In response to the leaked memo, Rockstar issued a statement defending their creative process and commitment to diversity and inclusion. They emphasized that they strive to create a diverse and inclusive gaming experience for players of all backgrounds and orientations, but also stressed the importance of maintaining the game's trademark humor and satire.Telegraph: Manchester United Willing to Sell Pogba Due to Discipline Issues, Departure Could Facilitate Arrival of James
By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.NoneIsrael and its key ally the United States have attacked the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Several European nations say they would execute the warrants if either man steps on their soil. So what might happen next? Presenter: Bernard Smith Guests: Francesca Albanese – UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory Ori Goldberg – political commentator and former academic specialising in Middle East studies Stephen Zunes – professor of politics at the University of San Francisco
The Kurdish militias, including the People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have been actively defending their positions in Manbij against the onslaught of the Syrian opposition forces. The Kurds see the city as a critical stronghold in their efforts to establish an autonomous region in northern Syria, and are determined to hold onto it at all costs. The violence and turmoil in the region have displaced thousands of residents and created a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions.Key Medical Coatings Market Trend 2024-2033: Introduction of Advanced Coating Solutions for SustainabilityIn addition, Jack Ma's speech also carried a message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He shared personal anecdotes and reflections on his own experiences, underscoring the importance of perseverance and staying true to one's vision, even in the face of obstacles. Through his words, Jack Ma inspired listeners to embrace challenges with a positive mindset and to continue striving towards their goals with unwavering determination.
In response to a lukewarm Black Friday, U.S. retailers amped up their digital strategies for Cyber Monday, employing steep discounts and digital promotions to encourage holiday spending. With just 23 shopping days left before Christmas, they leveraged tools like generative AI to lure cautious consumers. Retail giants such as Target, Walmart, and Amazon leaned on technological advancements to enhance customer experience online. Target offered extensive discounts, while Walmart and Amazon integrated AI chatbots to refine product search and recommendations. This strategic move helped reignite consumer interest and spending online. Adobe Inc.'s projections highlighted consumer spending reaching up to $13.5 billion online for Cyber Monday, a significant increase compared to Black Friday. The spike in online shopping is attributed to effective AI application and generous discounting, soundly aiding retailers in capturing budget-conscious shoppers. (With inputs from agencies.)
One of the key changes introduced by Tencent Video is the enhancement of its premium content library. Members now have access to a wider range of exclusive and original content, including popular dramas, variety shows, and documentaries. By investing in high-quality productions, Tencent Video aims to attract and retain subscribers who are looking for unique and engaging entertainment experiences.
The high school football regular season has wrapped up in Southern Arizona. The Star shares our weekly look back at the best of last week while charging ahead toward what we might be able to expect from programs across Tucson and surrounding communities this Friday and Saturday, as the state tournament winds down for Classes 4A, 5A and 6A, and the Open Division. Team of the week The Pusch Ridge Christian Lions outscored their four opponents 131-26 in the Class 3A state tournament. Pusch Ridge Christian beat No. 2 Waddell ALA - West Foothills 26-7 in the Class 3A state championship game. It’s the Lions’ second state title in football after they won the Division IV championship in 2015. ALA - West Foothills had been undefeated. Pusch Ridge senior quarterback Jacob Newborn passed for 198 yards, going 13 for 20 and earning a 97.5 quarterback rating. He also ran the ball 14 times for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns. Seniors John Sunukjian and Elliott Lovett each had an interception. Play of the week With 9:40 left in the game, Mica Mountain took a commanding lead at Yuma Catholic when senior quarterback Jayden Thoreson hit senior tight end Jimmy Leon with a 9-yard touchdown pass, according to All Sports Tucson , to put Mica Mountain up 24-7. The Thunderbolts would go on to win the state semifinal 24-14. Stat book Pusch Ridge senior running back Blake Reed ran for 144 yards on 17 carries with a long of 67 yards in the state championship game. Mica Mountain senior running back Jordan Perry rushed for 105 yards on 13 attempts in the Thunderbolts’ win over Yuma Catholic on Friday. Next level Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran for 102 yards on 26 carries in the Falcons’ 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The Salpointe Catholic alum has run for 885 yards on the season and at least 100 yards in two of his last three games. The former Texas star has also gotten into acting with the help of Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey. Tucson transfers Peoria Centennial senior Shamar Berryhill had four catches for 64 yards in the Coyotes’ 37-32 win over Queen Creek in the 6A semifinals. Berryhill, who transferred from Sabino, helped lead Centennial to the championship game against Mesa Mountain View after sitting out the first five games of the season, even though the Coyotes finished the regular season 3-7. His brother, Romeo, is a sophomore on Centennial. Their father, Stanley Berryhill Jr., went to Cholla. Their brother, Stanley Berryhill III, went to Mountain View before going to Orange (Calif.) Lutheran and the University of Arizona; and their other brother, Savaughn, played for Sabino. Quotable “It was really exciting watching her get to that level and unfortunately they didn't get the win, so a lot of battles in our household right now to see if we can get one.” — Mica Mountain head football coach Pat Nugent on the first Nugent to reach a state final for Mica Mountain before his daughter, Jayden. Mica Mountain girls volleyball reached the 4A state championship match, going 27-11. Jayden Nugent, a libero, was second team All-4A Kino. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Dow Jones Futures: Salesforce Leads Earnings Winners After Meta, Palantir, Credo Shine
Germany ambassador visits Edmonton, meets with Alberta premier
Canadian Natural Resources Limited Prices US$1,500 Million in 5 and 10 Year USD Notes and C$500 Million in 7 Year CAD NotesGREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Kenyon Giles scored 25 points as UNC Greensboro beat N.C. A&T 67-55 on Saturday. Giles had five rebounds for the Spartans (5-4). Donovan Atwell scored 15 points and added five rebounds. Jalen Breath shot 1 of 6 from the field and 8 for 8 from the line to finish with 10 points, while adding 10 rebounds. The Aggies (3-6) were led by Ryan Forrest, who posted 18 points and eight rebounds. Camian Shell added 15 points for N.C. A&T. Jahnathan Lamothe finished with 13 points and two steals. Atwell scored 11 points in the first half and UNC Greensboro went into the break trailing 36-35. Giles scored 15 points in the second half to help lead UNC Greensboro to a 12-point victory. NEXT UP UNC Greensboro's next game is Saturday against North Florida on the road, and N.C. A&T visits Virginia Tech on Thursday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Despite the steep third-party prices, many fans remain determined to secure their own Nintendo Alarm Clock at the original retail price. The clock's innovative features, including alarm sounds inspired by classic Nintendo games and interactive buttons that trigger special animations, make it a highly sought-after collectible.Broncos head into bye on three-game winning streak and chasing first playoff spot since 2015 seasonThe failure to deliver on these promises has not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits alike, who have been quick to point out the shortcomings of Lord Glazer's tenure. The constant chopping and changing of personnel at the club has only served to further destabilize an already fragile situation, with doubts emerging over the long-term sustainability of the club under current leadership.