s seen people posting laughing emojis on social media when talking about Thompson’s death. “The health care system is a problem. The insurance system is a problem,” she said. “If their response is to normalize and to laugh, that’s not advocacy. That’s not trying to make the world better. That’s just a mob.” Related...

Put politics aside and act on online harms, mother of sextortion victim tells MPsLumina Gold Announces US$6.0 Million Wheaton Precious DrawWASHINGTON — Austin Tice’s entire family visited Washington this week in a show of force to the outgoing Biden administration, asserting they have fresh, reliable information that he is alive and pressing top White House and State Department officials to leverage dramatic changes on the battlefield in Syria to secure a breakthrough in the case of the missing journalist. Tice’s parents, Debra and Marc Tice, have frequently visited the capital to advocate for their son, who went missing as a freelance journalist covering Syria’s civil war in 2012. But this visit was the first of its kind from the entire Tice family since he first disappeared over 12 years ago. Little progress has been made on Tice’s case over those years, spanning three presidents and a transformed Middle East. But a resurgence in Syria’s war over the past month after years of frozen frontlines has created new opportunities and perils for the American, a former U.S. Marine and Texas native. “Today is a day full of emotions. The news that we’re hearing from the Middle East – that kind of thing can unsettle a mom,” Debra Tice told reporters at a press conference at the National Press Club on Friday. “There are all kinds of ways this can go.” She told reporters that the family had a new source telling them that Austin Tice remains alive and healthy. The family is working to be able to share more information with the public, she said. “We have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government that Austin Tice is alive – Austin Tice is treated well,” Debra Tice said. Debra and Marc Tice both said the Biden administration is declining to make the new information public. U.S. officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the family’s statement. Syria erupted in civil war in 2011 following a brutal crackdown on democratic protesters by the Assad government. Tice traveled to the country to cover the conflict the following year for McClatchy, The Washington Post and other publications. U.S. officials believe he was detained at a Syrian government checkpoint southwest of Damascus on Aug. 14, 2012. A video emerged six weeks after his disappearance purporting to show him in captivity. With assistance from Russia and Iran, the Assad regime was able to push back an array of opposition forces that increasingly fractured throughout the war. The rise of Islamic State in the country also led to an international military offensive in northern Syria that culminated in 2017. Ever since, Assad’s hold on power has appeared stable. But a surprise offensive launched by a united front of rebel forces last month has put Assad’s army on the run for the first time in years. In a span of mere weeks, the Syrian army has retreated from Aleppo, Hama and Homs, cities where Assad spent years fighting to regain control. The offensive is being led by Tahrir al-Sham, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. It is not immediately clear how the resurgence of military action in Syria might affect negotiations over Tice. But U.S. officials are watching the developments closely to monitor for any new opportunities to engage on his case, an official told McClatchy. Tice’s family met with State Department officials on Thursday and with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Friday, a White House official confirmed in a statement. “President Biden and his team have worked around the clock, often in partnership with key allies, to negotiate for the release of Americans held hostage or unjustly detained abroad so that they can be reunited with their families, and the administration will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the term,” the official said. Speaking to the press on Friday, Austin Tice’s father, Marc, said that Sullivan told the family the administration had done everything it could think of to reach a breakthrough in his case. But his family believes the government has exerted more effort to secure the release of wrongfully detained Americans in Russia, Venezuela, Iran and Gaza than they have for their son. Similarly, at the State Department meeting, “there were complaints and finger pointing about who is preventing things from happening, and who’s responsible for doing what,” Marc Tice said. “We think this is a time of opportunity, actually, and there’s no time like now to start doing the right thing.” Last month, as Syrian regime lines were collapsing before the rebel advance, the White House said that Assad’s refusal to participate in a political process with the opposition, and his reliance on Russia and Iran, had “created the conditions now unfolding, including the collapse of Assad regime lines in northwest Syria.” “The United States, together with its partners and allies, urge de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and a serious and credible political process that can end this civil war once and for all with a political settlement,” Sean Savett, spokesperson for the National Security Council, said in a statement. “We will also continue to fully defend and protect U.S. personnel and U.S. military positions, which remain essential to ensuring that ISIS can never again resurge in Syria.” Debra Tice was skeptical of the policy, questioning why the administration would support the rebel advance on Assad forces. Biden officials have made clear they are not a part of the offensive. “I don’t really understand what’s happening in Syria,” she said. “I’m upset by the fact that terrorists are tearing up Aleppo, killing people in Aleppo. I don’t understand that. I don’t understand why our government isn’t running in saying we are not going to allow a terrorist entity to take over Syria.” “There are people feeling like it’s possible this could be Austin’s release. I certainly pray that that’s it,” she added.” Long-stalled talks In August, marking 12 years since Tice’s disappearance, President Joe Biden issued a statement that his administration had “repeatedly pressed the government of Syria to work with us so that we can, at last, bring Austin home.” “The freedom of the press is essential, and journalists like Austin play a critical role informing the public and holding those in power accountable,” Biden said. “We stand in solidarity with Austin, his family, and all Americans wrongfully detained and held hostage abroad. I will continue to do everything possible to advocate for and pursue his release and support his loved ones until he is safely returned home.” In 2022, Biden met with Tice’s parents at the White House and vowed to engage the Syrians directly over Tice. In a statement at that time, the president expressed “certainty” that Assad had held him in Syrian custody, without specifying when, where or in what condition. During the Obama administration, the CIA obtained Syrian government records indicating Tice had at one point been processed through the Syrian court system. Biden’s team had been hopeful the following year that quiet talks with Damascus could produce a breakthrough. But Hamas’ attack on Israel, and the war that followed in Gaza and Lebanon, disrupted the discussions. Officials in the first Trump administration also attempted to directly engage with the Syrians to secure Tice’s release, traveling to Damascus in an effort to do so. But Assad aides refused to acknowledge Tice’s case during that meeting, insisting the U.S. government renew its recognition of Assad as the leader of Syria – and a full withdrawal of U.S. troops in the country there to combat Islamic State – before even uttering his name, U.S. officials told McClatchy. In August, marking the anniversary, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Tice had been held in “unknown conditions” and issued a plea to Syria to open an honest dialogue on his case. “For more than a quarter of his life, Austin has been separated from his family and kept in unknown conditions,” Blinken said. “We know the Syrian government has held Austin, and we have repeatedly offered to find a way to bring him home.” “This has gone on for far too long,” Blinken added. “We call on the Syrian government to work with the United States to end Austin’s captivity.” U.S. officials told McClatchy this week that the government’s knowledge of Tice’s condition and whereabouts remain unchanged. ©2024 McClatchy Washington Bureau. Visit mcclatchydc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Donald Bitzer, a Collinsville native whose invention of the plasma screen in the 1960s made possible the ultra-thin TVs used today, died at his home in Cary, North Carolina, on Tuesday at the age of 90. Bitzer’s career contributions earned him a litany of honors, including an Emmy Award in 2002 for the groundbreaking screen he helped develop decades earlier. “Right up until the very end, he was working on problems,” his son, David, said. “He never retired.” Bitzer was born in East St. Louis but grew up in Collinsville, graduating Collinsville High as salutatorian, according to a transcript of a 2022 interview by the Computer History Museum. Bitzer's family owned car dealerships there, he said, but he was more interested in engineering, science and math. Bitzer led the Computer Based Education Research Laboratory at his alma mater, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, until 1989, when he accepted a distinguished computer science research position at North Carolina State. Landing an academic of Bitzer’s stature was a notable hire for the Raleigh university; his role was established with special funding from the North Carolina General Assembly. “He brings us national exposure,” the head of N.C. State’s computer systems lab said at the time. “Almost everyone has heard of his work in computer-aided instruction and instructional programs.” In 1960, Bitzer introduced the world’s first electronic learning system, called PLATO (short for Program Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations). This interactive terminal accelerated student learning through its touchscreen technology and graphics. It later became popular with early video game players. To make PLATO more visually appealing, Bitzer in 1964 co-created a small-panel display with fellow University of Illinois professor Gene Slottow and graduate student Robert Willson containing sheet glass, gold electrodes, and neon gas. They energized the gas to put it in a plasma state. Ultraviolet light from the plasma then activated phosphors on the monitor, resulting in a more vibrant presentation than the then-standard cathode ray tube displays provided. Their screen technology was eventually applied in a range of industries, including the military and entertainment. With the advent of high-definition television and DVD players in the 1990s, plasma screens became household staples. Within a few years, Bitzer and his co-inventors received a Scientific and Technological Emmy Award for their contribution to television. Bitzer was also an inductee to the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame. In 1974, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Colleagues described Bitzer as markedly intelligent and cooperative. “Well, I’d call him brilliant,” N.C. State computer science professor David McAllister said in 2002. “He’s been very good for the department because he likes to work in teams. He likes to help students and faculty, and he’s always ready to tell you funny stories.” Bitzer was one of the top paid N.C. State faculty members, earning $173,000 in the mid-2000s. He continued to teach courses into the 21st century, even though his position didn’t require him to. As a studied magician, he would incorporate tricks into lectures. Bitzer married his Collinsville High School sweetheart, Maryann. They traveled the world together, bringing along their only child, David, as Bitzer gave talks in places like India and the Soviet Union. The couple had three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Maryann died in 2022. That year, Bitzer gave an extensive oral history interview to the Computer History Museum , during which he described his travels, inventions and passions. “He would always have a story,” David said. One other thing Bitzer had by the end of his life, his son noted, was a flat-screen TV. News & Observer reporter Dan Kane contributed reporting.

TORONTO, ONT – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products , a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said Monday. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders with the United States. He said on social media last week that he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. Recommended Videos Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, attended a dinner with Trump and Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Friday. Trudeau requested the meeting in a bid to avoid the tariffs by convincing Trump that the northern border is nothing like the U.S. southern border with Mexico . "The prime minister of course spoke about the importance of protecting the Canadian economy and Canadian workers from tariffs, but we also discussed with our American friends the negative impact that those tariffs could have on their economy, on affordability in the United States as well," LeBlanc said in Parliament. If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said last week that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on the threat. After his dinner with Trump, Trudeau returned home without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. “The idea that we came back empty handed is completely false,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very productive discussion with Mr. Trump and his future Cabinet secretaries. ... The commitment from Mr. Trump to continue to work with us was far from empty handed.” Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice to be his national security adviser. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.” Hillman, who sat at an adjacent table to Trudeau and Trump, said Canada is not the problem when it comes to drugs and migrants. On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments. “Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. She said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.” Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security.

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