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casino slots with free coins ROBINHOOD Markets will expand into Asia next year, tapping Singapore as its local base in the region, chief executive officer Vlad Tenev said. “We plan to be serving customers across Asia soon,” Tenev said on Wednesday (Dec 4) at the firm’s investor day in New York. The expansion comes on the heels of the Menlo Park, California-based company entering the UK this year, offering some though not all of its trademark services to those customers. In the past year, Robinhood has been seeking to expand in international markets, as the financial technology giant hunts for growth beyond its home market where trading activity has waned following a pandemic-induced boom. Looking ahead, Robinhood “has approval to expand its product offering in the UK and announced plans to open an Apac office in Singapore and acquire brokerage licenses in the region”, Citigroup analyst Christopher Allen wrote in a note. Robinhood’s foray into Asia comes at a time when competitors such as China’s Tiger Brokers and Futu Holdings are expanding internationally, as they continue to shift away from their home market after a regulatory crackdown. That could intensify competition in the industry, which is already struggling with rising costs. Singapore has emerged as a market of choice for these online brokerages thanks to its status as a global wealth hub, as well as its stable rule of law and an efficient government. Tenev also said the retail brokerage will expand its contracts offerings linked to specific events – potentially even to sports competitions – building on the firm’s success with those tied to this year’s US presidential race. Robinhood shares climbed 3.5 per cent in New York on Wednesday. They have more than tripled this year. BLOOMBERGNoneResidents in Delhi took a sigh of relief on Thursday as the air quality index in the national capital improved to 'moderate' category after the city faced persistent air pollution since last one month. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in Delhi was 161, categorised as 'moderate' as of 8 am, according to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, a thin layer smog engulfed the city as the winter has set in. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi has recorded a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius today with mist in the air. As per the data of the CPCB, the AQI at Anand Vihar stands at 178 as of 8 am, 194 at ChandChowk, 130 at ITO, 152 at Wazirpur, 147 at Okhla Phase 2, 145 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 164 at Patparganj, 107 at Aya Nagar, 128 at Lodhi Road, 162 at IGI Airport (T3) and 152 at Punjabi Bagh. However, areas such as RK Puram recorded an AQI of 204, Mundka 222, Shadipur 249, Nehru Nagar 247 and Jahangirpuri 206, categorised as 'poor'. 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Visuals from Kartavya Path shows that a significant number of residents jog and walk in the area after decrease in the level of pollution. Delhi's AQI was reeling in 'very severe', 'severe', 'very poor' and 'poor' categories post Diwali. Residents in the region complained of breathing difficulties and several other medical problems. Increasing AQI in the city led to the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures to curb air pollution. Stage IV enforces a ban on the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except for essential services. The national capital Delhi is witnessing a dip in temperature as the minimum temperature recorded on Thursday at 5.30 am was 9 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, air quality in Agra city was recorded in 'satisfactory' category this morning, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Visuals from the city shows golden hue complimenting the iconic monument Taj Mahal. Earlier on Wednesday, the temperature fell by almost 1.5 degrees in the last 24 hours due to cold north-westerly winds that drive down temperatures and signal the start of winter. On November 29 and 30, the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded as 11 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department has (IMD) predicted a temperature drop till 9 degrees Celsius in the next 5 days. Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court said 'no' to relaxing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures to curb air pollution in Delhi and it will hear the parties on this aspect on the next date of hearing. A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih also noted that none of the NCR states--Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh --complied with its direction to pay compensation to construction workers and directed the Chief Secretaries of these states to be present on next date virtually. The top court said that when it summons top officials then only the ball starts rolling. The top court also clarified that it will permit relaxations only after observing a downward trend and said that it will hear the parties on Thursday on the aspects of modification of the applicability of GRAP IV. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

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Palantir Technologies Inc. ( NYSE:PLTR – Get Free Report ) insider Alexander C. Karp sold 1,007,496 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.96, for a total value of $64,439,444.16. Following the sale, the insider now owns 6,432,258 shares in the company, valued at approximately $411,407,221.68. This trade represents a 13.54 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Palantir Technologies Trading Down 1.2 % Shares of PLTR stock opened at $61.36 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $139.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 306.79 and a beta of 2.70. Palantir Technologies Inc. has a 12-month low of $15.66 and a 12-month high of $66.00. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $45.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of $33.04. Palantir Technologies ( NYSE:PLTR – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.09 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $725.52 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $705.11 million. Palantir Technologies had a return on equity of 9.94% and a net margin of 18.01%. The company’s revenue was up 30.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.03 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Palantir Technologies Inc. will post 0.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PLTR Institutional Trading of Palantir Technologies Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Summit Securities Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Palantir Technologies during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Palantir Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Palantir Technologies during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 747.1% in the third quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 737 shares of the company’s stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 650 shares during the period. Finally, University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Palantir Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 45.65% of the company’s stock. Palantir Technologies Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Palantir Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Palantir Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case and was written by D. John Sauer, Trump’s choice for solicitor general. The argument submitted to the court is the latest example of Trump inserting himself in national issues before he takes office. The Republican president-elect has already begun negotiating with other countries over his plans to impose tariffs, and he intervened earlier this month in a plan to fund the federal government, calling for a bipartisan plan to be rejected and sending Republicans back to the negotiating table. He has been holding meetings with foreign leaders and business officials at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida while he assembles his administration, including a meeting last week with TikTok CEO Shou Chew. Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined the TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He said earlier this year that he still believed there were national security risks with TikTok, but that he opposed banning it. The filings Friday come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The law was was signed by President Joe Biden in April after it passed Congress with broad bipartisan support. TikTok and ByteDance filed a legal challenge afterwards. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” In their brief to the Supreme Court on Friday, attorneys for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance argued the federal appeals court erred in its ruling and based its decision on “alleged ‘risks’ that China could exercise control” over TikTok’s U.S. platform by pressuring its foreign affiliates. The Biden administration has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread or suppress information. But the government “concedes that it has no evidence China has ever attempted to do so,” TikTok’s legal filing said, adding that the U.S. fears are predicated on future risks. In its filing Friday, the Biden administration said because TikTok “is integrated with ByteDance and relies on its propriety engine developed and maintained in China,” its corporate structure carries with it risk.

 

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Eagles receivers Smith and Brown complain about vanishing pass offense during winning streakSinger Khalid come out as gay after being 'outed' on social mediaAs the 2024 elections draw near, residents of the Sagnarigu District in the Northern Region have made their concerns known, urging parliamentary candidates to present concrete, actionable plans for the region’s development. A dialogue session organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) served as a platform for constituents to voice their pressing concerns across various sectors, seeking detailed responses from the candidates regarding their vision for the district. Economic challenges have taken center stage in the district, with micro-businesses collapsing and livelihoods being severely affected. Constituents called on candidates to outline strategies to revive small businesses and create sustainable economic opportunities. There was a strong demand for innovative policies that would support the growth of the local economy and ensure the viability of economic sub-sectors. Agriculture, a key source of livelihood in the region, has been underperforming. Residents voiced concerns about the loss of farmland to urbanization and asked candidates to present plans to make agriculture more attractive to the youth. They also highlighted the difficulty in accessing subsidized fertilizers and called for measures to ensure farmers benefit from government policies. The lack of agricultural extension officers and veterinary services was also raised, as these are crucial for improving crop and livestock productivity. Infrastructure issues were another critical concern. The district’s poor road networks, which hinder the movement of goods and people, were flagged as a major obstacle to economic development. Constituents also expressed frustration over inadequate drainage systems, which contribute to flooding during the rainy season, causing damage to properties and lives. Candidates were urged to propose practical solutions to improve infrastructure and address the challenges posed by inadequate drainage. Education also emerged as a key issue. Constituents pointed out the lack of access to basic learning materials, poor performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and limited opportunities for ICT learning. The high cost of secondary and tertiary education was another concern, with many parents struggling to afford educational expenses for their children. The residents called on candidates to present actionable plans to improve education outcomes and reduce the financial burden on families. The dialogue session was a dynamic and hopeful exchange, with residents emphasizing the need for real, tangible solutions to their challenges. As the election approaches, the people of Sagnarigu are eager for candidates to demonstrate their commitment to addressing these critical issues.Wall Street stocks finished a lackluster week on a muted note Friday as concerns about rising Treasury bond yields competed with enthusiasm over artificial intelligence equities. Of the major indices, only the Nasdaq mustered a gain in Friday's session. The tech-rich index was also the only of the three leading US benchmarks to conclude the week higher. "Equities are kind of treading water," said LBBW's Karl Haeling. "A negative influence to some extent is the rise in bond yields." The latest US consumer price index data released this week showed prices ticked higher in November and the wholesale data also showed stubborn inflationary pressures. "Yields rose to their highest levels in over two weeks as markets brace for the Federal Reserve's final meeting of the year, reflecting concerns over sticky inflation," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG. There is also growing concern over the inflationary pressures from President-elect Donald Trump's pledges to cut taxes and impose tariffs, as inflation still stands above the Fed's target. "While the markets still anticipate a rate cut from the Federal Reserve next week, the likelihood of a move in January has dropped," said Patrick Munnelly, partner at broker Tickmill Group. The CME FedWatch tool shows the market sees a more than 75 percent chance that the Fed will hold rates steady in January. In Europe, the Paris CAC 40 index ended the day down 0.2 percent after French President Emmanuel Macron named his centrist ally Francois Bayrou as prime minister, ending days of deadlock over finding a replacement for Michel Barnier. Frankfurt also dipped, with Germany's central bank sharply downgrading its growth forecasts on Friday for 2025 and 2026. It predicted a prolonged period of weakness for Europe's biggest economy. London stocks were also lower after official data showed that the UK economy unexpectedly shrank for the second consecutive month in October. The euro recovered after flirting with two-year lows against the dollar following a warning Thursday by ECB president Christine Lagarde that the eurozone economy was "losing momentum", cautioning that "the risk of greater friction in global trade could weigh on euro area growth". In Asia, Hong Kong and Shanghai both tumbled as investors were unimpressed with Beijing's pledge to introduce measures aimed at "lifting consumption vigorously" as part of a drive to reignite growth in the world's number two economy. President Xi Jinping and other key leaders said at the annual Central Economic Work Conference they would implement a "moderately loose" monetary policy, increase social financing and reducing interest rates "at the right time". The gathering came after Beijing in September began unveiling a raft of policies to reverse a growth slump that has gripped the economy for almost two years. "We're still not convinced that policy support will prevent the economy from slowing further next year", said Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at research group Capital Economics. Among individual equities, chip company Broadcom surged nearly 25 percent after reporting a 51 percent jump in quarterly revenues to $14.1 billion behind massive growth in AI-linked business. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 43,828.06 (close) New York - S&P 500: FLAT at 6,051.09 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 19,926.72 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 8,300.33 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.2 percent at 7,409.57 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,405.92 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.0 percent at 39,470.44 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.1 percent at 19,971.24 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 2.0 percent at 3,391.88 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0504 from $1.0467 on Thursday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2622 from $1.2673 Dollar/yen: UP at 153.60 yen from 152.63 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.19 pence from 82.59 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.5 percent at $74.49 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.8 percent at $71.29 per barrel burs-jmb/st

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The very close election for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat heads next to a hand recount even as election officials announced a machine recount of over 5.5 million ballots resulted in no margin change between the candidates. The statewide machine recount — in which ballots were run again through tabulators — that wrapped up this week showed Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs with a 734-vote lead over Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin, who is a Court of Appeals judge. Most county election boards reported minor vote changes from the machine recount requested by Griffin. But State Board of Elections data showed the post-recount lead exactly the same as what Riggs held after all 100 counties fully completed their ballot canvass in November. Griffin led Riggs by about 10,000 votes on election night, but that lead dwindled and flipped to Riggs as tens of thousands of qualifying provisional and absentee ballots were added to the totals through the canvass. Griffin, who already has pending election protests challenging the validity of more than 60,000 ballots counted statewide, has asked for a partial hand-to-eye recount, which county boards will start Wednesday or Thursday. The partial hand recount applies to ballots in 3% of the voting sites in all 100 counties, chosen at random Tuesday by the state board. Once the partial recount is complete, a statewide hand recount would be ordered if the sample results differ enough from the machine recount that the result would be reversed if the difference were extrapolated to all ballots. Riggs, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2023 and now seeks an eight-year term, again claimed victory Tuesday. In a campaign news release, spokesperson Embry Owen said Griffin “needs to immediately concede – losing candidates must respect the will of voters and not needlessly waste state resources.” Riggs is one of two Democrats on the seven-member court. Through attorneys, Griffin has challenged ballots that he says may not qualify for several reasons and cast doubt on the election result. Among them: voter registration records of some voters casting ballots lack driver's license or partial Social Security numbers, and overseas voters never living in North Carolina may run afoul of state residency requirements. State and county boards are considering the protests. Griffin's attorneys on Monday asked the state board to accelerate the matters before it and make a final ruling early next week. "Our priority remains ensuring that every legal vote is counted and that the public can trust the integrity of this election,” state Republican Party spokesperson Matt Mercer said in a news release. Final rulings by the state board can be appealed to state court. Joining Griffin in protests are three Republican legislative candidates who still trailed narrowly in their respective races after the machine recounts. The Supreme Court race and two of these three legislative races have not been called by The Associated Press. The key pending legislative race is for a House seat covering Granville County and parts of Vance County. Republican Rep. Frank Sossamon trails Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn by 228 votes, down from 233 votes before the recount. Sossamon also asked for a partial hard recount in his race, which was to begin Tuesday. Should Cohn win, Republicans will fall one seat short of the 72 needed in the 120-member House to retain its veto-proof majority — giving more leverage to Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein in 2025. Senate Republicans already have won 30 of the 50 seats needed to retain its supermajority in their chamber. The AP on Tuesday did call another legislative race not subject to a protest, as Mecklenburg County GOP Rep. Tricia Cotham won her reelection bid over Democrat Nicole Sidman. A machine recount showed Cotham ahead of Sidman by 213 votes, compared to 216 after the county canvass. Cotham’s switch from the Democrats to the Republicans in April 2023 secured the Republicans' 72-seat veto-proof majority so that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes could be overridden by relying solely on GOP lawmakers. Cotham had already claimed victory weeks ago. Sidman said Tuesday in a written statement: "After a fair vote and a recount following established procedure, I accept the result in my race. In the interest of respecting the will of North Carolina's voters, I urge all candidates to accept the results in their races as well.”

Pension administrators have formed a consortium that will grant them a slice of capital-intensive projects with the aim of providing better returns for their members’ savings. The formation of the consortium is one of the major steps the sector players have taken as they seek to move away from the monotonous government securities, which have been noted to be unsustainable. Additionally, this move is expected to improve the savings culture, owing to the expected better returns, hence discouraging investment into dead assets - a term that has become synonymous with rural homes. The consortium, which ropes in pension administrators, fund managers and stock brokers, will help pool resources for the purpose of investing in these capital-intensive projects. Dubbed ‘The Pack Hunters Club’, the consortium seeks to position itself as the go-to financier for projects such as roads which are being financed largely by external investors and financial institutions. The aim of the club is to show the government that there is enough money in the domestic market to take up large projects such as toll roads and airport upgrades. For a long, while the pension industry has been lauded for growing its assets under management to Sh1.9 trillion as of June 2024, according to the Retirements Benefits Authority (RBA), the sector is said to be fragmented with over 1,300 schemes which makes it a challenge for them to invest in a significant project. However, out of these schemes, only 10 per cent have assets significant enough to invest in government infrastructure projects. The Pack Hunters Club, described as an innovative consortium, then brings together the Association of Pension Trustees and Administrators of Kenya (Aptak), the Fund Managers Association (FMA) and the Kenya Association of Stockbrokers and Investment Banks (Kasib). “This innovative consortium brings together key players in Kenya’s financial sector, including Aptak, the FMA, the Kasib, and custodians to pool resources and focus on large-scale infrastructure projects that are vital to Kenya’s economic growth,” said a statement signed by Old Mutual Asset Management managing director Anthony Mwithiga, Kasib chief executive Kasib Willie Njoroge and CPF Group executive advisor Geoffrey Odundo. Odundo is the lead advisor of the consortium. The statement noted that in the face of ever-growing infrastructure needs, The Pack Hunters Club aims to tackle projects that are too substantial for any single investor but can be successfully undertaken through strategic collaboration by Kenyan institutions and for Kenya. “This initiative seeks to address Kenya’s critical infrastructure gaps by collectively investing in high-impact, long-term ventures that will benefit both the economy and the people of Kenya,” it adds. The consortium will focus on key infrastructure projects, including major toll roads, airport upgrades, and the Nairobi-Mombasa expressway, among others. Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter These projects will be structured under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, or any other appropriate financing structures ensuring that the interests of both the Kenyan people and the investors are balanced. By pooling resources and expertise, the consortium seeks to attract both local and international investors, ensuring that the capital needed to fund these massive projects is readily available. “The investment structure is designed to offer a competitive rate of return, making it an attractive opportunity for investors while contributing to the development of vital infrastructure that will drive the country’s growth in order for Kenya to remain competitive economically,” the statement says. Speaking on behalf of Aptak, the association’s president Hosea Kili said the formation of club marks a significant milestone for the industry. “By creating a platform that encourages foreign investment, we are ensuring that these projects not only meet the immediate needs of the country but also deliver long-term value for all stakeholders involved, and especially the Kenya citizens,” he said. During a recent forum where CPF unveiled its umbrella pension fund called Taifa Pension Fund, Jubilee Holdings Group chief executive Julius Kipngetich emphasised the need to have a consolidated front in the pension sector. He said the practice of investing members’ savings in government securities is not sustainable. “We have to rethink where are we putting our money. We need to sit together as a pension industry, probably to seek an alternative investment. We can’t be throwing money in government securities,” he said. “As the Cabinet Secretary is thinking on how to shrink government (spending) so that interest rate come down, we also need to think of alternative investment.” Kipngetich noted that while at the institutional level money is directed into government securities, at an individual level many Kenyans are spending their savings on investments that have no returns. He listed expensive graduation parties, weddings, funerals and rural homes for town-dwelling folks as some of them. “We need a complete change in culture in where we spend our savings,” he said. National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who was present at the launch of the club, said there is need to reform the capital markets in order to make it easy for resource pooling and investments. He said pooling of resources for the purpose of investment will not only provide better returns for members but also reduce management fees and administrative costs due to economies of scale. “Very soon it will be difficult to buy government paper. Right now we are borrowing about Sh413 billion from the domestic market and at very high interest rates,” said the CS. “You must start thinking of other areas of partnerships with the government.” The CS said privately initiated proposals (PiP) are not limited to Indian or Chinese businesses. “We are not saying it must be done by Adani. Who said PiP must come from outsiders?” Mbadi posed. Insurance companies hold a significant amount of Kenyans’ savings. According to the Association of Kenya Insurers, as of June 2024, guaranteed funds managed by life insurance companies were Sh404.6 billion, making up 22.29 per cent of the total Sh1.9 trillion in pension assets under management. Notably, 677 of the 1,036 registered schemes have invested in guaranteed funds. Data from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) shows that deposit administration is the biggest contributor to the life insurance business, accounting for 36 per cent of the total written premium. The total life fund for deposit administration, personal pension and annuity business totalled Sh481.03 billion, according to the IRA 2023 annual audited statistics. Data from the RBA shows that by June 2024, about Sh1.01 trillion was invested in government securities. “More than half (51.12 per cent) of the scheme assets under management were invested in government securities followed by 20.45 per cent investment in guaranteed funds,” reads the RBA industry report.

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Ex-president Alberto Fernández has been formally summoned to testify next month in the court case investigating him for gender violence against his ex-partner Fabiola Yañez. The order, by Judge Julián Ercolini, was made in a resolution later published by local press. Ercolini said he considered the evidence supplied by the prosecutor "sufficient" to "summon Alberto Ángel Fernández to testify at 11am on December 11 of the current year" at the federal courthouse in Retiro, Buenos Aires. "He is imputed for having caused on at least two occasions injuries to his then partner Fabiola Andrea Yáñez, whom he had attacked physically, in her arm and right eye," reads the judicial resolution, detailing that both alleged attacks occurred in 2021 during Fernández’s 2019-2023 presidency, according to the denunciation. The writ adds that from then on "the psychological and physical violence became recurrent" on the part of Fernández and Yáñez "had been coerced " into not denouncing it. “Fernández, directly and through third parties, insistently and aggressively asked her not to file a complaint” of gender violence, wrote the judge. Last August 6, former first lady Yáñez denounced Fernández for physical and psychological violence. The couple have a son Francisco, 30 months old. A few days later, the veteran Peronist leader was indicted in the case at the request of the prosecutor, who described the different types of violence which Yáñez said she had suffered, subsequently summoning various witnesses to hear their testimony. Fernández, 65, has denied all accusations. "The truth lies elsewhere," he maintained via his social networks. Judge Ercolini said in his ruling that Fernández’s abuse of Yáñez had left her “with psychological damage, producing a permanent weakening of her health.” – TIMES/AFP/NA Ads Space Ads Space

Meta has confirmed its plans to use nuclear power to fuel US data centers. The company announced that it’s accepting proposals from nuclear energy developers to work on the project, with the goal of adding between one and four gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity “starting in the early 2030s.” The company’s request for proposals states that Meta is seeking partners that have experience with “either Small Modular Reactors (SMR) or larger nuclear reactors.” Axios reports that the company is “geographically agnostic” about the location of potential nuclear sites. The company previously had plans to build a nuclear-powered data center, The Financial Times reported earlier this year, but the plans were scuttled after the discovery of a rare species of bees near the site. “As new innovations bring impactful technological advancements across sectors and support economic growth, we believe that nuclear energy can help provide firm, baseload power to support the growth needs of the electric grids that power both our data centers (the physical infrastructure on which Meta’s platforms operate) as well as the communities around them,” the company wrote in a statement. Meta isn’t the only major tech company looking to nuclear power to help power its AI ambitions. Google recently announced a deal to build multiple reactors in the US, with the goal of adding 500 megawatts of nuclear power from SMRs. Microsoft also said this year it wants to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania to fuel its AI development.

NoneThe question sounds so basic and friendly. But it’s actually loaded, as many mothers can attest. “Do you just love getting to be home with him all the time?” asks the younger, more put-together woman in the supermarket. “Must be so wonderful.” Wonderful, of course — and sometimes brain-numbing and soul-draining too, some exhausted fulltime moms might reply. Especially if, like Amy Adams’ character in Marielle Heller's “Nightbitch," they’d left their prized art gallery job to this other woman. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week

 

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money casino slots The new Google Pixel 4 smartphone and cases are displayed during a Google launch event on October 15, 2019 in New York City. A former employee allegedly posted trade secrets about the Pixel on social media. Drew Angerer/Getty Images A former employee of Google allegedly leaked trade secrets about the tech giant on social media before fleeing India and turning up in Austin, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in a Texas court. Google, under the names Google LLC and Google India Private Limited, filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in Austin. Reuters first reported on the suit. The tech company claims that Harshit Roy, who worked at Google as a silicon engineer in India between 2020 and '24, took photos on his phone of highly-sensitive... Timothy MalcolmJapanese electric-truck maker Zo Motors to debut at Singapore MotorshowWorld Summit AI Qatar 2024 kicks off Tuesday

Share Tweet Share Share Email The price of Ethereum (ETH) is currently facing hurdles at $3,400, making traders wonder if it will keep its upward trend or begin to fall back. Meanwhile, Cardano (ADA) is showing signs of a potential dip that could turn into a chance for buyers, with experts looking toward a possible surge in the future. As Ethereum and Cardano deal with their own market highs and lows, BlockDAG (BDAG) is making strides in shaping the future of crypto through innovation and a strong community. Having collected nearly $150 million by raising $20 million in the last 48 hours, BlockDAG is quickly moving toward its $600 million goal. Ethereum Confronts $3,400 Barrier Despite Optimism Ethereum remains in the spotlight, staying above the $3,000 mark despite some fluctuations. It reached a high of $3,400 but has encountered resistance at $3,400, which may limit its gains. Now priced at $3,130, Ethereum’s trends are still over the 21-day moving average, hinting at a positive long-term outlook. However, short-term signs call for caution as prices dip under moving averages on the 4-hour chart. If Ethereum can’t sustain the $3,000 level, it might drop to the $2,800 support or even to the $2,680 Fibonacci level. Cardano Update: ADA Dips 5%, Upswing Possible? Recent updates on Cardano suggest a price pullback to the $0.45-$0.50 range, creating a good accumulation point. Currently at $0.75 after a peak of $0.81, ADA has dropped by 5%. Experts think this decline might lead to a bullish trend with a target of $1.20. On-chain data shows a robust profit-to-loss ratio, indicating profits among holders. Nonetheless, if ADA can’t hold its key supports, it might decline further. BlockDAG Nears $600M Goal with $150M Raised in Presale BlockDAG’s booming popularity isn’t by chance. It capitalizes on DAG technology and innovative mining solutions, gaining worldwide attention with its community and presale feats. As the crypto bull run kicked off, BlockDAG presale saw a massive inflow from crypto whales who pumped $50 million within record time. In the last 48 hours alone, the presale raised $20 million. Now stading at $150 million with over 16.4 billion BDAG coins sold, BlockDAG stands as a top presale . It recently sold more than 14K miners, pushing its total sales over $5.7 million in a single day. This success showcases the excitement and confidence in its potential. Prominent personalities like @TheDonOfApes have praised BlockDAG, noting its edge over other Layer 1s like Kaspa, and branding it a top market opportunity. At the heart of BlockDAG’s rapid ascent is its presale structure that only sees prices climbing, starting at $0.001 in batch 1 to $0.0234 in batch 26—a dramatic 2240% surge. This model rewards early supporters and creates urgency as the price escalates. As the presale pushes through each batch, experts foresee BlockDAG hitting a $600 million cap soon. With demand soaring, the chance to join early is dwindling quickly. For those dreaming of the wealth giants like Bitcoin have created, BlockDAG’s presale is shouting out a similar opportunity for the quick movers! In Summary! The market is a mix of different trends. Ethereum faces resistance at $3,400, testing its bullish stance. Conversely, Cardano offers an entry point that might lead to significant growth. Yet, BlockDAG outpaces its rivals as the biggest and most sought-after presale ever. With $150 million gathered and aiming for a $600 million cap, its unique pricing model promises steady growth and increasing demand. The opportunity to enter BlockDAG’s presale is closing fast, and once the $600 million goal is reached, the benefits of early participation will disappear—making it essential to act swiftly. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Related Items: Blockchain , BlockDAG Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Find Out Who’s Taking Over Blockchain in 2024: Plus Wallet or Coinbase? Shiba Inu (SHIB) Prepares to Ignite the Market with a 3x God Candle, While This Token is Set to Follow Ripple’s (XRP) Lead to Break $1 Barrier When Will SOL Price Cross $300? Shocking Timeline Might Make You Invest in ADA & INTL for 10x Faster Return CommentsTehran, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2024) said on that it would hold talks in the coming days with the three European countries that initiated a censure against it adopted by the 's atomic watchdog. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the meeting of the deputy foreign ministers of , , and the would take place on Friday, without specifying a venue. "A range of regional and international issues and topics, including the issues of and , as well as the issue, will be discussed," the spokesman said in a foreign ministry statement. Baghaei described the upcoming meeting as a continuation of talks held with the countries in on the sidelines of the annual session of the General in . On Thursday, the 35-nation of governors of the 's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a denouncing for what it called a lack of cooperation. The move came as tensions ran high over 's atomic program, which critics fear is aimed at developing a -- something has repeatedly denied. It also came after IAEA head Rafael Grossi returned a trip to , where he appeared to have made headway. During the , agreed to an IAEA demand to cap its sensitive stock of near weapons-grade uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity. In response to the , announced it was launching a "series of new and advanced centrifuges". Centrifuges enrich uranium transformed into by rotating it at very high speed, increasing the proportion of fissile isotope material (U-235). "We will substantially increase the enrichment capacity with the utilisation of different types of advanced machines," Behrouz Kamalvandi, 's atomic energy organisation spokesman, told state . The country, however, also said it planned to continue its "technical and safeguards cooperation with the IAEA". Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in power since and a supporter of dialogue with Western countries, has said he wants to remove "doubts and ambiguities" about his country's programme. In , and powers reached an that saw the easing of international sanctions on in for curbs on its program. But the unilaterally withdrew the accord in under then-president and reimposed biting economic sanctions, which prompted to begin rolling back on its commitments.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Ulta Beauty, Inc. ( NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report ) by 10.9% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 14,770 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock after buying an additional 1,450 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.’s holdings in Ulta Beauty were worth $5,747,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in ULTA. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Ulta Beauty by 180,713.0% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 1,238,569 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $481,952,000 after acquiring an additional 1,237,884 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc raised its position in Ulta Beauty by 14.1% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 620,793 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $239,545,000 after purchasing an additional 76,721 shares during the last quarter. Alecta Tjanstepension Omsesidigt lifted its holdings in Ulta Beauty by 14.4% during the 3rd quarter. Alecta Tjanstepension Omsesidigt now owns 516,405 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $200,944,000 after buying an additional 65,000 shares during the period. Boston Partners grew its position in shares of Ulta Beauty by 47.7% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 476,027 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $246,862,000 after buying an additional 153,727 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in shares of Ulta Beauty by 6.2% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 422,801 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $163,149,000 after buying an additional 24,822 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.39% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently commented on ULTA. BMO Capital Markets set a $385.00 price objective on Ulta Beauty in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of Ulta Beauty from $385.00 to $395.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. William Blair cut shares of Ulta Beauty from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research report on Thursday. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Ulta Beauty from $328.00 to $335.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Robert W. Baird decreased their price target on Ulta Beauty from $525.00 to $485.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Ulta Beauty currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $420.71. Ulta Beauty Price Performance ULTA opened at $338.38 on Friday. Ulta Beauty, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $318.17 and a fifty-two week high of $574.76. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.58, a PEG ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.33. The company’s 50-day moving average is $376.80 and its 200 day moving average is $377.30. Ulta Beauty ( NASDAQ:ULTA – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The specialty retailer reported $5.30 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.47 by ($0.17). The firm had revenue of $2.55 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.61 billion. Ulta Beauty had a return on equity of 54.02% and a net margin of 10.68%. Ulta Beauty’s quarterly revenue was up .9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $6.02 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Ulta Beauty, Inc. will post 23.07 earnings per share for the current year. Ulta Beauty Profile ( Free Report ) Ulta Beauty, Inc operates as a specialty beauty retailer in the United States. The company offers branded and private label beauty products, including cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, skincare, bath and body products, professional hair products, and salon styling tools through its Ulta Beauty stores, shop-in-shops, Ulta.com website, and its mobile applications. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ULTA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ulta Beauty, Inc. ( NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Ulta Beauty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ulta Beauty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Coleen Rooney set to be new queen of daytime TV with HUGE pay deal after I’m A Celebrity final

Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise prices, won't rule out revenge prosecutionsDigital Base as Part of Labour Reforms

NoneAt a town hall meeting with the bureau workforce, Mr Wray said he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought”. Mr Wray’s intended resignation is not unexpected considering that Mr Trump had picked Mr Patel for the role in his new administration. Mr Wray had previously been named by Mr Trump and began the 10-year term — a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Mr Trump fired then-FBI director James Comey. Mr Trump had demonstrated his anger with Mr Wray on multiple occasions, including after Mr Wray’s congressional testimony in September. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Mr Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” Mr Wray continued: “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me. I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Mr Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorised to discuss the private gathering and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Mr Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the weaponisation of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice” and saying that Mr Patel’s confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again”. If confirmed by the Senate, Mr Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI’s Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators”, raising alarm that he might seek to wield the FBI’s significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Mr Trump’s perceived enemies. Mr Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to “a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one”.

NoneGet ready for a college football bowl season like you’ve never seen. It’s the first year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff to determine the national champion, with first-round games kicking off Friday, December 20. In the new format, the top four conference champions (Oregon, Georgia, Arizona State and Boise State) receive a first-round bye and automatic entry into the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams play in the four-game first round, with matchups held at the home stadiums of the higher-ranked participants. The “New Year’s Six” bowls serve as the quarterfinals and semifinals, with the national championship decided Monday, January 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Of course, there’s still plenty of college football postseason action through early January that doesn’t involve the national championship chase. The parade of bowl games begins Saturday, December 14, with the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. A great tradition continues in Landover, Maryland, as the Navy Midshipmen take on the Army Black Knights Saturday on CBS at 3/2c. Later on Saturday, the Heisman Trophy is presented to the season’s most outstanding player in a ceremony on ESPN at 8/7c. Finalists are Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (pictured above) and Miami QB Cam Ward. Here’s your complete lineup of College Football Playoff games and other bowl matchups: All times Eastern/Central. Friday, December 20 No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, ABC/ESPN, 8/7c Saturday, December 21 No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, noon/11a c, TNT/Max No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, 4/3c, TNT/Max No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State, 8/7c, ABC/ESPN Tuesday, December 31 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona): TBA vs. No. 3 Boise State, (ESPN) Wednesday, Jan. 1 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta): TBA vs. No. 4 Arizona State, 1/noon c, ESPN Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California): TBA vs. No. 1 Oregon, 5/4c, ESPN Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans): TBA vs. No. 2 Georgia, 8:45/7:45c, ESPN Thursday, January 9 Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 10 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Arlington, Texas): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Monday, January 20 National Championship (Atlanta): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 14 Cricket Celebration Bowl (Atlanta): Jackson State vs. South Carolina State, noon/11a c, ABC IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama): South Alabama vs. Western Michigan, 9/8c, ESPN Tuesday, December 17 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl (Frisco, Texas): Memphis vs. West Virginia, 9/8c, ESPN Wednesday, December 18 Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, Florida): Western Kentucky vs. James Madison, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN Art of Sport LA Bowl (Inglewood, California): Cal vs. UNLV, 9/8c, ESPN Thursday, December 19 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans): Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston, 7/6c, ESPN2 Friday, December 20 StaffDNA Cure Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Ohio vs. Jacksonville State, noon/11a c, ESPN Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl (Tampa, Florida): 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Monday, December 23 Myrtle Beach Bowl (Conway, South Carolina): Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA, 11a/10a c, ESPN Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, Idaho): Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 24 Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu): South Florida vs. San José State, 8/7c, ESPN Thursday, December 26 GameAbove Sports Bowl (Detroit): Pittsburgh vs. Toledo, 2/1xc, ESPN Rate Bowl (Phoenix): Rutgers vs. Kansas State, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN 68 Ventures Bowl (Mobile, Alabama): Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green, 9/8c, ESPN Friday, December 27 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, Texas): Oklahoma vs. Navy, noon/11a c, ESPN Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, Alabama): Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee): Texas Tech vs. Arkansas, 7/6c, ESPN DirecTV Holiday Bowl (San Diego): Syracuse vs. Washington State, 8/7c, Fox SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas): Texas A&M vs. USC, 10:30/9:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 28 Wasabi Fenway Bowl (Boston): UConn vs. North Carolina, 11a/10a c, ESPN Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, New York): Boston College vs. Nebraska, Noon/11a c, ABC Isleta New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, New Mexico): Louisiana vs. TCU, 2:15/1:15c, ESPN Pop-Tarts Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Iowa State vs. Miami, 3:30/2:30c, ABC Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl (Tucson, Arizona): Miami (Ohio) vs. Colorado State, 4:30/3:30c, The CW Go Bowling Military Bowl (Annapolis, Maryland): East Carolina vs. NC State, 5:45/4:45c, ESPN Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio): BYU vs. Colorado, 7:30/6:30c, ABC Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl (Shreveport, Louisiana): Marshall vs. Army, 9:15/8:15c, ESPN Monday, December 30 TransPerfect Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tennessee): Iowa vs. Missouri, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 31 ReliaQuest Bowl (Tampa, Florida): Alabama vs. Michigan, noon/11a c, ESPN Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas): Louisville vs. Washington, 2/1c, CBS Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Florida): South Carolina vs. Illinois, 3/2c, ABC Kinder’s Texas Bowl (Houston): Baylor vs. LSU, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Thursday, January 2 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida): Duke vs. Ole Miss, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 3 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl (Dallas): North Texas vs. Texas State, 4/3c, ESPN Duke’s Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, North Carolina): Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, January 4 Bahamas Bowl (Nassau, Bahamas): Buffalo vs. Liberty, 11a/10a c, ESPN2 More Headlines:Arizona AG sues Saudi firm over 'excessive' groundwater pumping, saying it's a public nuisanceCollege Football Playoff & Bowl Game TV Schedule 2024

House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors

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For once, I was chosenWASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." Here's a look at some of the issues covered: President-elect Donald Trump takes the stage before he speaks at the FOX Nation Patriot Awards, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Greenvale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa) Trump threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. At another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Immigration advocates hold a rally in Sacramento, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, to protest President-Elect Donald Trump's plans to conduct mass deportation of immigrants without legal status. (AP Photo/Haven Daley) Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — though such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and were shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Notre Dame Cathedral as France's iconic cathedral is formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, Saturday Dec.7, 2024 in Paris ( Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP) Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he "absolutely" would remain in the alliance "if they pay their bills." Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies' commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated "fairly" on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin's invasion. "Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure," Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged. "I haven't spoken to him recently," Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to "impede the negotiation." Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: "Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious" that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then "he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? Somebody is the man that you're talking about." Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. "We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient," he said. He added that "we're not raising ages or any of that stuff." He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would "probably" not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, "Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change." Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had "concepts" of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called "lousy health care." He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for "better health care for less money." 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.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. 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. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. 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. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. 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. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. 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. 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. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. 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. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

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2025-01-12
Pandas An An and Ke Ke celebrate their 1st Christmas in Hong Kong HONG KONG (AP) — A pair of five-year-old pandas, named An An and Ke Ke, celebrated their first Christmas early in a Hong Kong park, munching on special treats and looking cute for the cameras. An An, the male panda, was presented with an ice slab that had “Merry Christmas” written on it with sweet potato and carrots while Ke Ke, his female companion, got a snowman garnished with slices of carrot and apple in a special press event Monday before visitors streamed to the park. China sent the pair to Hong Kong in late September in a bid to boost tourism in the city. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby: Spurs-Knicks Christmas game is also an animated one at Disney World NEW YORK (AP) — There’s a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. While Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are facing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, an alternate animated telecast will have the teams playing in the Magic Kingdom, with some Disney characters participating. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. 'Squid Game' returns looking for win with season 2 The first season of “Squid Game” was Netflix's most-watched series and went on to win a variety of accolades including the Emmy Award for lead actor in a drama series for Lee Jung-jae and a directing award for Hwang Dong-hyuk. The show returns for its second season on Dec. 26 and is already nominated for a Golden Globe for best drama. It's rare for TV shows made in Korea to have more than one season but Lee describes Hwang as “a genius.” A third and final season has already filmed. Netflix is also invested in expanding its “Squid Game” universe with a reality competition series and an English-language version in development. In the ruins of a bombed-out church in Lebanon, there's now a tiny Christmas tree DARDGHAYA, Lebanon (AP) — A Christmas tree stands among the fallen stones in the ruins of a Catholic church in southern Lebanon that was hit by an Israeli airstrike during the war with Hezbollah. It's a small and modest tree. There are no lights because the war destroyed power lines. The ground is too uneven to set up the Nativity scene. The priest says his blood pressure went up and he lost his balance when he saw the church's destruction. Now he leads Mass in an underground room that serves as a temporary worship space. He tells the community it “is more like the cave where Jesus was born.” Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90 The Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, says the huge crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo in the movie “Crocodile Dundee” has died. The aquarium says Burt died over the weekend and was at least 90 years old. A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 5 meters long. The 1986 movie stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile, before being saved by Dundee. Elaborate holiday light displays are making spirits bright in a big way CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow might be enough to brighten some homes this holiday season. But others are adorned with thousands of blinking lights synched to blasting music. In Mesa, Arizona, 14 homeowners have been going all-out on holiday lights for 30 years, and those buying homes in the neighborhood often find the attics full of décor left behind by previous owners. In Santa Clarita, California, residents began coordinating their holiday lights to bring some joy to their community after an earthquake. And in Edmond, Oklahoma, those looking to the western sky will easily spot the Miranda family’s elaborate display featuring images and music from the movie “Wicked.” Santa braves the sticky heat of the Amazon jungle to bring gifts to children in Brazilian village CATALAO, Brazil (AP) — Santa Claus has braved the sticky heat of the Amazon rainforest this weekend, taking two boats to bring gifts to the children of a small village near the Brazilian city of Manaus. The visit was arranged by Amigos do Papai Noel, a Brazilian charity that has been taking gifts to children in the Amazon rainforest for the past 26 years. More than 600 children from different villages gathered in Catalao to receive presents from Santa, who dressed in his traditional nightcap, white gloves and red suit, while enduring the stifling jungle heat. NASA's Parker Solar Probe aims to fly closer to the sun like never before NEW YORK (AP) — A NASA spacecraft is about to make the closest approach to the sun. The Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun. On Tuesday, Parker will pass within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles of the sun’s surface. That's nearly seven times closer to the sun than previous spacecraft. Scientists won’t hear from Parker until a few days after the flyby. It’ll continue circling the sun at this distance until at least September. Scientists hope to better understand what drives the solar wind and why the corona is so much hotter than the sun's surface. 174 Colorado skiers and snowboarders rescued after a lift cracks WINTER PARK, Colo. (AP) — Officials are investigating what caused a crack in a Colorado ski lift that forced the evacuation of over 170 stranded skiers and snowboarders. The evacuation happened Saturday on a gondola lift at Winter Park Resort. A spokesperson says the lift stopped automatically when a crack was detected in a structural piece of the lift. Passengers were lowered down by ropes over the course of about five hours. No injuries were reported during the rescues, which came at the start of the busy holiday season. 'Sonic 3' bests 'Mufasa: The Lion King' at the box office NEW YORK (AP) — In the holiday season battle of big-budget family movies, Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” sped past the Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” to take the top spot at the box office. The results came just ahead of the lucrative Christmas corridor in theaters. According to studio estimates, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” debuted with $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend. “Mufasa,” however, was humbled in its opening weekend, coming in notably shy of expectations. It returned just $35 million in domestic ticket sales.The sight was a common one for Andrew Kolpacki. For many a Sunday, he would watch NFL games on TV and see quarterbacks putting their hands on their helmets, desperately trying to hear the play call from the sideline or booth as tens of thousands of fans screamed at the tops of their lungs. When the NCAA’s playing rules oversight committee this past spring approved the use of coach-to-player helmet communications in games for the 2024 season, Kolpacki, Michigan State’s head football equipment manager, knew the Spartans’ QBs and linebackers were going to have a problem. “There had to be some sort of solution,” he said. As it turns out, there was. And it was right across the street. Kolpacki reached out to Tamara Reid Bush, a mechanical engineering professor who not only heads the school’s Biomechanical Design Research Laboratory but also is a football season ticket-holder. Kolpacki “showed me some photos and said that other teams had just put duct tape inside the (earhole), and he asked me, ‘Do you think we can do anything better than duct tape,?” Bush said. “And I said, ‘Oh, absolutely.’” Bush and Rylie DuBois, a sophomore biosystems engineering major and undergraduate research assistant at the lab, set out to produce earhole inserts made from polylactic acid, a bio-based plastic, using a 3D printer. Part of the challenge was accounting for the earhole sizes and shapes that vary depending on helmet style. Once the season got underway with a Friday night home game against Florida Atlantic on Aug. 30, the helmets of starting quarterback Aidan Chiles and linebacker Jordan Turner were outfitted with the inserts, which helped mitigate crowd noise. DuBois attended the game, sitting in the student section. “I felt such a strong sense of accomplishment and pride,” DuBois said. “And I told all my friends around me about how I designed what they were wearing on the field.” All told, Bush and DuBois have produced around 180 sets of the inserts, a number that grew in part due to the variety of helmet designs and colors that are available to be worn by Spartan players any given Saturday. Plus, the engineering folks have been fine-tuning their design throughout the season. Dozens of Bowl Subdivision programs are doing something similar. In many cases, they’re getting 3D-printed earhole covers from XO Armor Technologies, which provides on-site, on-demand 3D printing of athletic wearables. The Auburn, Alabama-based company has donated its version of the earhole covers to the equipment managers of programs ranging from Georgia and Clemson to Boise State and Arizona State in the hope the schools would consider doing business with XO Armor in the future, said Jeff Klosterman, vice president of business development. XO Armor first was approached by the Houston Texans at the end of last season about creating something to assist quarterback C.J. Stroud in better hearing play calls delivered to his helmet during road games. XO Armor worked on a solution and had completed one when it received another inquiry: Ohio State, which had heard Michigan State was moving forward with helmet inserts, wondered if XO Armor had anything in the works. “We kind of just did this as a one-off favor to the Texans and honestly didn’t forecast it becoming our viral moment in college football,” Klosterman said. “We’ve now got about 60 teams across college football and the NFL wearing our sound-deadening earhole covers every weekend.” The rules state that only one player for each team is permitted to be in communication with coaches while on the field. For the Spartans, it’s typically Chiles on offense and Turner on defense. Turner prefers to have an insert in both earholes, but Chiles has asked that the insert be used in only one on his helmet. Chiles “likes to be able to feel like he has some sort of outward exposure,” Kolpacki said. Exposure is something the sophomore signal-caller from Long Beach, California, had in away games against Michigan and Oregon this season. Michigan Stadium welcomed 110,000-plus fans for the Oct. 26 matchup between the in-state rivals. And while just under 60,000 packed Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, for the Ducks' 31-10 win over Michigan State three weeks earlier, it was plenty loud. “The Big Ten has some pretty impressive venues,” Kolpacki said. “It can be just deafening,” he said. “That's what those fans are there for is to create havoc and make it difficult for coaches to get a play call off.” Something that is a bit easier to handle, thanks to Bush and her team. She called the inserts a “win-win-win" for everyone. “It’s exciting for me to work with athletics and the football team," she said. "I think it’s really exciting for our students as well to take what they’ve learned and develop and design something and see it being used and executed.”play casino slots

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks wavered in afternoon trading on Wall Street Monday at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. A handful of technology companies helped support the gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 63 points, or 0.2% as of 1:18 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3%. Broadcom jumped 5.2% to also help support the broader market. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. Honda rose 3.8% and Nissan rose 1.6% in Tokyo. Eli Lilly rose 3% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.7% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a 24% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.58% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets were mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close early on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.

Soak it in, Nebraska fans. The long wait is finally over. The Nebraska football team is going bowling for the first time since 2016, and those who saw it happen live on Saturday couldn’t wait any longer to start the celebration. Fans rushed the Memorial Stadium field for the second time this fall, and who could blame them? As Nebraska’s one-time pregame anthem, “Can You Feel It,” blasted from the stadium’s loudspeakers, the answer was undoubtedly yes — everyone could feel the energy and the joy present on the field. Fans jumped together, screaming into the November night sky as Nebraska staffers milled around and players received congratulations, applause and handshakes. That such a breakthrough moment would happen for the Nebraska football this fall was not always certain, especially after the Huskers dropped a fourth straight game to USC last week. Following that game, quarterback Dylan Raiola boldly proclaimed he felt the Huskers would win their next game — but why? “I’m a big vibes person, and when I came back in the locker room even though we lost, I just got the vibe that we were about to take off,” Raiola said. On Saturday night inside Memorial Stadium, the vibes were immaculate. Let’s drop into coverage: When Nebraska walked off the field at the 2016 Music City Bowl, no one would’ve predicted that it’d be eight years before the Huskers would themselves back in the postseason. Year after year and season after season followed — each with its own promise and potential, only to end in heartbreak. There was the defensively challenged 2017 team, and the 2018 team that started 0-6 but put things together late. The 2019 team showed flashes but stumbled late, especially in one-score games. The 2020 team actually got the option to go to a bowl game but turned it down. The 2021 team earned the unfortunate moniker of perhaps being the best three-win team ever. The 2022 team once again found itself on the wrong end of one-score games. The 2023 team had an elite defense but couldn't get the job done in four tries. In the end, it was the 2024 Huskers who got it done, true freshman quarterback and all. It was impossible to see the accomplishment of Saturday night and not think of the hundreds of Huskers whose playing careers came to an end not during a bowl game but during the regular season. Players like Ethan Piper, Garrett Nelson, Luke Reimer or Trent Hixson — Nebraskans who shed blood, sweat and tears for the program with little to show for it. “It’s for the guys that came before us and stuck through it all,” senior Isaac Gifford said of making a bowl game. Head coach Matt Rhule was paid the big bucks to deliver such a moment, but he’s still deserving of credit for getting the job done. An inability to get over the line in 2023, combined with a swing and a miss at a transfer portal quarterback, raised pressure on Rhule as other programs found their quick fix and instant success. Rhule, who earned a reputation as a program-builder from his time at Temple and Baylor, was always going to focus on long-term, not short-term success. “The future of Nebraska football is not hanging on one decision; it’s hanging on an accumulation of great recruiting, great development, great coaching and great teaching,” Rhule said in November 2022. The Nebraska administrators who stood alongside Rhule on that day — Chancellor Ronnie Green, President Ted Carter and Athletic Director Trev Alberts — all left their posts before seeing the process through. Rhule, however, hasn't wavered. Nebraska fans can have their gripes about clock management, playing time, offensive play calls or any of the other places where NU still has room for improvement — but who can deny that Rhule has made strides in each and all of those areas? “It’s relief in that I’ve gotten the benefit of doing this twice before,” Rhule said Saturday of snapping the bowl game streak. “I look at the weight room, I look at the training room, sports science, sports psychology, player development, recruiting and I look at all the things we’re doing and believe it’s all right and that it’s all going to pay off in a big way.” Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen is cooking up something special. Facing a Wisconsin defense that allowed just 16 points against No. 1 Oregon last week, Nebraska ran the ball effectively, threw the ball into tight windows and strung together drives with impressive consistency. It’s not just the 44-point output that stands out — the way Nebraska played on offense has simply looked different with Holgorsen calling the plays the last two weeks. “Credit to coach Holgorsen and what he’s brought to the offense,” Rhule said. “Maybe it’s playcalling, but I think the biggest thing he’s brought is a little bit of swagger to them.” Let’s give Holgorsen his flowers while remembering something as well: this is still the offense designed and built by Marcus Satterfield over the last two seasons. Holgorsen hasn’t reinvented the wheel since taking over, but what he has done is shake up the rhythm and timing of play calls within the offense and the personnel trusted to execute them. In order to run the ball, you have to commit to it, and Holgorsen has done an excellent job thus far of making sure Nebraska gets plenty out of its ground game. Playing the most snaps (52) of any Husker running back this season, sophomore Emmett Johnson also ran for the most yards (113) any player has all year. Nebraska also debuted a nifty two-back look where Dante Dowdell and Johnson lined up alongside Raiola in the backfield, a formation that gave the Wisconsin defense trouble to defend. Credit the blocking, up front and on the perimeter — where NU has looked much better in recent weeks — for springing the big running day. 20 of NU’s 38 rushing attempts went to the right side of its offensive line, with the Huskers averaging over 6 yards per carry on those plays. Holgorsen also dialed up the right mixture of passing plays for Raiola, who played his first interception-free game since late September. Nebraska got the ball out quickly with Raiola often firing to his first read for short gains, a setup senior Jahmal Banks said was “just like practice.” “The ball went where it was supposed to be,” Rhule said of Nebraska’s pass game, adding that the Huskers did well in pass protection. Also of interest in NU’s offensive personnel was senior wide receiver Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda getting on the field to record his first catch since the 2023 season opener. And at tight end, usual starter Thomas Fidone II spent much of the game on the sidelines after committing an early false start penalty. Fidone played just three snaps, ceding playing time to Nate Boerkircher (49 snaps played) and Luke Lindenmeyer (44 snaps). Many of the players who powered the Nebraska offense on Saturday are the same who the Huskers will hope to build around moving forward. Johnson in particular stands out as the running back of the future for Nebraska, having averaged 4.6 yards per carry a year ago and 5.4 yards per attempt this fall in addition to his skills as a pass-catching back. “We’re changing Nebraska football,” Johnson said after the game. Raiola, of course, has gone through his own learning curves and should come back stronger as a sophomore in 2025 as a result. His favorite target this fall, freshman wideout Jacory Barney Jr., also continues to impress as the season progresses. In addition to his work on special teams, Barney has 49 receptions, 10 rushing attempts, three touchdowns and over 500 yards to his name this season. “Jacory runs a route as hard if he’s the first progression as if he’s the fourth progression; he runs every play like it’s the last play of his life,” Rhule said. Nebraska’s depth of talent on offense runs much deeper than those players, with some who’ve not even seen the field this fall set to make their impact moving forward. Knowing that this Wednesday will not be their final practice of the season with bowl game practices to follow simply adds to the growth potential of NU’s young offense. “There’s a lot of guys that if they just stop at the end of the year, catch their breath and look up, they’ve really gotten better over the course of the year,” Rhule said. “Now we have a couple extra weeks of bowl practice to try and get them to another one.” A veteran-heavy Nebraska defense, excellent throughout the 2023 season, hasn’t necessarily been at the same level this fall. Remember, that unit essentially dragged the team to five wins; earning more than that is the reward for their hard work this time around. Wisconsin struggled to finish drives off but still chewed up more than 400 yards of offense as Nebraska allowed 20-plus points for the fifth week in a row. Still, NU’s early season success — particularly in the nonconference slate — has allowed the Huskers to put together a solid campaign at home. Nebraska allowed just 15.7 points per game inside Memorial Stadium this season, a number which rose to 28.8 points per game on the road. Nebraska’s Black Friday matchup against Iowa will pit the Huskers against a team that is down to its fourth-string quarterback. If there’s one thing Iowa knows how to do, it is win with defense, special teams and the ground game. Sophomore walk-on Jackson Stratton completed 10-of-14 passes for 76 yards in Iowa’s win over Maryland, with head coach Kirk Ferentz saying Stratton is likely to start against Nebraska as well. NU fans can now begin looking at bowl game projections with the knowledge that the Huskers will be a part of the postseason. CBS Sports’ projection, updated after Nebraska’s win over Wisconsin, has the Huskers set for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against Texas Tech on Dec. 26 in Phoenix. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Lawyers for a voting machine company that’s suing Fox News want to question founder Rupert Murdoch about his contentious efforts to change his family trust , the attorneys told a court Monday. Election-tech company Smartmatic's $2.7 billion defamation suit regards Fox's reporting on 2020 voting fraud claims. But Smartmatic’s attorneys suggest the separate succession fight over Murdoch's media empire might shed light on any Fox Corp. involvement in editorial matters. It's an important, if technical, question as Smartmatic seeks to hold the deep-pocketed Fox parent company responsible for statements that the news network aired. Fox contends that there's no such liability and that it was engaging in journalism, not defamation, when it broadcast election-fraud allegations made by then-President Donald Trump 's attorneys. Rupert Murdoch may already have given a deposition — out-of-court questioning under oath — in the defamation suit. Such records aren't public at this stage, but plans for his deposition were briefly mentioned at a 2022 hearing. Smartmatic now is seeking to talk to Murdoch about his efforts to rewrite his plans for his businesses after his death. The matter is playing out behind closed doors and in sealed files in a Nevada probate court. The New York Times has reported that Rupert Murdoch wants to keep his eldest son, Lachlan , in charge of the conglomerate's newspapers and television networks in order to ensure a continued conservative editorial outlook . Smartmatic wants to get the 93-year-old patriarch on record while the probate matter plays out, company attorney Edward Wipper told a judge Monday. Fox News lawyer K. Winn Allen said the probate case “has nothing at all to do with” Smartmatic's claims and is “not appropriate” fodder for the suit. Fox Corp. declined to comment after court. Fox News' lawyers, meanwhile, want Smartmatic to provide records about a U.S. federal criminal case against people, including Smartmatic co-founder Roger Piñate, accused of scheming to bribe a Filipino election official . Piñate has pleaded not guilty. Smartmatic isn't charged in the criminal case, and Smartmatic attorneys have said the matter was irrelevant to the defamation suit. Fox lost prior bids for a court order to get the information, but a hearing on the network's renewed request is set next week. It's unclear how soon Judge David B. Cohen will decide on that request or on Smartmatic's bid to dig into the Murdoch family trust case. Both requests are part of pretrial information-gathering, and no trial date has been set. Smartmatic says it was a small player, working only with California's heavily Democratic Los Angeles County, in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. In subsequent Fox News appearances, Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell portrayed Smartmatic as part of a multi-state scheme to steal the vote from the Republican. Federal and state election officials , exhaustive reviews in battleground states and Trump’s own attorney general found no widespread fraud that could have changed the outcome of the 2020 election. Nor did they uncover any credible evidence that the vote was tainted. Dozens of courts, including by judges whom Trump had appointed, rejected his fraud claims. Fox News ultimately aired an interview with an election technology expert who refuted the allegations against Smartmatic — an interview done after the company demanded a retraction . The network is countersuing Smartmatic , claiming it violated a New York law against baseless suits aimed at squelching reporting or criticism on public issues. The New York defamation suit is one of several stemming from conservative-oriented news outlets' reports on Trump’s 2020 vote-rigging claims. Smartmatic recently settled with One America News Network and Newsmax . Fox News settled for $787 million last year with Dominion Voting Systems, another election-technology company that sued over conspiracy theories blaming its election equipment for Trump’s 2020 loss. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Lawyers for a voting machine company that’s suing Fox News want to question founder Rupert Murdoch about his contentious efforts to change his family trust , the attorneys told a court Monday. Election-tech company Smartmatic's $2.7 billion defamation suit regards Fox's reporting on 2020 voting fraud claims. But Smartmatic’s attorneys suggest the separate succession fight over Murdoch's media empire might shed light on any Fox Corp. involvement in editorial matters. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Madonna's 'creepy' AI images with Pope Francis leave fans in disbelief. Photos cause social media furyNew photo emerges of loved-up Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in VIP suite at Chiefs game after win over Texans READ MORE: New Heights deletes Kelce post that appeared to show manhood By OLIVER SALT Published: 15:07 EST, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 17:05 EST, 23 December 2024 e-mail 59 shares 17 View comments A smitten Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are all smiles alongside his former high-school coach in new photos from the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Houston Texans . Swift headed back to Arrowhead for the first time in over three weeks on Sunday after wrapping up her last ever Eras Tour show earlier this month, and she saw a victory on her return. In their final home regular-season outing of the season, Kelce and the Chiefs sealed a 27-19 win over the Texans to move to 14-1 and build hope of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl . Travis' popstar-girlfriend was not the only significant figure in his VIP suite on Sunday, nevertheless. The NFL star also invited Jeff Rotsky - who coached him in his senior year at Cleveland Heights High School - and his daughter Emmie along to watch the game from the luxury of his private box. Rotsky shared pictures of him and Emmie with Travis and Taylor on the day, as well as a number of former Cleveland players who were also invited to Arrowhead. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were all smiles alongside his old high-school coach on Sunday Kelce invited Jeff Rotsky (right), who coached him in his senior year, and daughter Emmie (left) to watch the Chiefs' win over the Texans from his VIP suite at Arrowhead on Sunday Read More Fans left seething over 'embarrassing' Patrick Mahomes call The now-VASJ Vikings coach described the day as a 'blessing' and spoke of his pride of what his former players have gone on to achieve in the sport. Kelce posed next to Jeff in a super-expensive outfit he also arrived at the game in, which consisted of a $1,595 beige faux-fur jacket from luxury designer Marni and a $4,225 Louis Vuitton flat cap. Swift, meanwhile, was wearing a fluffy red jacket and black boots while holding a red handbag. The songstress, who was joined at the game by her mom Andrea and dad Scott on Sunday, completed the look with a black fedora. Kelce had five receptions for 30 yards against the Texans but his wait goes on to set the franchise record for touchdowns with Kansas City while still tied with Tony Gonzalez on 76. The Chiefs tight end and his girlfriend have been the subject of engagement rumors over the past week after photos from her Eras Tour birthday party surfaced last week. Eagle-eyed Swifties spotted a strange detail in some of the pictures to emerge from the bash, as their beloved singer appeared to be covering her ring finger with her little finger in a snap with Brittany Mahomes and Lyndsay Bell. Several photos showed Swift sipping on a cocktail, and one fan who goes by @lizpwoods on Instagram, pointed out that the singer's left ring finger looked 'blurred' in one shot. Swift was back at Arrowhead for the first time in three weeks after wrapping up her Eras Tour She watched on from Kelce's private box as the Chiefs sealed a 27-19 win over the Texans Her boyfriend had five receptions for 30 yards as Kansas City moved to 14-1 for the season This sparked a wild theory that Swift may have purposely 'edited out' an engagement ring as not to reveal news that Kelce had finally popped the question. Swift did not appear to be wearing a ring in the pictures shared by Ross Travis, who attended the party and was formerly a teammate of Kelce's. One of the images showed Travis and Taylor looking suave while Ross is singing into a microphone. He captioned the picture on his Instagram story: 'Eras complete, congrats Tay!' The other shows Taylor herself dancing with the microphone in her hand with Kelce stood close to her. Travis Kelce Taylor Swift Share or comment on this article: New photo emerges of loved-up Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in VIP suite at Chiefs game after win over Texans e-mail 59 shares Add comment

Key Trends in the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market with Insights from Improvement Center, Platinum Stair Lifts, Harmar, Stannah - Straight Stairlifts, Handicare Group, Qingdao Sinofirst Machinery, 101 Mobility, Ascen 12-15-2024 09:22 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: STATS N DATA Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market The Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market is an essential segment within the broader mobility solutions industry, catering to individuals who require assistance with vertical transportation in residential and commercial spaces. As populations age and the focus on accessibility increases, the demand for straight-rail stair lifts has surged, positioning this market as a pivotal player in enhancing mobility and independence for users. Recent developments within the market have showcased a shift towards advanced technologies, making stair lifts safer, more efficient, and user-friendly. You can access a sample PDF report here: https://www.statsndata.org/download-sample.php?id=96350 Several factors are driving the growth of the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market. Technological advancements have played a crucial role, with innovations in design, safety features, and user interfaces appealing to a more extensive consumer base. Additionally, strategic collaborations among leading manufacturers have led to the development of tailored solutions that cater to specific user needs. The integration of smart technologies and IoT systems into stair lift designs is another trend that has emerged, creating a more connected and intuitive user experience. As the market continues to evolve, actionable insights highlight the importance of staying relevant to current trends and consumer demands. Companies are advised to invest in research and development to enhance product offerings and capitalize on the growing interest in customizable and technologically advanced stair lift solutions. Key Growth Drivers and Trends The Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market is influenced by several critical drivers that shape consumer demand. Sustainability has become a significant focus, with manufacturers increasingly adopting eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, products that align with these values are gaining traction. Digitization is another driver reshaping the industry. The incorporation of digital tools in the design and operation of stair lifts enhances the user experience and improves the efficiency of manufacturing processes. Consumer awareness plays a crucial role as well; as people become more informed about mobility solutions, they are more likely to seek out products that meet their specific needs. Emerging trends, such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in product design, are also shaping the market's future. These technologies enable manufacturers to develop smarter stair lifts that can adapt to user behavior and preferences. Additionally, product customization has become a significant trend, allowing consumers to choose features and designs that best suit their homes and lifestyles. Market Segmentation The Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market can be segmented into various categories to better understand its dynamics: - Segment by Type: - Remote Control: These stair lifts are operated via remote control, providing users with ease of use and convenience. - Manual: Manual stair lifts require user operation, offering a cost-effective solution for those who may not require advanced features. - Segment by Application: - Residential: This segment focuses on stair lifts designed for home use, catering to individuals seeking independence and safety within their living spaces. - Commercial: Commercial stair lifts are tailored for public buildings and businesses, ensuring accessibility for all users. This segmentation highlights the diverse applications and types of straight-rail stair lifts available in the market, catering to varying consumer needs. Get 30% Discount On Full Report: https://www.statsndata.org/ask-for-discount.php?id=96350 Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market is characterized by several key players who are integral in shaping the industry through innovation and strategic initiatives. - Improvement Center: Known for its comprehensive range of mobility solutions, Improvement Center focuses on enhancing user accessibility through innovative stair lift designs. - Platinum Stair Lifts: This company is recognized for its commitment to quality and safety, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards in the industry. - Harmar: Harmar specializes in developing versatile mobility solutions, including advanced stair lifts that cater to a wide range of user needs. - Stannah - Straight Stairlifts: With a rich history in mobility solutions, Stannah offers a diverse array of stair lifts renowned for their reliability and user-friendly features. - Handicare Group: Handicare is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges through innovative stair lift technology. - Qingdao Sinofirst Machinery: This company focuses on producing cost-effective mobility solutions, making stair lifts accessible to a broader market. - 101 Mobility: 101 Mobility provides a range of mobility products, including straight-rail stair lifts, emphasizing customer service and support. - Ascen: Ascen is known for its focus on research and development, creating cutting-edge stair lift solutions that integrate advanced technology. - SUGIYASU Co.Ltd: SUGIYASU is committed to providing high-quality stair lifts that prioritize user safety and comfort. - Lehner Lifttechnik GmbH: This company emphasizes innovative design and engineering, producing stair lifts that meet diverse consumer needs. - Savaria Corp: Savaria is a leader in the accessibility market, offering a variety of stair lifts tailored for both residential and commercial applications. - Bruno Independent Living Aids: Bruno is renowned for its high-performance stair lifts, designed to enhance user mobility and independence. - Prism U.K. Medical: This company focuses on providing mobility solutions that cater to the unique needs of individuals with physical challenges. - Acorn: Acorn is known for its reliable stair lifts, emphasizing safety features and user-friendly operation. - AmeriGlide: AmeriGlide offers a diverse range of stair lifts, focusing on affordability without compromising quality. - Kumalift Co. Ltd: Kumalift specializes in manufacturing stair lifts that cater to a wide range of user preferences and needs. - Symax Lift: Symax is committed to producing high-quality mobility solutions that enhance user accessibility. - HIRO LIFT: HIRO LIFT focuses on innovative designs, ensuring their stair lifts are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. - Otoloft Stairlifts: Known for their focus on user comfort and safety, Otoloft Stairlifts provides a range of products designed to meet diverse consumer needs. These companies are driving innovation and shaping trends within the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market, ensuring that consumers have access to a wide variety of high-quality products. Opportunities and Challenges The Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market presents numerous opportunities for growth, particularly in untapped regions where accessibility solutions are still developing. As global populations age, there is an increasing demand for mobility solutions that cater to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Evolving consumer preferences towards customized products further open avenues for manufacturers to innovate and meet specific needs. However, the market is not without its challenges. Regulatory constraints can hinder product development and market entry, particularly in regions with stringent safety standards. Operational inefficiencies, such as lengthy production times and supply chain disruptions, can also pose significant challenges for manufacturers. Talent shortages in the engineering and design fields may impact the ability of companies to innovate and keep up with market demands. To address these challenges, companies can invest in workforce development programs to attract and retain skilled professionals. Additionally, fostering partnerships with regulatory bodies can help navigate compliance issues more efficiently. Technological Advancements Technological advancements are fundamentally transforming the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market. The integration of AI and machine learning technologies has led to the development of smart stair lifts that can learn user preferences and adapt accordingly. This personalization enhances the user experience and promotes safety. IoT-driven systems are also making waves in the market, allowing for remote monitoring and control of stair lifts. This capability provides peace of mind for users and caregivers, as they can track usage patterns and receive alerts for maintenance needs. Virtual tools and augmented reality applications are further enhancing the design and installation processes, making them more efficient and user-friendly. As these technologies continue to evolve, the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market is poised for significant growth, driven by consumer demand for smarter, safer, and more efficient mobility solutions. Research Methodology and Insights STATS N DATA employs a comprehensive research methodology to provide accurate insights into the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market. Utilizing both top-down and bottom-up approaches, the research team gathers data from various sources, including market reports, industry publications, and direct interviews with key stakeholders. The methodology involves primary research, where insights are collected directly from manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers, and secondary research, which analyzes existing market data and trends. The triangulation process ensures that the insights provided are reliable and reflective of the current market landscape. By leveraging this robust research methodology, STATS N DATA is able to present a detailed and nuanced understanding of the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market, positioning itself as a trusted authority in mobility solutions. In conclusion, the Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market is experiencing dynamic growth driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and a focus on accessibility. With a diverse range of opportunities and challenges, stakeholders in the industry must remain adaptable and innovative to thrive in this competitive landscape. For customization requests, please visit: https://www.statsndata.org/request-customization.php?id=96350 Full Straight-rail Stair Lifts Market Report Link: https://www.statsndata.org/report/Global-Straight-rail-Stair-Lifts-Market-96350 Related Reports: DAC Chips Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/dac-chips-market-122410 Document Management and Storage Services Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/document-management-and-storage-services-market-172316 Password Manager Tool Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/password-manager-tool-market-172978 Letterpress Cards Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/letterpress-cards-market-91679 Strength Fitness Equipment Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/strength-fitness-equipment-market-262501 John Jones Sales & Marketing Head | Stats N Data Phone: +1 (315) 642-4324 Email: sales@statsndata.org Website: www.statsndata.org STATS N DATA is a trusted provider of industry intelligence and market research, delivering actionable insights to businesses across diverse sectors. We specialize in helping organizations navigate complex markets with advanced analytics, detailed market segmentation, and strategic guidance. Our expertise spans industries including technology, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, food & beverages, and more. Committed to accuracy and innovation, we provide tailored reports that empower clients to make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our team of skilled analysts leverages cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every report addresses the unique challenges of our clients. At STATS N DATA, we transform data into knowledge and insights into success. Partner with us to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. For more information, visit https://www.statsndata.org or contact us today at sales@statsndata.org This release was published on openPR.

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Environment Secretary Steve Reed has been asked to review “incompetence” at the Met Office that led to a “clear underestimation” of the impact of Storm Bert. Labour MP for Cardiff West, Alex Barros-Curtis, said warnings should have been “amber or red”, as Mr Reed told MPs that more flooding is “likely”. Hundreds of homes were left under water, roads were turned into rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across parts of the UK. More than 130 flood warnings and 160 alerts remained in place across the UK on Monday. In the Commons on Monday, Mr Barros-Curtis asked: “Can I ask that the Secretary of State speak to his Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) colleagues to carefully look into the role of the Met Office here? “It is clear that their response was slow and that there was a clear underestimation of the impact of Storm Bert. “They put it yellow rather than amber or red. Our constituents have been let down by this incompetence before, and it cannot keep happening.” Mr Reed said: “In most parts of the countries that were affected, warnings were given with adequate time for people to prepare and I would encourage people to sign up on the Defra website, or the Environment Agency website for warnings and alerts if they live in an area that could be affected by flooding. “I’m aware of the particular concern that he mentions regarding the Met Office, and I will indeed be speaking to colleagues in DSIT as they review the circumstances of that and look at how the situation can be improved for future events of this kind.” A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Bert was well forecast, with first signs of disruptive weather signalled a week ahead and the first warnings issued on Wednesday November 20. “A number of warnings were in place ahead of the system reaching the UK. “We work closely with partners to assess the potential risks of extreme weather and warnings covering Wales highlighted the potential for homes and businesses to flood with fast flowing or deep floodwater possible, causing a danger to life. “Observed rainfall totals were broadly in line with the forecast and the severe weather warnings issued in advance.” During his update to the House, the Environment Secretary said that more flooding this week is “likely” but its impact “should be less severe” than has been seen. He said: “Around 28,000 properties are being protected by Environment Agency flood defences. “Unfortunately, an estimated 107 properties have flooded across England, principally from river and surface water flooding.” He added: “The Environment Agency and local responders have also been busy protecting properties elsewhere in England, including flooding from the River Teme in Tenbury Wells where around 40 properties have flooded. “The river has now peaked and local responders will be focusing on the lower reaches of rivers over the next few days.” He further stated: “Further flooding is sadly likely over the next few days as water levels rise in slower flowing rivers such as the Severn and the Ouse. “The Environment Agency anticipates that any impacts should be less severe than we have seen in recent days.” Mr Reed also described the flood defences they inherited from the previous government as being “in the worst condition on record following years of underinvestment”. He added: “Over 3,000 of our key flood defences are below an acceptable standard. “That is why we are investing £2.4 billion over the next two years to build and maintain flood defences.” Elsewhere in the session, Labour MP for Coventry South, Zarah Sultana, was among the MPs to call for a legal duty on fire services to respond to flooding. She said: “I want to express my solidarity and thanks to all of our emergency services, including firefighters on the front line. “Extreme weather events are on the rise and becoming ever more frequent due to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for proper funding and resources. “England is the only part of the UK without a statutory duty for flooding, leaving fire services underfunded and under-resourced to respond effectively. This must change, as the FBU (Fire Brigades Union) has long called for.” “When will the Government finally provide a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue authorities to respond to flooding incidents in England?” Mr Reed replied: “The fire and rescue authorities have the powers to intervene, but she’s quite right to point out there’s not a duty, and officials in my department, working with the Home Office, will review that to see that that remains appropriate.” Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire Greg Smith said some communities in his constituency are flooding “for the first time in decades” as he accused the Government of wanting to “concrete over the countryside”. He said: “That is a result of some of the big infrastructure we are seeing being built, particularly HS2 where they will concrete over a field completely, it seems, unaware that that will have a knock-on effect to farmland next door. “So will the Secretary of State commit to working with the Transport Secretary (Louise Haigh) and I also suggest the Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner) given their plans to concrete over the countryside to ensure that where construction takes place proper, and I really mean proper, flood mitigation measures are put into place.” Mr Reed replied: “This needs to operate across Government, and we will have those conversations and ensure that measures are put in place to support communities as much as is possible from the more severe weather events that we’re seeing as a result of climate change.”First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund (NYSE:FPF) Declares Monthly Dividend of $0.14

 

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Tank Dell appeared to be on track for a long recovery as he exited the Texans’ Week 16 game on Saturday. Further testing confirmed the second-year receiver tore the ACL in his left knee in addition to dislocating his kneecap, leaving him unavailable to the Texans for the rest of the season. When the news of the ACL tear came out, though, it was made clear Dell’s knee suffered other injuries as well. Providing specifics on that front, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports the 25-year-old is dealing with MCL and LCL tears, along with meniscus damage. As a result, Wilson adds Dell will require multiple surgeries to repair the issues. That means a situation similar to that of Browns running back Nick Chubb will be in store. Chubb went down with his knee injury in Week 2 last year and was sidelined through the beginning of the current campaign. He returned in October before suffering a broken foot (which has left him out of the fold for the rest of the year). Given how late in the season Dell’s injury took place, though, his surgery schedule and recovery timeline could leave him on the sidelines deep into next season. Taking that point further, Wilson writes it is “regarded as an extremely unlikely scenario” the former third-rounder will be able to play at any point in 2025. If that were to be the case, it would add considerably to his missed time early in his career. Dell was limited to 14 games as a rookie after suffering a fractured fibula , an injury which ended his encouraging year. Expectations were high for 2024, during which he averaged 48 yards per game and scored three touchdowns. The final year of the Houston product’s rookie contract is 2026, which might be the next time he is available. The Texans did not add at the receiver position after Stefon Diggs suffered an ACL tear, but losing Dell prompted action. Houston claimed Diontae Johnson off waivers Monday , and he will have the opportunity to move past his short-lived Ravens tenure as a result. Johnson was a non-factor in Baltimore’s offense after arriving via trade from Carolina, but he could take on a notable workload in Houston down the stretch. Providing a consistent complementary presence would be welcomed on a Texans offense which is notably shorthanded. Houston’s attention will be on the final two games of the regular season in preparation for the second straight playoff appearance of C.J. Stroud ‘s career. Dell’s absence will be felt, though, and his recovery process will be a key storyline during the offseason. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.Red Sox acquire reliever Jovani Morán from Twins for utility player Mickey GasperJonathon Brooks will make Panthers debut with family and late father in his heart

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DUP minister rejected suggestion licensing laws could be relaxed for jubileeCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Amazon Web Services will invest another $10 billion to bolster its data center infrastructure in Ohio. The company and Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced the plan Monday. The new investment will boost the amount it has committed to spending in Ohio by the end of 2029 to more than $23 billion. AWS launched its first data centers in the state in 2016 and currently operates campuses in two counties in central Ohio, home to the capital city of Columbus. The new investment will allow AWS to expand its data centers to new sites, but the company said those locations have not been determined yet and noted that its investment plans are contingent upon the execution of long-term energy service agreements. AWS said the new data centers will contain computer servers, storage drives, networking equipment and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. In June 2023, AWS said it would invest $7.8 billion by the end of 2029 to expand its data center operations in central Ohio. That was on top of $6 billion already invested through 2022.top casino slots

Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Brian Williams was placed on administrative leave following an investigation into a bomb threat he allegedly made against City Hall earlier this year, Mayor Karen Bass’ office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 1. The Mayor’s Office was notified that the FBI searched Williams’ home Tuesday as part of their investigation, according to a statement from the office. “The mayor takes this matter very seriously,” Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said in a statement. “When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation.” According to a Los Angeles Police Department statement, the agency’s initial investigation determined Williams was likely the “source of the threat.” “Due to the department’s working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI,” LAPD said in a statement. “The FBI remains the investigating agency.” “No additional information is being released,” the LAPD added. A representative for the FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Williams joined Bass’ office in March 2023. He was tasked with working closely with critical safety departments such as police, fire, Los Angeles World Airports police, and emergency. Prior to his appointment, Williams served seven years as the executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. Williams also previously served as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, where he was responsible for the management and oversight of the Department of Transportation, Public Works and Information Technology Agency.

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HOUSTON -- A federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Alex Jones' Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet, criticizing the bidding for the conspiracy theory platform as flawed as well as how much money families of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting stood to receive. The decision late Tuesday night is a victory for Jones, whose Infowars site was put up for sale as part of his bankruptcy case in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered him to pay over falsely calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax. Families of the Sandy Hook victims had backed The Onion's bid. Following a two-day hearing in Houston, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez said he would not approve the sale, while citing concerns about transparency in the auction. That clears the way for Jones to keep - at least for now - Infowars, which is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The Onion had planned to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody. "We are deeply disappointed in today's decision, but The Onion will continue to seek a resolution that helps the Sandy Hook families receive a positive outcome for the horror they endured," Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron, posted on social media late Tuesday. Lopez cited problems - but no wrongdoing - with the auction process. He said he said he did not think that those involved in the auction acted in bad faith and that everyone "put their best foot forward and tried to play within the rules." Still, Lopez said he said he did not want another auction and left it up to the trustee who oversaw the auction to determine the next steps. The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash and other incentives for Infowars' assets in the auction. First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones' name that sells nutritional supplements, bid $3.5 million. The bids were a fraction of the money that Jones has been ordered to pay in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Lopez said the auction outcome "left a lot of money on the table" for families. "You got to scratch and claw and get everything you can for them," Lopez said. Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families who sued Jones in Connecticut, said they were disappointed in the judge's ruling. "These families, who have already persevered through countless delays and roadblocks, remain resilient and determined as ever to hold Alex Jones and his corrupt businesses accountable for the harm he has caused," Mattei said in a statement. "This decision doesn't change the fact that, soon, Alex Jones will begin to pay his debt to these families and he will continue doing so for as long as it takes." Jones, who did not attend the proceedings, went back on his program late Tuesday to celebrate the judge's ruling, calling the auction "ridiculous" and "fraudulent." Although The Onion's cash offer was lower than that of First United American, it also included a pledge by many of the Sandy Hook families to forgo $750,000 of the auction proceeds due to them and give it to other creditors, providing the other creditors more money than they would receive under First United American's bid. The sale of Infowars is part of Jones' personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Jones repeatedly called the shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control. Parents and children of many of the victims testified in court that they were traumatized by Jones' conspiracies and threats from his followers. Jones has since acknowledged that the Connecticut school shooting happened. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones' personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families. Some proceeds will go to Jones' other creditors. Trustee Christopher Murray had defended The Onion's bid in court this week, testifying that he did not favor either bidder over the other and was not biased. He also revealed that First United American submitted a revised bid in recent days, but he said he could not accept it because the Sandy Hook families in the Connecticut lawsuit objected. The Onion valued its bid, with the Sandy Hook families' offer, at $7 million because that amount was equal to a purchase price that would provide the same amount of money to the other creditors. In a court filing last month, Murray's lawyers called First United American's request to disqualify The Onion's bid a "disappointed bidder's improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open election process." Jones' attorney, Ben Broocks, noted that the Sandy Hook lawsuit judgments could be overturned in pending appeals and got Murray to acknowledge that the Sandy Hook families' offer in The Onion bid could fall apart if that happens. That's because the percentage of the auction proceeds they would be entitled to could drop sharply and they wouldn't get the $750,000 from the sale to give to other creditors. Up for sale were all the equipment and other assets in the Infowars studio in Austin, as well as the rights to its social media accounts, websites, video archive and product trademarks. Jones uses the studio to broadcast his far-right, conspiracy theory-filled shows on the Infowars website, his account on the social platform X and radio stations. Many of Jones' personal assets also are being sold. Jones has set up another studio, websites and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. Jones has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him. Jones is appealing the money has been ordered to pay in judgments citing free speech rights.President calls for accountability on International Anti-Corruption Day

The WD_Black SN850X SSD is one of the most popular m.2 SSDs on the planet, thanks to its fantastic speed, compatibility, and high capacities. It can be pretty pricey on the high-end though, with the 8TB capacity drive with built-in heatsink approaching $700 at most retailers. Now, you can get the 8TB WD_Black SN850X with heatsink for just $599.99 (down from $679.99) at Newegg during the retailer's after-Christmas sale. Even better, if you already have a built-in heatsink for your PCIe 4.0 slot, you can get the 8TB WD_Black SN850X without a heatsink for just $579.99 (down from $649.99) at Newegg . If you're looking for even more capacity options, several smaller capacity versions are also on sale, though the deals aren't as good as you'll get with the two 8TB versions. (Not in the US? Scroll down to find more deals on in your region) Today's best WD_Black SN850X deal This 8TB WD_Black SN850X M.2 SSD is an absolutely gargantuan storage capacity for your PC, the kind of which you typically only see with spinning-disk hard drives. Unlike those, however, this drive offers performance more than 20 times faster, and it comes with a heatsink built in to manage heat if your motherboard doesn't have one preinstalled. Even better, it'll also work with PS5 consoles. If you already have a heatsink built into your motherboard's PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, then the bare SSD stick for the WD_Black SN850X 8TB m.2 SSD is an even better value, thanks to this 10% savings over at Newegg for its After Christmas sales event. More about this WD_Black SN850X deal We never got the chance to review the WD_Black SN850X, but we did review its slightly slower variant, the WD_Black SN850 , and found it to be one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives you can buy, with tested speeds living up to its claimed 7,000/5,100 MB/s sequential read/write speeds. The SN850X, meanwhile, is essentially the same SSD, but with slightly faster read speeds and much faster write speeds, with a claimed 7,300MB/s sequential read speed and 6,600MB/s sequential write. Since we haven't tested this claim ourselves, I can only tell you what my PC building friends have told me, and they love this drive. What's more, this is one of the very few 8TB M.2 SSD drives you're going to find, so if you have limited slot space but need more storage, this drive is a fantastic pick. If drive capacity isn't as important to you, there might be better deals at lower capacities that would also be worth checking out (like the Samsung 990 Pro and similar). More WD_Black SN850X deals If you're not in the US, or you're in the US and are looking for other WD_Black SN850X deals than the ones above, check below for even more options on this fantastic SSD.

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The Chargers quarterback did not practice Wednesday as Los Angeles began preparations for its game Sunday against Tampa Bay. Herbert injured his left ankle during the first quarter of last Sunday's 19-17 loss at Kansas City. Herbert said Wednesday that the injury occurred during a 7-yard scramble on third down during the opening drive. Television cameras showed him grimacing and walking slowly to the sideline after the play. “It was difficult to play with," he said. "It was one of those things where we limited some of the runs out of the pocket. I didn't feel great, but it was one of those things to play through.” Herbert's left leg was later bruised after taking a hard hit from linebacker Nick Bolton during the second quarter. Herbert missed only one play and completed 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown. “The contusion, I think that is something that is easily recoverable. I'm doing everything I can with the ankle,” Herbert said. “If I felt like I could have practiced at 100% and make sure everyone was able to get full-speed reps, I would have. I didn't think I was able to do that today, so the trainers and I were on the same page.” Herbert suffered a high sprain to his right ankle during the third quarter of a 26-3 win at Carolina on Sept. 15. That limited his mobility and some of the play calls in losses to Pittsburgh and Kansas City the next two games. However, Herbert is not in a walking boot this time, which was the case with the injury earlier in the season. The fifth-year quarterback also said the pain tolerance with his ankle injury is better to deal with compared to the earlier one. “I’d like to see him get treatment and not be on his feet. He will do everything in his power to play on Sunday,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. The Chargers have lost two of their last three, but are the sixth seed in the AFC with an 8-5 record. After facing NFC South-leading Tampa Bay on Sunday, Los Angeles hosts Denver in a Thursday night matchup on Dec. 19 as both teams are vying for a playoff spot. It's the second time in three seasons Herbert is dealing with an injury after a game at Kansas City. In 2022, he fractured rib cartilage after taking a hard hit from Chiefs defensive lineman Michael Danna during the fourth quarter. Herbert missed two weeks during training camp because of an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot. He also had a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder near the end of the 2022 season and two broken fingers last year, including one on his throwing hand that caused him to miss the final four games. Herbert has joined Tom Brady as the only players who have not thrown an interception in 11 straight games with a minimum of 15 attempts in each game. Brady accomplished the feat with New England in 2010. The last time Herbert was picked off was midway through the first quarter on Sept. 15 by Carolina’s Jaycee Horn. Herbert has also gone 335 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, the fifth-longest streak in league history. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflStock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise

Jaylon Johnson isn't interested in bright spots with the Bears' skid at 5 gamesDALLAS – If you attended a high school dance at any point in the 1980s, you no doubt heard “Chicago” lead singer Peter Cetera croon these words: “Everybody needs a little time away, I heard her say, from each other...” ADVERTISEMENT The members of the Minnesota Wild seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company, and their willingness to work together for the good of the order shows in their 21 wins thus far, and their flirtation with the top spot in the Western Conference standings. But following their 4-3 win over Chicago (the Blackhawks, not the band) on Monday, the NHL mandates that every team take a three-day break for Christmas. At risk of the hefty fine from the league, teams cannot get together for practice, nor may they travel to road games until the morning of Friday, Dec. 27. That means the Wild were gameday arrivals in North Texas for their Friday evening meeting with the Stars. And as much hassle as that may be, most Wild players and coaches were eager for the time off by the time the final horn sounded on Monday. “The way I see it is I think this is a break at a key time for us, and I give the players a lot of credit. We’ve been going at max capacity and really dialed in from training camp till now and there’s been way more success than there has been failure,” coach John Hynes said, after his team snapped a four-game skid with the win over the Blackhawks. “But I also think that guys have really pushed, and I think guys have produced at certain times. I think it’s important for our group now to be able to get away from it for a few days, come off a win in a game that we played well, and then now it’s come back and we just reset and get moving forward.” As has been the case for much of this injury-riddled season to date, the biggest question about moving forward is which players it will involve. For example, top-line center Joel Eriksson Ek, whose big body and noteworthy skill have been missed since a lower-body injury in early December, looked to be inching closer to a return during the team’s last pre-Christmas practice. Getting some rest before facing a tough team like Dallas on the road is one positive factor, the Wild hope. Another pick-me-up was getting the victory by whatever means necessary versus Chicago, to end a season-worst losing streak. “It’s nice to go into the break with a win, but the games before, we’re not happy with,” Wild captain Jared Spurgeon admitted. “It’s tough throughout the year to be at 100 (percent) mentally and physically, so to have three days at this point, it’s big for us to sort of just relax, get away from it, hang with family friends and do something a little different.” ADVERTISEMENT And once they get back on the ice in Dallas, they plan to get back to more of the theme of the early season – namely getting contributions from throughout the lineup and competing for the lead in the Central Division. “I’m pretty convinced that after the break we come back then we get set for another while,” Hynes said, noting their next extended time off comes after Minnesota hosts the New York Islanders on Feb. 8. “You got Christmas basically until the 4 Nations break and that’s when we can re-plug in and get guys dialed in, get the team dialed in.” ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

$1 million per homer? $27,000 a point? $229 per second? Sports is loaded with money oddities If Juan Soto replicates his 2024 performance throughout his $765 million, 15-year deal with the Mets, he'll make roughly $1.2 million for every home run he hits. He's hardly the only superstar athlete earning outrageous sums for each of his accomplishments. Some NFL quarterbacks make more than $3 million per game. Stephen Curry could make roughly $161,000 per 3-pointer. This past regular season, Lionel Messi earned $229 for every second he was on the field with Inter Miami. Is the College Football Playoff bracket fair? Here are some tweaks that would have changed things The committee that chose the 12 contenders for college football’s national title was only worried about ranking the teams. Where those teams landed in the bracket was based on a formula created by conference commissioners. That jumbled up the pairings and made a strong case for tinkering in the future. Some possible tweaks, like reseeding after the first round or not giving conference champions automatic byes, would have resulted in a vastly different tournament this year, Belichick says he's had 'good conversations' with UNC chancellor amid Tar Heels' coaching search Former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick says he had “a couple of good conversations” with North Carolina Chancellor Lee Roberts amid his discussions about the Tar Heels’ head-coaching job. Belichick appeared on ESPN's “The Pat McAfee Show" on Monday. He said he had spent the 11 months since his departure from the Patriots taking a “longer look” at the college level. He said he had learned a lot and had “a couple of good conversations" with Roberts. UNC fired the program's all-time winningest coach in Mack Brown last month. Cowboys set to host Bengals under open roof after falling debris thwarted that plan against Texans ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The roof at the home of the Dallas Cowboys has opened without incident and will stay that way for a Monday night meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. It will be the first game with the roof open at AT&T Stadium since Oct. 30, 2022. The roof was supposed to be open three weeks ago for Houston’s 34-10 victory on another Monday night. A large piece of metal and other debris fell roughly 300 feet to the field as the retractable roof was opening. The roof was then closed for that game. Tennessee grabs No. 1 in AP Top 25 after shakeup; No. 3 Iowa State has highest ranking since 1950s Tennessee is the new No. 1 in men's college basketball after a massive shakeup in the AP Top 25. The Vols are No. 1 for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Auburn remained No. 2 and No. 3 Iowa State has its highest ranking since 1956-57. Kentucky rounds out the top five. Tennessee is off to its best start since opening the 2000-01 season 9-0. Georgia QB Carson Beck's status for Sugar Bowl uncertain as he considers treatment options on elbow ATLANTA (AP) — Quarterback Carson Beck’s status for No. 2 Georgia’s Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal is uncertain after he suffered an elbow injury in Saturday’s Southeastern Conference championship game win over Texas. Georgia announced Monday there is no timetable on Beck’s return as he and his family explore treatment options. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Sunday the team was awaiting results of tests. The school did not announce details of the injury. Punter Brett Thorson will need season-ending surgery after injuring his non-kicking leg. Backup Gunner Stockton likely would start in the Sugar Bowl if Beck is unable to play. Another final-second victory puts the Chiefs in prime spot to secure AFC's No. 1 seed: Analysis A thunderous doink helped the Kansas City Chiefs gain some breathing room in the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC after the Buffalo Bills fell short despite Josh Allen’s spectacular performance. The fight for the top spot in the NFC stayed close as the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles kept pace with the Detroit Lions. Four weeks remain in the NFL regular season to determine the playoff picture. There’s a clear leader in the fight for the AFC’s bye. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are 12-1 and in excellent position to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs after a 19-17 win with a last-second field goal over the Los Angeles Chargers. No. 19 Tennessee back in women's AP Top 25 after year out of poll; UCLA, UConn remain 1-2 Tennessee is back in the AP Top 25 at No. 19, ending the school’s longest drought in the 48-year history of the women’s basketball poll. The Lady Vols (7-0) had not been ranked since Nov. 27, 2023, a span of 22 polls. Since the rankings began in 1976, Tennessee has been in the Top 25 in 779 of 870 total weeks. UCLA, UConn and South Carolina remain the top three teams and Oklahoma has cracked the top 10. Georgia Tech and N.C. State entered the rankings while Illinois, Louisville and Alabama fell out. College football transfer portal opens as Oklahoma's Arnold, other top players look for a move The college football transfer portal has opened a day after the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff field was released. The portal period closes on Dec. 28. Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold, Texas State running back Ismail Mahdi, Miami (Ohio) wide receiver Reggie Virgil and Ohio State QB Devin Brown were among the first players who entered the portal. The sophomore Arnold passed for 1,984 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions and ran for 560 yards and four scores at Oklahoma. Mahdi led the nation with 2,169 all-purpose yards last season. Brown entered the transfer portal after three years as a backup. Saquon Barkley is chasing Eric Dickerson's NFL season rushing record. Can he do it? PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is closing in on the NFL season rushing record. Barkley set the Eagles' franchise record when he rushed for 124 yards and pushed his season total to 1,623 yards in a win against Carolina. Barkley also maintained his pace to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley is averaging 124.8 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson had, Barkley would become the top single-season rusher in NFL history. He needs 483 yards over the final four games to top Dickerson’s 40-year-old record. Barkley is on pace for 2,122 yards, just 17 yards beyond Dickerson’s 2,105 total.‘I’m still buzzing’ says Patrick Kielty after sleighing second-ever Late Late Toy Show with record-breaking figures

Germany to tighten criminal law as people-smuggling ‘action plan’ agreed with UKSome tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020( MENAFN - IANS) Melbourne, Dec 28 (IANS) Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar slammed Rishabh Pant for his ridiculous dismissal in the ongoing Boxing Day Test, saying it was 'a stupid shot' and that the wicketkeeper-batter let his team down when they needed him to bat long. Against Scott Boland in the 56th over, Pant had tried playing a falling ramp shot, but inside-edged the ball onto his stomach. Australia skipper Pat Cummins had placed fielders in the deep in fine leg and third man in case Pant repeated that shot. It did happen that way as on the next ball Pant tried the same shot, but to his horror, this time the top-edge went to Nathan Lyon at deep third man, as the batter was dismissed for 28 off 37 balls, leaving Gavaskar livid. "Stupid, stupid, stupid! You've got two fielders there and you still go for that. You missed the previous shot, and look where you've been caught. That is throwing away your wicket. You cannot say that that's your natural game. I'm sorry. That is not your natural game. That is a stupid shot. That is letting your team down badly. You have to understand the situation as well. He should not be going in that (India's) dressing room, he should be going in the other dressing room," said Gavaskar on ABC Sport. In this series so far, Pant has averaged just 20.66, with his highest score being 37. On Fox Cricket, Australia women's captain Alyssa Healy and former men's player Kerry O'Keeffe lauded Cummins for his spot-on field placing to get Pant out. “You sense that Pant was placed there for such a shot. They also had the two deep (fielders) on the leg side, a fine leg and a backward square anticipating something like that,” O'Keeffe noted. “Obviously Rishabh didn't mean the ball to go to Nathan Lyon, but with two out on the leg side it's a risky shot,” added Alyssa.“Pat was grinning, he knew he had the field right there,” replied O'Keeffe. Meanwhile, Gavaskar suggested for all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to be promoted up the batting order, citing that the youngster is more responsible and aware of the game situation. Before lunch break came, Reddy showcased his good footwork and proactiveness to be not out on 40. In the series, Reddy has been a revelation with the bat, showcasing maturity and composure on his first tour of Australia. "He should be promoted up the order, because he bats with a great deal of responsibility. He bats with a great deal of awareness of the situation. Awareness of the situation is so important when you're playing Test cricket." MENAFN27122024000231011071ID1109036151 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. 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NoneIntel's leadership hinted at a possible sale of its manufacturing operations amid uncertainties surrounding a new chip technology, 18A, slated for next year. As co-CEOs Michelle Johnston Holthaus and David Zinsner took the helm following Pat Gelsinger's ouster, they face the challenge of revitalizing the company's manufacturing edge against competitors like Nvidia. During a Barclays conference in San Francisco, Holthaus discussed Intel's unique dual role in chip design and manufacturing, noting the potential need to separate these functions if the new technology does not deliver results. Intel aims to bring its flagship PC chip manufacturing back in-house, a move crucial for regaining momentum in the chip industry. Chief Financial Officer Zinsner highlighted the separation of Intel Foundry, its manufacturing division, into a standalone subsidiary. While its finances and operations are already distinct, a complete separation remains uncertain. Intel's shares climbed 2.3% after the executives' remarks, reflecting cautious optimism. (With inputs from agencies.)

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There can be a lot of ups and downs when it comes to navigating one's love life, especially when it seems like dating apps are the only way to meet anyone nowadays. I've definitely learned some tips from my friends about dating, so I'm curious to know: ladies, what dating tips have you learned from other women that have helped you with your dating life? Maybe you learned to always drive separately to a first date instead of getting picked up. That way, you can choose when you want to leave, and your date doesn't know where you live. Maybe you learned a beauty tip, like where to put perfume so that the scent lasts longer: putting a dab of vaseline on your pulse points and spraying the perfume there so it sticks and stays on. Maybe you were told not to worry so much about whether or not the other person likes you but to first think about whether you like them. Not only has it made you more self-aware while dating, but it's also a time saver. Or perhaps you learned from a woman in your life that if you're dating to marry, forget the small talk on the first date and get to the nitty-gritty, like their political views, what they think about marriage, and more. It's better to be honest upfront than be disappointed later if your views don't align. Whatever the case, if you have a dating tip that you learned from another woman that you'd like to share, comment down below! Or, if you'd like to anonymously submit your tip, you can use this form !Social media firms raise 'serious concerns' over Australian U-16 ban

Opinion | Don’t Believe The Utility Company PropagandaWhen will the 2025 Australian federal election be held?Plan to shrink civil service dropped but ministers seek ‘original thinkers’

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Elena Bionysheva-Abramova/iStock via Getty Images All figures are in United States Dollars unless otherwise noted. G/T = grams per tonne (of gold or silver). GEOs = gold-equivalent ounces. SEOs = silver-equivalent ounces. AISC refers to all-in sustaining costs. LOMP = life of mine plan. TPD = tonnes per day. Alluvial Gold Research offers in-depth research on my favorite miners ranked in order to aid in positioning in the most undervalued miners with upcoming catalysts to drive portfolio outperformance. Subscribers also get access to my current portfolios and buy/sell alerts as well as the following: A Proprietary Sentiment Indicator for gold/silver miners updated weekly not available anywhere else Exclusive Research on Top Ideas Top Takeover Targets Buy/Sell Signals for GDX, SIL & Individual Miners I have been able to outperform GDX consistently since its peak (180% return since August 2020 peak) with the help of timing models I've built & rigid stock selection. Taylor Dart is an individual investor with over 16 years of trading experience, with his primary focus being precious metals developers, producers and royalty/streaming companies. - Disclosure: I am not a financial advisor. All articles are my opinion - they are not suggestions to buy or sell any securities. Perform your own due diligence and consult a financial professional before trading or investing. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AEM, AEM:CA, ITRG, ITR:CA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Disclaimer: Taylor Dart is not a Registered Investment Advisor or Financial Planner. This writing is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation regarding any securities transaction. The information contained in this writing should not be construed as financial or investment advice on any subject matter. Taylor Dart expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken based on any or all of the information on this writing. Given the volatility in the precious metals sector, position sizing is critical, so when buying small-cap precious metals stocks, position sizes should be limited to 5% or less of one's portfolio. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

( MENAFN - GetNews) Starting December 11, LiTime , a trailblazer in LiFePO4 battery technology, is offering up to 50% off on energy storage solutions as part of its Christmas promotion. The LiTime Battery Christmas Sale 2024 also includes a Price Match Policy, ensuring customers receive the best value for their purchases. In a spirit of year-end innovation, LiTime has also unveiled its latest LiTime New Arrival LiFePO4 Batteries , inspiring practical yet creative options for holiday gifting. From powering dazzling Christmas tree lights to fueling the grill for family gatherings, or creating the perfect ambiance for cozy movie nights, LiTime's reliable batteries are here to keep your celebrations running smoothly. This season, LiTime's energy solutions bring a bright“yellow” glow to complement the festive red and green, ensuring a warm and memorable holiday for all. Cold Weather Batteries: Reliable Power for a Chilly Christmas As the Christmas season approaches, cold weather poses significant challenges for outdoor power supplies and portable energy storage. In a report published this March, CBS highlighted that freezing temperatures in the Northeast and Midwest often impair the performance of lithium batteries. To tackle this challenge, LiTime has developed an innovative line of LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries with advanced low-temperature cut-off protection, tailored to the needs of users in frigid regions. LiTime's“Cold Weather Batteries” feature an upgraded Battery Management System (BMS) that continuously monitors cell temperatures. The system halts charging below 0°C/32°F and disconnects the load at -20°C/-4°F, safeguarding battery health and performance even in freezing conditions. For extreme cold, LiTime has gone a step further with its“self heat battery”, which use integrated heating pads to swiftly restore battery temperatures in environments as cold as -4°F, ensuring uninterrupted and reliable power when you need it most. LiTime's full lineup of batteries features EV-Grade LiFePO4 cells, setting the gold standard in durability and performance. Designed to handle high-frequency charging cycles, rapid acceleration, and extreme temperature variations, these cells are made from top-tier materials and undergo over 12 strict quality inspections during production. With such stringent processes, LiTime batteries boast a cycle life exceeding 4,000 cycles and can operate reliably for over 10 years. As concerns grow about the environmental impact of holiday traditions, LiTime is stepping up with sustainable solutions. By utilizing environmentally friendly, heavy-metal-free materials and engineering longer-lasting batteries to reduce the need for frequent production and disposal, LiTime is making sustainability a cornerstone of its innovation. This holiday season, the company is committed to helping families celebrate in a way that's kinder to the planet, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable Christmas. This holiday season, LiTime is offering unbeatable discounts on its Cold Weather Batteries: The LiTime 12V 230Ah Plus Low-Temp LiFePO4 Battery is available for just $469.99 (a 55% discount) between December 9 and December 15. The LiTime 12V 280Ah Plus Low-Temp LiFePO4 Battery is priced at $499.99, with a generous 49% discount during the same period. LiTime's Expandable Energy Storage Systems: A Reliable Solution for Christmas Power Needs Christmas Day's electricity demand is staggering - research shows it could illuminate the Eiffel Tower for 50 years. The holiday's immense strain on national grids has sparked frequent discussions on forums like Quora about“how to cope with a Christmas blackout.” In response, LiTime offers its 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries and scalable energy storage systems, empowering users to build reliable off-grid power solutions. With support for at least 4 in parallel and 4 in series (4P4S), LiTime's 12V 100Ah batteries allow users to construct a storage system with as few as 16 batteries of the same model. These systems can provide stable power for lighting, heating, and essential appliances, ensuring a cozy and stress-free Christmas even during unexpected outages. Jeff, a satisfied LiTime customer, used 8 LiTime 12V 100Ah batteries to assemble a 24V energy storage system and praised the product:“I have 8 in a 24-volt configuration, and these are hands down the best batteries for the money on the market.” LiTime's 12V 100Ah batteries aren't just for home backup power - they're also tailored for a variety of cold-weather applications: Ice Fishing and Outdoor Activities: This Christmas season, LiTime batteries provide reliable power for trolling motors and other equipment, making them a must-have for ice fishing and winter adventures. With steady performance even in frigid conditions, these batteries ensure your devices operate seamlessly, offering peace of mind and enhancing your outdoor experiences. Winter RV Travel: For those who love hitting the road in winter, LiTime batteries are a dependable energy partner. Whether powering heating systems or supporting onboard appliances, these batteries deliver consistent performance, ensuring continuous and comfortable power for a more enjoyable journey. Currently, LiTime's 12V 100Ah Battery is available with special Christmas discounts: The LiTime 12V 100Ah Lithium Ion Battery, designed specifically for scalable home energy storage, is priced at $189.99 from December 16 to December 22, offering a 38% discount. Recognized by Will Prowse as the 2023 "Best Value" 12V LiFePO4 Battery and tailored for trolling motors, the LiTime 12 Volt Marine Battery is priced at $189.99 from December 9 to December 15, offering a 35% discount. Certified by RVDA, one of North America's largest RV associations, and designed for Group 24 battery-size RVs, the LiTime 12V Lithium RV Battery with Bluetooth is available for $199.99 from December 9 to December 15, with a 34% discount. About LiTime With over 15 years of expertise in new energy storage, LiTime has established itself as a trailblazer in the industry. Focused on meeting user needs through continuous innovation, LiTime is committed to delivering high-quality, best-value LiFePO4 batteries. Its advanced battery technology has garnered more than 380 product certifications to date. As a leader in the field, LiTime strives to provide energy solutions that are not only green and sustainable but also highly efficient. The company is playing a pivotal role in reducing global carbon emissions and driving transformative changes in the energy grid. MENAFN13122024003238003268ID1108991884 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. 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Highlights of the third quarter include: Revenue of $300.4 million, an increase of 21% compared to $249.2 million in Q3 FY24. Net income of $5.7 million, compared to $14.7 million in Q3 FY24, with non-GAAP net income of $69.4 million, an increase of 33% compared to $52.2 million in Q3 FY24. Net income per diluted share of $0.06, compared to $0.17 in Q3 FY24, with non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.78, compared to $0.60 in Q3 FY24. Adjusted EBITDA of $118.2 million, an increase of 24% compared to $95.6 million in Q3 FY24. 9.5 million HSAs, an increase of 15% compared to Q3 FY24. Total HSA Assets of $30.0 billion, an increase of 33% compared to Q3 FY24. 16.5 million Total Accounts, including both HSAs and complementary CDBs, an increase of 8% compared to Q3 FY24. The Company repurchased 0.7 million shares of its common stock for $60.0 million. DRAPER, Utah, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HealthEquity, Inc. (NASDAQ: HQY) ("HealthEquity" or the "Company"), the nation's largest health savings account ("HSA") custodian, today announced financial results for its third quarter ended October 31, 2024. "Strong third quarter results delivered by Team Purple helped drive HSAs to 9.5 million, HSA Assets to $30 billion, Total Accounts to 16.5 million and quarterly revenue to over $300 million, all quarterly records," said Jon Kessler, President and CEO of HealthEquity. "Year to date, we have generated $264 million of cash from operations. This momentum has enabled us to return $60 million of capital to our shareholders via share repurchases, accelerate platform investments, raise our fiscal 2025 guidance, and provide a healthy initial outlook for fiscal year 2026." Third quarter financial results Revenue for the third quarter ended October 31, 2024 was $300.4 million, an increase of 21% compared to $249.2 million for the third quarter ended October 31, 2023. Revenue this quarter included: service revenue of $119.2 million, custodial revenue of $141.0 million, and interchange revenue of $40.3 million. HealthEquity reported net income of $5.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, and non-GAAP net income of $69.4 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended October 31, 2024. The Company reported net income of $14.7 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, and non-GAAP net income of $52.2 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended October 31, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was $118.2 million for the third quarter ended October 31, 2024, an increase of 24% compared to the third quarter ended October 31, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was 39% of revenue, compared to 38% for the third quarter ended October 31, 2023. Account and asset metrics HSAs as of October 31, 2024 were 9.5 million, an increase of 15% year over year, including 717,000 HSAs with investments, an increase of 21% year over year. Total Accounts as of October 31, 2024 were 16.5 million, including 7.0 million other consumer-directed benefits ("CDBs"). Total HSA Assets as of October 31, 2024 were $30.0 billion, an increase of 33% year over year. Total HSA Assets included $16.4 billion of HSA cash and $13.6 billion of HSA investments. Client-held funds, which are deposits held on behalf of our Clients to facilitate administration of our CDBs, and from which we generate custodial revenue, were $0.7 billion as of October 31, 2024. Stock repurchase program The Company repurchased 0.7 million shares of its common stock for $60.0 million during the third quarter ended October 31, 2024. As of October 31, 2024, $240.0 million of common stock remained authorized for repurchase under the Company's stock repurchase program. Business outlook For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025, management expects revenue of $1.185 billion to $1.195 billion. Its outlook for net income is between $88 million and $96 million, resulting in net income of $0.99 to $1.08 per diluted share. Its outlook for non-GAAP net income, calculated using the method described below, is between $274 million and $281 million, resulting in non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $3.08 to $3.16 (based on an estimated 89 million diluted weighted-average shares outstanding). Management expects Adjusted EBITDA of $470 million to $480 million. For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026, management expects revenue of approximately $1.275 billion to $1.295 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately 41.5% to 42.5% of revenue. These amounts assume an average annualized yield on HSA cash of approximately 3.4% to 3.5%. See “Non-GAAP financial information” below for definitions of our Adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net income. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures used throughout this release (other than with respect to our Adjusted EBITDA outlook for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026) to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is included with the financial tables at the end of this release. A reconciliation of our Adjusted EBITDA outlook for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026 to net income, its most directly comparable GAAP measure, is not included, because our net income outlook for this future period is not available without unreasonable efforts as we are unable to predict certain significant items excluded from this non-GAAP measure, such as stock-based compensation expense and income tax provision. Conference call HealthEquity management will host a conference call at 4:30 pm (Eastern Time) on Monday, December 9, 2024 to discuss the fiscal 2025 third quarter financial results. The conference call will be accessible by dialing 1-833-630-1956, or 1-412-317-1837 for international callers, and referencing conference ID "HealthEquity." A live audio webcast of the call will be available on the investor relations section of our website at http://ir.healthequity.com. Non-GAAP financial information To supplement our financial information presented on a GAAP basis, we disclose non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net income, and non-GAAP net income per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, merger integration expenses, acquisition costs, gains and losses on equity securities, amortization of incremental costs to obtain a contract, costs associated with unused office space, and certain other non-operating items. Non-GAAP net income is calculated by adding back to GAAP net income before income taxes the following items: amortization of acquired intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, merger integration expenses, acquisition costs, gains and losses on equity securities, costs associated with unused office space, and losses on extinguishment of debt, and subtracting a non-GAAP tax provision using a normalized non-GAAP tax rate. Non-GAAP net income per diluted share is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income by diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The Company cautions investors that non-GAAP financial information, by its nature, departs from GAAP; accordingly, its use can make it difficult to compare current results with results from other reporting periods and with the results of other companies. In addition, while amortization of acquired intangible assets is being excluded from non-GAAP net income, the revenue generated from those acquired intangible assets is not excluded. Whenever we use these non-GAAP financial measures, we provide a reconciliation of the applicable non-GAAP financial measure to the most closely applicable GAAP financial measure. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure as detailed in the tables below. About HealthEquity HealthEquity and its subsidiaries administer HSAs and various other consumer-directed benefits for over 16 million accounts, working in close partnership with employers, benefits advisors, and health and retirement plan providers who share our unwavering commitment to our mission to save and improve lives by empowering healthcare consumers. Through cutting-edge solutions, innovation, and a relentless focus on improving health outcomes, we empower individuals to take control of their healthcare journey while ultimately enhancing their overall well-being. Learn more about our “Purple" service and approach at www.healthequity.com. Forward-looking statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our industry, business strategy, plans, goals and expectations concerning our markets and market position, product expansion, future operations, expenses and other results of operations, revenue, margins, profitability, acquisition synergies, future efficiencies, tax rates, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information. When used in this discussion, the words “may,” “believes,” “intends,” “seeks,” “aims,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “expects,” “should,” “assumes,” “continues,” “could,” “will,” “future” and the negative of these or similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this press release. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give you no assurance these expectations will prove to be correct. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions, data or judgments that prove to be incorrect. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others, risks related to the following: our ability to adequately place and safeguard our custodial assets, or the failure of any of our depository or insurance company partners; our ability to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving healthcare and benefits administration industry; our dependence on the continued availability and benefits of tax-advantaged HSAs and other CDBs; risks relating to our upcoming CEO transition; our ability to successfully identify, acquire and integrate additional portfolio purchases or acquisition targets; the significant competition we face and may face in the future, including from those with greater resources than us; our reliance on the availability and performance of our technology and communications systems; recent and potential future cybersecurity breaches of our technology and communications systems and other data interruptions, including resulting costs and liabilities, reputational damage and loss of business; the current uncertain healthcare environment, including changes in healthcare programs and expenditures and related regulations; our ability to comply with current and future privacy, healthcare, tax, ERISA, investment adviser and other laws applicable to our business; our reliance on partners and third-party vendors for distribution and important services; our ability to develop and implement updated features for our technology platforms and communications systems; and our reliance on our management team and key team members. For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors, please refer to the risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024 and subsequent periodic and current reports. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. We undertake no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Investor Relations Contact Richard Putnam 801-727-1000 rputnam@healthequity.com HealthEquity, Inc. and subsidiaries Condensed consolidated balance sheets HealthEquity, Inc. and subsidiaries Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (unaudited) HealthEquity, Inc. and subsidiaries Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited) HealthEquity, Inc. and subsidiaries Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited) (continued) Stock-based compensation expense (unaudited) Total stock-based compensation expense included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income is as follows: Total Accounts (unaudited) * Not meaningful HSA Assets (unaudited) Client-held funds (unaudited) Reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) Reconciliation of net income outlook to Adjusted EBITDA outlook (unaudited) Reconciliation of net income to non-GAAP net income (unaudited) Reconciliation of net income outlook to non-GAAP net income outlook (unaudited) Certain termsAustralia's proposal to ban under-16s from social media platforms is "rushed", social media companies claimed Tuesday, expressing "serious concerns" about potential unintended consequences. The landmark legislation would force social media firms to prevent young teens from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million). Platforms such as X, Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta have criticised the 24-hour time frame given for stakeholder comments, claiming a lack of consultation and inadequate details about how the legislation would work. X said in its submission that it had "serious concerns" the ban would have "a negative impact" on children, adding it breached their "rights to freedom of expression and access to information". The company added that the proposed law was "vague" and "highly problematic" and that there was "no evidence" that it would work. Australia is among the vanguard of nations trying to clean up social media, and the proposed age limit would be among the world's strictest measures aimed at children. The proposed laws, which were presented to parliament last week, would also include robust privacy provisions that require tech platforms to delete any age-verification information collected. The government is trying to approve the law this week, before parliament breaks for the rest of the year. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said in its submission the ban would "fail" in its current form because there was not enough consultation with stakeholders. "More time should be taken to get this bill right," it said. TikTok raised concerns over the privacy provisions -- including that they overlapped and contradicted other legislation -- and the limited time to consult stakeholders. "Its rushed passage poses a serious risk of further unintended consequences," the company's submission said. Key details about how social media companies are expected to enforce the ban remain unclear. Some companies will be granted exemptions from the ban, such as YouTube, which teenagers may need to use for school work or other reasons. Once celebrated as a means of staying connected and informed, social media platforms have been tarnished by cyberbullying, the spread of illegal content, and election-meddling claims. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insisted Tuesday that "social media is causing social harm". "It can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers and, worst of all, a tool for online predators," he wrote in an opinion piece. "And because it is young Australians who are most engaged with this technology -- it is young Australians who are most at risk." The laws would give families "peace of mind" that their children's well-being and mental health were being prioritised, he said. If the proposed law passes, tech platforms would be given a one-year grace period to figure out how to implement and enforce the ban. The proposal comes just months before Australians go to the polls in a general election that must be held in the first half of 2025. lec/arb/fox

NoneBy A Correspondent | The regime has once again opened knives for the people’s President Nelson Chamisa after Friday it convicted his top aide, Jameson Timba, and the caretaker leader of the legitimate Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party. Timba, alongside over 40 activists, has been convicted on charges of participating in an illegal assembly. He and other activists were arrested following an alleged unsanctioned gathering on June 16. While authorities framed the event as a violation of public order laws, opposition voices maintain it was a peaceful demonstration advocating for civil rights. Gift Ostallos Siziba, a CCC spokesperson, decried the verdict: Timba’s conviction, coupled with the lengthy pretrial detention of the activists, highlights the escalating pressure on Chamisa’s leadership. With the CCC describing the convictions as politically motivated, the move is widely viewed as a strategy to weaken the opposition ahead of crucial political transitions. The looming sentencing phase is anticipated to ignite further scrutiny, with legal experts and international observers questioning the integrity of the trial and its implications for freedoms of assembly and political dissent. As Chamisa faces mounting challenges, including the targeting of his inner circle, his potential to rise as Zimbabwe’s next leader will hinge on his ability to navigate these turbulent waters while keeping the opposition united and focused on its democratic mission.Lemonade's chief business officer Maya Prosor sells $1.5 million in stock

NoneShares of Nvidia fell Monday after China said it is investigating the high-flying U.S. microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. In a brief news release with few details, Chinese regulators appear to be focusing on Nvidia’s $6.9 billion acquisition of network and data transmission company Mellanox in 2019. Nvidia shares fell about 3% Monday. They are still up 179% so far this year. Considered a bellwether for artificial intelligence demand, Nvidia has led the AI sector to become one of the stock market’s , as tech giants spend heavily on the company’s chips and data centers needed to train and operate their AI systems. Nvidia’s shares have surged this year along with the California company’s revenue and profit due to AI demand. According to data firm FactSet, about 16% of Nvidia’s revenue comes from China, second only to its U.S.-generated revenue. A spokesperson for the company based in Santa Clara, California, said in an emailed statement that Nvidia is “happy to answer any questions regulators may have about our business.” In its release, Nvidia posted revenue of $35.08 billion, up 94% from $18.12 billion a year ago. Nvidia earned $19.31 billion in the quarter, more than double the $9.24 billion it posted in last year’s third quarter. The earnings release did not break out revenue from China. The company’s market value rocketed to $3.5 trillion recently, passing Microsoft and briefly overtaking Apple as the world’s most valuable company. China’s antitrust investigation follows a report this summer by technology news site The Information that the U.S. Justice Department was investigating complaints from rivals that in the chip sector. The allegations reported include Nvidia threatening to punish those who buy products from both itself and its competitors at the same time. David Bieri, an international finance expert at Virginia Tech, said that China’s investigation is “not about what Nvidia is doing in China, per se” but rather a signal to the incoming Trump administration. China, Bieri said, is looking to set the tone of future relations. The Chinese government, he said, is telling the U.S. “don’t mess with us, because all of your darling corporations that your version of capitalism needs to prosper have entanglements” with China. Nvidia will have to revise its strategy in China or come up with provisions in their budgets for the type of uncertainty business with China will bring, Bieri said. “I don’t think this is something that they can shake off,” he said. “I also have a tremendous amount of faith in the brilliance of the management strategy of a corporation like Nvidia to not only pay attention to credit risk, market risk and operational risk, but also to political risk.” Nvidia’s invention of graphics processor chips, or GPUs, in 1999 helped spark the growth of the PC gaming market and redefined computer graphics. Last month, it on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, ending the pioneering semiconductor company’s 25-year run on the index. Unlike Intel, Nvidia designs but doesn’t manufacture its own chips, relying heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., an Intel rival.