Wall Street stocks were little changed on Thursday while Asian equities rose in thin Boxing Day trade, extending their "Santa Claus Rally" with several bourses still shut for the holiday. Japan's Nikkei index closed up 1.1 percent, boosted by comments from the Bank of Japan governor and share price gains for top-selling automaker Toyota. China's plans for massive bond issuances in 2025 also bolstered investor sentiment. "Even though many in the region are still shaking off a bit of a holiday hangover, with several markets closed for Boxing Day, Asian stocks opened higher, riding a favorable wave from China's financial bond juggernaut," said Stephen Innes from SPI Asset Management. In New York, major indices veered in and out of positive territory in a sleepy post-Christmas session. The broad-based S&P 500 finished down less than 0.1 percent. Large technology companies that have led the market in much of 2024 mostly took a breather. These included Netflix, Tesla and Amazon, all of which declined. "What's interesting today is that we're seeing small stocks bounce back a little bit," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers, noting that the Russell 2000 index put on 0.9 percent. Holiday consumer data showed a 3.8-percent increase in US retail spending from November 1 to December 24, according to a Mastercard SpendingPulse review of a key period for retailers. London Stockton, an analyst at Ned Davis Research, noted that the "Santa Claus rally could still be alive, with strong seasonality into the end of the year." Stock markets have traditionally fared well in the last five trading days of the year and the first two in the new year, a trend known as the "Santa Claus rally." Among a number of possible reasons advanced by experts include the festive holiday mood and purchasing ahead of the end of the tax year. Innes said remarks from Bank of Japan governor Kazuo Ueda in which he refrained from signaling a potential interest rate hike next month also "influenced bullish regional sentiments." Japanese market heavyweight Toyota ended nearly six percent higher after reports in the Nikkei business daily said it aimed to double its return on equity -- a key measure of a company's financial performance. New York - Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 43,325.80 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN less than 0.1 percent at 6,037.59 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,020.36 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.1 percent at 39,568.06 points (close) Hang Seng: UP 1.1 percent at 20,098.29 points (Tuesday close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,398.08 points (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0424 from $1.0414 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2526 from $1.2538 Dollar/yen: UP at 158.00 yen from 157.06 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.19 pence from 83.05 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 percent at $69.62 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $73.26 per barrel bur-jmb/ahaJaland Lowe, Pitt charge past LSU in second half to move to 6-0
The claim: US fell from 1st to 24th in education since Department of Education was created in 1979 A Nov. 14 Instagram post ( direct link , archive l i nk ) uses a meme with an image of former President Jimmy Carter to claim U.S. educational achievement has plummeted. “In 1979 I created the Department of Education,” reads on-screen text in the image. “Since then America went from 1st to 24th in education.” X owner Elon Musk made the same claim in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that was reposted 98,000 times. The claim also circulated widely on Instagram . More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False There is no evidence to support the claim. While multiple studies have compared U.S. students to their peers in other countries, none show they ranked first in 1979, nor do any say they ranked 24th in 2024. Tests show mixed results for US students There isn’t a definitive way to rank a country’s education quality, but multiple studies show results contrary to the trend claimed in the post. Martin Carnoy , a professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, told USA TODAY that the claim is “completely inaccurate.” “These are very rough comparisons, but it can be said that U.S. middle school and secondary students have always done poorly on international tests of mathematics compared to students in other developed countries and have done better in science and reading,” Carnoy said. Many U.S. adults believe the country is either average or below average at teaching students science, technology, engineering and math, according to a Pew Research Center survey released in April. Fact check : No, Trump did not name Lauren Boebert education secretary on Nov. 13 But the results of a test measuring students' reading, math and science skills from about 80 countries show more of a mixed bag. In 2022, the test – called the Program for International Student Assessment – found five education systems with higher average reading scores than the U.S., 25 with higher math scores and nine with higher science scores. The test has existed since 2000 , when 32 countries participated. That year, eight countries had higher math scores than the U.S. and seven countries had higher science scores. U.S. students performed “about as well on average” in reading compared to students in other participating countries. U.S. News & World Report ranked the U.S. as the top country for education in 2024 as part of its “Best Countries” rankings , which are based on an international survey of nearly 17,000 people who were asked “whether a country has a well-developed public education system, whether respondents would consider attending university there and if that country has a reputation for top-quality universities.” The news outlet has only ranked countries in that way for nine years . US students weren’t outperforming all other countries in 1979 There is no evidence of any widespread decline in student achievement in the U.S. since 1979, Carnoy said. U.S. math scores have been below many other countries for decades. In the mid-1960s, U.S. 13-year-olds were outperformed in math by students in all but one of the 11 other countries that participated in the First International Mathematics Study, while U.S. students in their last year of high school were ranked last, according to a National Center for Education Statistics report published in 1992. A similar study of math skills conducted in the early 1980s broke the results down by category, and found the U.S. was near the bottom in most of them. A different report published by the National Center for Education Statistics in 1993 analyzed two decades of National Assessment of Educational Progress results. It says “overall trends in science, mathematics and reading suggest few changes in levels of educational achievement.” National Center for Education Statistics charts of reading and math scores for 9-year-olds and 13-year-olds in the U.S. don’t show significant declines since 1979. Rather, math scores are up since then while reading is at about the same level, according to the latest test results from 2022 and 2023. Fact check: No, Trump didn't nominate Amber Rose as education secretary The high school graduation rate in the U.S. for the 1979-80 school year was 71.5%, far below the 87% reported for the 2021–22 school year . The college enrollment rate for those who completed high school has risen from 49.4% in 1979 to 61.4% in 2023 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is important to recognize the U.S. doesn’t have only one education system – instead, each state has its own, Carnoy said. “Student performance in some states has increased greatly in the past 30 years, and not so much in other states,” he said. Carter signed the bill that created the Department of Education on Oct. 17, 1979, saying the federal government had “for too long failed to play its own supporting role in education as effectively as it could.” It wasn’t the first time that the U.S. had a Department of Education, though. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson signed a bill that created the country’s first Department of Education, but it was demoted to an office in the Department of the Interior about a year later “due to concern that the department would exercise too much control over local schools,” according to the current Education Department website. President-elect Donald Trump has said he supports eliminating the Department of Education, calling it a “bloated and radical bureaucracy.” USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Snopes also debunked the claim. Our fact-check sources Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here . USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .
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November budget gap up 128%; 11-month deficit at P1.18 trillionWith the release of the much-anticipated FC 25, gaming enthusiasts are exploring the fascinating world of career mode. Enthusiasts will wish to look for potential stars who can shape the future of their virtual clubs. The dawn of new technologies has enabled more realistic simulations where players develop in tandem with real-world influences. Identifying hidden gems has never been so pivotal! To assist managers in maximizing their virtual teams, some standout talents that you should keep your eyes on include young forwards noted for their agility and eye for goal. These rising stars not only possess exceptional attributes, but are also expected to mature rapidly, enriching any squad they join. Additionally, managers should scout for versatile midfielders who can adapt to various game strategies, showcasing both creativity and defensive skills. FC 25 integrates machine learning algorithms to predict a player’s career trajectory, significantly altering gameplay dynamics. It means that nurturing a player’s growth involves strategizing the perfect training regimen , adjusting tactics, and meticulously balancing match appearances. Emerging as a strategic masterpiece, FC 25 career mode is where management prowess is put to the test. Identifying and investing in burgeoning talent could be the recipe for gaming supremacy. Discovering tomorrow’s icons today gives managers an edge, promising immersive gameplay and unprecedented team achievements. In this new era of football simulation, the pathway to becoming a legendary manager begins now! FC 25’s Career Mode Revolutionizes Football Simulation: Discover the Future Stars and Strategic Innovations The release of FC 25 ushers in a new era of football simulation, providing gaming enthusiasts with an innovative career mode experience that promises to redefine management in virtual football clubs. With the integration of advanced technologies, FC 25 offers unprecedented realism and depth that could set benchmarks for future sports simulations. Innovations in FC 25 One of the standout features of FC 25 is the sophisticated use of machine learning algorithms that enhance the realism of the game. These algorithms are designed to accurately predict a player’s career trajectory by evaluating numerous variables, including in-game performance, player potential, and even real-world football trends. This means that gamers must now adopt a more strategic approach to player development, leveraging data to make informed decisions. Machine Learning and Player Development The integration of machine learning in FC 25 not only deepens the gaming experience but also introduces a level of complexity that challenges even seasoned managers. Players can now experience a dynamically shifting career mode where personal management skills are crucial. The algorithms assess performance patterns and suggest tailored training regimens, helping managers nurture young talent effectively. Pros and Cons of FC 25’s Career Mode Pros: – Realistic Simulations: Offers a heightened level of immersion due to realistic player growth influenced by real-world events. – Strategic Depth: Requires managers to make complex decisions that combine tactics, training, and match appearances. – Predictive Algorithms: Useful for identifying and investing in future star players, enhancing team performance. Cons: – Complexity: The depth of strategy required might be overwhelming for casual gamers. – Time-Consuming: The need for meticulous management might not appeal to those seeking quick-play sessions. Expert Reviews Initial reviews of FC 25 highlight the complexity and challenge presented by its realistic career mode. Critics and players alike have praised it for its innovative approach to player development and team management. The game has been lauded for keeping players engaged through its deep strategic elements, while also receiving feedback that some aspects may be too intricate for beginners. Market Trends and Predictions As the gaming industry progresses toward more immersive experiences, FC 25 sets a new trend for sports simulation games. The use of cutting-edge technology to enhance realism is likely to influence future releases in the genre. Predictions indicate that other sports simulations will adopt similar machine learning techniques to keep pace with FC 25’s groundbreaking features. Compatibility and User Experience FC 25 is compatible with major gaming platforms, ensuring that a wide audience can experience its advanced career mode features. Users have reported a seamless gameplay experience, with smooth transitions and responsive controls that enhance the realism of the simulation. In conclusion, FC 25 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of football simulation games, offering a career mode replete with opportunities to discover future stars and strategically lead virtual clubs to greatness. For more insights and information, visit the official EA Sports website.
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Last year, Donald Trump Jr.’s longtime fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle was his proud date to Donald Trump’s annual Christmas celebration at Mar-a-Lago. This year, Guilfoyle was replaced at the Mar-a-Lago holiday festivities by Trump Jr.’s new girlfriend, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, the Daily Mail reported . Unfortunately for the new lovers, some Trump family allies and insiders are not happy about Anderson’s quick ascension into the family orbit, the Daily Mail also is reporting. The 37-year-old model and influencer was photographed seated next to Trump Jr. at the Christmas Eve dinner table, near the president-elect and his wife Melania Trump. Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner and their three children also attended the Christmas Eve dinner, Page Six reported. Some of the allies and insiders have told the Daily Mail that Anderson “isn’t MAGA enough,” while two friends of Trump Jr. expressed concern that she’s essentially a shallow influencer and “social climber” who is using Trump’s oldest son to snag an even wealthier and more powerful romantic target — someone like billionaire Elon Musk. “It’s one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago,” a source close to the Trump transition team told the Daily Mail. “But to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble.” The source appears to be referring to what the Daily Mail said was an “open secret” simmering in Palm Beach circles in the late summer and fall — how 46-year-old Trump Jr. had begun “fooling around” with the younger, Anderson, even while he was still engaged to 55-year-old Guilfoyle, a MAGA firebrand and top Trump campaign fundraiser. Rumors about Trump Jr.’s dalliance with Anderson began in September when images emerged of the couple kissing and cuddling while dining at a restaurant near Mar-a-Lago. Earlier this month, Trump Jr.’s relationship with the 37-year-old Anderson gained public recognition, after Trump announced that he was nominating Guilfoyle to be his ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle’s nomination was seen by some political observers as a way that Trump could reward the former Fox News host for her political loyalty, while nudging her out of his “immediate sphere” and sending her off to Europe so that his son could openly pursue his new relationship with Anderson. At the time, sources close to Trump Jr. told People that he had became tired of his six-year relationship with Guilfoyle , the former first lady of San Francisco and ex-wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom-turned Trump loyalist. For one thing, Trump Jr. didn’t like Guilfoyle’s “style,” including her “tight dresses.” He felt that Anderson, with her honey-blonde hair and “Waspy” model looks, would “impress” his father and perhaps make her a more ideal romantic partner. “Don Jr. has always wanted to look good in his father’s eyes,” the political source told People. Apparently, Anderson’s more natural, fun-loving style also was more to Trump Jr.’s taste these days, especially as he saw that she could become his “own Melania Trump equivalent,” a source told People. “She is a party girl, and outgoing, and Don is smitten with her,” a Palm Beach source told People. “Bettina is smart, sexy and savvy and knows it. She likes to have fun,” another source added. “Who knows what, if anything, will come from this.” Trump family members also got tired of Guilfoyle’s attention-seeking ways. Sources told People and the Daily Mail that they expected that Guilfoyle knew about Trump Jr.’s affair with Anderson, but chose “to look the other way because she loves the power and lifestyle.” Once Trump Jr. felt he could shed his public association with Guilfoyle, he began to “flaunt” his romance with Anderson, being photographed holding hands with her during a dinner date in with her in Palm Beach in December, the Daily Mail reported. After Trump announced that he wanted to send Guilfoyle to Greece, Trump Jr. and Anderson jetted off to Italy for a romantic getaway, the Daily Mail reported. Anderson also publicly posted photos of love letters and flowers sent to her from Trump Jr., and openly documented their European vacation. Someone described as a “close, personal friend” of Trump Jr. told the Daily Mail that he wasn’t concerned about Anderson. He said he expected there would “be gossip and trash talking, just because that’s kind of the world of Palm Beach and, you know, the universe they live in.” If Trump Jr. has heard any concerns about Anderson, he hasn’t let this friend know, according to the Daily Mail. Stacey Bendet, a fashion designer and close friend of Anderson’s, expressed dismay that her friend had become the target of social-climber rumors. “I have been friends with Bettina for a decade, she is the kindest soul, she has the biggest heart, she is witty and wise, hilariously funny, and an Ivy League grad — anyone who says a word otherwise is just another societal example of women fixating on competing verse empowering,” said Bendet, CEO of Alice + Olivia, in a text to the Daily Mail. Anderson has been seen at Alice + Olivia events over the years, the Daily Mail reported. Bendet added in her text: “Don adores her for good reasons!” However, some Trump family allies feel very differently about Anderson and are “doing everything they can” do to get Trump Jr. to end their relationship, the Daily Mail reported. Someone who worked for the Trump campaign the last five years told the Daily Mail that Trump Jr. is “slowly” starting to “wake up” to how Anderson is perceived in MAGA circles. Allies question her MAGA loyalty because of her previous support for the Black Lives Matters movement and her adherence to COVID-19 lockdown rules, the Daily Mail reported. But they also wonder about her “notorious party girl reputation in Palm Beach,” which they think somehow isn’t “highbrow enough” to be associated with the Trump family, the Daily Mail also said. Someone who works in the modeling business and who has known Anderson for years speculated to the Daily Mail that she’s using Trump Jr. as a stepping stone and would prefer to date someone like Musk. People who’ve known Anderson in Palm Beach also told the Daily Mail that she regularly dates wealthy older men. Even though Musk already is the world’s richest man, he stands to gain even more power in the incoming Trump administration, according to critics of both Musk and Trump. These critics note that the billionaire SpaceX founder donated at least a quarter of a billion dollars to support Trump’s campaign, and he’s been rewarded by becoming a regular presence at Trump’s side since his Nov. 5 victory. Musk now is on tap to lead the new DOGE agency, whose purported mission is to drastically reduce federal government spending and “waste.”Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], December 15 (ANI): TDP MP Kesineni Sivanadh (Chinni) donated 10 drones to the NTR District Police as part of an initiative to enhance policing through technology. The donation was part of a larger effort, with additional drones contributed by philanthropists. The drones were distributed at a ceremony held at the Police Command Control, attended by Police Commissioner SV Rajasekhar Babu and other dignitaries. Also Read | Anura Kumara Dissanayake's India Trip: In First Foreign Visit After Assuming Office, Sri Lankan President Lands in Delhi, Will Hold Bilateral With PM Narendra Modi (Watch Video). According to an official statement, "MP Kesineni Sivanadh (Chinni) donated 10 drones to NTR District Police. An additional 14 drones were donated by other philanthropists. A drone distribution program was organized today at the Police Command Control under the leadership of Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu, IPS, for all police stations within the NTR Police Commissionerate." "Speaking on the occasion, the Police Commissioner emphasized that NTR District Police is set to become a milestone in India by introducing the innovative 'Cloud Patrolling' concept. This initiative involves significant effort, contributions from philanthropists, and a strong commitment to enhancing policing standards," the statement added. Also Read | EVM Tampering Row: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Tells Congress To Accept Poll Results, Stop Whinging About Electronic Voting Machines. The release further mentioned, "He recalled the Chief Minister's vision for making Andhra Pradesh the 'Drone Capital of India' and integrating drone technology into policing for better surveillance, crime prevention, and disaster management." Speaking on drone applications in policing, the statement said, "Cloud Patrolling: Drones autonomously patrol designated areas and capture high-resolution images and videos. They act as 'virtual beat constables' by continuously monitoring sensitive zones." Further, the statement added, "Automatic Drone Surveillance: Drones follow pre-assigned GPS waypoints, monitoring large areas for security and environmental surveys. Eve-teasing Surveillance: Drones monitor schools and colleges to prevent eve-teasing incidents. Disaster Management: During floods, drones helped locate stranded individuals, assess damages, and guide rescue teams safely. Traffic Management: Drones regulate traffic by monitoring busy junctions, reducing congestion through real-time surveillance. Crime Scene Monitoring: Drones capture aerial views of crime scenes, assisting in evidence collection and investigations." "Search Operations: Drones are used to locate missing persons and suspects in crowded and remote areas. Narcotics Surveillance: Drones identify areas where illegal activities like drug consumption and sale occur. Sand Mining Surveillance: Drones monitor sand stockyards, checkpoints, and illegal sand transport routes. Crowd Management: Drones ensure safety during public gatherings and festivals by monitoring crowds for potential disturbances," the statement added. Additionally, it noted, "Target Tracking: Drones can track suspicious vehicles and individuals, providing real-time updates to authorities." According to the official release," MP Kesineni Sivanadh has donated 10 drones, while Kudravelli Venkata Narasayya contributed 2 drones. K Pavan Kumar and Raja from Vatsavai each donated 1 drone. Additionally, three donors from Jaggayyapet collectively donated 3 drones, and several other donors contributed a total of 10 drones." Citing MLA Gadde Ramamohan, the statement read,expressed happiness over the use of drones to combat crime, especially to address issues like drug abuse in the constituency. He announced donating one drone on behalf of his team. Further citing MLA Bonda Uma Maheswara Rao, the statement added, "He appreciated the Commissioner for reducing the crime rate and requested focused surveillance in crime-prone areas like Singh Nagar and Kandrika. He announced donating two drones." "He urged for measures to reduce traffic congestion in the city and announced donating four drones for police stations in his constituency." Municipal Commissioner Dhyan Chand highlighted the use of drones in monitoring mosquito control measures and waste management in the city, the statement quoted. As per the statement, MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad further expressed support for the initiative. Citing MP Kesineni Sivanadh, the statement read, "He expressed pride in transforming Vijayawada into a 'Drone City' and assured continued support for the police and city development." Additionally, the statement added, "Drone Training for Women Police: Over 500 women police secretaries are being trained in drone piloting, with 100 already certified. This initiative enhances policing efficiency while promoting women's empowerment in the police force." The event concluded with the ceremonial distribution of drones to 28 police stations by the Police Commissioner and the MP. All donors were honored with traditional shawls in appreciation of their contributions, the statement stated. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)ASML Deadline: ASML Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead ASML Holding N.V. Securities Fraud Lawsuit