Federal court dismisses defamation lawsuit against Fox News for Jan. 6 conspiracy theoryCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers praised Cameron Carter-Vickers and his side’s mentality after they dug out a Champions League point following the defender’s disastrous own goal against Club Brugge. The normally reliable centre-back passed the ball into his own net in the 26th minute after failing to spot goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s positioning. But a brilliant turn and finish on the hour mark from Daizen Maeda changed the game and ultimately earned the Scottish champions a 1-1 home draw. On the opener, Rodgers said: “Mistakes happen and it was just unfortunate. He’s played that pass a million times and it’s gone back and then we’ve been able to play forward. It was just one of those unfortunate moments in the game that happens. “But he’s a really, really tough character. He’s a great guy, he picked himself up. He was really strong and aggressive again in the game and got on with it and had a real bravery in the second half, because he was the one carrying the ball forward for us to start the attack.” Despite the gift, Brugge were worthy of their lead and Rodgers admitted his side were too passive in their pressing in the opening half. Some tactical tweaks – and the introduction of Paulo Bernardo – helped Celtic dominate after Maeda’s equaliser, although Brugge had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside. “I can only credit the players for the second half, because we had to fight,” Rodgers said. “And we’re still one of those teams that’s really pushing to try and make a mark at this level. So to make the comeback, score the goal, play with that courage, I was so pleased. “You want to win but I’ve been here enough times to have lost a game like that, but we didn’t. We showed a real strong mentality and we kept pushing right to the very end and the players did well. “I thought they showed great courage in the second half because we weren’t at our level in the first half. Sometimes a game like that can get away from you, but it didn’t. “We stayed with it, showed that determination, showed that mentality, never to quit, to keep going. And then we were much, much better, much freer in the second half. “So we’re on eight points, nine to play for. We’re still very much on course to get to where we want to get to and still three games to go.” Rodgers added: “It’s 20 games now and we’ve won 16 and drawn three and lost one, so it shows you the mentality is there, and especially at this level, you need to have that.”
A chorus of support is growing behind actress Blake Lively after she filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign against "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni. Actress Amber Heard on Monday became the latest celebrity to speak out on behalf of the "Gossip Girl" alum over what she says was a coordinated social media effort to tarnish her name. Over the weekend, Lively filed a complaint claiming that Baldoni and a lead producer had behaved unacceptably during the filming of box office hit "It Ends With Us." The allegations included that Baldoni -- who also directed the film -- had spoken inappropriately about his sex life, and had sought to alter the film to include sex scenes that were not in the script and had not been agreed to. They also detailed how lead producer Jamey Heath had watched Lively while she was topless, despite having been asked to turn away. But the complaint goes into great detail -- including with texts and emails -- on a PR campaign to wreck her reputation and to divert attention from any public comments she might make about the men's alleged misbehavior. This was "a carefully crafted, coordinated, and resourced retaliatory scheme to silence her, and others from speaking out about the hostile environment that Mr Baldoni and Mr Heath created," the complaint says. It includes allegations that the two men hired a crisis PR team that amplified or planted negative stories about Lively on social media platforms. "You know we can bury anyone," Melissa Nathan, a member of the team, is alleged to have said, according to messages contained in the complaint. Heard's ex-husband Johnny Depp hired the same PR team during the high-profile defamation trial between the couple in 2022, in which a jury unanimously found that Heard defamed Depp over allegations he abused her. "Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying 'A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,'" Heard said in a statement carried by NBC News. "I saw this firsthand and up close. It's as horrifying as it is destructive." Heard's support came on the heels of a joint statement by America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel, who starred with Lively in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." "As Blake's friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation," they wrote on Instagram. "Throughout the filming of 'It Ends with Us', we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice." A lawyer for Wayfarer, the studio behind the film, said in a statement released to the New York Times that neither the studio, its executives, nor its PR team did anything to retaliate against Lively. "These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media," lawyer Bryan Freedman wrote. The complaint was lodged with the California Civil Rights Department, and is a precursor to a lawsuit. Major Hollywood talent agency WME -- which represents Lively -- has reportedly dropped Baldoni as a client. hg/ahaASX set to edge up as Wall Street grinds higher
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Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations DALLAS (AP) — The nation is set to mark 61 years since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade passed through downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. Even after over six decades, conspiracy theories about what happened that day still swirl and the desire to follow every thread of information hasn’t waned. President-elect Donald Trump made promises over the summer that if reelected he would declassify the remaining records. At this point, only a few thousand of millions of pages of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released. And those who have studied what's been released so far say that the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations even if the remaining files are declassified. Bitcoin is at the doorstep of $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, rising above $98,000 for the first time Thursday. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. NFL issues security alert to teams and the players' union following recent burglaries The NFL has issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union following recent burglaries involving the homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets. Penn State wins trademark case over retailer's use of vintage logos, images PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State has won a closely watched trademark fight over an online retailer’s use of its vintage logos and images. A Pennsylvania jury awarded Penn State $28,000 in damages earlier this week over products made and sold by the firms Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc. Penn State accused them of selling “counterfeit” clothing and accessories. The defendants said their website makes clear they are not affiliated with Penn State. At least a dozen other schools have sued the defendants on similar grounds, but the Pennsylvania case was the first to go to trial. Has a waltz written by composer Frederic Chopin been discovered in an NYC museum? NEW YORK (AP) — A previously unknown musical work written by composer Frederic Chopin appears to have been found in a library in New York City. The Morgan Library & Museum says the untitled and unsigned piece is the first new manuscript of the Romantic era virtuoso to be discovered in nearly a century. Robinson McClellan, the museum’s curator, says he stumbled across the work in May while going through a collection brought to the Manhattan museum years earlier. He worked with outside experts to verify the document's authenticity. But there’s debate whether the waltz is an original Chopin work or merely one written in his hand. Volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupts for the 7th time in a year GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland is spewing lava from a fissure in its seventh eruption since December. Iceland's seismic monitors said the eruption started with little warning late Wednesday and created a long fissure but looked to be smaller than eruptions in August and May. Around 50 houses were evacuated after the Civil Protection agency issued the alert, along with guests at the famous Blue Lagoon resort, according to the national broadcaster. The repeated eruptions over the past year have caused damage to the town of Grindavík and forced people to relocate. Australian teen and British woman who drank tainted alcohol in Laos have died, bringing toll to 5 VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — An Australian teenager and a British woman have died after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos in what Australia’s prime minister said was every parent’s nightmare. Officials earlier said an American and two Danish tourists also had died following reports that multiple people had been sickened in town popular with backpackers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that 19-year-old Bianca Jones had died after being evacuated from Vang Vieng, Laos, for treatment in a Thai hospital. Her friend, also 19, remains hospitalized in Thailand. Later Thursday, Britain said a British woman also died and the media in the U.K. identified her as 28-year-old Simone White. US ahead in AI innovation, easily surpassing China in Stanford's new ranking The U.S. leads the world in developing artificial intelligence technology, surpassing China in research and other important measures of AI innovation, according to a newly released Stanford University index. There’s no surefire way to rank global AI leadership but Stanford researchers have made an attempt by measuring the “vibrancy” of the AI industry across a variety of dimensions, from how much research and investment is happening to how responsibly the technology is being pursued to prevent harm. Following the U.S. and China were the United Kingdom, India and the United Arab Emirates. Pop star Ed Sheeran helps favorite soccer team sign player before getting on stage with Taylor Swift It turns out British pop star Ed Sheeran is also good at recruiting soccer players. Sheeran is a minority shareholder at English soccer team Ipswich Town and it needed his help over the summer to get a player to join the club. Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton tells a Soccerex industry event in Miami: “Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, just before he stepped on stage with Taylor Swift. Hopefully that was a key part in getting the player across the line.” Ashton didn’t disclose the player in question, saying only: “He’s certainly scoring a few goals.” Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMA Awards, but Morgan Wallen gets entertainer of the year It was mostly Chris Stapleton’s night at the Country Music Association Awards. Stapleton won four times and took the stage to perform three times Wednesday night at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. But an absent Morgan Wallen won the biggest award, entertainer of the year. Stapleton's wins included single of the year and song of the year for “White Horse,” and his eighth trophy as male vocalist of the year. Best female vocalist of the year went to Laney Johnson. An all-star ensemble including both Stapleton and Johnson performed in tribute to George Strait, who won the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.Kash Patel, the Deep State and journalists
Mega Millions jackpot surpasses half-billion-dollar mark for Black Friday drawingCracks Emerge In Nvidia's AI Armor. What's An Investor To Do?Rarely does a college basketball game provide such stark contrast between the sport's haves and have-nots as when Jackson State faces No. 9 Kentucky on Friday in Lexington, Ky. While Kentucky claims eight NCAA Tournament crowns and the most wins in college basketball history, Jackson State has never won an NCAA Tournament game and enters the matchup looking for its first win of the season. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand and explain the evolution in causes of death in America. Click for more. From tuberculosis to heart disease: How the leading causes of death in America have changed
2 Supercharged Growth Stocks That Are Crushing the MarketNone
Owning a car means different things to different people. It can be a source of pride or a source of frustration for some while others see it as a necessary evil. Furthermore, preferences vary wildly from one to another, although many drive what is both practical and affordable with the hope it is relatively trouble-free. And while that sort of vehicle works for most, there is a certain segment of the population with a preference for driving machines of a bygone era, classic cars. It might be helpful to define a classic and collectible car, and there is a huge swath of gray area here. Hagerty , which insures antique, vintage, and classic automobiles, says a classic car is generally more than 20 years old with a 40-year limit — beyond that it is vintage. However, in common vernacular, a classic car can be considered anything from prior decades. But not all classic cars are collectible. A 1984 Buick Century may be a classic '80s sedan, but few would argue it is collectible. Jay Leno says, "The vehicle should be of technical or historical interest, it should be fun to drive, and it should be pleasant to look at." The Century fails on all accounts. The problem is that many collectible classics are expensive to own and difficult to maintain, but not all of them. For ideas of cars you could own that won't break your bank or your back, check out these collectible classics. One could argue the most famous classic car worldwide is the Volkswagen Type 1, otherwise known as the Beetle. With decades of production ending in 2003 — American sales ceased in 1978 — Beetles that were once ubiquitous on the roadways are still plentiful on the used market, and there are many reasons a Beetle is worth buying . One of the Beetle's primary selling points, and even part of its original design, is easy maintenance and repair. The engine is air-cooled, requiring no water pump, cooling fan, hoses, or radiator, eliminating a common point of failure. The rear-engine design puts the engine and transaxle together and makes the carburetor and ignition easily accessible. Furthermore, they are held in by just four bolts, and an experienced shop can complete removal in just 20 minutes. Everything about the car is basic and simple, and fixing or maintaining everything is low effort. The other part of the Beetle's original design is to be affordable. Factory production ended years ago, but a robust parts supply still exists with countless aftermarket parts available. Additionally, Beetles are popular for custom builds, and suppliers keep a vast supply of modified parts and accessories available. Furthermore, Volkswagen Classic Parts offers OEM parts for a wide range of its air-cooled classics. Since the 1964.5 debut model, the Ford Mustang has been an automotive juggernaut continuing through today. Its popularity has waned little, if any, and it remains appreciated by nearly anyone to encounter one. It is also the most popular classic American car export – more than 20,000 left U.S. ports from 2011 to 2021. But style should not be the sole reason for choosing a classic car. The cost to own it matters, too. Fortunately for classic Mustang lovers, they are easy to maintain and costs won't kill you either. Built before emissions controls, the engines are straightforward and uncluttered. Even back in the '80s, according to a 1984 article from the New York Times , mechanics thought cars of the early 1960s were the easiest for maintenance and repair. They probably think our modern cars are a nightmare. However, with a lack of electronics and digital controls, maintenance schedules are heavier and require several adjustments to components such as points, valves, and carburetors. It's easy maintenance, there's just more of it. One issue in owning one of these Mustangs is that dirt cheap examples probably no longer exist. To buy one in good drivable condition without being pristine can still cost $20,000. But once you make that investment, owning it is cheap. Reproduction and aftermarket parts are abundant and available from dozens of companies. Few, if any, parts are unavailable — complete body shells are in production right now — and continued demand keeps prices reasonable. Although Dodge used the Dart name beginning in 1959, not until 1963 did it affix the badge to a compact and low-cost model built for volume sales to buyers on a budget. This turned out to be a good strategy as it continued to sell until the name was first retired in 1976 (the name was revived for the Alfa Romeo-based Dart in 2013). The debut model only offered the long-lived and robust Slant-6 engine but added a V8 option the next year. Because of this, the Dart has since become more than just an old economy car. With a V8 engine, the Dart becomes a lightweight muscle car, and its clean and uncluttered design has made it a popular choice for racing and hot rods. Dodge also sold a lot of these, and finding one today in decent condition is not difficult, although a '68 Hemi Dart can go for upwards of $300,000. Otherwise, a few thousand can get you something to work on and drive. Plus, whether you pick up a Slant-6 or V8 car, maintenance is a breeze thanks to the uncomplicated engines and uncluttered engine bays. Like other popular classic American cars, the Dart is supported by many suppliers of affordable parts. For example, Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts specializes in Mopar and offers an array of parts, including an impressive supply of new old stock (NOS) parts in their original 50-year-old-packaging. A NOS distributor breaker plate with new points is only $35. The original Camaro introduced in 1967 was and is a great pony car and remains a Chevrolet icon. However, they are highly coveted today and can be extraordinarily expensive, which makes second generation models, built from 1970 to 1981, a more attractive alternative for a classic Camaro. Driving a second-gen Camaro can be a thrilling experience. They can be made incredibly fast, although the handling falls far short compared to a modern Camaro. Regardless, they are relatively comfortable — except for passengers in the rear — and have a decent ride when everything is in working order. Best of all, these cars look inarguably cool. While the later models are hampered by emissions controls, principally the low compression, they can be made to have power and burn clean today. Furthermore, Chevrolet offers a range of licensed restoration parts through authorized distributors, and the Camaro remains as popular as ever, meaning robust parts availability. Being powered by the small-block Chevy V8, maintenance is simple and dirt cheap, and you can even get a powerful crate engine for about $2,000. It matters not whether you are talking about the original Datsun 240Z, its 260Z successor, or the 280Z and 280ZX that closed out the Datsun model line, they're all cool cars. Although it was based on the existing Datsun 510, the new 240Z was built to emulate the Jaguar E-Type while competing against a Porsche or Alfa Romeo. It then became a car with a style and cachet all to itself. 240Z cars came with a stout 2.4-liter straight six fed by a pair of Hitachi carburetors, growing to 2.8-liters and equipped with fuel injection by 1975. They sold very well thanks to their driver-focused interior design and tight handling. Early Z-cars have gained a lot of value, but later models, like the 280ZX, can still be found at reasonable prices. Maintenance on a Z-car should be typical of its contemporary Japanese cars. You may need some specialized knowledge to deal with fuel injected models, but they are generally reliable to begin with. A loyal fanbase ensures parts and accessories abound. Regardless, Z Car Depot is but one company offering a comprehensive catalog of parts for prices similar to any late model car, and companies such as Skillard produce custom accessories, although they can be pricey. Lastly, the catalog from Advance Auto Parts lists most common replacement parts with many in stock. One potential issue, according to some Reddit users, is that some specific parts like molding or trim, either interior or exterior, can be essentially unobtainable. Anyone with a passing fancy about cars and mechanics should recoil in horror at the suggestion that a Jaguar is either cheap or easy to maintain, much less both. On YouTube, the Car Wizard claims the Jaguar V12 to be among the most difficult to repair while Regular Car Reviews says of a 1987 XJ6 that forums recommended only taking them to a Jaguar specialist. So how could a classic Jag be cheap and easy to maintain? It's possible with a small-block Chevy. Jaguar XJ styling is elegant and sporty, a beautiful car designed to offer an engaging driving experience without compromising on comfort. However, the engines could be complex and full of sketchy Lucas electricals. Today, if you want a Jaguar that won't break you, get one with one of the greatest V8 engines ever made, the small-block Chevy . The small-block conversion is moderately cheap and easy to do, and it gains tons of potential power output with legendary Chevy reliability. Jaguar used GM automatic transmission until 1993, so it should also be good to go. Older swaps used Chevy 350 or 327 engines, but a modern LS will work. The best way to cut cost and effort is to buy one already converted. You could find a swapped 1983 XJS Tuned Port 350 in Washington for just $4900 or the pristine 1972 XJ6 LS1 that Bring a Trailer sold for $16,000 with a little luck. The Triumph Spitfire 1500 is the quintessential British sports car. Named for the WWII fighter plane, the Spitfire is a plucky and attractive little roadster built solely to put a smile on your face. Production commenced in 1962, and the final Spitfire 1500 was made from 1974 to 1980. With a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, it was not necessarily fast, but its handling was superb thanks to its go-kart-like dimensions. Spitfires are collectible and still in the affordable range, although prices have been climbing. Engine work is a breeze as the fenders and hood are one piece that flips forward to reveal the entire engine bay. I learned how to repair cars with my 1978 Spitfire by sitting on the exposed tire with full access to the engine, and few jobs could not be done from that position. In my experience, maintenance is no more difficult than other cars, but you will do it way more often. The electrical system is highly problematic, and various seals may go — I used to have to bleed my clutch while seated in the car before I could drive. Websites like British Parts Northwest make sourcing parts so much easier than it was back in 1992, and prices are about the same as late-model cars, such as a new alternator for $119.99. If you have the time and patience to tolerate its quirks, I can say from experience that the sheer joy of driving a Spitfire is worth it. While it is not technically a car, the Chevrolet C/K full-size pickup, aka Square Body, built from 1973 to 1987 – heavy duty versions continued to be offered until 1990 — is both collectible and classic. Built at a time when utility took precedence over style for trucks, they have become sought after partially for the rectangular design. When it debuted, it introduced several improvements to the ride, stability, cabin space, and more. Square Bodies are undeniably collectible. Hemmings reported early in 2024 that rising values have led to certain examples selling for as much as $64,995 with a floor of $7,000. This will make it tough to find the deal for a thousand bucks that was once common. Regardless, should you already own a square body, the most expensive part of it is done. The work of maintaining a Square Body should be among the easiest of any vehicle you own. The engine bay is cavernous, providing enough room to literally climb inside to swap a gasket or pull the distributor. Later models will have the GM HEI distributor, which is extremely reliable, and fuel injection was not introduced until 1987. Otherwise, the Rochester carburetors are well-built. Furthermore, Hemmings says their popularity has kept a better supply of affordable parts than ever, and there are plenty of places to find parts for a classic Chevrolet . One word of advice though is to avoid trucks with the infamous 5.7-liter Oldsmobile diesel V8, if any still exist . When AMC released the Jeep Cherokee, it was a sensation that broke the mold and at least partially started today's domination of the "crossover" SUV. This is because it was built on a monocoque chassis that kept total weight low while remaining strong enough for off-road use and increased ground clearance. It was smaller than similar vehicles of the day and featured computer-aided-design heavily in its development. Most consequentially, its sporty design attracted a wide array of customers who otherwise would not likely buy any Jeep product. With nearly 20 years of production ending in 2003, it is not only barely considered a classic but also extraordinarily long lived, especially with essentially no design changes. The immensely popular 4.0-liter inline-6 AMC engine provided excellent torque and legendary durability. And with the engine design being based on much older AMC architecture, it was no frills and dead simple. Cherokees came with a problematic Renix fuel injection from parent company Renault, but Chrysler's system improved things after it bought the brand . This means for owners of newer Cherokees, pretty much everything is tested technology that works reliably. Furthermore, they are not too far removed from modern vehicles and offer a similar level of refinement and comfort. No matter what year you choose, off-roaders ensure the parts and especially accessories availability is endless. Sites like Quadratec provide seemingly every part you might ever need and then some. There's no doubt that the C8 Corvette is one of the coolest Chevrolets ever . It's also an expensive car that is too technologically complex for a home mechanic, and maintenance is pricey. Edmunds long-term test Corvette cost them $9,500 in its first 25,000 miles. While it is nowhere near as powerful and fast, a much more affordable option that is still cool, can be serviced at home, and won't cost much more than an ordinary sedan is a C3 Corvette, produced from 1968 to 1982. You should know that specific early models can cost you more than $1 million. However, later models can be picked up for less than $10,000 in good drivable condition. These cars started off with a bang as big block models delivered up to 390 horsepower while the fiberglass body kept everything very light. Sadly, after a few years, power took a sharp nosedive that continued to the end in 1982. Regardless of output, these exotically-styled cars are still Chevys with the venerable small-block V8, except for a handful of now-very-expensive big-block cars. They all use familiar Chevrolet components and most service is no different from a pickup. One exception is the 1982 model, which received crossfire injection, a fuel system with too many design limitations. Otherwise, the rest of the bunch makes for easily tuned power with ample aftermarket parts support from dedicated suppliers like Corvette Central . Perhaps it's time to get a Vette and find new roads .Matt Gaetz's Full Ethics Report: Former Rep. Found Guilty Of Violating Multiple State Laws
Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season
ASX set to edge up as Wall Street grinds higherFormula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season
NoneElisabeth Borne, only the second woman to serve as French prime minister, is making a surprise return to frontline politics as education minister less than a year after losing a job that she never wished to relinquish. An experienced technocrat known for her resilience who pushed through a controversial pensions overhaul while in office, Borne served as premier from May 2022 to January 2024. The 63-year-old engineer was the first woman to head a French government in three decades after the brief stint in office of Edith Cresson who lasted under 11 months in the early 1990s, during which time she endured rampant sexism. When Borne took power, she dedicated the moment to "all the little girls". "Follow your dreams, nothing must slow the fight for women's place in our society," she said. But her departure after just over 18 months left her denouncing the "insidious sexism" that she said still permeated French politics. At President Emmanuel Macron's request, she resigned in January and was replaced by the then 34-year-old Gabriel Attal, who became France's youngest head of government but he only lasted to the summer. Borne said after her resignation that women in politics were "constantly" compared to men. "Men in politics, they all have an interest in imposing masculine codes, it eliminates the competition," she added. She also noted that all candidates to succeed her were men. "It's as if commentators were saying to themselves, 'We've just had a woman prime minister for 20 months, that's it, we're back to normal life'," she told RTL. Even when she handed over office to Attal on January 9, Borne had made clear her resentment over sexism in French politics, saying: "I have also been able to see quite often that there is still some way to go for equality between women and men." But she added in a message to women: "Hold on, the future belongs to you." Borne had proved her loyalty to Macron during his first term in office, serving as transport, environment and finally labour minister from 2020. As premier she staunchly defended his flagship pensions reform to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. She deployed a controversial executive power to force through the legislation without a vote, despite previously saying she did not want to use it. Discreet about her private life, Borne was accused by critics of showing too little personality in office. Borne's Jewish father had been deported to Auschwitz during World War II and survived the Nazi death camp but never fully recovered. Her father took his own life when she was just 11 years old. "It's shocking for an 11-year-old girl to lose her father in these conditions," Borne told LCI. "And I think I closed up and that I avoid showing my emotions too much." "I think... this closing up, maybe, goes a little far. Yes," she acknowledged. But she expressed pride over how France had allowed her to study under a special programme for children who have lost parents. "We are a country where you can be the daughter of an immigrant, where you may have lost your father at 11, but the country reaches out to you to allow you to study," she said. "And then you are a prefect (senior local official), and then you are a minister and you are even prime minister," she added. Her father, who was reportedly named Joseph Bornstein, fled to France from Poland in 1940 and then fought in the French resistance during World War II. He was captured and deported to Auschwitz in 1944. bur-sjw/as/phzDALLAS — As Perry Minasian prepared to leave the winter meetings on Wednesday, he wasn’t sure what he’d actually accomplished during his few days in Dallas. The Angels didn’t acquire any players during the event — aside from a left-handed reliever picked in the Rule 5 draft — but Minasian said he hoped he laid some groundwork for deals that could come to fruition throughout the rest of the winter. “We’ll find out,” he said. “I hope so. There are a lot of conversations.” The Angels still need some of everything. Minasian, per usual, would not rank the needs. “We want to get better,” he said. “We want to get deeper. Is that the bullpen? Is that the position players? Is that infield? Is that outfield? Is that starting rotation? We’ll find out. But we would definitely like to add to the team, not only the 26 but below that too.” Considering what the Angels have done and what they have currently, the infield nonetheless still seems to be a pressing need. Shortstop Zach Neto, third baseman Anthony Rendon and utility infielder Luis Rengifo will all be coming off injuries. So far the Angels have only added Kevin Newman and Scott Kingery to provide depth behind that group. A player who can start at third or second would be ideal. The Angels have checked in on trades for at least three third basemen: Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A deal for any of those players could be costly — in terms of money with Arenado and talent with Bohm or Suarez. Among free agents, third baseman Alex Bregman is the top of the market, followed by second baseman Gleyber Torres. Bregman is certainly out of their price range, and Torres may be as well. One intriguing option below them would be Jorge Polanco, who is a 31-year-old bounce-back candidate who can play second, third or shortstop. He could likely be had for $8 million to $10 million. Polanco had a career .780 OPS over parts of 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins, but that dropped to .651 last season with the Seattle Mariners, who declined his option. Seattle is a notorious pitcher’s park, and Polanco had a .606 OPS at home, and a more reasonable .694 mark on the road. Some of last year’s decline could have been attributed to playing through knee issues that ultimately required surgery. He also had a .740 OPS with 11 homers in the second half. Polanco is also a switch-hitter who has been better from the left side over his career. The Angels are in need of any good hitters, but ideally they’d add some who are better against righties, because that was their weaker side last season. “You always want to balance the lineup as best as you can,” Minasian said. “It’s just about what’s available. So we wouldn’t pass on a right-handed hitter that we feel like is productive.” RULE 5 PICK The Angels selected left-handed reliever Garrett McDaniels from the Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft. McDaniels joins the Angels’ 40-man roster. They must keep him on the major league roster all season or else offer him back to the Dodgers. McDaniels, 24, had a 3.19 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 73 1⁄3 innings last season. He pitched just three innings at Double-A, and the rest were at two levels of Class-A. “Good arm, can spin two breaking balls, heater’s 94-95, combination of ground balls and strikeouts,” Minasian said. “Now, it’s at lower levels, but stuff is stuff. We felt like it was worth taking a look at him at spring training, and we’ll see if he can make the team. ... “You can never have too many lefties, and especially guys that can really spin the ball. It’s a good trait to have in the bullpen.” ARIZONA UPGRADES Before Minasian came to Dallas, he stopped in Arizona to get a look at the upgraded spring training facilities. The Angels re-did their clubhouse, weight room and offices, and they added pitching and hitting labs. “It looks great,” Minasian said. “I had a chance to walk through. It’s not completely finished. Obviously, we still have time. It blew me away. It’s better than I even thought it would be. The labs are awesome.” The Angels have been behind other organizations in terms of their technology. This facility should help them catch up, and Minasian believes it will translate to improved performance of their players. “I think it’s going to be significant,” Minasian said. “I really do. I think it will be a significant upgrade from what we had.” Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels win No. 2 pick in 2025 MLB draft lottery Los Angeles Angels | Nolan Arenado traded to the Dodgers or Angels? Not likely Los Angeles Angels | Angels open to adding a full-time third baseman, despite having oft-injured Anthony Rendon Los Angeles Angels | Angels look to continue upgrading as they head to winter meetings Los Angeles Angels | Alexander: Golden at-bat? It would only tarnish baseball KIKUCHI’S ROLE The Angels have made much of what they hope to gain by having veterans like Kyle Hendricks and Travis d’Arnaud around their young players, and that also applies to Yusei Kikuchi. Although it’s reasonable to think the language barrier might preclude Kikuchi from having the same type of influence, Minasian said he is “100%” certain that Kikuchi will help Angels young pitchers, both with his words and actions. “His English is pretty good,” Minasian said. “The work ethic and the the prep and the weight room stuff. People see him doing the work. If you ask people in Toronto and the short stay in Houston and even in Seattle, it’s real. It will be good for our guys.”
David Lammy has insisted he will be “gracious” to Donald Trump despite his previous comments disparaging the incoming US president. The Foreign Secretary blasted the re-elected leader as a “tyrant” and a “woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath” while a backbench MP. When Mr Lammy was challenged by members of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee over his previous comments, he said he was “not looking back” but “looking forward”. Mr Lammy told the committee he had “enjoyed” meeting Mr Trump in New York in September, along with the Prime Minister, saying he had been “a very gracious host” and the trio had had “good discussion” and “a laugh in places”. He said: “I will do everything possible on behalf of the British people in relation to our national interests, and that is working with our close ally. And just as he has been gracious to me, I will be gracious to him. “That was the way I was brought up in the great part of London called Tottenham and the great city of Peterborough – you are gracious to those who are gracious to you.” He also hailed his relationship with the incoming vice-president, JD Vance, saying they had met and had talked “extensively” about their books and their “understanding of impoverished communities”. Mr Lammy's previous comments have led to suggestions the now-Foreign Secretary would be unable to maintain a good relationship with Britain’s closest ally once Mr Trump is sworn in in January.
If you’re looking to give your portfolio a boost before 2024 wraps up, the could offer some great opportunities to start. With oil prices holding steady for the last few months and natural gas prices inching up, some top Canadian oil and gas companies could post improved financials, which could drive their share prices higher in 2025. In this article, I’ll reveal two high-potential with stable you can consider adding to your portfolio before the year ends. Suncor Energy stock After trading on a weak note in 2023, ( ) has delivered 28% positive returns to investors year to date. With this, it currently trades at $54.15 per share with a market cap of $68.9 billion. At this market price, this Canadian integrated energy firm also offers a decent 4.2% annualized dividend yield. Financially, Suncor has had an outstanding 2024, beating Street analysts’ earnings estimates in each of the three quarters reported so far. In the September quarter, the company achieved its highest-ever refining throughput of 488,000 barrels per day with an impressive utilization rate of 105%. In addition, its upstream production reached 829,000 barrels per day, marking the best third quarter in Suncor’s history. Another key factor that makes this oil producer even more attractive for income-focused investors is its continued focus on returning value to its loyal shareholders. In the latest reported quarter, the company returned $1.5 billion to investors through a combination of share buybacks and dividends. Encouraged by its strong cash flows, Suncor also recently announced a 5% YoY (year-over-year) rise in its quarterly dividend to $0.57 per share. Besides its strong financial performance and operational efficiencies, Suncor’s strengthening balance sheet, with reducing debt, improving cost management, and investments in emissions reduction technologies, makes its stock really attractive to buy for the long term. Canadian Natural stock ( ) is another safe energy stock you may want to consider this December. After witnessing an 8.3% rise over the last year, CNQ stock currently trades at $45.90 per share with a market cap of $97 billion. At the current market price, it offers a 4.9% annualized dividend yield and distributes these payouts every quarter. In the latest quarter ended in September, Canadian Natural posted an average production of 1.36 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. This total production figure included a record-breaking synthetic crude oil (SCO) production of 529,000 barrels per day in August. The Canadian oil and gas giant recently acquired Chevron’s Alberta assets, which are likely to boost its production and cash flows in the coming years. With this acquisition, Canadian Natural has now raised its stake in the Athabasca oil sands project to 90%, adding 62,500 barrels per day of synthetic crude oil to its portfolio. Moreover, Canadian Natural’s continued efforts to expand its base of long-life, low-decline oil sand assets further strengthen its position as a high-quality energy stock to buy now and hold for years to come.Brand's Latest Offering Is Among Top Three For Industry's Highly Coveted Honor - All-new compact sedan sets new standards for design, technology and roominess - K4 follows in the footsteps of Kia's NACTOY-winning EV9, EV6 and Telluride LOS ANGELES , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancing Kia's commitment to deliver sporty sedans with premium features, advanced technology and elevated performance, the all-new Kia K4 has been named one of three finalists for the 2025 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) AwardsTM. 1 Announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show, this news follows back-to-back NACTOY wins over the past two years for the all-electric Kia EV6 and EV9 utility vehicles, respectively. And five years ago, the brand's popular Telluride SUV earned the same recognition as a NACTOY finalist before going on to win the prestigious award. NACTOY jurors vote on finalists after spending months driving dozens of new vehicles throughout the year. To be eligible, vehicles must be all-new or substantially new. The NACTOY awards will take place on January 10, 2025 at the Detroit Auto Show with winners in the Car, Truck and Utility categories. The K4 compact sedan delivers segment-above technology including up to 29 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), 2 a high level of refinement, and class-leading rear head room and leg room. 3 The available turbocharged engine and standard multi-link rear suspension on the GT-Line model yield an engaging and spirited behind-the-wheel experience. Exceeding expectations for connectivity and technology in its segment, the K4 brings standard wireless Apple CarPlay 4 and Android Auto 5 and an available multi-segment display cockpit with a combined nearly 30-inches of digital instrumentation. 6 Available amenities such as Digital Key 2.0, 7 Harman Kardon premium audio, 8 and a wide sunroof help define the K4's premium character. The K4 is available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California , Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com . To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert . *Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 1 North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) AwardsTM is a trademark of North American Car and Truck of the Year Corporation. 2 Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 3 Class-leading 2nd-row legroom and 2 nd -row headroom: Comparison based on publicly available data regarding 2nd-row legroom and 2 nd -row headroom in 2024/2025 compact sedans as of November 2024 . Compact sedan class as defined by Kia segmentation. 4 Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply. 5 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates. 6 Comprised of a 12.3" instrument display, 5" climate display, and 12.3" touchscreen infotainment display. Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. 7 Kia Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device. 8 Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kia-k4-sedan-named-finalist-for-2025-north-american-car-of-the-year-nactoy-302313588.html SOURCE Kia AmericaSupport grows for Blake Lively over smear campaign claim
Thanksgiving for Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, is a delicate balance of football and family traditions. The gymnast, widely celebrated as one of the greatest athletes in her field, shared how she and Owens plan to enjoy the holiday while accommodating his demanding NFL schedule. Biles, 27, revealed that she will travel to Detroit on Thanksgiving morning to watch Owens and the Chicago Bears face off against the Detroit Lions. "I'll fly up in the morning and head back right after the game, so we can still spend Thanksgiving together," she said in an exclusive interview with US Weekly . View the original article to see embedded media. Biles also acknowledged the unique challenges of being married to a professional football player. "Holidays often revolve around sports, especially in football, but we make it work," Biles shared. While cheering from the stands, Biles ensures that their home remains a hub of holiday cheer. Back in Chicago, she has arranged for a chef to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal, not just for her and Owens but also for some of his teammates. © Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images "Some of the guys might stop by for a plate if they don’t have family nearby," she said. Biles shared that the meal will be ready by the time the couple returns from the 12:30 p.m. kickoff in Detroit, allowing them to relax and enjoy a late Thanksgiving feast together. Biles described the arrangement as “a way to stay connected despite the hectic schedule.” Related: Simone Biles Sends Four-Word Message to Jonathan Owens Before Bears vs. Lions