China is willing to increase the scale of trade and investment cooperation with Turkmenistan, says Wang Yi
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Zoom is to get-togethers as e-gift cards are to meticulously wrapped presents beneath the tree. Just because we didn’t schlep through a mall or play it fast-and-loose with mail delivery services, doesn’t mean we don’t love. If you left your holiday shopping to the last minute, a digital gift is an easy way to save the day. Show your family, friends, co-workers, neighbours, hairdresser, mail-delivery person (though that could be seen as sarcastic), or anyone you have in your email contact list, some love this year with an e-gift card or digital gift. All stores below offer e-gift cards that only require your recipient’s email address. The list provides stores that are perfectly broad and yet acutely personalized, so you give your giftee thoughtful options even at the very last minute. Give the gift of a Disney+ subscription this holiday season. One year of Disney+ Premium rings in at $159.99, and includes access to movies, TV shows and exclusive entertainment (though it can only be used to start a new subscription, not pay for an existing Disney+ account). This streaming platform is more than just entertainment, it’s educational. Learn from the greats as they share how they mastered their field of expertise. Experts include Martha Stewart, Mindy Kaling, Neil Degrasse Tyson, Martin Scorsese and more. A Netflix gift can be purchased through PayPal , and shared directly to the recipient’s email address. The gift card can then be added onto an existing account or used to create a new one. Team Rubicon is a brilliant charity. The concept of this charity is the epitome of win-win. Team Rubicon recruits, trains, equips, organizes and deploys veterans to aid in disaster relief. Not only are veterans uniquely qualified to support communities facing natural disasters, but it re-enrolls veterans in a community with a purpose. Team Rubicon started in 2010 as a response to the Haiti earthquake. Team Rubicon Canada started in 2016 to support one of Canada’s biggest natural disasters in history, the Fort McMurray wildfires. Read more about Team Rubicon here and donate here . This year has been a blunt reminder that we live in a global village, to reference Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan. The world worked together to develop a vaccine in historical timing. This year could be the perfect year to Sponsor a Child through World Vision . Canada and World Vision do great work together, check out the current initiative, New Canadian gender equality solution for global hunger . Fashionable friends and family will be sure to appreciate a gift card to Vancouver’s own Aritzia. The brand has tons of cute winter gear to keep warm throughout the season, along with everyday essentials for the office or lounging. A practical gift that’s sure to be used up quickly. A gift to Amazon’s vast online marketplace can be used to buy just about anything, and receive fast shipping to boot. Handmade gifts are the best. Especially when you eliminate all variables of actually making the gift and purchase items made by someone else’s (skilled) hands. An Etsy e-gift card feels extra nice this year, supporting local artisans and small businesses. The Wayfair e-gift card is perfect for anyone who works at home or does anything at home. Wayfair has everything for every room in every home. That’s not their slogan, but it should be. They even have outside-the-home covered, like coveted patio heaters . Give the gift of a Wayfair e-gift card and leave the (exciting and) overwhelming decision-making to your giftee. The Bay is the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America, and it’s Canadian. Let’s support our heritage by gifting a Hudson’s Bay e-gift card . The company was founded in 1670, but the company offers the latest and greatest and most fashionable products in most gifting categories. The Bay e-gift card is perfect for those who love their Scratch & Saves and/or their brand names. Oh! And the best thing of all, you can upload your own picture for a personalized e-gift card. DavidsTea is another well-loved Canadian company. DavidsTea offers great high-quality tea. The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely tough on this retailer. The company had 240 retail stores and had to shut down all 42 American and 166 Canadian locations. The company is restructuring to focus on e-commerce, so it’s a perfect opportunity to gift a DavidsTea e-gift card , and support a Canadian company in need. KiwiCo For those who have younger humans on their gift list, KiwiCo has an extensive assortment of toys, games and gifts for kids aged 0 to 18. Subscriptions are themed to STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) for a world of discovery. For those who love their Kobo, a Kobo e-gift card is an easy win. Buy the gift of the convenient word. The e-book version of a book is usually less expensive and is instantly accessible. So your giftee can get a lot more e-bang for your e-buck. Does someone on your gift list love books but also maybe more so a pillow? Or a candle? Indigo e-gift cards have got you covered. Give the gift of the written word, or items that will set the perfect environment for written word consumption — or as normal people call it — reading. It’s never too late to send your loved ones some love this holiday season. Happy e-gifting! Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter .After a 26-year absence from the big screen, returned to the role that helped make him a pop culture superstar as a politically incorrect and meddling “bio-exorcist” named Beetlejuice, a gassy ghoul who rids houses of living people by scaring them away. Ultra-high definition home theater owners can now enjoy his latest supernatural shenanigans in With Tim Burton thrilled to be back in the director’s chair, the movie first focuses on the Deetz family and the loss of the patriarch Jeffery, eaten by a shark after a plane crash. Wife and SoHo artist Delia (Catherine O’Hara) reconnects with paranormal talk show host daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) and her level-headed teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega). She brings them all back to their haunted house in Winter River, Connecticut, around Halloween for the funeral and some quality time in the abode. Meanwhile in the netherworld, Beetlejuice is enjoying a relaxing death as the afterlife call center manager when his soul-sucking dismembered ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci) reassembles herself and vows to take revenge on him for killing her. The plot plays out as the ghoul notices daddy Deetz’s death and again stalks Lydia to marry him to escape from Delores, while Astrid meets a boy who has very bad intentions and only Beetlejuice can help Lydia save her. Mr. does not disappoint, given full opportunity to stretch his comedic muscles with even a flashback offering Beetlejuice’s origin set in a chilling black-and-white scene during the Black Plague. Fans of the original will love seeing the classic characters, callbacks to the original film and the adherence to retro-production values including some cool creature practical effects such as a baby Beetlejuice and stop-motion animation scenes starring those legendary sandworms. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a well-rounded Halloween treat enjoyable all year round. The screen-bursting UHD presentation brings the afterlife to, well, vivid life, further enhancing the neon-green colors of Beetlejuice’s office, or the dead’s neon-blue corridors and surroundings, and applying the same visual magic to the arid, sandy landscape of the sandworms’ home or the quiet streets of Winter River. Spotlights that shine also include a corpse melting in a hazmat suit, an incinerated Santa Claus, a mummified train ticket agent (rotting away) and the detailed makeup effects that show staples holding Delores together. Warner Bros. does not disappoint with the digital goodies, starting with a solo optional commentary track starring Mr. Burton. The director does offer a very breezy and conversational track, stunned that audiences wanted a sequel and happy to spend time just talking about the characters, cast, story and importance of practical effects. He explains his connection to Wednesday Addams (he directed the Netflix series), asking his friend Danny DeVito to play a role and not diving too deep into the technical details but recalling the fun filmmaking process. Next, revel in a 27-minute overview of the production that features plenty of face time with Mr. Burton as well as words from Mr. , Ms. Ryder and Ms. O’Hara, as they all were very nervous about how fans would accept the sequel but had a great time making the film. An additional five featurettes (roughly 50 minutes) cover the creation of Beetlejuice as mainly explained by Mr. Burton and Mr. ; an introduction to three generations of the Deetz women; designing the afterlife; a breakdown of the “MacArthur Park” dance sequence; and a detailed look at the practical character effects and use of stop-motion animation puppets. Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. . Click to Read More and View Comments Click to Hide
For the first time since the season opener, the Winnipeg Jets' place atop the Central Division standings is in jeopardy. Winnipeg will aim to shed its recent struggles and maintain its lead in the Central when it visits the division rival Dallas Stars on Sunday. The Jets enter Saturday clinging to a two-point lead over second-place Minnesota, which hosts Nashville later that night. Winnipeg has gone just 3-5-0 since starting the season historically hot. During their record-breaking 15-1-0 start, the Jets averaged 4.56 goals per game while allowing just 2.13. However, that script has flipped, with Winnipeg now scoring only 2.5 goals per game and allowing 3.25. November's grueling schedule, which wrapped up in Las Vegas on Friday with a mistake-filled 4-3 loss to the Golden Knights, has taken a toll. Heading into Dallas, the Jets have played just one home game in their last nine, but the team knows they have to battle through it. "It's been such a grind. Just coming off the four (games) in six (days)," Jets head coach Scott Arniel said after the defeat in Las Vegas. "We're going into Dallas. We're going against a team in our division ... we have to make sure that we want to finish this road trip off on a good note." On this six-game road trip, the Jets are 2-3. "We know what Dallas is. Their building is not easy to play in," said Jets forward Cole Perfetti, who snapped an 11-game goal drought with two on Friday. "They're a tough team. It's a huge division game. The bare minimum we want to go home is .500. ... We have a chance to do it, so we have to make sure that we're ready come Sunday afternoon. I think we will be. I think we know how much that game is going to mean and carry the momentum coming home." While the Jets have struggled, Dallas has been bouncing back. After a deflating 6-2 loss to last-place Chicago on Wednesday, the Stars responded by holding off a third-period comeback attempt by Colorado to win 5-3 on Friday in Dallas. "It's a great group for responding to adversity," Stars coach Pete DeBoer said. "When we have a bad night, or a couple bad nights, you always know you're going to get their best ... I thought we had good detail in our game, did a good job bottling up the neutral zone ... we had a lot of contributions." Defenseman Miro Heiskanen tallied two assists in Friday's win and extended his point streak to four games. "We knew that we didn't play great in Chicago. We wanted to bounce back right away and not let too many games slip from us," Heiskanen said. "It's work ethic and trying to get back to what we're good at. It's been good for a couple years and hopefully we can keep doing that." Dallas forward Logan Stankoven will miss his second straight game due to a lower-body injury. Winnipeg might be without Nikolaj Ehlers, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury after leaving Friday's game following an awkward fall into the boards. The Jets won the first meeting between these teams this season, a 4-1 result in Winnipeg on Nov. 9. --Field Level MediaThe Washington Huskies and wide receiver Denzel Boston face the No. 1 Oregon Ducks , led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 (11/30/24) at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV . You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV , which is offering half off your first month. Here’s what you need to know: What: NCAA Football, Week 14 Who: Washington vs. Oregon When: Saturday, Nov. 30 (11/30/24) Where: Autzen Stadium Time: 7:30 p.m. ET TV: NBC Live stream: fuboTV (free trial) , DirecTV Stream (free trial) *** Here are the best streaming options for college football this season: Fubo TV (free trial): fuboTV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS. DirecTV Stream (free trial) : DirecTV Stream carries ESPN, FOX, NBC and CBS. Sling TV ( $25 off the first month) - Sling TV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC and NBC. ESPN+ ($9.99 a month): ESPN+ carries college football games each weekend for only $9.99 a month. These games are exclusive to the platform. Peacock TV ($5.99 a month): Peacock will simulstream all of NBC Sports’ college football games airing on the NBC broadcast network this season, including Big Ten Saturday Night. Peacock will also stream Notre Dame home games. Certain games will be streamed exclusively on Peacock this year as well. Paramount+ (free trial): Paramount Plus will live stream college football games airing on CBS this year. *** Here’s a preview capsule via the Associated Press: Washington (6-4, 4-4 Big Ten) at No. 1 Oregon (11-0, 8-0, No. 1 CFP) 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday (NBC) Bet MGM College Football Odds: Oregon by 19 1/2. Series record: Washington leads 63-48-5. Oregon, ranked No. 1 in both the AP and CFP rankings, is the nation’s lone undefeated team and has already clinched a spot in the Big Ten championship game. The Ducks are 11-0 for just the second time in school history. The game will be the 116th meeting between the two rivals, who both joined the Big Ten this year after leaving the Pac-12. The Huskies have won the last three meetings, including the Pac-12 title game last year, but are looking to play spoiler this time before a bowl game to cap their season. Washington coach Jedd Fisch has picked a starting quarterback for the game against the Ducks, but he’s not announcing who it is. Washington has used both Will Rogers and freshman Demond Williams Jr. situationally throughout the season, but Rogers has been the consistent starter. Whoever starts will face an Oregon defense that is allowing just 15.7 points per game. The Ducks are ranked seventh in total defense, allowing opponents 274.4 yards a game. Washington: Receiver Denzel Boston has nine touchdown receptions, tied for 11th in the nation and tied for first in the Big 10. Boston’s nine regular season TD catches are tied for eighth-most in school history. A sophomore, Boston is averaging 69.5 yards a game. Oregon: Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has set the all-time career record for total touchdowns with 180. He ranks second for passing touchdowns with 147. He also has 32 career rushing touchdowns and one TD reception. He’s thrown for 22 touchdowns and run for six scores this season. RECOMMENDED • nj .com What channel is Washington vs. Oregon game tonight (11/30/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Channel for colleg Nov. 30, 2024, 1:30 p.m. What channel is Oklahoma vs. LSU game tonight (11/30/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Channel for college foo Nov. 30, 2024, 1:00 p.m. Washington won both meetings against the Ducks last season: The Huskies won in the regular season 36-33 in Seattle, then beat Oregon again 34-31 in the Pac-12 championship game. Washington was undefeated before losing to Michigan for the national championship. ... Huskies running back Jonah Coleman is averaging 91.6 rushing yards per game with nine rushing touchdowns. He ranks 11th nationally with 36 rushing plays of 10 yards or more. ... Oregon coach Dan Lanning would not say whether receiver Tez Johnson, defensive end Jordan Burch and offensive lineman Marcus Harper II would play. All three were nursing injuries. ... With a win Oregon will finish the regular season 12-0 for the second time in school history. The other time was in 2010, when Oregon went to the BCS title game but lost to Auburn. (The Associated Press contributed to this report) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Emergency services are responding to the scene of a shop fire in on the corner of Mackay St and Gillies St in Rochester. or signup to continue reading Five CFA crews from Rochester, Elmore and Echuca responded to reports of a fire at around 5.21am on Thursday, December 5. The fire was declared under control at around 5.30am but emergency crews, including Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria police, continue to monitor the scene. Vic Emergency issued a Community Information - Stay Informed notice for the area early in the morning which has since been removed. Nearby shops and cafes, including the Cafe Rochester, have remained open to pedestrians only. Journalist at the Bendigo Advertiser. Email me at georgina.sebar@austcommunitymedia.com.au Journalist at the Bendigo Advertiser. Email me at georgina.sebar@austcommunitymedia.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!European markets head for negative open after France's government loses confidence vote
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Alberta will test new technologies in an effort to use less water during energy production by oil and gas companies. The provincial government announced Monday it’s investing $2.7 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program for three new projects. One of said projects is in Three Hills, southeast of Red Deer. “Global energy demand is rising and jurisdictions around the world are looking to us for ways to grow production while maximizing water efficiency,” says Rebecca Schulz, environment and protected areas minister. “This funding will help test and advance three new technologies designed to help companies reduce water use and increase energy production at the same time. It’s a win for the environment, the energy sector and the economy.” The project at Three Hills will be operated by Aqua Pure Technologies, utilizing innovative ultra-filtration technology known as PROH2O®. The tech can remove 99.9 per cent of contaminants from water, the company claims. “The significant financial backing received from the Government of Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta will accelerate the progress and commercialization of Aqua Pure Technologies’ PROH2O® Technology,” says Daniel Nelson, CEO, Aqua Pure. “This funding is crucial for improving the company’s ability to deliver clean technology developed in Alberta to both domestic and global markets while highlighting Alberta’s leadership in oil and gas water reuse and emissions reduction initiatives.” Funding will support a self-cleaning system, will reduce costs, and improve productivity. The other two projects are as follows: Eximius Environmental Solutions will advance its VelRay XTM system, which filters tiny particles from water used in oil extraction, making it cleaner for reuse and reducing the need for freshwater. Cleaner water prevents blockages, protects equipment, extends its life, lowers pollution risks, and cuts wastewater disposal costs. The system uses durable stainless-steel filters instead of emissions-intensive bag filters, reducing waste and landfill emissions. Test sites will be announced soon. Canadian Natural Resources Limited is using $1.2 million in provincial funding to test a chemical additive that improves the flow of heavy oil and bitumen in its steam-assisted gravity drainage operations. The additive helps oil flow faster, prevents blockages, and reduces the need for steam, thereby lowering water use. Testing will occur at the Kirby North plant in Lac La Biche. The Government of Alberta says oil and gas operators have already reduced water use by 25 per cent, and now recycle about 80 per cent of water used — accomplished by using advanced filtration systems to treat wastewater, and thereby reducing the need for freshwater.Google names UK executive as president for Europe, Middle East and Africa
( MENAFN - GetNews) Learn about Q-switched laser technology Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers have two main wavelengths: 1064nm and 532nm. This dual wavelength capability allows for a wide range of applications, suitable for a variety of skin types and conditions. The laser delivers short pulses of energy, typically lasting about 5 nanoseconds, which are intense enough to break down pigment particles in the skin. This mechanism is particularly effective for targeting dark spots, which are often caused by sun exposure, aging, or hormonal changes. Use Q-Switch laser to remove dark spots One of the most common concerns in cosmetic dermatology is dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser has been shown to be an effective option for treating this condition. By delivering concentrated energy to the affected area, the laser breaks down melanin deposits, allowing the body to eliminate them naturally. Patients typically experience significant improvements in skin tone and texture after just a few treatments, making this laser a popular choice for those who want a clearer complexion. Tattoo Removal: Professional Application In addition to treating dark spots, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is also widely recognized for its effectiveness in tattoo removal. Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the dermis, and tattoo removal can be challenging due to the depth and variety of ink colors. The Q-switched laser is able to precisely target specific ink particles, effectively lightening and removing tattoos. The 1064nm wavelength is particularly effective for darker inks, while the 532nm wavelength is ideal for lighter colors, providing a comprehensive solution for tattoo removal. The role of Beijing Xinkeren Founded in 1999, Beijing Sincoheren has become one of the top 10 medical and aesthetic equipment suppliers in China. The company is committed to quality and innovation and has developed a range of advanced laser technologies, including Q-switched Nd:YAG laser machines. Xin Ke Ren's products are FDA-approved, medical CE and ISO13485 certified, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. Advantages of Nd:YAG laser machine The Nd:YAG laser machines offered by Beijing Sincoheren are designed with user-friendliness and efficiency in mind. These machines are equipped with advanced cooling systems to improve patient comfort during treatment, and can be customized to suit various skin types and treatment goals. The precision of Q-switched technology minimizes damage to surrounding tissue, thereby shortening recovery time and reducing the risk of side effects. Safety and effectiveness Safety and effectiveness are of utmost importance when considering laser treatment for dark spot or tattoo removal. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser has been extensively studied and is widely considered a safe option for patients. Side effects are generally minor and may include temporary redness or swelling that usually subsides quickly. Patients are encouraged to consult a qualified physician to determine the best treatment option for their individual needs. Conclusion: Skin treatment has a bright future In summary, Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers represent a significant advancement in the field of aesthetic medicine, providing an effective solution for dark spot removal and tattoo lightening. With the expertise of companies such as Beijing Xinkeren, patients have access to state-of-the-art technology that prioritizes safety and results. As the demand for non-invasive skin treatments continues to grow, Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers will undoubtedly play a key role in helping individuals achieve their aesthetic goals. MENAFN19122024003238003268ID1109014539 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.WASHINGTON — As a former and potentially future president, Donald Trump hailed what would become Project 2025 as a road map for “exactly what our movement will do” with another crack at the White House. As the blueprint for a hard-right turn in America became a liability during the 2024 campaign, Trump pulled an about-face. He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans written in part by his first-term aides and allies. Now, after being elected the 47th president on Nov. 5, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the detailed effort he temporarily shunned. Most notably, Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Those moves have accelerated criticisms from Democrats who warn that Trump's election hands government reins to movement conservatives who spent years envisioning how to concentrate power in the West Wing and impose a starkly rightward shift across the U.S. government and society. Trump and his aides maintain that he won a mandate to overhaul Washington. But they maintain the specifics are his alone. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . “President Trump never had anything to do with Project 2025,” said Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement. “All of President Trumps' Cabinet nominees and appointments are whole-heartedly committed to President Trump's agenda, not the agenda of outside groups.” Here is a look at what some of Trump's choices portend for his second presidency. Acting OMB Director Russel Vought speaks during a press briefing at the White House, March 11, 2019, in Washington. Credit: AP/Evan Vucci As budget chief, Vought envisions a sweeping, powerful perch The Office of Management and Budget director, a role Vought held under Trump previously and requires Senate confirmation, prepares a president's proposed budget and is generally responsible for implementing the administration's agenda across agencies. The job is influential but Vought made clear as author of a Project 2025 chapter on presidential authority that he wants the post to wield more direct power. “The Director must view his job as the best, most comprehensive approximation of the President’s mind,” Vought wrote. The OMB, he wrote, “is a President’s air-traffic control system” and should be “involved in all aspects of the White House policy process,” becoming “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” Trump did not go into such details when naming Vought but implicitly endorsed aggressive action. Vought, the president-elect said, “knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State” — Trump’s catch-all for federal bureaucracy — and would help “restore fiscal sanity.” In June, speaking on former Trump aide Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Vought relished the potential tension: “We’re not going to save our country without a little confrontation.” Vought could help Musk and Trump remake government's role and scope The strategy of further concentrating federal authority in the presidency permeates Project 2025's and Trump's campaign proposals. Vought's vision is especially striking when paired with Trump's proposals to dramatically expand the president's control over federal workers and government purse strings — ideas intertwined with the president-elect tapping mega-billionaire Elon Musk and venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a “Department of Government Efficiency.” Trump in his first term sought to remake the federal civil service by reclassifying tens of thousands of federal civil service workers — who have job protection through changes in administration — as political appointees, making them easier to fire and replace with loyalists. Currently, only about 4,000 of the federal government's roughly 2 million workers are political appointees. President Joe Biden rescinded Trump's changes. Trump can now reinstate them. Meanwhile, Musk's and Ramaswamy's sweeping “efficiency” mandates from Trump could turn on an old, defunct constitutional theory that the president — not Congress — is the real gatekeeper of federal spending. In his “Agenda 47,” Trump endorsed so-called “impoundment,” which holds that when lawmakers pass appropriations bills, they simply set a spending ceiling, but not a floor. The president, the theory holds, can simply decide not to spend money on anything he deems unnecessary. Vought did not venture into impoundment in his Project 2025 chapter. But, he wrote, “The President should use every possible tool to propose and impose fiscal discipline on the federal government. Anything short of that would constitute abject failure.” Trump's choice immediately sparked backlash. “Russ Vought is a far-right ideologue who has tried to break the law to give President Trump unilateral authority he does not possess to override the spending decisions of Congress (and) who has and will again fight to give Trump the ability to summarily fire tens of thousands of civil servants,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, a Democrat and outgoing Senate Appropriations chairwoman. Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, leading Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said Vought wants to “dismantle the expert federal workforce” to the detriment of Americans who depend on everything from veterans' health care to Social Security benefits. “Pain itself is the agenda,” they said. Homan and Miller reflect Trump's and Project 2025's immigration overl ap Trump’s protests about Project 2025 always glossed over overlaps in the two agendas. Both want to reimpose Trump-era immigration limits. Project 2025 includes a litany of detailed proposals for various U.S. immigration statutes, executive branch rules and agreements with other countries — reducing the number of refugees, work visa recipients and asylum seekers, for example. Miller is one of Trump's longest-serving advisers and architect of his immigration ideas, including his promise of the largest deportation force in U.S. history. As deputy policy chief, which is not subject to Senate confirmation, Miller would remain in Trump's West Wing inner circle. “America is for Americans and Americans only,” Miller said at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally on Oct. 27. “America First Legal,” Miller’s organization founded as an ideological counter to the American Civil Liberties Union, was listed as an advisory group to Project 2025 until Miller asked that the name be removed because of negative attention. Homan, a Project 2025 named contributor, was an acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director during Trump’s first presidency, playing a key role in what became known as Trump's “family separation policy.” Previewing Trump 2.0 earlier this year, Homan said: “No one’s off the table. If you’re here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.” Project 2025 contributors slated for CIA and Federal Communications chiefs John Ratcliffe, Trump's pick to lead the CIA, was previously one of Trump's directors of national intelligence. He is a Project 2025 contributor. The document's chapter on U.S. intelligence was written by Dustin Carmack, Ratcliffe's chief of staff in the first Trump administration. Reflecting Ratcliffe's and Trump's approach, Carmack declared the intelligence establishment too cautious. Ratcliffe, like the chapter attributed to Carmack, is hawkish toward China. Throughout the Project 2025 document, Beijing is framed as a U.S. adversary that cannot be trusted. Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, wrote Project 2025's FCC chapter and is now Trump's pick to chair the panel. Carr wrote that the FCC chairman “is empowered with significant authority that is not shared” with other FCC members. He called for the FCC to address “threats to individual liberty posed by corporations that are abusing dominant positions in the market,” specifically “Big Tech and its attempts to drive diverse political viewpoints from the digital town square.” He called for more stringent transparency rules for social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube and “empower consumers to choose their own content filters and fact checkers, if any.” Carr and Ratcliffe would require Senate confirmation for their posts.
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes reached more records after tech companies talked up how much artificial intelligence is boosting their results. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% Wednesday to add to what looks to be one of its best years of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.7%, while the Nasdaq composite added 1.3% to its own record. Salesforce pulled the market higher after highlighting its artificial-intelligence offering for customers. Marvell Technology jumped even more after saying it’s seeing strong demand from AI. Treasury yields eased, while bitcoin climbed after President-elect Donald Trump nominated a crypto advocate to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes are rising toward more records Wednesday after tech companies talked up how much of a boost they're getting from . The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% to add to what looks to be one of its best years of the millennium. It’s on track to set an all-time high for the 56th time this year after coming off . The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 252 points, or 0.6%, with an hour remaining in trading, while the Nasdaq composite was adding 1.2% to its own record. Salesforce helped pull the market higher after delivering stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, though its profit fell just short. CEO Mark Benioff highlighted the company’s artificial-intelligence offering for customers, saying “the rise of autonomous AI agents is revolutionizing global labor, reshaping how industries operate and scale.” The stock of the company, which helps businesses manage their customers, rose 9.3%. Marvell Technology jumped even more after delivering better results than expected, up 23.2%. CEO Matt Murphy said the semiconductor supplier is seeing strong demand from AI and gave a forecast for profit in the upcoming quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. They helped offset a 9.8% drop for Foot Locker, which reported profit and revenue that fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Mary Dillon said the company is taking a more cautious view, and it cut its forecasts for sales and profit this year. Dillon pointed to how keen customers are for discounts and how soft demand has been outside of and other key selling periods. overall have offered about how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain. Their spending has been one of the main reasons the that earlier because of high interest rates brought by the Federal Reserve to crush inflation. But shoppers are now contending with still-high prices and . This week’s highlight for Wall Street will be Friday’s jobs report from the U.S. government, which will show how many people employers hired and fired last month. A narrower report released on Wednesday morning may have offered a preview of it. The report from ADP suggested employers in the private sector increased their payrolls by less last month than economists expected. Hiring in manufacturing was the weakest since the spring, according to Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP. The report strengthened traders’ expectations that the Fed will cut its main interest rate again when it meets in two weeks. The Fed began from a two-decade high in September, hoping to offer more support for the job market. The central bank had appeared set to continue cutting rates into next year, but the election of Donald Trump has scrambled Wall Street’s expectations somewhat. Trump’s preference for and could lead to higher economic growth and , which could alter the . Fed Chair that the central bank can afford to cut its benchmark rate cautiously because inflation has slowed significantly from its peak two years ago and the economy remains sturdy. A separate report on Wednesday said health care, finance and other businesses in the U.S. services sector are continuing to grow, but not by as much as before and not by as much as economists expected. One respondent from the construction industry told the survey from the Institute for Supply Management that the Fed’s rate cuts have not pulled down as much as hoped yet. Plus “the unknown effect of tariffs clouds the future.” In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.18% from 4.23% late Tuesday. On Wall Street, Campbell’s fell 6% for one of the S&P 500’s sharper losses despite increasing its dividend and reporting a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Its revenue fell short of Wall Street’s expectations, and the National Football League’s as its team president. Campbell’s said Mick Beekhuizen, its president of meals and beverages, will become its 15th CEO following Clouse’s departure. Gains for airline stocks helped offset that drop after JetBlue Airways said it saw stronger bookings for travel in November and December following the presidential election. It said it’s also benefiting from lower fuel prices, as well as lower costs due to improved on-time performance. JetBlue jumped 8.3%, while Southwest Airlines climbed 2.8%. In stock markets abroad, South Korea’s Kospi sank 1.4% following a night full of drama in Seoul. President Yoon Suk Yeol was facing after he suddenly on Tuesday night, prompting troops to surround the parliament. Yoon accused pro-North Korean forces of plotting to overthrow one of the world’s most vibrant democracies. The martial law declaration was revoked about six hours later. Samsung Electronics fell 0.9% in Seoul. The country’s financial regulator said it was prepared to deploy 10 trillion won ($7.07 billion) into a stock market stabilization fund at any time, the Yonhap news agency reported. In , bitcoin climbed back above $97,000 after Trump said he would , a cryptocurrency advocate, to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed.CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Chase Artopoeus threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score to lead Chattanooga to a 24-17 victory over Austin Peay in a nonconference regular-season finale on Saturday. Chattanooga (7-5) jumped out to a 10-0 first-quarter lead on Jude Kelley's 28-yard field goal and Artopoeus' 9-yard touchdown toss to Javin Whatley with 42 seconds left. The score came five plays after Alex Mitchell intercepted a pass from Austin Smith, giving the Mocs the ball at the Governors' 26-yard line. Austin Peay answered in the second quarter with help from a Chattanooga turnover. Ellis Ellis Jr. picked off Artopoeus and the Governors took over at the Mocs' 30. Smith completed three straight passes — the last one covering 4 yards to Jaden Barnes to get Austin Peay within three points. Carson Smith followed with a 35-yard field goal to tie it at 10. Chattanooga regained the lead with 4:01 left in the third quarter when Artopoeus capped a nine-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Smith had a 23-yard touchdown run to get Austin Peay within seven with 8:08 left in the game. The Governors drove to the Mocs' 30, but Smith's fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 41 seconds to go. Artopoeus completed 15 of 21 passes for 161 yards for Chattanooga. He had a 7-yard scoring toss to John McIntyre to put the Mocs up 24-10 early in the final quarter. Smith finished with 192 yards on 21-for-36 passing for Austin Peay, which finishes its first season under head coach Jeff Faris with a 4-8 record. Rusty Wright became the first Chattanooga coach to finish .500 or better in each of his first six seasons. Chattanooga snapped Austin Peay's nine-game win streak with a 24-21 victory on the road to close out the regular season last year. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
VIDEO: Indian Railways Imposes ₹1 Lakh Fine On Catering Service For Overcharging Passengers For Water Bottle; Know How To Register ComplainLucknow: Cinema is a reflection of society and plays an important role in spreading the message of gender equality. Female characters in movies can serve as role models for women who have fewer opportunities, while movies with strong and independent female protagonists can help women develop stronger sense of self-worth. This was highlighted in a lecture on ‘Women Empowerment and Cinema' under ‘Mission Shakti', held at Lucknow University's department of sociology in collaboration with the Institute of Women's Studies. During the special lecture, assistant professor, screen writer, film director and actor Ashish Nehra said, "New content can create a fresh perspective on how women's lives are evolving. Cinema is reflection of society and plays an important role in the direction of gender equality and social change by presenting the problems, challenges, struggles and success stories of women. Like the journey from ‘Mother India' to ‘Pink' and ‘Mission Mangal', there are several inspiring movies." Meanwhile, the nodal officer of Mission Shakti, Manini Srivastava, said main objective of the programme was to empower women through cinema.
Gary O’Neil accepts criticism from Wolves fans after heavy defeat at EvertonKeke Palmer was Shannon Sharpe's most recent guest on his Club Shay Shay podcast, hopping on the platform in an interview published Wednesday (November 20). Of course, they talked about their careers and their experiences a lot, as she mentioned a film she worked on in which she played a younger female character involved with an older man. "You like them older, huh?" Sharpe joked, which led to cackles from them both before Keke hit him with the ultimate clap-back: " That’s what Michelle said! " The interviewer and his colleagues started going ballistic, and she seemed quite proud of herself for the quip. For those unaware, Keke Palmer referred to Shannon Sharpe's viral and now infamous sex tape scandal that happened on Instagram Live. There are a few different possible interpretations of this, but basically, he accidentally went Live on the social media platform while he was having intimate relations with a woman he referred to as Michelle. They didn't actually show up on the screen, but you could hear them in the livestream. Some thought it was fake, others thought he was being honest, but pretty much everyone found the Internet discussion that it provoked at least a little funny. Read More: Nicki Minaj Has Hilarious Response To Keke Palmer's Impression Of Her Elsewhere during her interview with Shannon Sharpe, Keke Palmer also discussed how hard her family had to work for her success and even providing for them at an early age. It was a pretty heartening discussion, especially considering how things look right now. During a recent People interview, she spoke on her relationship with Darius Jackson and how things got out of control with social media gossip and allegations in court. Fortunately, they seem like they're at least in a better place right now, especially regarding their son. You can check out the full Keke Palmer interview on Shannon Sharpe's Club Shay Shay YouTube channel. He might have a lot more content on the way very soon, including a seemingly teased part two to his explosive Katt Williams interview. That conversation kicked 2024 off with a bang, and we wonder if a sequel would cause even more hysteria or never live up to the original. Either way, we're sure folks would tune in. Read More: SZA, Keke Palmer & Katt Williams Star In New "One Of Them Days" Trailer