Deep Blue Sea project and Nigerian Navy’s efforts: A superior approach to combating maritime insecurityBy ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. Related Articles National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration National Politics | Expecting challenges, blue states vow to create ‘firewall’ of abortion protections National Politics | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.
Vijayapur’s district schools and colleges has declared holiday due to protests by Dalit groups over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This decision has come when several organizations, including AHINDA, Dalit groups, and other social organizations, had called for a Vijayapura bandh on December 28. Anticipating potential disruptions and unrest due to the rescheduled bandh on December 30, the district administration has proactively declared holidays for all schools and colleges in Vijayapur. This decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, given the possibility of large-scale protests. This decision has come when several organizations, including AHINDA, Dalit groups, and other social organizations, had called for a Vijayapura bandh on December 28 to protest Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and demand his resignation. However, following the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the bandh had been postponed. AHINDA leader and former MLA Prof. Raju Alagur announced that the bandh will now be held on December 30. The rescheduled bandh is expected to see participation from various social and political groups, who will stage peaceful protests across the district in solidarity against Shah’s controversial remarks. (Disclaimer: This is a developing story, we will update it soon) Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Education and around the world.Fewer super funds means more business for this tech consultancyMadhya Pradesh Schools Closed, Holiday Declared in Vijaypur over protest by Dalit group on Amit Shah Statement
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Engineering solutions company Unimech Aerospace And Manufacturing Ltd.'s initial public offering is scheduled to open on Dec. 23. The price band for the IPO has been set in the range of Rs 745 to Rs 785 per share. The market value at the upper end of the price band is Rs 3,992 crore, as per NDTV Profit's calculations. The proposed public offering consists of a fresh issue of Rs 250 crore and an offer-for-sale component of Rs 250 crore, according to the draft red herring prospectus. The offer for sale consists of sale of equity shares up to Rs 45 crore by Ramakrishna Kamojhala, up to Rs 45 crore by Mani P, up to Rs 45 crore by Rajanikanth Balaraman and up to Rs 30 crore by Preetham S V. Rasmi Anil Kumar, the promoter group, will offload stocks worth Rs 85 crore. Anand Rathi Advisors Ltd., and Equirus Capital Pvt. are the book-running lead managers to the issue and KFin Technologies Ltd. is the registrar to the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on both Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange. The anchor investment round saw Rs 149.5 crore raised from investors. The IPO will close on Dec. 26. Issue opens: Dec. 23. Issue closes: Dec. 26. Issue price: Rs 745-785. Offer for sale: Rs 250 crore. Fresh issue: Rs 250 crore. Total issue size: Rs 500 crore. Lot size: Minimum 19 shares, and then in multiples thereof. The Bengaluru-based firm is a leading manufacturer of complex tooling, mechanical assemblies, electro-mechanical turnkey systems, and precision components for clients in the aerospace, energy and semi-conductor industries. These components are used in aeroengine and airframe tooling for production, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and line maintenance activities. The company offers a diverse range of products and manufactures relatively small quantities of each, tailored to specific customer requirements. The company reported a nearly two-fold rise in net profit at Rs 58.10 crore in the last financial year from Rs 21.20 crore in the previous fiscal. Revenue was up 122% to Rs 478 crore. Operating income, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation, rose to Rs 79.18 crore in the same period. The Ebitda margin expanded to 37.9% from 36.7%. As of Oct. 31, 2024, the company's debt pile stood at Rs 75.1 crore. Net proceeds from the issue, amounting to Rs 32.5 crore, will be used for funding capital expenditure for expansion through purchase of machinery and equipment. A total of Rs 25.2 crore will go towards working capital requirements of the company and for investments in its material subsidiary. While Rs 43.9 crore will go towards capital expenditure for expansion through purchase of machinery and equipment, Rs 44.7 crore will go towards working capital. The company will use Rs 40 crore for repayment or prepayment of borrowing and towards general corporate purposes. The company's growth strategies include expanding their facilities, addition of capacities and pursuing strategic acquisitions, as necessary. In July 2024, the company allotted equity shares by way of preferential issue to ValueQuest SCALE Fund (a scheme of ValueQuest Alternate Investment Trust), Evolvence India Fund IV Ltd. and Steadview Capital Mauritius Ltd. for the purpose of investing in inorganic opportunities. Aerospace Sector Dependency : Adverse changes in the aerospace sector could negatively impact business, operations, and financial condition; Long Gestation Period : A significant time gap of seven to 28 weeks between order receipt and payment may affect working capital requirements; Global Market Risks : Adverse conditions in key markets, including the United States and Germany, may harm business, cash flows, and financial stability; Innomech Reliance : Dependency on the operating income and cash flows of subsidiary Innomech poses risks; any loss, reduction, or shareholding change could materially affect consolidated financial performance. The grey market premium of Unimech Aerospace IPO is Rs 480 as of 1:31 p.m. on Dec. 22, according to InvestorGain. This implies shares of the company will likely list at Rs 1,265 apiece, indicating a 61.15% premium to the upper end of the price band. It should be noted that GMP or grey market price is not an official price quote for the stock and is based on speculation. Disclaimer: Investments in initial public offerings are subject to market risks. Please consult with financial advisors and read red herring prospectus thoroughly before placing bids.Nagpur: Leaders from across the political spectrum paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , who passed away on Thursday, remembering his remarkable contributions to India's economic growth and governance. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over Singh's passing, describing him as an outstanding administrator and economist who dedicated his life to the nation. Highlighting Singh's illustrious career as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India, finance minister, and Prime Minister, Fadnavis remarked, "He served the nation with integrity and diligence. He always strived to deliver justice to the people through his various roles and left an indelible mark in Indian politics. His contributions to economics and policymaking will forever be remembered." He praised Singh's scholarly contributions and impactful leadership, offering condolences to Singh's family and supporters while praying for their strength during this irreparable loss. Union minister Nitin Gadkari echoed similar sentiments, describing Singh as a leader of unparalleled humility and strength who always prioritised the nation's welfare. Recalling his personal interactions with Singh, Gadkari said, "His invaluable contribution to shaping India's economic trajectory remains a cornerstone of our nation's progress. Today, India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished sons." Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also paid heartfelt tribute to Singh, hailing him as a stalwart who played a pivotal role in steering India through economic crises and shaping its modern economy. Reflecting on Singh's impact in Vidarbha, Wadettiwar recalled Singh's visit to Wardha district, where he addressed farmers' distress by announcing a massive loan waiver of ₹72,000 crore, offering much-needed relief. He credited Singh for reviving stalled projects like the Gosikhurd irrigation project, which received a ₹4,990 crore allocation as a national project under Singh's leadership. Praising Singh's transparency and accountability even during controversies, Wadettiwar emphasised his clean image and honest approach to politics. BJP Maharashtra president and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule expressed sorrow over Singh's demise, calling it a moment of national grief. He highlighted the govt's decision to declare an official mourning period and offered a heartfelt tribute. "This void is impossible to fill. PM Narendra Modi continues to lead India towards development, building on the foundation laid by leaders like Singh," he said, emphasising Singh's lasting contributions. Former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh hailed Singh as the ‘Father of Economic Reforms', recalling his leadership during financial crises. He highlighted Singh's collaboration with NCP founder Sharad Pawar to address agricultural distress in Vidarbha, particularly through a ₹70,000 crore farm loan waiver that provided vital relief to farmers. "We have lost a great economist," he stated, paying respects to Singh's legacy and contributions to India's growth. Leaders agreed that Singh's visionary policies and reforms left an indelible mark on India's history. His legacy as an economist and statesman will continue to inspire generations to come. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . 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WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case.How cops use at-home DNA kits to uncover criminals in YOUR family – from Golden State killer to mystery baby deaths
U.K. tabloids and Loch Ness monster believers are abuzz after an expat Canadian couple photographed what some say could be the legendary water creature. Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman aren't fully convinced themselves, but say they are coming around to the idea — particularly if it keeps their two young kids happy. The family, who currently live in the Wimbledon area of London, spent Easter vacation sightseeing in Scotland. To prepare for the trip, they said, they loaded up on books about the Loch Ness monster. On a cold, blustery day in early April, the family visited Loch Ness, where sightings of a mysterious creature known as Nessie have been reported for centuries. That's when they saw something moving through the waves. "Its head was craning up above the water and it was slowly but gradually moving toward us," Malm, who is originally from Coquitlam, B.C., said, quipping that it was "bigger than a Sasquatch but smaller than Ogopogo ." WATCH | Malm and Wiseman talk about the sighting: B.C. couple unsure if they saw Loch Ness Monster ... but they want to believe 8 months ago Duration 7:28 A Canadian expat couple took a photo of something in the water of Loch Ness while on vacation in Scotland recently. They thought it might be a seal or an otter but their kids believed it could be the Loch Ness Monster, a claim that was picked up by U.K. tabloids. Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman speak about the attention they're receiving. "So, we obviously play it up. We have two little kids who are almost three and almost five," he added. Wiseman, originally from Calgary, said she asked her sons, "Do you think it's Nessie?" while taking a picture of the blurry object. "My instinct says it might have been a seal but I am told that seals do not go in that lake," she said. Little did they know that their image, and their names, would soon be plastered across U.K. tabloids as the first sighting of Nessie in 2024. Hundreds of years of history, but no official proof Sightings of an unexplained creature in Loch Ness date back to around 500 A.D., though modern sightings are generally traced to 1933, when a local newspaper reported a couple's claims of seeing "an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface" of the loch. Some believers have argued it's a freshwater plesiosaur, though studies have found the creature went extinct before Loch Ness was formed . A DNA study of hundreds of water samples from Loch Ness found that, if anything, the sightings were most likely a giant eel . A massive hunt in 2023 using state-of-the-art technology failed to turn up anything definitive. WATCH | The business of Loch Ness monster sightings: A lucrative legend: the biggest Loch Ness monster hunt in 50 years | About That 1 year ago Duration 7:32 Hundreds of ‘monster hunters’ are headed to the Scottish Highlands to take part in the biggest Loch Ness monster search in half a century. Andrew Chang explores why the event is a win for Scotland's tourism industry in a post-pandemic world. But the allure remains, with hundreds of tourists visiting the loch every year in the hopes of seeing the creature — or, at least, coming away with a story to tell. Among the believers is Gary Campbell and his daughter Page Daley , who have maintained a website since 1996 titled " The Official Loch Ness Monsters Sightings Register ," which aims to document all potential sightings of the creature, filtering out photos they are able to identify as waves, logs or other animals. Don't believe your eyes — fake photos have been a problem for a long time As It Happens Is the Loch Ness monster a giant eel? Scientists share new DNA evidence from Scottish lake Malm said he submitted their photo "just for a bit of a laugh" and, the next day, said he got a reply telling him he had taken "the first confirmed sighting this year." The photo was posted to the website and soon picked up by tabloids including the Scottish Sun, the Irish Star and the Daily Mirror. 'We're not tinfoil-hat-wearing people' Malm and Wiseman are enjoying the attention and say their boys are fully on board with the notion they saw the Loch Ness monster, even if the adults aren't quite convinced. U.K. tabloid newspapers have picked up the story of the Canadian family's photograph. (The Daily Mirror/The Scottish Sun/The Irish Star) "I mean, we're not tinfoil-hat-wearing people," Malm said. "There's probably a perfectly logical explanation for what it was. Maybe Species X lost its way home or something like that." But he says he's not completely closed to the idea they saw Nessie. "There's every possibility that there's some sort of unexplained species that, from time to time, makes an appearance." For Wiseman, the fun comes in sharing an extraordinary memory with her kids. AS IT HAPPENS Loch Ness monster hunters gear up for the biggest Nessie hunt in decades Why B.C.'s lakes inspire legends and myths of monsters "I want their childhood to be filled with the magic of the unbelievable," she said. "And this is just one of those things. It is unbelievable, and they believe it so I believe it — and I am all in on that." Malm agrees. "What it sort of reaffirmed for me is there's still things in the world that can surprise and delight you," he said.
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In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that anything short of immediate dismissal would undermine the transition of power, as well as the “overwhelming national mandate" granted to Trump by voters last month. They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, would also allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” Merchan hasn’t yet set a timetable for a decision. He could decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. An outright dismissal of the New York case would further lift a legal cloud that at one point carried the prospect of derailing Trump’s political future. Last week, special counsel Jack Smith told courts that he was withdrawing both federal cases against Trump — one charging him with hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate, the other with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost — citing longstanding Justice Department policy that shields a president from indictment while in office. The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial, resulting in a historic verdict that made him the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Prosecutors had cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers cited the ruling to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. Prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office.Trane Technologies ( TT 0.06% ) is quietly having a fantastic year. Shares of the heating and cooling solutions company have gained 55% this year at recent prices, crushing the S&P 500 's 23% rally. It has benefited from strong demand for its climate solutions products, especially in the commercial construction market. The company is well-positioned for another strong year in 2025. Here's a closer look at what's powering its returns and its optimistic outlook for the coming year. Heating up in 2024 Trane's rise has been powered by strong demand for its namesake commercial and residential HVAC systems and its Thermo King transportation refrigeration units. Net revenue rose 11% in the third quarter to $5.4 billion, while adjusted earnings per share soared 21%. That continued the company's track record of delivering leading revenue and earnings growth. Its North American market was particularly strong , as net revenue jumped 15% to nearly $4.5 billion. It benefited from strong volume growth, positive pricing, and productivity gains, especially for commercial HVAC systems. The company is also generating strong cash flow. Cash from operations over the first three quarters of the year increased by 53% to nearly $2.3 billion. Meanwhile, free cash flow -- cash from operations minus capital expenditures -- rose by 58% to more than $2 billion. The company used that cash to strengthen its balance sheet (a more than $500 million reduction in net debt) and make some strategic acquisitions. It also returns meaningful cash to shareholders ($800 million in dividends and $1 billion in share repurchases paid or committed to for the year). That strong showing enabled the company to raise its guidance for the full year. It expects revenue to grow 11% while earnings per share should rise by 23%. That's an increase from its prior guidance of 10% revenue growth and 20% earnings growth. Strong momentum heading into 2025 Trane Technologies has a lot of momentum these days. CEO Dave Regnery noted in the third-quarter earnings release that "customers continue to choose our sustainable solutions." It had the second-highest bookings in its history during the third quarter at $5.2 billion, a 5% year-over-year increase. Its backlog is at $7.2 billion, 90% of which is in commercial HVAC projects, and it has a strong growth pipeline. Those factors help drive its expectation for "2025 to be another strong year," Regnery said. While the commercial HVAC market is the driving force, the company sees some positives ahead in its residential and North American transport markets. It expects its residential heating and air products to benefit from a growing economy next year. Meanwhile, it anticipates the transportation sector's current headwinds will shift into a growth tailwind next year. Trane also continues to invest in innovation to drive future growth. For example, the company recently acquired BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous HVAC controls and generative AI building technology. The company plans to combine BrainBox AI's technology with its advanced building management and digital capabilities to help reduce emissions in buildings. The company also expects to continue generating lots of cash. It plans to use that money to continue investing in its business (organically and through acquisitions) while rewarding shareholders via a competitive and growing dividend and share repurchases. To that end, it has increased its dividend by 58% since March 2020 (including 12% earlier this year) and recently authorized a new $5 billion share repurchase program. That plan will start after it completes its current $3 billion authorization from 2022 ($1.5 billion remaining at the end of the third quarter). Trane is spending heavily on repurchases these days because it believes the stock trades below its calculation of intrinsic value even after its rally this year. (One caveat: The stock's price-to-earnings ratio is well above its 10-year average, so it's likely the company is assuming its strong growth will continue.) A compelling opportunity Trane Technologies is delivering a standout performance in 2024. The climate solutions company is growing briskly, which should continue in the new year. That's giving it the funds to invest in innovation while also returning a growing amount of cash to shareholders. With management's high conviction in the company's value proposition, Trane looks like a compelling investment opportunity to consider as we head into 2025.