BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag —a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality.” The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel , has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. An ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump , the technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the party’s public image. “The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party’s leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” Musk’s commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper’s own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Musk’s social media platform, X. “I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print,” Eva Marie Kogel wrote. A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Musk’s opinion piece. “Musk’s diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong,” Burgard wrote. Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Burgard — who is due to take over on Jan. 1 — said in a joint statement that the discussion over Musk’s piece was “very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.” “This will continue to determine the compass of the “world” in the future. We will develop “Die Welt” even more decisively as a forum for such debates,” they wrote to dpa. Related From Our PartnerJimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100“We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must.” Jimmy Carter, at his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize lecture Former President Jimmy Carter, a man who redefined what a post-presidency could be, died Sunday. Dec. 29. He was 100. Carter, who lived longer than any other U.S. president, entered home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, in February 2023 after a series of short hospital stays. Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. After a one-term presidency, which ended with low approval ratings, Carter emerged as a champion of human rights and worked for several charitable causes. Carter founded the Carter Presidential Center at Emory University in Atlanta. The center, which began in 1982, is devoted to issues relating to democracy and human rights. The only Georgian ever elected to the White House, Carter left office after a single term that was highlighted by forging peace between Israel and Egypt, but was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis. In the decades after, his reputation grew through his and wife Rosalynn Carter’s work at the Carter Center in Atlanta and his philanthropic causes such as Habitat for Humanity. “People will be celebrating Jimmy Carter for hundreds of years. His reputation is only going to grow,” Rice University history professor Douglas Brinkley wrote in his book “The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter.” In 1986, The Carter Center began leading an international campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease. The disease may soon become the second human disease in history, after smallpox, to be eradicated. Since 1984, Carter worked with Habitat for Humanity International, an organization that works worldwide to provide housing for underprivileged people. WASHINGTON – APRIL 27: (FILE PHOTO) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter walks past a Naval Honor Guard during a dedication ceremony for a nuclear submarine bearing his name at the Pentagon April 27, 1998 in Washington, DC. Carter served in the U.S. Navy prior to his political career. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced October 11, 2002 that Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2002. (Photo by Robert Giroux/Getty Images) LAGRANGE, GA – JUNE 10: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn attach siding to the front of a Habitat for Humanity home being built June 10, 2003 in LaGrange, Georgia. More than 90 homes are being built in LaGrange; Valdosta, Georgia; and Anniston, Alabama by volunteers as part of Habitat for Humanity International’s Jimmy Carter Work Project 2003. (Photo by Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images) OSLO, NORWAY – DECEMBER 10: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter holds up his Nobel Peace Prize December 10, 2002 in Oslo, Norway. Carter was recognized for many years of public service and urged others to work for peace during his acceptance speech. (Photo by Arne Knudsen/Getty Images) WASHIGTON – NOVEMBER 18: U.S. President George W. Bush (R) stands with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (L), winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, with H. Robert Horvitz, recipient of the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine, looking on during a reception for 2002 U.S. Nobel laureates in the White House Oval Office November 18, 2002 in Washington, DC. The official awards ceremony will be held later this year in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Robert Trippett/Getty Images) VIOLET, LA – MAY 21: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter works on the 1,000th home to be built by Habitat for Humanity on the Gulf Coast May 21, 2007 in Violet, Louisiana. Carter made waves May 19 when he said that the Bush administration “has been the worst in history”, in an interview published in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) Former US president Jimmy Carter (C) and his wife Rosalynn (R) inspect some of the 32 houses being built for poor families under the Habitat for Humanity campaign at Dong Xa village, in the northern province of Hai Duong on November 18, 2009. The volunteers for Habitat for Humanity will build or repair 166 homes in Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam on the November 15-20 tour, the Atlanta-based Christian group said. AFP PHOTO/HOANG DINH Nam (Photo credit should read HOANG DINH NAM/AFP via Getty Images) PLAINS, GA – OCTOBER 11: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter greets the crowd after a news conference at The Carter Center October 11, 2002 in Plains, Georgia. Carter was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize October 11, 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and peace mediation efforts, with the Norwegian Nobel Committee adding that his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter was noted for the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. (Photo by Ken Krakow/Getty Images) NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12, 2000: (FILE PHOTO) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter walks outside of a Habitat for Humanity home September 12, 2000 in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Carter was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize October 11, 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and peace mediation efforts, with the Norwegian Nobel Committee adding that his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter was noted for the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) NEW YORK – OCTOBER 8: (FILE PHOTO) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter leaves a news conference where he and Raymond V. Gilmartin, President and CEO of Merck and Co., presented a model for global health care October 8, 2002 in New York City. Carter was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize October 11, 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and peace mediation efforts, with the Norwegian Nobel Committee adding that his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter was noted for the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 23: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter answers a question during a panel discussion at the University of Illinois at Chicago as part of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates on April 23, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates convenes in Chicago today and runs through Wednesday, April 25. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Former US President and Nobel Prize for Peace winner Jimmy Carter takes part in the building of houses for “Habitat for Humanity International” ONG 25 October, 2004 in Puebla, 110 km west of Mexico City. US President George W. Bush “has been adroit” at exploiting the suffering caused by the September 11 attacks, his predecessor Jimmy Carter said in an interview with the Guardian published Monday. AFP PHOTO/Ronaldo SCHEMIDT (Photo by Ronaldo SCHEMIDT / AFP) (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 04: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (R) speaks as Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford (L) looks on during a news conference for the kick-off of an all-week construction project to mark the World Habitat Day and the annual Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project October 4, 2010 in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, DC. Carter was recently released from an Ohio hospital after being treated for a viral infection. Under the project a total of 86 homes will be built, rehabilitated or repaired in Washington, D.C.; Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; and Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) WASHINGTON – APRIL 27: (FILE PHOTO) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter walks past a Naval Honor Guard during a dedication ceremony for a nuclear submarine bearing his name at the Pentagon April 27, 1998 in Washington, DC. Carter served in the U.S. Navy prior to his political career. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced October 11, 2002 that Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2002. (Photo by Robert Giroux/Getty Images) James Earl Carter Jr. was born in Plains on Oct. 1, 1924, the first of four children of Earl Carter, a farmer and businessman, and Lillian Gordy Carter, a registered nurse. Related: Jimmy Carter turns 99 with family around him He gained an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated and joined the Navy submarine branch where in seven years he worked his way into “Rickover’s boys,” the elite nascent unit of America’s nuclear submarine fleet championed by the iconic Admiral Hyman Rickover. Carter was on his way up until a death at home changed his destiny. His father Earl, a farmer, businessman and cornerstone personality in the Plains community, died from cancer. Carter left the Navy and its far-from-Plains postings such as Hawaii, and he, Rosalynn and their growing family returned to Georgia in 1953 to take over the family farming business. It was there he first ran for school board, then state senator. He was elected governor in 1970. Carter served one successful term before launching an improbable bid to become president, winning the Democratic nomination and then defeating Republican President Gerald Ford in November 1976. On his inauguration day, rather than driving past the crowds in an armored limousine, Jimmy and Rosalynn emerged from the car with daughter Amy at their side and walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, holding hands and waving. Carter’s successes included promoting human rights, adding to the national park and preserve system, reestablishing governmental credibility after the Watergate Crisis, and the Camp David Accords, which forged a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. They were overshadowed by trouble at home and abroad. At home, Carter and his advisers, most of them Washington outsiders, met resistance from his own party. Then, in November 1979, Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took hostages. He tried negotiation, then launched a bold rescue mission that never reached its target because of helicopter failure. He could not resolve the situation until the last day of his administration. At home, a foundering economy exacerbated by oil embargoes from Mideast countries and the rise of the Republican Party under Ronald Reagan helped lead to his defeat in November 1980. Carter returned to tiny Plains and used the power of an ex-president’s bully pulpit as the springboard to his last, and, some say, his best act. Carter began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, a fairly new Americus-based organization, building houses for the poor. Then, together with Rosalynn, he founded the Atlanta-based Carter Center, which focused on making peace and spreading health and democracy around the world. It will carry the couple’s humanitarian and democratic work forward. From his work as president and as the leader of the Carter Center, he won the Nobel Prize, the United National Human Rights Prize and many other notable awards from countries, organizations and world leaders. The Carters both were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. ”Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter,” Clinton said, “have done more good things for more people in more places than any other couple on the face of the Earth.” Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter’s wife of 77 years, died in November 2023 . They are survived by their children Amy, Chip, Jack and Jeff; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup
In the face of adversity, Mbappe's unwavering resolve and integrity shine through, a testament to his character and strength of spirit. As the investigation into the allegations unfolds, fans around the world will be watching closely, hopeful for a swift resolution that will allow Mbappe to once again shine brightly on the football stage.Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers: This NFL prediction is based on thousands of data-driven simulations of the game. AP Pat Sharyon | Special Correspondent The Detroit Lions will square off with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 of Monday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium tomorrow at 8:15 p.m. EST. With two games remaining in the 2024 NFL regular season, the Lions are still vying for the number one seed in the NFC playoffs, a position they currently occupy. The Niners, meanwhile, are simply playing for pride at this point. Our data model believes Jared Goff and company will ultimately prevail in this primetime contest, but rarely is the safest bet the best one. Our advice? Hope for Purdy to deliver some late-season contract-year magic and take 49ers moneyline (+170) . In anticipation of this NFC Championship rematch, the data analysts at Dimers.com have simulated the matchup 10,000 times, and then compared these results to current NFL betting odds to inform the data-driven betting preview provided to you below.BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona lost at home for the first time this season when the Liga leader was stunned by Las Palmas 2-1 on Saturday. Sandro Ramirez and Fábio Silva scored for the Canary Islands club on either side of Raphinha’s equalizer to give Las Palmas its first win at Barcelona in more than 50 years. Barcelona played superbly in the first three months under new coach Hansi Flick and was flying high after convincing victories over Real Madrid in the domestic competition and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. It had won all eight of its home games. But it has gone three rounds of La Liga without a win. Before Las Palmas, it fell at Real Sociedad 1-0 and drew at Celta Vigo 2-2 after squandering a two-goal lead in the final minutes. The dropped points mean Madrid, despite its own troubles , especially in the Champions League, can move ahead of Barcelona in La Liga. It trails Barcelona by four points with two games in hand. “I don’t care about scoring, I care about winning,” Raphinha said after his standout performance was unable to end Barcelona's slump. “We have to take a hard look at what we are doing wrong. We have slipped in our form and are letting games get away form us. We have our next game on Tuesday (at Mallorca), and we need to turn this around so we can win the league.” Atletico Madrid was only two points behind Barcelona in second place — and with the same number of games played — after Antoine Griezmann scored a gem of a goal in a 5-0 demolition of last-placed Valladolid. Las Palmas savored its first victory at Barcelona since the 1971-72 season and just its third victory at the Catalan club overall. The other visits by the modest side that wears all yellow uniforms to Barcelona have ended in 34 defeats and three draws. “We are thrilled because we have made history,” Sandro said. “When you start the season you think that these games are usually going to end in wins for the bigger side, but if there is one thing we believe in is our capacity to work hard all week to get results like this.” Barcelona's Lamine Yamal returned from a right ankle injury that sidelined him for three weeks. Yamal appeared as a halftime substitute and Jasper Cillessen saved his best shot. The Las Palmas goalkeeper also palmed a Raphinha free kick over his bar in the final minutes. Sandro, a former Barcelona youth player, capped a fine five-pass buildup by Las Palmas from its own box as it masterfully undid Barcelona’s high pressure in the 49th minute. Raphinha had already hit the crossbar in the first half before he equalized in the 61st. The Brazil forward took a short pass from Pedri just outside the area, skirted across the edge and drilled a shot between two defenders. But Barcelona was caught pushing forward for a second goal when Silva controlled a ball from Javi Muñoz and sent in a shot bouncing past Iñaki Peña in the 67th. The unexpected loss dampened Barcelona’s celebration of its 125th anniversary, which included the debut of its new mascot “Cat,” a large, yellow feline wearing its team kit. Barcelona lost left back Alejandro Balde early in the game when he couldn’t continue after he crashed into Sandro at full speed. Balde appeared to hurt his upper chest or neck area when he ran into Sandro’s shoulder. He was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Gerard Martín. Griezmann scored one of the goals of the season when the forward exchanged a quick one-two with Julián Alvarez and used a sleek touch of the inside of his boot to roll the ball with him as he spun before dinking it over the Valladolid goalkeeper. That was the visitor's fourth goal. Shortly after, Valladolid fans stood up and applauded when Griezmann was substituted. “That is what every players wants, to make people enjoy what we do. So I appreciate their warmth,” Griezmann said. Atletico also got goals from Alvarez, Clement Lenglet, Rodrigo de Paul, and Alexander Sorloth. Espanyol beat Celta 3-1 to end a streak of four losses in the league and relieve pressure on coach Manolo González. Alaves also drew with Leganes 1-1 at home. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerWhat is particularly intriguing about this fund's success is its ability to navigate the complex and sometimes volatile Chinese market with remarkable precision. By leveraging its deep understanding of local regulations and trends, as well as its access to advanced analytics and research tools, the fund has been able to identify lucrative investment opportunities before they become mainstream.
Lucknow, Dec 23 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that at a time when many countries are at war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is binding the world in the thread of peace, harmony and unity through the message of Lord Buddha. Welcoming a delegation led by Governor of Japan's Yamanashi Province Kotaro Nagasaki at his official residence here, Adityanath described UP as a state of "Unlimited Potential". An MoU was signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and Yamanashi Prefecture (Japan) for industrial cooperation, tourism and vocational education in the presence. "The roots of strategic, cultural and global cooperation have been connected between the two countries for more than a millennium. Today, when many countries of the world are at war, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is binding the world in the thread of peace, harmony and unity through the message of Lord Buddha," Adityanath said. "The strong relations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister of Japan, late Shinzo Abe, have also taken the political, economic and business relations of India-Japan to new heights," he said. "The state government is keen to cooperate with Japanese companies. Japan also provided great support as a partner country for the Global Investors Summit-2023," Adityanath said. On behalf of the state government, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Director General of the Governor's Policy Planning Bureau of Yamanashi Province Junichi Ishidera exchanged the MoU, the UP government said in a statement. Adityanath said the MoU is a result of the prime minister's commitment to work together with the Quad countries for humanity on the basis of shared democratic values. Currently, more than 1,400 Japanese companies are operating in India, including seven major firms -- Mitsui Technologies, Honda Motors, Yamaha Motors, Denso, Toyodrunk, Nissin ABC Logistics, Sekisui DLJM Molding -- operating in Uttar Pradesh. Economic co-operation between India and Japan is very rich, he said, and added that bilateral trade between the two countries has been USD 22.854 billion in the financial year 2023-24. During this period, USD 17.69 billion was exported from Japan to India and USD 5.15 billion was imported. Adityanath told the Japanese delegation that Uttar Pradesh is getting a new identity as an 'expressway state'. After the construction of the Ganga Expressway, Uttar Pradesh will have 55 per cent share in the total expressways of the country. At present, five expressways of a total length of 1,130 km are operational, he said. The UP CM said that in the electronics and IT/ITES sector, Uttar Pradesh has the distinction of contributing about 45 per cent of India's total mobile manufacturing. About 55 per cent of India's mobile components are manufactured here. About 26 per cent of India's mobile manufacturers are active in Uttar Pradesh and more than 200 ESDM companies are located in the state. The state government is developing clusters for semi-conductor manufacturing and fab-units. Apart from this, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as the main hub of data centers in India, he said. On this occasion, Governor Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan, Kotaro Nagasaki said there have been spiritual and historical relations between Yamanashi Prefecture and Uttar Pradesh. Expressing happiness over the MoU, he said that Japan will provide mutual cooperation in labour skilled development, renewable energy, hydro power, exchange of knowledge and technology. He told the chief minister that "Japan is your second home", the statement said, adding Adityanath also spoke a few lines in Japanese. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
The timing of the Fourth Plenary Session is particularly noteworthy, coming at a time when China is navigating a complex landscape of domestic challenges and global uncertainties. As the country continues its journey towards achieving the "Two Centenary Goals" and building a modern socialist society, the role of the CCDI in ensuring the purity and effectiveness of Party leadership cannot be understated.
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OTTAWA - The RCMP plans to create a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of Canada’s border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers. The move is part of the federal government’s $1.3-billion upgrade to border security and monitoring to appease U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s concerns about the flow of migrants and illegal drugs. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S. as soon as he is inaugurated next month unless both countries move to improve border security. Canada will also propose to the United States the creation of a North American “joint strike force” to target organized crime groups that work across borders. In addition, the government intends to provide new technology, tools and resources to the Canada Border Services Agency to seek out deadly fentanyl using chemical detection, artificial intelligence and canine teams. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told a news conference Tuesday he has discussed parts of the plan with American officials and that he is optimistic about its reception. “We have a lot of work ahead of us,” said LeBlanc, who tried to play down the notion Canada was simply bowing to American demands. “The fight against fentanyl is very much a fight that Canadians want to have because of its impact in Canada,” he said. “Deepening, strengthening, being more visible in the posture at the border is something that we’re happy to do with our American partners.” The announcement followed a promise in the fall economic statement Monday to earmark the money over six fiscal years for the RCMP, the border agency, Public Safety Canada and the cyberspies at the Communications Security Establishment. Among the other planned measures: — a Canadian Drug Profiling Centre to complement existing laboratory capacity by allowing for more specialized analysis of synthetic drug samples, helping determine where substances were made; — a Precursor Risk Management Unit to increase oversight over chemicals used to make drugs and monitor emerging illegal drug trends; — an obligation for port owners and operators to provide the border agency with the space and facilities needed to conduct export inspections, just as they currently do for imports; — stronger efforts against money laundering to help starve organized crime groups of profits from human smuggling and drug and firearms trafficking; — and new restrictions on countries that do not rapidly facilitate the return of their citizens in the event of fraudulent entry or a removal order. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, who also attended the news conference, said the goal “for us is get the technology out there as soon as we can.” “I can’t just buy a helicopter tomorrow, but there are processes where you can rent the helicopter, and we’re exploring every facet.” Duheme said an aim of the joint strike force would be develop specialists on fentanyl, bringing together law enforcement partners both in Canada and abroad. The union representing rank-and-file Mounties welcomed the move to spend more on border security. National Police Federation president Brian Sauvé said in a statement Monday that members had been protecting the border with limited resources, and the new money will allow them to continue delivering on their mandate. Aaron McCrorie, the border services agency’s vice-president of intelligence and enforcement, said in a recent interview that irregular migration and smuggling of drugs such as fentanyl are common concerns for Canada and the United States. “These aren’t concerns that are unique to the United States. We share those same concerns,” he said. “In that sense, it really speaks to the need for us to work collaboratively.” McCrorie said the Canadian border agency is working closely with U.S. counterparts including Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, as well as with agencies in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. “Criminal enterprises, organized crime, they don’t respect international boundaries. They collaborate, they exploit weaknesses in the system,” McCrorie said. “And so the best way to confront them is to collaborate on our side, fill those gaps, support each other’s efforts.” He said Canada’s border agency has two targeting officers embedded with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the American agency plans to soon send a targeting officer to Canada. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024.LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. The Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn on Sunday. Russell averaged a career-low 12.4 points for the Lakers this season in a diminished role under new coach JJ Redick, who had vowed to unlock the point guard's formidable offensive game. Instead, Russell was removed from the starting lineup in early November, and he struggled to make a consistent impact as a reserve, with his shooting percentages declining significantly from his previous two seasons back in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-7 Finney-Smith isn't a top scorer, but he is a steady 3-and-D wing who fills an obvious need for the Lakers. Los Angeles has had inconsistent wing play and has lacked an effective defender at the key position during the long-term injury absence of Jarred Vanderbilt , who hasn't played since Feb. 1. Finney-Smith averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds while hitting a career-best 43.5% of his 3-point attempts this season for the Nets, who acquired him from Dallas in the February 2023 in the trade of Kyrie Irving . Finney-Smith has been limited to five games this month by a sprained ankle and a bruised calf, but the 31-year-old played 27 minutes against San Antonio on Friday. “We want to thank D’Angelo for his second stint with us, where we celebrated some great moments and accomplishments on the court together," Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. "We are thrilled to add the physicality, toughness and elite shooting that Dorian Finney-Smith will bring to our core. We also greatly value the playmaking of Shake Milton. We are excited for our fans to get both of these players out on the court.” Redick and Finney-Smith were teammates with the Mavericks during the 2020-21 season, and Redick has expressed admiration for Finney-Smith's hard-nosed game. Milton is joining his sixth NBA team in less than two years, including his third trade in 11 months. He is averaging 7.4 points and 2.4 assists this season as a Nets reserve. Russell is being traded by the Lakers to the Nets for the second time in his career. He also made the move in 2017 after spending his first two NBA seasons with Los Angeles, which drafted him in 2015. Russell earned the only All-Star selection of his career during his two seasons in Brooklyn. Russell has been traded five times in the past 7 1/2 years. The 10-year pro excelled for the Lakers during their run to the 2023 Western Conference finals after returning to the team in February of that season, although he got benched during that final playoff series against Denver. Russell remained a fairly consistent scorer last year while setting a new franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season, but his career-long problems with offensive inconsistency and defensive ability kept him out of Redick's plans this year. With Russell's departure, Gabe Vincent is the only true point guard left in the Lakers' rotation, although LeBron James often fills the role of initiating their offense. The Lakers (18-13) have won five of six heading into their visit from Cleveland on New Year's Eve. The trade continues a roster restructuring by the Nets, who traded former Lakers point guard Dennis Schröder to Golden State two weeks ago. Schröder was Brooklyn's third-leading scorer, while Finney-Smith was its fourth-leading scorer. The Nets have been one of the NBA's lowest-scoring teams this season, so Russell should have plenty of chances to make an offensive impact. Brooklyn has lost three of four heading into its road game against Orlando on Sunday. Russell's $18.7 million contract expires this summer, while Finney-Smith has a $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Lewis was the Lakers' second-round pick in 2023, but he played in just 41 games over the past two seasons while shuttling to the G League. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
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The Washington Commanders made a series of roster moves on Saturday, including parting ways with one of their former first-round draft pick. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, selected 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been let go after one-and-a-half disappoint seasons. What does that move have to do with the New England Patriots , though? Forbes was famously picked one selection before the Patriots brought in Christian Gonzalez, who has since developed into one of the league’s best cornerbacks. Entering the 2023 draft, Gonzalez was widely considered one of the two best cornerbacks available alongside Devon Witherspoon. But while Witherspoon went to Seattle at No. 5 overall, Gonzalez inexplicably remained on the board until the back half of the first round — seemingly falling into the Commanders’ lap at No. 16. But while the team was in need of cornerback help, it went with Forbes over Gonzalez. The Patriots, who had originally traded back from the 14th pick, wasted no time to make their pick: it took only around 30 seconds out of the available 10 minutes for New England to hand in its card. Since then, both players have developed differently. Gonzalez is playing at an All-Pro level even after missing most of his rookie season due to a shoulder injury; Forbes was a part-time player as a rookie and has seen action in only six games this year. While Washington undergoing an organizational overhaul this offseason did not help him, he also failed to live up to his first-round label especially relative to Gonzalez. Tackling and run defense remained an issue despite him reportedly bulking up to 180 pounds, and he was unable to duplicate his ball success at the next level. Now, Forbes has been let go. Entering the waiver wire, the NFL’s 31 other teams will get a chance to pick him up — including a Patriots team at No. 4 that has an underrated need at the cornerback position.
As the authorities launched an investigation into the incident, questions have been raised about the practices and ethics of certain travel agencies that prioritize profit over the well-being of their customers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with bargain deals and cheap offers that may come at a high cost in terms of safety and security.Title: Experiencing the Feminine Power with the New Year Set "Black Myth: WuKong" - Triggering Firework Easter Eggs for New Year's Greetings