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X-Bow to Receive Additional Funding for Expansion of DoD Contract for Hypersonic Solid Rocket Motor DevelopmentA2Z Smart Tech stock soars to 52-week high of $6.7 amid growthIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli airstrikes and evacuation warnings were in a sign that Netanyahu aims to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. Hezbollah, meanwhile, had resumed its rocket fire into Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country's north. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, in support of the Palestinian militant group. That has set off more than a year of fighting escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon and an Israeli ground invasion of the country’s south. Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets into Israeli military bases, cities and towns, including some 250 projectiles on Sunday. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, where more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the 13-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. ——— Here's the Latest: Netanyahu recommends his Cabinet approve a Hezbollah cease-fire proposal JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s south and east kill at least 13 people BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. Israelis protest for a Gaza hostage release deal JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” G7 leaders endorse Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and insist Israel follow international law FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. Israel strikes in central Beirut kill at least 7 people and wound 37 BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. Independent Israeli commission blames Netanyahu and others for October 2023 attack TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. Israeli ground troops in Lebanon reach the Litani River JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. Israeli airstrikes hit buildings near Beirut airport BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. EU top diplomat calls for urgent aid to Gaza FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)Donald Trump's potential decision to make a negotiated settlement for both and to end the war may mean less room for Ukraine to win, a general claimed. General Mark A. Milley, the then chief military adviser to President Biden, suggested that neither Russia nor Ukraine could win the war. A negotiated settlement, he argued, was the only route to peace. Trump, however, has made clear his distaste for continuing to help Ukraine take back territory seized by Russia, making a negotiated settlement the only real viable option left. The New York Times reports Ukraine is 'concerned' about whether the Trump administration or Europe will provide any security guarantees that would prevent Russia from invading more territory. Trump has said he would end the war quickly, though he has not explained how. Other aides have outlined a possible plan that would allow Russia to keep the Ukrainian territory it has taken. A phone call just after the election between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine shed little light on the question of security guarantees. Aides to both men simply described the tone of the call as “positive.” In recent days, Mr. Biden authorised the use of more 'assertive measures' until he is due to depart the highest US office. Missiles, known as ATACMS, for Army Tactical Missile Systems, have been used to strike inside Russia for the first time. Ukraine used them on Tuesday to strike an ammunition depot in southwestern Russia, according to Ukrainian officials. Last week, Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin III said the Biden administration had approved supplying Ukraine with American anti-personnel mines to bolster defences against Russian attacks as front lines in Ukraine’s east buckle. The White House has said it will allocate the remaining $9 billion in security assistance before Trump takes office. Of that amount, the administration plans to give Ukraine just over $7 billion worth of arms and munitions from Pentagon stocks, and about $2.1 billion to order more weapons from U.S. defence contractors. Pentagon officials claim it would be challenging for the Trump administration to suspend aid that has already been approved by Congress and set into motion. It was also lifting a ban on US military contractors to help Ukraine's military maintain and repair U.S F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defences. The Defense Department is soliciting bids for a small number of contractors who would be far from the front lines and would not be fighting Russian forces, a Pentagon official said. The administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use the ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia was a major change in U.S. policy. It came partly in response to Russia’s decision to bring North Korean troops into the war, officials have said. Putin knows he has to wait only two months for a new administration believed to view Russia more favorably, and his choice for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has often repeated Kremlin talking points. Ukraine has lost territory in the east, and its forces in the Kursk region in western Russia have been partly pushed back as North Korean recruits join the fight. The number of Ukraine's soldiers killed in action, about 57,000, is half of Russia’s losses but significant for the much smaller country. Speeding up US weaponry in the waning months of the Biden administration will not do much to change the course of war but could help Ukraine enforce a cease-fire or armistice line if there were to be a settlement, officials said. Ukraine will not be able to join NATO either through Biden or Trump’s presidency. U.S. and European officials are discussing deterrence as a possible security guarantee for Ukraine, such as stockpiling a conventional arsenal sufficient to strike a punishing blow if Russia violates a cease-fire. Several officials even suggested the US could return nuclear weapons to Ukraine that were taken from it after the fall of the Soviet Union. Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Ukrainian defense minister, said in an interview that for a successful cease-fire, Ukraine and its allies must reverse the momentum on the front line to set conditions for talks. Ukraine’s army, though on a back foot now, has held out for more than two and a half years against a larger, more powerful opponent. “The fact that we went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson is a success,” Mr Zagorodnyuk said.

The stock price rose because of the company's announcement of multiple 'multi-year contract bookings' worth up to $780 million in future revenue, which overshadowed the earnings miss. (Source: 'BlackSky by the numbers' section) BlackSky won a contract with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) worth up to $290 million over five years to monitor global economic and environmental activity and military capability. It also received an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to support NASA Earth observation research missions through November 2028, worth up to $476 million. (Source: 'BlackSky by the numbers' section) No, the contracts were awarded to multiple winners, and BlackSky will have to bid against other companies to receive a share of the work. For example, the NGA contract was awarded to 10 separate winners, and the NASA contract was awarded to 8 winners. (Source: 'Caveats and provisos' section) It is unlikely that BlackSky will receive the full amount of the contract awards. As one of multiple winners, the company's actual winnings will likely be a small fraction of the total. (Source: 'BlackSky will grow, but a lot slower than "hyper"' section) According to analysts, BlackSky is not expected to turn a profit before 2027 at the earliest. (Source: 'BlackSky will grow, but a lot slower than "hyper"' section) BlackSky Technology (NYSE: BKSY) missed analyst forecasts for both sales and earnings earlier this month, but investors didn't seem to mind very much. Shares of the commercial spy satellite operator actually closed out last week above $8, gaining about 9% from their pre-earnings price. Considering that this space stock missed analyst sales forecasts by more than 18% (sales were $22.5 million rather than the $27.5 million forecast), and missed on earnings, too (losing $0.66 per share instead of just $0.65), investors' enthusiasm for the stock is a little surprising. Maybe more than a little, considering the stock has been relatively unpopular among space investors since conducting a reverse stock split in September. Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free » Ordinarily, the math of "reverse split plus earnings miss equals rising stock price" wouldn't seem to add up. So why is BlackSky stock on the rise these days? BlackSky by the numbers Let's take a closer look at the third-quarter numbers and see if we can find out. Year to date, management pointed out, sales are up 22% at BlackSky. But Q3 in particular seems to have been a weak sales quarter in a strong sales year. Quarterly sales came in just 6% above Q3 2023 levels. (And on the bottom line, BlackSky flipped from a Q3 2023 profit to a Q3 2024 loss.) But not to worry, says management. While BlackSky may have billed only $22.5 million in revenue in Q3, it signed multiple "multi-year contract bookings" and they're worth "up to $780 million" in total, in future revenue. Two of these contracts bear special mention. For "up to" $290 million spread over five years, BlackSky will "monitor global economic and environmental activity and military capability," including "objects of interest such as aircraft, ships, vehicles, and shipping containers," for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). BlackSky also received an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity ( IDIQ ) contract to support NASA Earth observation research missions through November 2028, and this one is worth "up to" $476 million. Add them up, and these two contracts account for $766 million of the $780 million in work BlackSky seems to be saying it won in the quarter. For a company that collected just $107 million in revenue over the past year, that would qualify as real hypergrowth -- a parabolic uptick in sales. Even spread out over five years, $766 million works out to an extra $153 million in annual sales -- more than 140% growth. Caveats and provisos But don't forget to read the fine print. While BlackSky's descriptions of its contract wins sound promising, the company was a bit vague on the details, and about one detail in particular. Specifically: If you examine the contract awards themselves, rather than just the press releases that BlackSky put out about them, or the even more terse summaries in the earnings release, it turns out that both of these contracts were awarded to multiple winners, of which BlackSky was only one. Put another way, BlackSky didn't win hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue -- but merely the right to bid against others for the work. For example, the $290 million NGA award will be divided up among 10 separate winners, including heavyweights such as Airbus , Booz Allen Hamilton , and Maxar Intelligence. Similarly, NASA's gigantic $476 million "Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program On-Ramp Multiple Award contract" names seven other winners in addition to BlackSky. To win a share of the loot, BlackSky must beat out heavyweights such as MDA Geospatial, Planet Labs , and Teledyne . BlackSky will grow, but a lot slower than "hyper" Now, there's every reason to hope BlackSky will be able to successfully bid for and receive a share of the work under both these awards. In particular, the company noted that it's already won at least one NGA award in the past (worth $60 million). But investors expecting BlackSky to get all $766 million of the monies on offer are in for a rude surprise. BlackSky getting all the money on offer, I fear, is probably a pipe dream. As only one among 10 companies bidding on the NGA contract, and one of eight bidding on the NASA contract, BlackSky's actual winnings will almost certainly end up a small fraction of the total -- and could be nothing at all. And as for BlackSky turning an actual profit, even the most optimistic analysts don't see that happening before 2027 at the earliest. Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $368,053 !* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $43,533 !* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $484,170 !* Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. See 3 “Double Down” stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of November 18, 2024 Rich Smith has positions in Planet Labs Pbc. The Motley Fool recommends Booz Allen Hamilton and Teledyne Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy . This Little-Known Space Company Forecasts Parabolic Hypergrowth was originally published by The Motley Fool

US confirms billions in chips funds to Samsung, Texas InstrumentsEx-Rep. Anthony Weiner, jailed for sexting child, eyes political comeback in New York City Council

Vincenzo Italiano admits the Tommaso Pobega red card completely ruined Bologna’s game plan . ‘We had warned everyone how important it was to avoid these cards.’ The Rossoblu had come into the Stadio Olimpico full of confidence after three consecutive Serie A victories, but the game was transformed at the 35 minute. Tommaso Pobega was already on a yellow card when he went into a high press too enthusiastically, clattering into the back of Matteo Guendouzi for an inevitable second booking. “Unfortunately, it is very difficult to deal with it when you are down to 10 men that early,” “It was naïve, I feel bad for Tommy, he had been playing well and we had warned everyone how important it was to avoid these cards. “Then once you are down to 10, you have to run even harder to chase everyone down and we have another game coming up on Wednesday, so it makes it more difficult for everyone in the squad.” Even then, Bologna did well to hang on until the floodgates opened with a Samuel Gigot header from a corner at the 68 minute, followed by Mattia Zaccagni’s curler and a third from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru deep into stoppages. This was only the second Bologna defeat of the season in Serie A after another 3-0 away to Napoli on August 25. They must now prepare for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Lille at the Stadio Dall’Ara. “Now we must concentrate on Wednesday and hope to get a result, but clearly we need to work on the details, be more careful and not make these same mistakes against Lille,” concluded Italiano.The uncomfortable question about “Latino” voters

NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global last mile delivery market size is estimated to grow by USD 60.82 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period. Growing global e-commerce industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards strong focus on technological advances. However, operational challenges for last mile delivery companies poses a challenge. Key market players include Accenture Plc, CMA CGM SA Group, Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Post AG, DSV AS, FarEye Technologies Inc., FedEx Corp., FM LOGISTIC CORP, Honeywell International Inc., Infosys Ltd., J B Hunt Transport Services Inc., Kuehne Nagel Management AG, Mara Labs Inc., Nippon Express Holdings Inc., Royal Mail Plc, Schneider Electric SE, SNCF Group, United Parcel Service Inc., Werner Enterprises Inc., and XPO Inc.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The Last Mile Delivery market is experiencing significant trends as consumer expectations shift towards real-time tracking, on-demand services, and better customer experience. Urban congestion and sustainability considerations are driving the need for logistics process improvements, including route optimization, technology insights, and the use of autonomous vehicles and drones. E-commerce growth and the rise of peer-to-peer marketplaces are increasing the demand for efficient last mile logistics, from distribution centers to the customer's doorstep. Brick-and-mortar retailers are also embracing omnichannel retailing and cloud kitchens, requiring seamless product delivery services. Companies are exploring various delivery options, from ground delivery vehicles and delivery robots like Scout, to shipping cost and shipping option considerations. The logistics market is evolving, with freight transportation companies and supply chain activities integrating warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment services to meet the needs of customers and retailers. Skilled workers, IT standards, and system integration are crucial for managing the complexities of last mile delivery, including the postal address system and expected delivery times. Transport costs, inventories, and financial costs are key areas of focus for companies looking to optimize their last mile delivery operations. Poor infrastructure and logistics costs remain challenges, but advancements in autonomous technology and non-autonomous technology are helping to address these issues. Overall, the last mile delivery market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, driven by consumer behavior, technology, and the ongoing growth of the e-commerce industry. The last mile delivery market is witnessing a significant shift with the increasing use of advanced technology for real-time tracking and package management. Consumers can now easily modify their retail deliveries through user-friendly online tools, ensuring greater transparency and control. However, handling large or high-value packages poses a challenge as they cannot be delivered outside homes. To address this issue, delivery providers offer web and mobile applications for managing the delivery schedules of such packages, enabling customers to collect them at their convenience. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! • Last Mile Delivery: Overcoming Challenges in E-commerce and Retail Last mile delivery refers to the final leg of a product's journey from a distribution center or retail store to the customer's doorstep. This critical phase presents several challenges for businesses, especially in the context of evolving consumer expectations and emerging technologies. Consumer expectations for real-time tracking, on-demand services, and quick delivery are on the rise. Urban congestion and sustainability considerations add complexity to last mile logistics. Companies must balance the use of autonomous vehicles, drones, and non-autonomous technology to optimize costs and improve customer experience. Brick-and-mortar retailers and e-commerce businesses face similar challenges in last mile delivery. Omnichannel retailing, cloud kitchens, and food delivery platforms require efficient route optimization and skilled workers to meet consumer demands. Technology insights, such as mobile applications, transportation hubs, and warehousing, play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. However, poor infrastructure, logistics costs, and the postal address system can hinder progress. E-commerce industry growth, overseas market expansion, and trading activities add to the complexity of last mile delivery. Freight transportation companies and supply chain activities must adapt to meet the evolving needs of retailers and consumers. In conclusion, mastering last mile delivery is essential for businesses to remain competitive in today's market. By addressing challenges related to consumer behavior, technology, logistics costs, and infrastructure, companies can provide better delivery services and enhance the overall customer experience. • Last mile delivery operations present unique challenges for businesses, requiring transparency, efficiency, and profitability. While long-distance transportation costs are lower due to economies of scale, last mile delivery involves numerous individual deliveries within a region, leading to increased logistics costs. Major expenses include labor and fuel costs. Intense competition in the market is driven by pricing and delivery time, making cost reduction a priority for customers. Effective last mile delivery strategies focus on optimizing routes, leveraging technology, and collaborating with multiple delivery providers to minimize expenses and enhance customer satisfaction. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This last mile delivery market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 B2C 1.2 B2B 2.1 FMCG 2.2 E-commerce 2.3 Retails 2.4 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 B2C- The last mile delivery market refers to the transportation of parcels and goods from transportation hubs to consumers' homes in a B2C context. This segment primarily deals with small and lightweight products, distinguishing it from B2B last mile delivery. With the in e-commerce sales, the significance of last mile delivery has escalated. For instance, US e-commerce sales as a percentage of total retail sales grew by 10% year-over-year from 2012 to 2021. However, the B2C last mile delivery sector poses challenges for operators due to the lack of large-volume deliveries and low-priced products, resulting in potentially low margins per delivery. Additionally, returns of goods may incur extra transportation costs. Despite these challenges, the global last mile delivery market has experienced growth in recent years, with the B2C segment leading the way. To cater to residential customers, last mile delivery services have introduced next-day, same-day delivery, and parcel return options. Real-time shipment tracking and package delivery status updates are also available to consumers. Major players in the market focus on improving the consumer experience through faster deliveries, easy returns, and data-driven strategies. DHL, for example, utilizes big data and real-time traffic information to optimize delivery routes for quicker deliveries, while others leverage historical consumer purchase data to dispatch forward inventory. These strategies enable lower fuel consumption and more efficient delivery routes, driving the growth of the B2C segment and the global last mile delivery market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Last Mile Delivery Market: Bridging the Gap between Retailers and Customers Last Mile Delivery (LMD) refers to the final leg of the supply chain, delivering goods from a transportation hub or distribution center to the customer's doorstep. This critical phase of the logistics process faces unique challenges, including urban congestion, consumer expectations, and sustainability considerations. Consumer expectations for real-time tracking, on-demand services, and seamless experiences are shaping the LMD landscape. E-commerce and on-demand services are driving growth, with companies exploring various technologies such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and mobile applications to optimize routes and reduce costs. Urban congestion poses a significant challenge, with companies implementing route optimization and transportation hub strategies to mitigate delays. Sustainability considerations are also crucial, with companies focusing on reducing carbon emissions and adopting green logistics practices. Brick-and-mortar retailers and omnichannel retailers are leveraging cloud kitchens and food delivery platforms to streamline operations and meet customer demands. Peer-to-peer marketplaces and technology insights are disrupting traditional LMD models, while non-autonomous and autonomous technologies coexist to address various market needs. Company costs and shipping costs are critical factors influencing the LMD market, with companies constantly seeking innovative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. The LMD landscape is evolving rapidly, with a focus on enhancing the customer experience and ensuring timely, cost-effective, and sustainable delivery solutions. The Last Mile Delivery Market refers to the final leg of the supply chain, where products are transported from a distribution center or transportation hub to the customer's doorstep or retail store. Consumers expect fast, reliable, and cost-effective delivery, leading to the growth of on-demand services and real-time tracking. Urban congestion and sustainability considerations are driving the adoption of autonomous vehicles, drones, and non-autonomous technology like Scout delivery robots. The logistics process involves distribution centers, warehouses, and delivery vehicles, with route optimization and mobile applications streamlining the last mile delivery experience. E-commerce, food delivery platforms, and brick-and-mortar retailers are leveraging omnichannel retailing and cloud kitchens to meet customer demands. Technology insights, such as autonomous technology and IT standard system integration, are crucial for efficient last mile logistics. Company costs, shipping costs, and transport infrastructure are key factors influencing the market, with poor infrastructure and logistics costs posing challenges. The e-commerce industry's growth, expected delivery times, and shipping options are shaping consumer behavior and trading activities, both domestically and overseas. Freight transportation companies and supply chain activities play a vital role in the last mile delivery market, with fulfillment services and skilled workers ensuring seamless product delivery services. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Service B2C B2B Application FMCG E-commerce Retails Others Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

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Nantes loses 2-0 at home to Le Havre in a match interrupted by angry fans. Lille beats RennesHow to watch Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs: NBA live stream info, TV channel, start time, game oddsPresident-elect Donald Trump mockingly referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the governor of the “Great State of Canada” on his social media account early Tuesday. Trump said in a taunting post on Truth Social it was a “pleasure to have dinner” with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago estate and that he looks forward to seeing the “governor again soon” to talk tariffs and trade, the “results of which will be truly spectacular for all.” Turns out, some Canadians think that’s not such a bad idea. A new Leger poll suggests 13 per cent of Canadians would like the country to become the next U.S. state. The demographic breakdowns show there’s higher support among men, at 19 per cent, compared with only seven per cent of women. Conservative party supporters came in at 21 per cent, while one in 10 Liberal voters said they were in favour of the idea. The People’s Party of Canada showed the highest level of endorsement among the federal parties, at 25 per cent, while the NDP was the lowest at six per cent. A full 82 per cent of respondents said they were opposed to the idea. People in the Atlantic provinces, women and Canadians over the age of 55 were least likely to support it. “I’m not shocked,” said Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of central Canada at Leger. While it’s not a question he’s polled on before, since it’s not normal for U.S. presidents to openly muse about snatching up bordering countries as new states, the survey results follow some familiar patterns. “Women have, for quite some time, whenever Donald Trump’s name has come up, expressed a much stronger opposition to the individual,” he said. “But again, we are talking about fairly small (support). In the Prairies, for example, it’s still less than 20 per cent that would say, yes, they’d be open to joining the United States.” Leger surveyed 1,520 people between Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, and the results do not have a margin of error since online polls aren’t considered truly random samples. The survey was also done before Trump made his post on Tuesday. Enns said he suspects Trump doubling down on the comments will further shrink the already limited public support by pushing the joke past the point of comfort. Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed dismay when reporters asked him about it ahead of a federal cabinet meeting Tuesday. “It sounds like we’re living in an episode of South Park,” he said. “I don’t think we should necessarily look on Truth Social for public policy.” The provocative 1999 South Park animated film notably featured a song called “Blame Canada!” about Americans scapegoating their northern neighbours for their own domestic problems. Miller and other cabinet members have written off Trump’s comments as anything but serious. “Clearly, he’s joking,” Defence Minister Bill Blair said Tuesday. “We’re a sovereign nation.” Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc attended Trudeau’s surprise dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month, which came soon after the president-elect threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports unless Canada beefs up its border. LeBlanc has insisted Trump was only teasing when at the dinner he suggested he could make Canada the 51st U.S. State. “The president was telling jokes,” LeBlanc said a week ago. “The president was teasing us. It was, of course, on that issue in no way a serious comment.” Trump later shared a seemingly AI-generated image of himself standing on a mountain ridge with a Canadian flag planted in it, with the caption “Oh Canada!” Trudeau has not matched that tone, warning in a talk on Monday that the steep tariffs Trump is bandying about would be devastating for the Canadian economy. He described Trump’s approach as an attempt to destabilize negotiating partners by introducing a bit of chaos. Trudeau blew past the TV cameras on his way into Tuesday’s cabinet meeting without stopping to talk to reporters. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, meanwhile, deflected questions about whether she thinks Trump is serious about taking over her country. “That is a question, really, for the president-elect,” she said.

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Hyderabad: A 12-year-old student died of an electric shock during a wedding at a marriage hall in King Koti, Narayanguda. The victim has been identified as Kalimatha Deepa. According to reports, while playing with relatives she reportedly touched a water cooler and suffered an electric shock. Upon noticing the victim unconscious, she was rushed to a private hospital where the child was declared dead on arrival. Police suspect the incident occurred due to an uninsulated cable on the water cooler. A case has been registered, and further investigation is ongoing. On October 25, a 23-year-old man died after he was electrocuted in his sleep when he came in contact with a live wire that he had kept near his bed to charge his mobile phone at Sadasivanagar of Kamareddy district. According to reports, the victim had extended a live wire near his bed to charge his mobile phone before going to sleep. During the night, he came into contact with the wire and suffered a severe electric shock. He was initially taken to a private hospital and later transferred to a government facility, where he passed away during treatment. With the rising number of electrocution incidents leading to more fatalities, here are some precautions you can take to avoid such incidents.Alabama and Mississippi tumbled out of the top 10 of Sunday and Miami and SMU moved in following a chaotic weekend in the SEC and across college football in general. Oregon is No. 1 for the sixth straight week and Ohio State, Texas and Penn State held their places behind the Ducks, who are the last unbeaten team. The shuffling begins at No. 5, where Notre Dame returned for the first time since Week 2 after No. 6 Georgia moved up two spots, No. 7 Tennessee and No. 8 Miami each got a three-rung promotion and No. 9 SMU jumped four places for its first top-10 ranking since 1985. SMU has clinched a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and . Indiana dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 following its first loss, a The Buckeyes would play Oregon in the Big Ten championship game if they beat Michigan this Saturday for the first time in four years. The Southeastern Conference's hopes for landing four spots in the College Football Playoff took a hit with two of their teams losing as double-digit favorites. Texas, Georgia and Tennessee are the only SEC teams with fewer than three losses after and Alabama and Mississippi each dropped six spots in the AP poll, the Crimson Tide to No. 13 and the Rebels to No. 15. Texas A&M was the third SEC team to lose, The Aggies tumbled five places to No. 20 but would play Georgia in the SEC championship game if they knock off Texas this week. Losses by BYU and Colorado created a four-way tie for first in the Big 12. No. 14 Arizona State, picked to finish last in the conference, and is the highest-ranked Big 12 team. No. 17 Iowa State earned a five-rung promotion with its BYU is No. 19 and Colorado, which , is No. 23. If the four teams each finish 7-2 in conference play, it's Iowa State vs. Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. No. 11 Boise State is first among the four ranked Group of Five teams. The Broncos got a one-spot bump despite Tulane is No. 18, UNLV is No. 21 and Army is No. 25. Oregon, which was idle, was the consensus No. 1 team for the fourth straight week. The Ducks will be unbeaten in the regular season for the first time since 2010 if they beat Washington at home Saturday. Boise State's ranking is its highest since it was No. 8 in the final poll of the 2011 season. Arizona State's ranking is its highest since it was No. 12 in the final poll of the 2014 season. Indiana-Ohio State was the final top-five matchup of the regular season. The five were the most in a regular season since 1996. There also were five in 1936 and 1943. No. 24 Missouri, a , returned to the Top 25 after a one-week absence. Washington State's four-week run in the rankings ended with its second straight loss, SEC — 8 (Nos. 3, 6, 7, 13, 15, 16, 20, 24). Big Ten — 5 (Nos. 1, 2, 4, 10, 22). Big 12 — 4 (Nos. 14, 17, 19, 23). ACC — 3 (Nos. 8, 9, 12). AAC — 2 (Nos. 18, 25). Mountain West — 2 (Nos. 11, 21). Independent — 1 (No. 5). —No. 16 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson: It's a Top 25 matchup for the first time since 2013. Clemson's 16-7 victory in Columbia last year was the fourth of five straight wins to end the Tigers' season. —No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M: Stakes are high for the first meeting of longtime rivals since both were in the Big 12 in 2011. Winner goes to the SEC title game. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and

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2025-01-16
The United States Postal Service might have found a way to unite a nation bitterly divided after this month's election: It will release a Betty White stamp. The beloved actor known for roles in "The Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Boston Legal" and others will be on a 2025 Forever stamp, USPS announced this past week. White died in late December 2021 , less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Postal Service hasn't announced a release date for the stamp. Betty White speaks Sept. 17, 2018, at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. “An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades,” the Postal Service said in announcing the stamp, which depicts a smiling White based on a 2010 photograph by celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston . “The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals.” Boston-based artist Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration from Alston's photo. "I'd love to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self with this stamp on it and tell him that everything is going to be OK," Stephanos posted on Facebook . Regardless of personal politics, self-proclaimed supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reacted with delight on social media. "Betty White was my hero, all of my life! I actually had a doll when I was a little girl I named Betty White," one Trump supporter posted on X , formerly Twitter. “Something to make this awful week a little better: We’re getting a Betty White stamp,” a pro-Harris X account posted. White combined a wholesome image with a flare for bawdy jokes . Her television career began in the early 1950s and exploded as she aged. “The only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party," Seth Meyers posted on Twitter after her death. "A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.” Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White, who love to play games, continue a two year gin rummy battle in which she's ahead by a cumulative 6,000 points in Westchester, N.Y. on April 29, 1965. They do it professionally on TV. He's the master of ceremonies on "Password," and she makes frequent guest appearances on game shows. They play games to relax at home. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White admire magnolia blossoms on the lawn of their country home in Westchester, N.Y. on May 14, 1965. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Actress Betty White in 1965. (AP Photo) Betty White shares a moment backstage at the 28th annual Emmy Awards with Ted Knight after they each won an Emmy for their supporting roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." On the series Miss White played Sue Ann Nivens while Knight played newscaster Ted Baxter. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 17, 1976: (L-R) "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" co-stars - Ed Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight - all won awards at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 28th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Shubert Theatre on May 17, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by TVA/PictureGroup/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images) Actress Betty White with Ted Knight at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept. 13, 1981. (AP Photo/Randy Rasmussen) Betty White and Anson Williams don't seem to faze Buckeye, a St. Bernard, during an awards ceremony during which Williams was honored by the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a friend and lover of animals. Ms. White presented a humanitarian plaque to Williams at the event, which was held in Hollywood, California, Friday, May 1, 1982. (AP Photo/Marc Karody) Actress Betty White with actor John Hillerman arriving at Emmy Awards, Sept. 22, 1985 in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/LIU) Actresses Betty White Ludden, left, and Mary Tyler Moore, right, smile at each other in Los Angeles, Friday, June 22, 1985 during Annual Meeting of Morris Animal Foundation, at which Ludden announced her retirement as President of the animal health group, held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) These four veteran actresses from the television series "The Golden Girls" shown during a break in taping Dec. 25, 1985 in Hollywood. From left are, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Betty White. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Actress Betty White poses in Los Angeles, Ca. in June, 1986. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Betty White stands backstage at the NBC TV Bob Hope "I Love Lucy" special on Sept. 16, 1989. (AP Photo/Djansezian) Michael J. Fox and Betty White, winners of Emmys for best actor and actress in a comedy series, stand backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, Sunday, Sept. 21, 1986 after receiving their honors. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) Comedienne Betty White places her hand on the star that was presented posthumously to her husband, Allen Ludden, during ceremonies inducting him into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Thursday, March 31, 1988. Ludden was honored with the 1,868th star of the famed walkway — between those of White and Tyrone Power. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Estelle Getty, who plays Sophia, poses with her new husband, who plays Max, and the other "Golden Girls" after taping of episode on Friday, night, Nov. 5,1988 in Hollywood. Left to right are Rue McCLanahan (Blanche), Getty, Gilford, Bea Arthur (Dorothy) and Betty White. (AP Photo/Ira Mark Gostin) Former cast members of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, sans Mary Tyler Moore, are reunited for the Museum of Television and Radio's 9th annual Television Festival in Los Angeles Saturday, March 21, 1992. From left are Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White and Ed Asner. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii) Actress Betty White, left, writer/producer David E. Kelley, actress Bridget Fonda, and actor Oliver Platt pose at the premiere of their movie "Lake Placid," Wednesday night, July 14, 1999, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White, from "Golden Girls," and Mr. T, Lawrence Tureaud, from "The A Team," pose for photographers at NBC's 75th Anniversary Party, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Actors Betty White, left, Georgia Engel, second left, Gavin MacLeod, center, Valerie Harper, second right, and John Amos pose for photographers during arrivals at CBS's 75th anniversary celebration Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano) Actress Betty White laughs as an African eagle roosts overhead at the Los Angeles Zoo Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, in Los Angeles, where White was honored as Ambassador to the Animals by the city for her decades of dedication to the humane treatment of animals. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Betty White poses for photographers on the red carpet before Comedy Central's "Roast of William Shatner," Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Betty White arrives at the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, on Friday, June 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Beatrice Arthur, left, Betty White, center, and Rue McClanahan, of the Golden Girls, arrive at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actor Henry Winkler, center, is seen Beatrice Arthur, right, and Betty White at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, actress Betty White poses for a portrait following her appearance on the television talk show "In the House," in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) Actress Betty White poses for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actress Betty White is seen on stage at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 in Universal City, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, a cast member in "You Again," poses with fans holding Betty White masks at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Actress Betty White wears a U.S. Forest Ranger hat after being named an Honorary Forest Ranger by the US Forest Service, at the Kennedy Center in Washington Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. White has stated in numerous interviews that her first ambition as a young girl was "to become a forest ranger, but they didn't allow women to do that back then". (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Betty White, left, Bradley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson arrive at the MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, Calif., on Sunday, June 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, left, Kristen Bell, center, and Jamie Lee Curtis, cast members in "You Again," pose together at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Betty White, left, accepts the Life Achievement Award from Sandra Bullock at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) From left, actresses Betty White, Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, and Jane Leeves pose for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Alec Baldwin, left, and Betty White are seen on stage at the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White attends a book signing for her book 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)' at Barnes & Noble in New York, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) Actress Betty White attends a press conference prior to the taping of "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute To America's Golden Girl" on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Vince Bucci) Actress Betty White arrives on a white pony as she is honored at a Friars Club Roast sponsored by Godiva, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York. (AP Photo/Starpix, Marion Curtis) Betty White, at left, attends her wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds on Monday, June 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP) From left, Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Shuck, Actress Betty White and The 2012 American Hero Dog Gabe pose during 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP) Betty White and Cloris Leachman onstage at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the JW Marriott on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP) Ellen DeGeneres, left, presents Betty White with the award for favorite TV icon at the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Betty White, left, speaks at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Looking on from right are Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Zuby Ejiofor delivered an early Christmas present to St. John's in the form of a buzzer-beating shot to keep the Red Storm's winning streak alive. St. John's (10-2) beat Providence at the horn back on Dec. 20 to win its fifth straight game and move to 2-0 in the Big East. Back on its campus in New York, St. John's will face Delaware on Saturday for one last tune-up before returning to conference action. In the Red Storm's first true road game of the season, Providence led most of the way before Ejiofor and RJ Luis Jr. steered the comeback. Ejiofor made a jumper in the lane in the final second to secure a 72-70 win. Coach Rick Pitino saw evidence that his team had grown from the start of the season. The Red Storm's two losses came on a double-overtime buzzer-beater against Baylor and by three points versus Georgia. "I think they're mentally maturing," Pitino told the New York Post. "Three weeks ago, with missing all those free throws, all those shots, we lose by 12 to 16 points. But they're maturing mentally and getting tougher because (that night) we didn't have it offensively, and they still found a way to win on the road in a tough environment." Ejiofor had 19 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season. On a team stacked with talent, he and Luis have been the main catalysts. Luis averages 17.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and Ejiofor provides 14.6 points and a team-best 7.8 rebounds per contest. Ejiofor's game-winner came on an offensive board and second-chance look. "My philosophy is, and Coach says, every shot is essentially my rebound," Ejiofor said. "I have pride in getting my team a second chance, and that's exactly what I did." Delaware (7-5) has had a quiet month, with two of its three wins coming against non-Division I teams. But its other win in that time was a 93-80 romp against rival Delaware State on Dec. 3. That night, the Blue Hens shot a red-hot 17-of-31 from 3-point range. The 17 makes were one shy of tying the program record. Cavan Reilly (five 3-pointers) led them that night with 20 points, but three other starters also buried three triples. "That's what I envisioned out of this group," coach Martin Ingelsby told the Delaware News Journal, "to have multiple weapons." Delaware would love to rediscover that shooting touch. It made just 6 of 21 shots from deep in a 72-64 loss to Saint Peter's on Dec. 20. John Camden paces Delaware with 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Four other players average double-figure scoring: Niels Lane (13.7), Reilly (12.9), Erik Timko (12.4) and Izaiah Pasha (10.7). --Field Level MediaNo. 22 St. John's, Georgia pack busy schedule with game on Sundaylodi 921

Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024SPARTA, Mich. , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend on the Corporation's common stock of $0.28 per share. The cash dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of December 13, 2024 , and will be paid on December 31, 2024 . The dividend declared for the fourth quarter of 2024 is $0.01 higher than the dividend paid in the third quarter of 2024 and fourth quarter of 2023. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Sparta, Michigan and the parent corporation of ChoiceOne Bank, Member FDIC. ChoiceOne Bank operates 36 offices in parts of Kent , Lapeer , Macomb , Muskegon , Newaygo , Ottawa , and St. Clair Counties in Michigan . ChoiceOne Bank offers insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "COFS." For more information, please visit Investor Relations at ChoiceOne's website at www.choiceone.bank . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/choiceone-financial-announces-cash-dividends-302322711.html SOURCE ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.



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The United States Postal Service might have found a way to unite a nation bitterly divided after this month's election: It will release a Betty White stamp. The beloved actor known for roles in "The Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Boston Legal" and others will be on a 2025 Forever stamp, USPS announced this past week. White died in late December 2021 , less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Postal Service hasn't announced a release date for the stamp. Betty White speaks Sept. 17, 2018, at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. “An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades,” the Postal Service said in announcing the stamp, which depicts a smiling White based on a 2010 photograph by celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston . “The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals.” Boston-based artist Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration from Alston's photo. "I'd love to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self with this stamp on it and tell him that everything is going to be OK," Stephanos posted on Facebook . Regardless of personal politics, self-proclaimed supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reacted with delight on social media. "Betty White was my hero, all of my life! I actually had a doll when I was a little girl I named Betty White," one Trump supporter posted on X , formerly Twitter. “Something to make this awful week a little better: We’re getting a Betty White stamp,” a pro-Harris X account posted. White combined a wholesome image with a flare for bawdy jokes . Her television career began in the early 1950s and exploded as she aged. “The only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party," Seth Meyers posted on Twitter after her death. "A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.” Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White, who love to play games, continue a two year gin rummy battle in which she's ahead by a cumulative 6,000 points in Westchester, N.Y. on April 29, 1965. They do it professionally on TV. He's the master of ceremonies on "Password," and she makes frequent guest appearances on game shows. They play games to relax at home. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White admire magnolia blossoms on the lawn of their country home in Westchester, N.Y. on May 14, 1965. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Actress Betty White in 1965. (AP Photo) Betty White shares a moment backstage at the 28th annual Emmy Awards with Ted Knight after they each won an Emmy for their supporting roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." On the series Miss White played Sue Ann Nivens while Knight played newscaster Ted Baxter. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 17, 1976: (L-R) "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" co-stars - Ed Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight - all won awards at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 28th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Shubert Theatre on May 17, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by TVA/PictureGroup/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images) Actress Betty White with Ted Knight at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept. 13, 1981. (AP Photo/Randy Rasmussen) Betty White and Anson Williams don't seem to faze Buckeye, a St. Bernard, during an awards ceremony during which Williams was honored by the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a friend and lover of animals. Ms. White presented a humanitarian plaque to Williams at the event, which was held in Hollywood, California, Friday, May 1, 1982. (AP Photo/Marc Karody) Actress Betty White with actor John Hillerman arriving at Emmy Awards, Sept. 22, 1985 in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/LIU) Actresses Betty White Ludden, left, and Mary Tyler Moore, right, smile at each other in Los Angeles, Friday, June 22, 1985 during Annual Meeting of Morris Animal Foundation, at which Ludden announced her retirement as President of the animal health group, held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) These four veteran actresses from the television series "The Golden Girls" shown during a break in taping Dec. 25, 1985 in Hollywood. From left are, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Betty White. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Actress Betty White poses in Los Angeles, Ca. in June, 1986. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Betty White stands backstage at the NBC TV Bob Hope "I Love Lucy" special on Sept. 16, 1989. (AP Photo/Djansezian) Michael J. Fox and Betty White, winners of Emmys for best actor and actress in a comedy series, stand backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, Sunday, Sept. 21, 1986 after receiving their honors. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) Comedienne Betty White places her hand on the star that was presented posthumously to her husband, Allen Ludden, during ceremonies inducting him into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Thursday, March 31, 1988. Ludden was honored with the 1,868th star of the famed walkway — between those of White and Tyrone Power. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Estelle Getty, who plays Sophia, poses with her new husband, who plays Max, and the other "Golden Girls" after taping of episode on Friday, night, Nov. 5,1988 in Hollywood. Left to right are Rue McCLanahan (Blanche), Getty, Gilford, Bea Arthur (Dorothy) and Betty White. (AP Photo/Ira Mark Gostin) Former cast members of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, sans Mary Tyler Moore, are reunited for the Museum of Television and Radio's 9th annual Television Festival in Los Angeles Saturday, March 21, 1992. From left are Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White and Ed Asner. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii) Actress Betty White, left, writer/producer David E. Kelley, actress Bridget Fonda, and actor Oliver Platt pose at the premiere of their movie "Lake Placid," Wednesday night, July 14, 1999, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White, from "Golden Girls," and Mr. T, Lawrence Tureaud, from "The A Team," pose for photographers at NBC's 75th Anniversary Party, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Actors Betty White, left, Georgia Engel, second left, Gavin MacLeod, center, Valerie Harper, second right, and John Amos pose for photographers during arrivals at CBS's 75th anniversary celebration Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano) Actress Betty White laughs as an African eagle roosts overhead at the Los Angeles Zoo Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, in Los Angeles, where White was honored as Ambassador to the Animals by the city for her decades of dedication to the humane treatment of animals. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Betty White poses for photographers on the red carpet before Comedy Central's "Roast of William Shatner," Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Betty White arrives at the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, on Friday, June 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Beatrice Arthur, left, Betty White, center, and Rue McClanahan, of the Golden Girls, arrive at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actor Henry Winkler, center, is seen Beatrice Arthur, right, and Betty White at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, actress Betty White poses for a portrait following her appearance on the television talk show "In the House," in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) Actress Betty White poses for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actress Betty White is seen on stage at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 in Universal City, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, a cast member in "You Again," poses with fans holding Betty White masks at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Actress Betty White wears a U.S. Forest Ranger hat after being named an Honorary Forest Ranger by the US Forest Service, at the Kennedy Center in Washington Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. White has stated in numerous interviews that her first ambition as a young girl was "to become a forest ranger, but they didn't allow women to do that back then". (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Betty White, left, Bradley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson arrive at the MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, Calif., on Sunday, June 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, left, Kristen Bell, center, and Jamie Lee Curtis, cast members in "You Again," pose together at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Betty White, left, accepts the Life Achievement Award from Sandra Bullock at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) From left, actresses Betty White, Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, and Jane Leeves pose for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Alec Baldwin, left, and Betty White are seen on stage at the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White attends a book signing for her book 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)' at Barnes & Noble in New York, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) Actress Betty White attends a press conference prior to the taping of "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute To America's Golden Girl" on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Vince Bucci) Actress Betty White arrives on a white pony as she is honored at a Friars Club Roast sponsored by Godiva, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York. (AP Photo/Starpix, Marion Curtis) Betty White, at left, attends her wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds on Monday, June 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP) From left, Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Shuck, Actress Betty White and The 2012 American Hero Dog Gabe pose during 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP) Betty White and Cloris Leachman onstage at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the JW Marriott on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP) Ellen DeGeneres, left, presents Betty White with the award for favorite TV icon at the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Betty White, left, speaks at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Looking on from right are Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!BridgingApps® and Sentara Health Plans Creating Transition Tool for Children and Youth with ...

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Maria Gakdeng tied her season high with 21 points and grabbed a season-best 12 rebounds, Alyssa Ustby added 19 points and 13 boards and the No. 17 North Carolina women beat Miami 69-60 on Sunday for their third consecutive win. North Carolina (13-2, 1-1 ACC) lost its conference opener to No. 13 Georgia Tech on Dec. 15 before nonconference wins against Florida and Norfolk State. Gakdeng made 7 of 11 from the field and 7 of 10 from the free-throw line. Indya Nivar finished with 11 points, five assists and three steals for the Tar Heels. Miami (11-2, 1-1) had its four-game win streak snapped. Gakdeng made a layup with 6:14 left in the first quarter that gave North Carolina the lead for good and Ustby followed with a 3-pointer to spark a 9-0 spurt that made it 16-7 about 2 minutes later. The Tar Heels scored eight of the first 10 second-quarter points to push their lead to 13 with 7:25 left in the second quarter before Miami scored the final seven points to trim its deficit to 39-29 at halftime. Jasmyne Roberts hit a 3-pointer for the Hurricanes that made it a seven-point game with 8:11 left in the third quarter but they got no closer. Nivar made a layup with 5:16 remaining until the fourth that made it 48-38 and UNC led by double figures until a 3-pointer by Roberts capped the scoring in the closing seconds. Hannah Cavinder led Miami with 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Roberts made four 3-pointers and also scored 19 points, 14 in the second half. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballMIAMI (AP) — in the final two games of Miami's ongoing road trip while recovering from illness, the team said Friday. That means Butler will not play Saturday at Atlanta or Sunday at Houston. The earliest he could play again is Wednesday at home against New Orleans. Butler hasn't played since the first quarter of Miami's Dec. 20 game against Oklahoma City, when he twisted an ankle, left the game and then was ruled out because of illness. Miami has played three games since without Butler, two because of the illness and then Thursday's win in Orlando with him back in Miami conditioning for a return. He is not with the team on the road trip. The Heat said Thursday that they are not going to trade Butler, that announcement coming after ESPN, citing sources, said the six-time All-Star would prefer to be moved before the trade deadline on Feb. 6. Butler has not publicly expressed any desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. ___ AP NBA: The Associated Press

Cristiano Ronaldo To Collaborate With MrBeast on YouTube to ‘Break the Internet’ By teamed up with one of ’s biggest stars, , for a highly anticipated . The unexpected partnership has sparked excitement across social media, with fans speculating about what the two might have in store. This unique collaboration marks a blend of sports and digital media for both Ronaldo and MrBeast. Let’s take a closer look at the collaboration between Cristiano Ronaldo and MrBeast. Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he is collaborating with MrBeast Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed his next YouTube video will feature an unexpected guest: MrBeast, the internet sensation with over 331 million subscribers. This unexpected crossover between the world’s most famous footballer and one of the platform’s top creators has set fans abuzz. Ronaldo’s channel, , has garnered over 67 million subscribers since its launch in August 2024. The channel has been teasing this reveal, sparking wild speculation about possible football reunions or rivalries. While many speculated about a potential reunion with Lionel Messi or collaborations with former teammates, the announcement of MrBeast caught everyone off guard. Ronaldo called MrBeast his “greatest rival” in the YouTube space. He jokingly warned the YouTuber to “watch out” as he sets his sights on surpassing MrBeast’s subscriber count. The football star said, “He is the man I have to beat on YouTube, and I want to beat him—watch out (laughs). My kids tell me I’ve become a YouTuber! Above all, I want to be close to my fans.” The video premiered on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 8 AM EST. Fans are buzzing with curiosity, eagerly guessing what this collaboration could bring and what surprises the TWO might reveal. It is titled “I Meet MrBeast To Break The Internet!!”. From challenges to candid discussions, the new partnership is expected to set new records. Disheeta is an SEO Contributing Writer for ComingSoon, with over three years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content. A graduate with honors in Political Science and Economics, she brings a unique analytical perspective to her writing. Disheeta is passionate about movies, coffee, and traveling, constantly seeking new experiences to inspire her work. Share article

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RED BLUFF — It’s not often that principals and students embrace and shout happily at one another, but Friday night was a special occasion. With a 21-10 victory over the Foothill Cougars, the Red Bluff Spartans secured their first Northern Section championship berth in 25 years. The Spartans (10-2), seeded third in Division II, got off to a slow start against a Foothill team (7-4) that beat them 29-26 in Eastern Athletic League play. Red Bluff will play top-seeded Pleasant Valley, to whom the Spartans forfeited an EAL game. It took a while Friday for Red Bluff to establish its ground game with the rain pouring. Zach Shaver was the driving force behind the running strategy. The Spartans punted on their first possession. Red Bluff’s defense was able to hold off Foothill’s initial short passes and force a punt. It was like this for the quarter; neither team could get a strong foothold in their opponent’s territory. With both teams running a lot, the clock did not stop much, and before anyone knew it, the first quarter ended scoreless. Foothill had possession of the ball to start the second and continued to pound the forward with a few passes to shake things up. A sack by Red Bluff’s Bryce Owens squashed what progress the Cougars made at that point. An offensive pass interference call went against Foothill soon after, dampening their momentum further. The Spartans had pass completions to Elijah Hohenberger, Landon Kunau and Brice Clinger. They could not keep this up, though, and ended their drive with a punt. Finally, Foothill’s game plan bore some fruit. The Cougars marched up the field, but the Spartans stopped them from approaching the end zone. The Cougars’ Evan Hutchings kicked a 35-yard field goal to put Foothill up 3-0. Multiple runs by Shaver got Red Bluff within striking distance of scoring. When Kayden Leaf’s 35-yard pass came to Hohenberger, he took the ball and ran straight into the end zone. The Spartans were up 7-3, and Foothill decided to run out the clock to halftime. Neither team was able to establish much at the start of the third quarter. It took a while, but Foothill began finding more success with passes and runs. Penalties that went against the Spartans did not help matters, either. The Cougars scored on a short touchdown run to retake the lead, 10-7. Fortunately for Red Bluff, those were the last points Foothill scored on the night. The running game, anchored by Cruz Servera and Shaver, countered the Cougars’ score by moving the ball upfield, setting up Leaf to quarterback-sneak his way into a touchdown. Red Bluff was up again, 14-10. Foothill tried to respond but could not move the ball and was forced to punt. Leaf opened the next drive with a small gain, then found his favorite target Kunau for deep pass play out the 40-yard line, A Shaver run pushed Red Bluff forward into Foothill territory. That set up a short pass play to Owens, who turned it into a touchdown and a 21-10 lead. After the game, Coach Jacob Daricek joked the rain was not so bad with a victory. “It’s awesome for our town, for our community, for all the coaches that they’ve had,” Daricek said. “You know, in the past, they all played a role in this, from the junior Spartans on. Let’s just go on to get PV!” The Spartans will play top-seeded Pleasant Valley on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Asgard Yard. It will be the Spartans’ first Northern Section championship appearance since they defeated Enterprise 34-2 for the 1999 Division I title.

Chinese film about Covid-19 wins Taiwan's top Golden Horse prizesChinese film about Covid-19 wins Taiwan's top Golden Horse prizes

Despite the fact that his team has actually won its last two UEFA Europa Conference League fixtures and , the league and cup form of Frank Schmidt's 1. FC Heidenheim leaves much to be desired. In just their second ever season in the German top flight, Schmidt's Albogeners haven't won a league fixture since besting Mainz at the end of December. After gleaning just one point from league opponents Leipzig, Gladbach, Hoffenheim, Kiel, Wolfsburg, and Leverkusen, the BaWü borderers presently find themselves just two points above the relegation playoff place. Matters do not get any easier with matches against Frankfurt, Bayern, and Stuttgart on tap before the international break. The also still stings. Speaking to the Sky mics after the game, Schmidt cited an early injury to striker Marvin Pieringer as one reason why Things fell apart after Pieringer's subbing off in the 28th. Within four minutes, the defending champs had leveled things up with two goals. Xabi Alonso's Werkself would "The game changed after the injury," Schmidt remarked in his post-match interview with Sky Germany afterwards, "There was a three-minute breather and Leverkusen took advantage of that. At first it was perfect. We were on the ball. Then everything changed." "We're missing the bit between our teeth," Schmidt added at the post-match presser, "We don't have the winners' mentality. After the Pieringer injury, we just weren't present. We didn't defend forcefully," "This absolute will to win every duel that I saw at the beginning wasn't there anymore," Schmidt carried on during his press conference soliloquy, "The feeling that every player was confident at his position was gone." "And I think that this three-minute break allowed Leverkusen to start over," Schmidt concluded, "They effectively started from scratch. That's the reason we lost. We don't have an excuse for losing, but we did have it right at the beginning."

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Celta Vigo gave 10-man Barcelona a shock by scoring two late goals and snatching a 2-2 draw at home in the Spanish league on Saturday. Barcelona was minutes away from a win to pad its league lead after Raphinha and Lewandowski had put Barcelona in control. But the game dramatically swung after Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Casadó was sent off with a second booking in the 81st. Moments later Jules Koundé’s poor control of a ball in his area allowed Alfon González to pick his pocket and give the hosts hope in the 84th minute. Celta poured forward at Balaidos Stadium and Hugo Álvarez rifled in the 86th-minute equalizer with Barcelona unable to mark the extra man. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerDaily Post Nigeria Naira appreciates against dollar after Christmas holidays Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Business Naira appreciates against dollar after Christmas holidays Published on December 27, 2024 By Ogaga Ariemu The naira appreciated against the dollar at the foreign exchange market upon resumption of work after the Christmas holidays. FMDQ data showed that the naira strengthened to N1,534 per dollar on Friday from N1,540.45 exchanged on Tuesday, gaining N6.45. This comes as the naira closed at the black market on Friday at N1,650 per dollar compared to between N1,638 and N1,650 exchanged on Tuesday. The development indicates that Africa’s most populous nation’s currency has continued to fluctuate in the FX market in the past few days. DAILY POST reports that FX turnover increased to N23.95 trillion at the end of November 2024, according to FMDQ data. Related Topics: Christmas holidays dollar naira Don't Miss China, Nigeria renew currency swap agreement You may like Christmas: Naira strengthens against dollar on black market Naira appreciates massively against dollar ahead Christmas holidays Naira weakens against dollar Naira strengthens against dollar Naira further appreciates against dollar on black market Naira extends gains against dollar Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

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Seven people have been arrested and charged in connection to an alleged social media drug ring at Rutgers University, New Jersey officials announced this week. Called “Operation RU Pharm,” officials said it uncovered a “closed and private social media network utilized by Rutgers University students to sell and purchase drugs,” Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a statement . The press release also said that the operation led to the seizure of a large amount of drugs such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, and Xanax. Apart from these, other items seized included a firearm and “a large amount of U.S. currency.” Seven people face charges relating to the investigation, with charges of various degrees of possession and distribution of controlled substances. USA TODAY has reached out to Rutgers University for comment. CEO Brian Thompson shooting: Experts say killer was 'meticulous,' maybe professional What did the sting operation find? Prosecutors allege that a social media network was set up by an alumnus of Rutgers University to facilitate the sale and distribution of narcotics. “Narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community. Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases,” the statement said. According to prosecutors, 23-year-old Anudeep Revuri faces charges of first-degree leader of a drug trafficking network, second-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution, and third-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution. The other six people charged were identified by officials as Joshua Duffy, 20; Zachary Petersen, 22; Catherine Tierney, 23; David Nudelman, 20; Donovin Williams, 20; and Noa Lisimachio, 21. They face charges of various degrees of possession and distribution of controlled substances. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

Despite House Speaker Mike Johnson setting the record straight, the fight to put men in women’s bathrooms at the Capitol continues, with activists openly defying him on Wednesday. The issue began after transgender politician of Delaware was elected to the House of Representatives. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina was outspoken in her opposition to McBride using the women’s restroom at the Capitol, adopting the very controversial position that men should use men’s restrooms. the bathroom rules for the Capitol on Nov. 20, which seemed to put the issue to rest, confirming that men cannot play dress-up and force their way into women’s spaces. However, a video posted to X by self-described nonbinary media personality Jerome Trammel indicated the war is ongoing. The clip showed a cabal of transgender activists invading a women’s restroom at the Capitol. United States Capitol banned transgender women from using the women’s bathroom! My trans friends & I went to the Capitol & had a MEETING IN THE LADIES ROOM! 🏳️‍⚧️ — Jerome Trammel, M.B.A (@MrJeromeTrammel) Trammel was clearly aware of the rules, as the caption read, “United States Capitol banned transgender women from using the women’s bathroom! My friends & I went to the Capitol & had a MEETING IN THE LADIES ROOM!” Putting it plainly, the footage displays a bunch of confused men breaking the rules set by Johnson. This clip was posted Wednesday. A longer version was uploaded Thursday that tagged . The caption told her, “We hope you will enjoy!!” Dear , We hope you will enjoy!! 🏳️‍⚧️ — Jerome Trammel, M.B.A (@MrJeromeTrammel) Mace responded on her own X account, making it clear that she was unimpressed. The trannies came, they saw, and they did not conquer during their protest. — Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) Mace, who said she has received harassment — including death threats — over her stand on this issue, has explained that she feels strongly about safe, separate spaces for women because she is a survivor of both rape and domestic abuse. No wonder Nancy Mace is such an advocate for women’s private spaces here is a little bit of her story that she shared with Piers Morgan! — Kathleen Winchell ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@KathleenWinche3) It’s unclear what the intent of Wednesday’s stunt was, but Nancy Mace and her fellow conservatives are not laughing. Trammel filmed a group of perverts breaking the rules at the Capitol and put it on social media for all to see. These leftists were to be . It’s unfortunate that it has come to this, but their stunt should prompt Johnson to place police at bathroom entrances to ensure more men don’t engage in the same behavior for attention. People on the left often tout themselves as champions of women, but the bathroom debacle shows conservatives are actually the ones with women in mind. Women must have their own spaces, and their own unique roles as mothers and caregivers that can never be replaced or replicated. The culture is shifting against transgender ideology. Conservatives must be proactive in finding where it persists and addressing it. We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. .Decorated photographer reveals rare Bali Nine frames

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NoneBailey scores 19 as Incarnate Word beats East Texas A&M 65-53In a letter to the Prime Minister, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel and shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick claimed the decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) had “no proper basis in international law”. They said the UK’s refusal to explicitly say whether or not the Israeli premier would be detained if he arrived in the country “opens the farcical spectre of your Government trying to sanction the arrest” of an ally to Britain. Criticising the ICC warrant, the shadow ministers said: “It is hard to escape the conclusion this is an activist decision, motivated by politics and not the law.” They argued the court was established to pursue cases in instances where countries do not have robust and independent judiciaries, which could not be said of Israel. “The UK Government’s response to the decision has been nonsensical,” they said. “On Friday, the Home Secretary refused to say whether Mr Netanyahu would be detained if he travelled to the UK. “This opens the farcical spectre of your Government trying to sanction the arrest on UK soil of the leader of an ally of the UK, while you continue a diplomatic charm offensive with the Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. “It falls to you to clarify the Government’s position – now. The Government must make clear that it does not support an arrest warrant being issued which has no proper basis in international law.” Downing Street on Friday indicated that Mr Netanyahu could face arrest if he entered the UK, refusing to comment on “hypotheticals” but saying Britain would always follow its “legal obligations”. The International Criminal Court Act 2001 states that a Secretary of State must, on receipt of a request for arrest from the ICC, “transmit the request and the documents accompanying it to an appropriate judicial officer”. Asked whether the UK would comply with requirements under the Act, Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “Yes, the Government would fulfil its obligations under the Act and indeed its legal obligations.” The ICC has issued a warrant for Mr Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Number 10 previously said the domestic process linked to ICC arrest warrants has never been used to date by the UK because no-one wanted by the international court had visited the country. It added that Israel remained a “key partner across a range of areas”. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It is important that we have a dialogue with Israel at all levels to reach the ceasefire that we all want to see, to bring an end to the violence, to protect civilians and ensure the release of hostages.” The ICC also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’s armed wing, over the October 7 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. A domestic court process would be required before Mr Netanyahu faced arrest if he set foot in the UK. The ICC said there are “reasonable grounds to believe” Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant were responsible for “the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts”. The court’s pre-trial chamber also found “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant each bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population”. The impact of the warrants is likely to be limited since Israel and its major ally, the US, are not members of the ICC.Political and security instability fears top Israeli investor concerns, survey finds

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:36 p.m. ESTVideo Of Men Casually Carrying Tiger On Elephant’s Back Leaves Internet With Questions: Incident ExplainedKill the Royal Mail deal: Don't sell our postal service on the cheap to buyers with weak credentials, says ALEX BRUMMER

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jake Evans scored for the career-high fifth consecutive game and the surging Montreal Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 on Sunday night. Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, Brendan Gallagher and Alex Newhook also scored to help the Canadiens win for the fifth time in six games. Sam Montembeault made 21 saves. Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel scored for Tampa Bay. Jonas Johansson stopped 31 shots. Newhook opened the scoring on a one-timer midway through the first period. Hagel tied it 37 seconds into the second period, but Dvorak and Evans scored 5:54 apart in the period for a two-goal Montreal lead they would not relinquish. SABRES 4, BLUES 2 ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jason Zucker scored a tiebreaking power-play goal with 9:30 remaining and Buffalo notched their third straight victory by beating St. Louis. Jiri Kulich extended Buffalo’s lead with a breakaway goal that went between Blues goalie Jordan Binnington’s legs with 3:41 to play. Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist against his former team as the Sabres won in St. Louis for just the second time in 12 years to sweep the season series. Zucker had a goal and an assist, and Jack Quinn had two assists for Buffalo. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 35 shots. Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker scored for the Blues. Binnington had 12 saves. Buffalo scored on two of its first three shots, including its first of the game. DUCKS 5, OILERS 3 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Ryan Strome scored with 2:36 remaining as Anaheim rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second period to defeat Edmonton. Strome’s goal, his sixth of the season, originally wasn’t called, but it was reversed after a review. Strome’s shot was entirely over the goal line before Edmonton goalie Calvin Pickard could stop it with his skate. Mason McTavish added an empty-net goal. It is the first time since March 30, 2019, the Ducks have defeated the Oilers by more than one goal. Cutter Gauthier, McTavish and Robby Fabbri each had a goal and an assist. Drew Helleson also scored for Anaheim, which snapped a seven-game losing streak to Edmonton. Lukas Dostal made 20 saves. Leon Draisaitl had two goals and Connor McDavid two assists for the Oilers, who were 3-0-1 in their past four. Evan Bouchard also tallied a goal and Pickard stopped 27 shots. RED WINGS 4, CAPITALS 2 DETROIT (AP) — Patrick Kane reached the 1,300-point mark and Todd McLellan won for the first time as Detroit’s coach in their victory over Washington. Kane, who needed two points to reach that mark, had a power-play goal and assist during Detroit’s four-goal first period. Alex DeBrincat scored two goals and Lucas Raymond added another as the Red Wings snapped a four-game losing streak. Alex Lyon made 26 saves. McLellan replaced Derek Lalonde prior to Friday’s loss to Toronto . Alex Ovechkin scored for the second consecutive game after missing the previous 16 due to a fractured fibula . The Capitals star forward is 25 goals shy of passing Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 . Nic Dowd had the other Capitals goal. Charlie Lindgren made 23 saves but Washington remained one point behind first-place New Jersey in the Eastern Conference. PENGUINS 3, ISLANDERS 2 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby broke Mario Lemieux’s Pittsburgh franchise career record for assists on Michael Bunting’s power-play goal and the Penguins beat New York. Crosby has 1,034 assists, good for 12th in NHL history. Only three players — Ray Bourque, Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman — have more assists with a single team. The 37-year-old Crosby has played 1,310-regular-season games. Lemieux played 915. Evgeni Malkin added the deciding power-play goal in the third for Pittsburgh, which has 14 goals with the man advantage in its last 13 games. Anthony Beauvillier also scored to help the Penguins win for the seventh time in their last eight home games. Alex Nedeljkovic made 29 saves in his first start since Dec. 17. Kris Letang missed the game because of a lower-body injury, and defenseman Nathan Clurman made his NHL debut. Anders Lee and Bo Horvat scored third-period goals for the Islanders, who fell behind 3-0 before their rally fell short. Marcus Hogberg stopped 38 shots during his first start since April 28, 2021. GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3, FLAMES 0 LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brett Howden scored his 15th goal of the season and Ilya Samsonov stopped 31 shots as Vegas Golden defeated Calgary. Howden redirected defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s shot from the top of the slot late in the second period and is now tied with Ivan Barbashev for the team lead in goals. Howden has scored a goal in four of the last five games. Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson also scored for the Golden Knights, who have shut out Calgary twice this season, beating them 5-0 on Oct. 28 . Dan Vladar made 34 saves for Calgary. The Golden Knights have now won six straight, the longest active win streak in the NHL, while improving to 25-8-3 on the year. They own a 13-2-1 record against Pacific Division opponents. SENATORS 3, WILD 1 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Josh Norris broke a tie on a power play with 7:18 left, Leevi Merilainen made 30 saves in his fifth NHL game and Ottawa beat Minnesota. Ottawa has won seven of its past nine games, while the Wild have lost five of their past seven. The Senators won in Minnesota for the first time since 2016. With starter Linus Ullmark and backup Anton Forsberg out with injuries, the Senators have been relying on Merilainen and Mads Sogaard since before the NHL holiday break. Frederick Gaudreau opened the scoring for Minnesota late in the first period. Ridly Greig tied it early in the second. Claude Giroux added an empty-netter. STARS 5, BLACKHAWKS 1 CHICAGO (AP) — Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn each had a goal and two assists, and Dallas beat Chicago. Jason Robertson, Evgenii Dadonov and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist for Dallas, which had lost three of four. Jake Oettinger made 24 saves. Chicago dropped its fourth consecutive game. It lost three of four in its season series against Dallas. Connor Bedard scored his 10th goal for the Blackhawks, and Arvid Soderblom made 26 stops. Next up for Bedard and company is the Winter Classic on Tuesday against St. Louis. Dallas grabbed control after Chicago forward Tyler Bertuzzi was ejected 8:11 into the second period. Bertuzzi was sent off for elbowing Stars forward Colin Blackwell in the face.After Thanksgiving, I watched a new documentary that set me at odds with December’s frenzied pace. For me, the month has evolved from a time of calm reflection into a month of haves and wants. National Geographic’s “Tsunami: Race Against Time” chronicles the ravaging impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean eruption on Thailand and numerous other Southeast Asian countries. It hit me hard and gave me the jolt to ask myself how to get off the consumer train. Southeast Asia has my heart; my family and I lived in Asia beginning in the early 2000s. Our children were little then, and we established a set of holiday traditions that meant Christmas in Bangkok with minimal gifts and maximum adventures. The Thais are beautiful people, welcoming and gracious. The Dec. 26, 2004, earthquake and resulting tsunami in the Indian Ocean wrecked countless lives. It killed nearly a quarter of a million people in that region, including thousands of Thais and tourists. The documentary is spellbinding. The viewer becomes a participant in the unbelievable scenery and chaotic devastation the giant waves caused in the early hours of the day after Christmas. Watching the four-part series on a streaming platform created an alarming experience of seeing the water washing away beachgoers, buildings, and even a train. Frequent advertising, however, distracted from and contrasted with the presentation. Ads for mobile phones, fast-food restaurants and shoes horrifyingly broke up the narrative every few minutes: T-Mobile, Chick-fil-A, and DSW in between actual human misery. Relentless phone ads foreshadowed the documentary’s disaster just before smartphones became omnipresent. Ironically, frantic scientists in the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu were tracking the earthquake and tsunami in real time and struggled as they had few options to warn the millions of people who dotted the ocean’s coastlines and were exposed and vulnerable to the massive waves. Today’s ads show an American life that seems superficial, too loud, too brightly lit, and primed for consumption compared with 20 years ago. Toggling between the ads and the documentary left me thinking about how to revise my forecast. I don’t want to be an extreme version of humankind. Too many technology advancements are going somewhere scary where we all require experiences and stuff on demand, catered precisely to our highly refined sense of personal algorithms. I know a lot of good comes from the high-tech advancements, including ways to help warn about natural disasters such as future tsunamis. What is not good is the louder, self-focused lives presently occupied. I will do better in 2025. I will think more about how to spend my time, effort, and money and try to pay back. I don’t want to be that extreme version of humans that play out in those commercials. Do you? Megan Giles Cooney is a columnist for the Traverse City (MI) Record-Eagle, a CNHI newspaper along with The Daily Item. Reach her at megan.cooney1@gmail.com .

INFLUENCER Dominique Brown has tragically died at 34, reportedly due to a severe allergic reaction during an industry event. Witnesses claim she unknowingly consumed food containing an allergen at a BoxLunch event on Thursday. Several influencers who were present claimed the food item was unmarked, and Brown had allegedly been assured it was free of the allergen before the reaction occurred. A user on X, known as @hideyagrannies, alleged that Dominique Brown was her mother's best friend for the past ten years and was reportedly allergic to peanuts. The user made a startling claim, stating that when Brown asked to be taken to a hospital after feeling unwell, “everyone said no and took pictures first.” They wrote: "She was my moms best friend of 10 years. She asked if there was peanuts in the food and everyone told her no. "When she instantly felt bad she asked someone to take her to the hospital, everyone said no and to take pictures first. So sad." Dominique's brother expressed his gratitude to her fans by commenting on her final Instagram post. He wrote on Friday: “Hi everyone, this is @pramos313 – Dominique’s brother. “I wanted to take a a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light. "Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did. "I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.” Brown, a California-based influencer known online as HellooDomo, built her platform around Disney-inspired content. In 2018, she co-founded BlackGirlDisney alongside Mia Von after recognising a lack of representation within the Disney influencer community. Together, they established an inclusive space for women of colour who share a passion for Disney’s movies and theme parks. Numerous Disney influencers expressed their grief in the comments of Brown's final video, with many highlighting her warm, friendly personality and commending her dedication to fostering a safe and supportive community. Tatiana Kelley, who goes by Dapper on the Daily online, said: "The kindest most genuine person in this community ...we will miss you Domo [...] “Thank you for touching our lives with your joy & wit & for being so incredibly welcoming to us all." Main St Muse, real name Katy Lane, added: "I’m so happy I got to hug you last week. "Your positivity and passion for life will always inspire me ❤️ you were and will continue to be the good in the world Dom.” It comes after a beauty influencer tragically died of cancer aged just 42. Lilian Martins Gomes, was better known to her one million Instagram followers as Lili Spada. The Brazilian revealed this summer that she was battling cancer. Lili, who created content about plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, then announced that she would be taking an indefinite break from social media due to her “delicate health situation.” Her team also said: “All her focus is entirely on her recovery at this time.” She died on Wednesday, announced the Brazilian Centre for Hydroliposuction who she was partnered with. They said all their activities would be suspended for two days to honour the influencer as their “hearts are in mourning”. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun .Pocholo Gonzales is a veteran Filipino voiceover artist and mentor who has developed an AI project that lets users talk to Jose Rizal. Called " Conversations with Rizal ," the AI agent features Gonzales’ voice as the Philippine National Hero. It launches on Rizal Day, and will initially be available for three months. The AI version of Rizal is able to talk to users and interact with them in Tagalog, English, German, and many more languages, just like the famed polyglot. According to Amazon Web Services , an AI Agent is “a software program that can interact with its environment, collect data, and use the data to perform self-determined tasks to meet predetermined goals.” The project was 20 years in the making, with Gonzales pouring out his passion and money to allow users to have a conversation with Rizal. GMA News Online spoke with Gonzales about this passion project, what it means to him, and hopefully, to every Filipino. Conversations with Rizal The AI Rizal is able to speak about his life experiences, and his novels like “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” The project took 20 years in the making, beginning with Gonzales’ self-studies of AI starting from the early days of the Internet. “Dun ako nagkaroon ng interest. Sabi ko one day, I want to create, I want to put my voice in artificial intelligence so that many people can use it.” According to Gonzales, he did not compromise the accuracy of Rizal’s life. For the AI initiative, he poured over books about and written by the National Hero. The project’s content is based on these as well as Rizal’s diaries. Gonzales also did the programming and coding of Conversations with Rizal with the help of CreatiVoices Labs, the company he founded that combines “advanced AI with voice artistry, offering ethical, lifelike voices and top audio solutions for media and beyond.” When the tool is opened, users can ask Rizal to speak Tagalog, English, Spanish, and other languages the hero was fluent in like Japanese and German. As the voice, Gonzales learns the languages and records himself, speaking the way he imagines the hero would sound like in real life, with the Spanish style of speaking in Tagalog and the Laguna accent. Gonzales recorded the voice in 2014 when he was 35 years old, just like Jose Rizal when he died. According to Gonzales, Rizal has been his personal hero since childhood and looks at Conversations with Rizal as a way for him to honor his hero. Calling Rizal his "mentor," Gonzales said his nationalism, education, and youth empowerment are values he also tries to live with. Gonzales also made sure that users will respect the AI Rizal, limiting the tool’s knowledge to Rizal’s real-life experiences during his time. “Limited lang niya sa kung ano alam niya. Hindi siya ‘yung masyadong matalino na lahat alam," he said. "Wala siyang opinyon sa lahat, ibig sabihin. May opinyon lang siya sa mga bagay na nakakaapekto sa kanya.” For example, when the AI tool is asked a personal question such as “How do I deal with stress?” Rizal will speak about his past experiences and give advice based on those. The AI does not provide comments on today’s political climate, modern pop culture, and the like. “Hindi mo siyang maloloko. Sabihin niyang, ‘I cannot answer that because I’m not part of your world,’” Gonzales explained. He hopes to open donations to maintain the project after its three-month period. He also aims to partner with the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and institution schools to allow students to use the tool in classes. “Excited ako dito para sa kabataang Pilipino,” Gonzales said. The VoiceMaster Gonzales is dubbed the VoiceMaster of the project. His artistic journey started from childhood. With no television in their home, Gonzales grew up being entertained by the radio, and impersonating all the various voices he would hear. As he grew older, Gonzales continued learning about the artistry as a triple major in Speech Communication, Theater Arts, and English Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines Diliman. This was also where he had a more in-depth experience learning about Philippine history. Gonzales’ decades-long career spans a variety of ads, dubbing, reporting, and acting roles on television and radio. With influences from renowned Filipino impersonators like Willie “Willie Nep” Nepomuceno, Neil Ocampo, and Willy Sarion, Gonzales can likewise act like politicians President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Rodrigo Duterte, and many more. Gonzales can also impersonate the voices of Dolphy Quizon, Fernando Poe Jr., Babalu, and many more. Gonzales was one of the voices of Kiko Matsing on “Batibot,” PenPen on “Makulay ng Buhay,” and the title characters on “Bubu Chacha,” among many others. His personal favorite role was as Shancai’s father in the Philippine dub of “Meteor Garden.” He also has experience in AI voicing, and is heard in the narration of users’ Instagram Reels and TikToks. Gonzales is also a mentor and conducts workshops, and said he is “the man behind a thousand voices.” He guided Dingdong Dantes for his voice role in “Kubot,” coached Daniel Matsunaga’s Tagalog speaking skills, and trained former Philippine Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay in public speaking. Purpose Though he is already an industry veteran, Gonzales’ purpose remains clear. “I believe that our voice is a gift from God, and it’s how we use it, it’s our gift back to God,” he said. “Without our voice, we are nothing. Binigyan tayo ng Diyos ng libreng boses, libreng buhay. Ibalik natin sa Diyos ‘yan ng tama.” Gonzales adds that he loves what he does. “Because for me, if you love what you’re doing, it’s as if you’re already resting all your life. You’re not going to work a single day because you love what you’re doing.” He added, “I treat voice acting as an art and I use my voice to create positive social change.” His purpose, in turn, is what guided him into the Conversations with Rizal initiative. Click here to access Conversations with Rizal . — LA, GMA Integrated News

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France celebrated the re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral on Saturday at a special church service that featured a standing ovation for the firefighters who saved the 12th-century landmark from destruction during a 2019 blaze. A two-hour service attended by incoming US president Donald Trump among other world leaders began with the archbishop of Paris knocking on the doors of the cathedral three times. "Notre Dame, model of faith, open your doors to bring together the far-flung children of God in joy," archbishop Laurent Ulrich commanded, banging with a wooden staff crafted from a roof beam that survived the inferno five years ago. Trump could be seen sitting on the front row as guest of honour next to French President Emmanuel Macron, with invitees marvelling at the freshly cleaned walls, new furniture and state-of-the-art lighting installed as part of the overhaul. In a short speech, Macron expressed the "gratitude of the French nation" for the restoration work, achieved at frenzied speed over the last five years. France had "rediscovered what great nations can do -- achieve the impossible", he said. One of the most moving moments came when firefighters in their protective gear walked through the congregation to thunderous applause as the word "Merci" ("Thank you") was beamed on the intricate facade and famous belltowers of the Gothic masterpiece. Small crowds of Parisians and tourists braved wet weather and high winds outside to witness the renaissance of a monument, which came close to collapsing due to the intensity of the inferno that toppled its roof and spire. "I find it really beautiful, even more so now that the spire has been restored," Marie Jean, a 27-year-old dentist from southwest France, told AFP outside. The reconstruction effort cost around 700 million euros ($750 million), financed from donations, with the re-opening achieved within a five-year deadline despite predictions it could take decades. Workers had to overcome problems with lead pollution, the Covid-19 epidemic, and the army general overseeing the project falling to his death while hiking in the Pyrenees last year. Saturday's service featured classical music, the cathedral's choir as well as the "re-awakening" of the 8,000-pipe organ which is considered the voice and soul of the cathedral. A televised public concert planned outside featuring Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang and possibly US singer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams had to be pre-recorded on Friday night because of the stormy weather. Held up as an example of French creativity and resilience by Macron, Notre Dame's renaissance so soon after the fire comes at a difficult time for the country. The sense of national accomplishment in restoring a symbol of Paris has been undercut by political turmoil that has left France without a proper government since last week when prime minister Michel Barnier lost a confidence vote. Macron is hoping the re-opening might provide a fleeting sense of national pride and unity -- as the Paris Olympics did in July and August. He scored a major coup by attracting Trump along with around 40 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, who was given a round of applause as he entered Notre Dame. Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the presidential palace shortly before the ceremony, with future US military support for Ukraine's war effort against Russia's invasion expected to have been discussed. Trump has vowed to end the nearly three-year Ukraine war when he takes office on January 20, sparking fears in Kyiv that he will force Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia. "It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that," Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for talks with Macron. One surprising absentee on Saturday was Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church. He sent a message addressed to the French people and weighed into a row about whether the place of worship and tourist attraction should remain free to enter. The "immense" numbers set to visit Notre Dame should be welcomed "generously and free of charge", he said, clearly opposing a proposition from the French culture ministry to charge for entry. The exact cause of the 2019 blaze has never been identified despite a forensic investigation by prosecutors, who believe an accident such as an electrical fault was the most likely reason. On Sunday, the first mass with 170 bishops and more than 100 Paris priests will take place at 10:30 am (0930 GMT), followed by a second service in the evening at 6:30 pm which will be open to the public. adp-sjw/jjIndianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen seemed to sense the question might arise after his club was eliminated from playoff consideration Sunday with a ghastly 45-33 loss to the host New York Giants in East Rutheford, N.J. The Giants were 2-13 and had lost a franchise-record 10 straight games entering the contest and their season-high point total Sunday more than tripled their season average of 14.3 points per game. It was the type of bad loss that leads to head coaches being asked about their job security. "I control what I can control," Steichen said of the employment situation. The Colts (7-9) were outplayed all contest by the team that entered the day with the worst record in the NFL -- and with their playoff hopes on the line. Last season, Steichen's first as Indianapolis coach, the Colts also fell short, losing to the Houston Texans in the final week of the season to miss the playoffs. "It was as disappointing as it gets," Steichen said of the setback against the Giants. "As the leader of a football team, shoot, I always say I've got to be better, we've all got to be better. That's a group effort, everyone's got to chip in and do their part, so stuff like that doesn't happen." Giants quarterback Drew Lock passed for 309 yards and tied his career high of four touchdowns while also running for a score. Meanwhile, the Colts also went with a reserve quarterback in veteran Joe Flacco and he turned the ball over three times on two interceptions and a fumble. He also passed for 330 yards. Flacco started because rookie Anthony Richardson couldn't play due to back and foot injuries. Indianapolis completes the season next weekend at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "I know it's a tough situation, obviously, when you're out of the playoff hunt, but again, I told (the team) we've got to be professional about it," Steichen said. "That's the biggest thing. We've got to show up and do our job still with one week left." The Colts last made the playoffs in the 2020 season. Their last playoff win was two seasons earlier. --Field Level Media

Boost for City after Canal+ given green light to list in London: Shares in French film studio to start trading before Christmas By JESSICA CLARK Updated: 22:01 GMT, 9 December 2024 e-mail View comments The French production firm behind the Paddington films will list in London this month after investors approved the break-up of its parent company. In a boost for the City, Vivendi shareholders overwhelmingly voted in favour of the spin-off of Canal+ and other parts of the business at a meeting in Paris. Shares in the newly independent Canal+ will start trading in London on Monday next week. The listing of such a high profile company will be seen as a major victory for the stock exchange following an exodus of firms from the London market. The move is part of the break-up of entertainment conglomerate Vivendi, which is controlled by the billionaire Bollore family, to boost the value of its business units. Some 95pc of shareholders voted for the split at a meeting in the French capital yesterday afternoon despite vocal opposition from some minority investors. London bound: Shareholders in Vivendi, which produced the Paddington films, voted in favour of the spinoff of Canal Plus and other parts of the business Analysts said the resounding approval signalled that ‘London is open for business and is an attractive market’. However, activist investor CIAM, which owns a 0.025 per cent stake in Vivendi, said it would press ahead with legal action to stop the demerger. Communication firm Havas and book publisher Louis Hachette Group are also being hived off into separate companies as part of the major shake-up. The Havas advertising business will be listed in Amsterdam and Hachette will float in Paris. Shares in the new firms are expected to begin trading on December 16. Following the vote, Vivendi will essentially become a listed investment holding company, managing notably a 10 per cent stake in Universal Music Group after spinning it out three-years ago. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Boost for City after Canal+ given green light to list in... Kill the Royal Mail deal: Don't sell our postal service on... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Canal+ is estimated to be worth £5billion, Havas £2.1billion and Hachette £1.8billion, according to investment bank JP Morgan. Dan Coatsworth, an investment analyst at broker AJ Bell, said: ‘Vivendi getting the green light to spin off Canal+ signals to the rest of the world that London is open for business and is an attractive market. ‘Vivendi wouldn’t have chosen the listing venue unless it thought there would be a queue of investors waiting to get involved.’ Susannah Streeter at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown added: ‘The UK is looking more attractive than its European peers, particularly given the political uncertainty which has erupted in France.’ A row between CIAM and the Bollore family had brewed ahead of the vote. The minority investor argued that the spin-off would only benefit Vivendi’s top shareholder, led by French billionaire financier Vincent Bollore. It warned that the split would deprive minority shareholders of protection under French stock market laws. But CIAM’s attempt to delay yesterday’s meeting was defeated last week when an injunction it filed was rejected by a French court. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Boost for City after Canal+ given green light to list in London: Shares in French film studio to start trading before Christmas e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top stories

CLEVELAND -- Josh Allen would never. Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t dare. That was the running sentiment about the Miami Dolphins playing what amounts to a playoff elimination game on Sunday — and maybe even next week — without the team’s franchise quarterback. But what if the quarterback didn’t have a choice? Some people are acting like Tua Tagovailoa intentionally skipped Sunday’s 20-3 victory against the Cleveland Browns because he didn’t feel like playing, or was afraid of how he would perform on a rainy Cleveland day. Let’s put those narratives to rest. “He wasn’t physically [cleared],” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said about Tagovailoa’s hip injury, which Miami’s fifth-year starter sustained two weeks ago in the loss to Houston, and was worsened by a hit he took in last Sunday’s win against the San Francisco 49ers. “He not only was super susceptible to a major injury if he were to fall in harm’s way. But a major factor was the lack of strength due to the injury, and his inability to protect himself,” McDaniel clarified, explaining why Tagovailoa was forced to sit out his fifth game of the 2024 season. “Tua did tell me on Thursday ‘They are going to have to pull me out the game, I’m playing,’ ” defensive lineman Calais Campbell said. “Friday you can tell [something was up] because he didn’t really have a lot of reps, and he’s a guy who likes to take his reps.” The Dolphins prolonged the decision whether play Tagovailoa as long as they could, hoping that the soreness he was experiencing — and downplayed all week — would subside, and the movement would improve. But they also prepared for the worst-case scenario. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, who typically gets a handful of 11-on-11 reps with the starters per week, got significantly more involved in practice last week. The coaches came up with two game plans, one specifically catered to Huntley, and the former Pro Bowler produced his best game in years, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards with one touchdown (115.5 passer rating), and leading the team with 52 rushing yards and one touchdown on seven carries.` “Tua did a good job of taking his reps and then he’d talk me through my reps,” said Huntley, whose record improved to 2-2 as Miami’s starter this season. “It was a good week of work.” One that the Dolphins and Huntley might need to repeat for the regular season’s final against the New York Jets because the Dolphins have no idea if Tagovailoa’s hip injury will allow him to play in six or seven days. “Today’s game showed he can throw the ball on time, read defenses and also make plays with his feet,” receiver Tyreek Hill said about Huntley, whom he caught all nine of his passes from, and turned those receptions into 105 yards. “At halftime he talked to the whole offense and told us to pick it up a notch, and that shows the growth.” Since beginning the season 2-6 these Dolphins have rebounded to go 6-2 heading into the regular season finale, and Miami still has a chance to reach the postseason. If the Dolphins can win that game, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos, Miami will secure the final AFC wild card spot. The Dolphins clearly have a better chance to beat the Jets with Tagovailoa at the helm. However, we could be looking at another week where it’s necessary to think of the big picture instead of temporary gratification. Miami can’t afford to shorten Tagovailoa’s career trying to win one game, which could deliver the franchise’s fifth consecutive winning season. So what if the fragile reputation Tagovailoa gained has more roots because of this hip, which McDaniel stressed is different than the one that ended his collegiate career at Alabama prematurely, and had him taken off more than half a dozen team’s boards in the 2020 Draft due to medical concerns. And the narrative about Tagovailoa not being able to beat a playoff contender remains valid because of how he has performed in critical games in his five seasons as an NFL starter. My issue is with this fable about Tagovailoa not being a competitor, mailing it in, quitting on his team. That’s fiction, and likely fueled by those who continue their agenda of discrediting the quarterback this franchise proposed to this past offseason with his five-year, $235.5 million deal, or which $167 million is guaranteed. “Tua is a rare competitor,” Hill said. “He understood what was at stake. He wanted to play.....You have to force him off the field and it was basically a staff saving a player from [himself].” ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Late push falls short for Timberwolves in 107-105 loss to Celtics

The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novelsStorm Darragh leaves woman stranded on ferry for 13 hours with docking impossible in high winds - meaning she might not make it to Christmas partyFancy 'chatting' with Dr. Jose Rizal? A veteran voice artist develops an AI Rizal for that

 

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2025-01-15
Matheus Cunha has already given Ruben Amorim his first key transfer decision at Man Unitedlodibet register

The 29-year-old is known to be an injury-prone player, however, 2024 has been devasting for the Englishman. Shaw has missed since February, which has left a lot of fans frustrated. The defender recently returned from knee and calf issues that plagued his 2024/25 campaign so far with the full-back making three appearances from the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton since his return to fitness – . His availability has not lasted long though as Shaw has now picked up another minor injury after the weekend, which will leave the Man United star out for weeks, reports . This is a devasting blow for the defender as he would have been hoping to return to Ruben Amorim’s starting 11 soon and it is hard not to feel sorry for the England international as . Shaw has taken to social media to express his frustrations over his most recent injury issue and it is clear how much of a blow this has been for the Man United player. Luke Shaw “absolutely devastated” with latest injury setback Follwing the news of his latest injury, Shaw took to social media to share his feelings with fans of Man United. “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback,” the left-back stated via . “I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time. “I understand there is going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all of that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time. “But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”Expion360 Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer

The rise of workplace wearable technology has opened new possibilities for employee efficiencies, safety, and health monitoring. Collecting health-related workplace data, however, may subject employers to liability under nondiscrimination laws. Yesterday, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) published a fact sheet addressing potential concerns and pitfalls employers may run into when gathering and making employment related decisions based on health-related information. Understanding Workplace Wearables Wearable technologies, or “wearables,” are digital devices worn on the body that can track movement, collect biometric data, and monitor location. Employers have implemented these tools for a multitude of reasons, including tracking and predicting how long certain tasks take employees to promote efficiency. Wearables may also be programmed to recognize signs of fatigue, like head or body slumps, and notice improper form when lifting, which can be critical for workplace health and safety. The EEOC’s new fact sheet mentions other workplace wearables, such as: Smart watches or rings tracking movement and physical/mental conditions; Environmental sensors warning of nearby hazards; Smart glasses and helmets measuring brain activity or detecting emotions; Exoskeletons providing physical support; and GPS devices tracking location. Notably, the EEOC’s fact sheet does not address common workplace wearables where third parties are collecting data. In a world filled with gadgets, employees often wear their own fitness watches or other smart devices to work to track their steps and gather health information. Employers have even offered smart watches through benefit plans to encourage employees to live more active lifestyles. The EEOC’s fact sheet likely will apply to these wearables if employers require employees to share data they collect. Employers providing employees with workplace wearables as part of wellness programs should also make sure to review and comply with the EEOC’s final rule on employer wellness programs. Legal Implications of Workplace Wearables While workplace wearables can promote workplace safety and efficiency, improperly using, collecting, and preserving employee data could subject employers to liability from federal discrimination laws such as Title I of the Americans with Disability Act (“ADA”) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under the ADA, employers collecting health-related information from employees’ workplace wearables may be conducting “medical examinations” or making “disability-related inquiries.” The ADA strictly limits such actions to situations that are “job-related and consistent with business necessity” or otherwise permitted under specific circumstances. Accordingly, employers gathering health-related data from employees should confirm the collected data has a strong nexus to successful work performance. In addition, employers should not use collected data to infer employees have certain medical conditions and use such knowledge to make adverse employment decisions. Before making employment decisions based on health data, employers should consider potential underlying medical conditions. Employers should also ensure workplace wearables do not produce potentially inaccurate data that disproportionately affects certain racial groups or other protected characteristics. The EEOC’s fact sheet specifically refers to workplace wearables that gather less accurate results from darker skin tones. If employers use collected information from unreliable wearables and make employment decisions based on that data, then employers may violate anti-discrimination laws if those results disparately impact certain employees. While employers or their vendors are testing and improving workplace wearables technologies, they should make sure collected data is properly gathered and analyzed before relying on it to make important workplace decisions. Key Considerations for Employers and Takeaways While workplace wearable technology offers exciting possibilities, employers must navigate a complex legal landscape to ensure compliance with federal anti-discrimination employment laws. By understanding these legal considerations and implementing thoughtful policies, organizations can harness the benefits of wearables while protecting employee rights and avoiding potential legal pitfalls.Qatar Vs Cambodia Toss Update, T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B: QAT Bat First - Check Playing 11sNone

David Hilzenrath, Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group | (TNS) KFF Health News In March, newly installed Social Security chief Martin O’Malley criticized agency “injustices” that “shock our shared sense of equity and good conscience as Americans.” He promised to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s often heavy-handed efforts to claw back money that millions of recipients — including people who are living in poverty, are elderly, or have disabilities — were allegedly overpaid, as described by a KFF Health News and Cox Media Group investigation last year. “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” O’Malley said at the time. Nearly eight months since he appeared before Congress and announced a series of policy changes, and with two months left in his term, O’Malley’s effort to fix the system has made inroads but remains a work in progress. For instance, one change, moving away from withholding 100% of people’s monthly Social Security benefits to recover alleged overpayments, has been a major improvement, say advocates for beneficiaries. “It is a tremendous change,” said Kate Lang of Justice in Aging, who called it “life-changing for many people.” The number of people from whom the Social Security Administration was withholding full monthly benefits to recoup money declined sharply — from about 46,000 in January to about 7,000 in September, the agency said. Asked to clarify whether those numbers and others provided for this article covered all programs administered by the agency, the SSA press office did not respond. Another potentially significant change — relieving beneficiaries of having to prove that an overpayment was not their fault — has not been implemented. The agency said it is working on that. Meanwhile, the agency seems to be looking to Congress to take the lead on a change some observers see as crucial: limiting how far back the government can reach to recover an alleged overpayment. Barbara Hubbell of Watkins Glen, New York, called the absence of a statute of limitations “despicable.” Hubbell said her mother was held liable for $43,000 because of an SSA error going back 19 years. “In what universe is that even legal?” Hubbell said. Paying down the overpayment balance left her mother “essentially penniless,” she added. In response to questions for this article, Social Security spokesperson Mark Hinkle said legislation is “the best and fastest way” to set a time limit. Establishing a statute of limitations was not among the policy changes O’Malley announced in his March congressional testimony. In an interview at the time, he said he expected an announcement on it “within the next couple few months.” It could probably be done by regulation, without an act of Congress, he said. Speaking generally, Hinkle said the agency has “made substantial progress on overpayments,” reducing the hardship they cause, and “continues to work diligently” to update policies. The agency is underfunded, he added, is at a near 50-year low in staffing, and could do better with more employees. The SSA did not respond to requests for an interview with O’Malley. O’Malley announced the policy changes after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group jointly published and broadcast investigative reporting on the damage overpayments and clawbacks have done to millions of beneficiaries. When O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, presented his plans to three congressional committees in March, lawmakers greeted him with rare bipartisan praise. But the past several months have shown how hard it can be to turn around a federal bureaucracy that is massive, complex, deeply dysfunctional, and, as it says, understaffed. Now O’Malley’s time may be running out. Lang of Justice in Aging, among the advocacy groups that have been meeting with O’Malley and other Social Security officials, said she appreciates how much the commissioner has achieved in a short time. But she added that O’Malley has “not been interested in hearing about our feelings that things have fallen short.” One long-standing policy O’Malley set out to change involves the burden of proof. When the Social Security Administration alleges someone has been overpaid and demands the money back, the burden is on the beneficiary to prove they were not at fault. Cecilia Malone, 24, a beneficiary in Lithonia, Georgia, said she and her parents spent hundreds of hours trying to get errors corrected. “Why is the burden on us to ‘prove’ we weren’t overpaid?” Malone said. It can be exceedingly difficult for beneficiaries to appeal a decision. The alleged overpayments, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, often span years. And people struggling just to survive may have extra difficulty producing financial records from long ago. What’s more, in letters demanding repayment, the government does not typically spell out its case against the beneficiary — making it hard to mount a defense. Testifying before House and Senate committees in March, O’Malley promised to shift the burden of proof. “That should be on the agency,” he said. The agency expects to finalize “guidance” on the subject “in the coming months,” Hinkle said. The agency points to reduced wait times and other improvements in a phone system known to leave beneficiaries on hold. “In September, we answered calls to our national 800 number in an average of 11 minutes — a tremendous improvement from 42 minutes one year ago,” Hinkle said. Still, in response to a nonrepresentative survey by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group focused on overpayments, about half of respondents who said they contacted the agency by phone since April rated that experience as “poor,” and few rated it “good” or “excellent.” The survey was sent to about 600 people who had contacted KFF Health News to share their overpayment stories since September 2023. Almost 200 people answered the survey in September and October of this year. Most of those who said they contacted the agency by mail since April rated their experience as “poor.” Jennifer Campbell, 60, a beneficiary in Nelsonville, Ohio, said in late October that she was still waiting for someone at the agency to follow up as described during a phone call in May. “VERY POOR customer service!!!!!” Campbell wrote. “Nearly impossible to get a hold of someone,” wrote Kathryn Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been helping a disabled family member. Letters from SSA have left Duff mystified. One was postmarked July 9, 2024, but dated more than two years earlier. Another, dated Aug. 18, 2024, said her family member was overpaid $31,635.80 in benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides money to people with little or no income or other resources who are disabled, blind, or at least 65. But Duff said her relative never received SSI benefits. What’s more, for the dates in question, payments listed in the letter to back up the agency’s math didn’t come close to $31,635.80; they totaled about a quarter of that amount. Regarding the 100% clawbacks, O’Malley in March said it’s “unconscionable that someone would find themselves facing homelessness or unable to pay bills, because Social Security withheld their entire payment for recovery of an overpayment.” He said that, starting March 25, if a beneficiary doesn’t respond to a new overpayment notice, the agency would default to withholding 10%. The agency warned of “a short transition period.” That change wasn’t automated until June 25, Hinkle said. The number of people newly placed in full withholding plummeted from 6,771 in February to 51 in September, according to data the agency provided. SSA said it would notify recipients they could request reduced withholding if it was already clawing back more than 10% of their monthly checks. Nonetheless, dozens of beneficiaries or their family members told KFF Health News and Cox Media Group they hadn’t heard they could request reduced withholding. Among those who did ask, roughly half said their requests were approved. According to the SSA, there has been almost a 20% decline in the number of people facing clawbacks of more than 10% but less than 100% of their monthly checks — from 141,316 as of March 8 to 114,950 as of Oct. 25, agency spokesperson Nicole Tiggemann said. Meanwhile, the number of people from whom the agency was withholding exactly 10% soared more than fortyfold — from just over 5,000 to well over 200,000. And the number of beneficiaries having any partial benefits withheld to recover an overpayment increased from almost 600,000 to almost 785,000, according to data Tiggemann provided. Lorraine Anne Davis, 72, of Houston, said she hasn’t received her monthly Social Security payment since June due to an alleged overpayment. Her Medicare premium was being deducted from her monthly benefit, so she’s been left to pay that out-of-pocket. Davis said she’s going to need a kidney transplant and had been trying to save money for when she’d be unable to work. A letter from the SSA dated April 8, 2024, two weeks after the new 10% withholding policy was slated to take effect, said it had overpaid her $13,538 and demanded she pay it back within 30 days. Apparently, the SSA hadn’t accounted for a pension Davis receives from overseas; Davis said she disclosed it when she filed for benefits. In a letter to her dated June 29, the agency said that, under its new policy, it would change the withholding to only 10% if she asked. Davis said she asked by phone repeatedly, and to no avail. “Nobody seems to know what’s going on” and “no one seems to be able to help you,” Davis said. “You’re just held captive.” In October, the agency said she’d receive a payment — in March 2025. Marley Presiado, a research assistant on the Public Opinion and Survey Research team at KFF, contributed to this report. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Statistics after 13 games

Wicked dolls porn site packaging error sparks LAWSUIT against Mattel by outraged South Carolina momBoise State football fans have spent years dreaming of the day the team would have a real chance to win a national championship by playing in the College Football Playoff. That opportunity is here, but those who want to see the Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl had better make like running back Ashton Jeanty and move quickly. Boise State will be allotted a minimum of 10,000 seats to sell for each round of the playoffs, according to the team’s Ticketmaster page. The Fiesta Bowl is a quarterfinal game. The school advised those interested that, because of time constraints, they should place order requests for each round in which they are interested. Ticket purchases will be limited to a maximum of 12 per person. Bronco Athletic Association members have until Friday, Dec. 13, to put their names in for priority tickets. After that, tickets will be subject to availability, according to the university. When and where will the games be? Since Boise State was given a first-round bye, the team now has several weeks off. The Broncos will play in the Fiesta Bowl at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, located about 20 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix. Coach Spencer Danielson’s team is the No. 3 seed in the 12-team playoffs. Boise State will face the winner of No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU. The school has also started selling tickets to the semifinals, which is where the Broncos would advance if they won that game. Those will be played in the Orange Bowl in Miami and the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, with one on Thursday, Jan. 9, and the other on Friday, Jan. 10. The national championship game will be Monday, Jan. 20, in Atlanta. How much are tickets, where can you get them? Fans have two price options for the quarterfinal round. They can buy the regular reserved ticket for $205 on the Ticketmaster website , or opt for the more expensive $330 club-level seats. Those include access to club lounges and bars in an enclosed glass area overlooking the stadium floor in Glendale, according to the stadium’s website. If tickets run out at the higher price, customers will be automatically moved to the next available price level, Boise State said. If Boise State makes it all the way to the championship game, ticket prices will take a steep jump. The school is offering them at three price points: $710, $1,100 and $1,575. For those who want to go to a later-round game regardless of whether Boise State qualifies, they can choose to pay immediately. But there is a safer option: Fans can sign up for tickets for later rounds, and then wait to pay until they see whether the Broncos won and advanced. Those with tickets also will have to deal with travel, of course. American, Southwest, Alaska and Allegiant airlines all fly nonstop to Phoenix airports. And be prepared to pay, because a quick check Sunday showed that flight prices skyrocketed just after the Fiesta Bowl announcement. This story was originally published December 8, 2024, 3:24 PM.Nobel recipient Geoffrey Hinton wishes he thought of AI safety sooner

 

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lodibet 118 com With Black Friday sales in full swing, there are still plenty of terrific deals to take advantage of. It’s the perfect time to shop for expensive electronics, including TV’s. Until Cyber Monday, you’ll be able to snag a high-end TV at a nice discount. Several top brands are offering huge deals on their best models. We’re seeing fantastic discounts on Samsung, LG, Sony and Hisense TVs. Whether you want a big-screen TV or something smaller for casual viewing, there are many options to consider getting during this sale event. Last updated on Nov. 30, 2024, at 2 a.m. ET. In this article: Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame Series Smart TV , LG 77-Inch Class OLED B4 Series Smart TV and Hisense U6 Series 65-Inches ULED 4K Smart TV . The cool thing about this smart TV is that it features an Art mode you can enable, which displays modern and classic art pieces whenever you’re not watching. The color volume is fantastic, the matte film reduces light glare and the frame is customizable with multiple color bezel options. If you’re looking for an affordable 4K smart TV, this 65-inch LED model won’t disappoint. Motion Xcelerator reduces blur and lag, and object tracking delivers impressive 3D surround sound. It supports HDR and Mega Contrast to minimize the difference between light and dark areas. This Roku TV offers a sharp 4K resolution and supports HDR10+ technology, which enhances color, contrast and brightness. The home screen is customizable with shortcuts to your favorite apps, and the voice remote lets you effortlessly search for paid and free content. Are you looking for a solid TV for casual viewing? This 40-inch Amazon Fire TV has plenty to offer. The Fire TV platform provides quick access to live TV, video games and music, and the remote has a dedicated Alexa button for launching apps, searching for content and controlling smart devices on your network. This TV boasts Quantum Dot technology for reproducing stunning visuals and bright colors. When mounted, its AirSlim design allows it to blend seamlessly with your wall. The advanced processor automatically transforms non-UHD content into 4K and improves sound. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better TV for your home entertainment hub than this 77-inch LG smart TV. OLED technology produces accurate colors and deep blacks, and the a8 AI processor automatically fine-tunes the picture quality based on what you’re watching. Plus, it features NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium and VRR for improved gaming. This high-end smart TV boasts advanced OLED HDR+ technology, which enhances image brightness and clarity. Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite produce excellent sound quality, and the 144-hertz refresh rate delivers ultrasmooth motion for gaming and live sports. Plus, the smart Tizen OS offers streaming and gaming access. If you want a cheap smart TV for a smaller room in your home, this 42-inch Insignia Fire TV is the one for you. It’s a full HD TV with a 1080p resolution and a built-in Fire TV interface for streaming content from apps such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. The Alexa voice remote makes it easy to find your favorite movies. This Hisense 65-inch TV features advanced Mini-LED technology for reproducing dark blacks and vibrant colors. Dolby Vision delivers superior picture quality, and the dedicated game mode provides a variable refresh rate for smooth gaming. The voice remote is convenient for finding content, and the smart TV interface is intuitive. If you have the space in your home for this massive TV, you’ll love the cinematic experience it offers. QLED technology delivers dazzling visuals and rich colors, and HDR Pro+ boosts contrast, brightness and clarity no matter what you watch. It has an integrated Google TV interface and is compatible with Alexa. Amazon Fire TV 43-Inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV 38% OFF Amazon Fire TV 65-Inch Omni QLED Series 4K UHD Smart TV 25% OFF Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV 31% OFF Sony 75-Inch 4K Ultra HD Google TV Bravia TV 28% OFF Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED 4K Q80D Series Quantum HDR+ Smart TV 33% OFF LG 86-Inch Class UHD Smart TV 23% OFF LG 55-Inch Class QNED85T Series LED Smart TV 13% OFF Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.The list of MLB teams that have received a meeting with Rōki Sasaki continues to expand. Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young confirmed the club met with Sasaki last week, but he declined to provide any additional information about what the two sides discussed. Per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle , the San Francisco Giants are "believed to have met" with Sasaki and his representatives. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .

Article content FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. Is it a plan in motion or more rhetoric? On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,”‘ he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Death row inmates are mostly sentenced by states Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Could rape now be punishable by death? Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. What were the cases highlighted by Trump? One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. RECOMMENDED VIDEOATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE ) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy [email protected] (770) 280-0324 SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is Lyell Wealth Management LP’s 4th Largest PositionSANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Two people were rescued when a California pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state's central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service's Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water and a third person was able to swim to safety, the Santa Cruz Fire Department said on Instagram. Their conditions were unknown. Coastal roads in Santa Cruz were closed following the pier's partial collapse, city officials said. Gov. Gavin Newsom's has been briefed and the state's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Ocean swells along California's central coast could reach 26 feet (8 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service's Ocean Prediction Center said on X. Winds off Oregon and Washington could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and seas will build over 30 feet (9.1 meters), forecasters said. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapse Monday came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm.

Massive Brawl Breaks Out Between Michigan, Ohio State Players After Wolverines’ Upset Victorymade an impactful return to the court on Saturday, leading the South Bay Lakers to a 119-111 victory over the San Diego Clippers. The rookie finished with a career-high 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists, showcasing significant progress as he continues to gain experience in the G League. Despite his strong performance, struggled with his 3-point shooting, going 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. However, the young guard remained focused on his development after the game, emphasizing his commitment to continuous improvement. "I think it's good. Game by game, trying to learn everything I can. Always just staying aggressive and playing my game," explained in his post-match media conference. "Playing for my teammates and coaches. It's been good so far." Returning from injury and making an impact had been sidelined for nine games due to a left heel contusion, missing nearly a month of action. His return to the court was much anticipated, and his explosive dunk during the game caught the attention of fans and social media alike. While the game marked his return to action, was also an important step in overcoming criticism of his previous style of play. Ahead of , former NBA All-Star offered pointed criticism, suggesting that lacked the offensive aggressiveness that his father, is known for. "The problem with is he's not aggressive. When you're not looking to score, it becomes a problem. His game is passive all the way around," stated. While scoring has never been his defense has drawn praise, with comparisons to players like His time in the G League is aimed at refining his overall game and preparing him for a future in the NBA. As continues to develop, the future remains bright. While the Los Angeles Lakers are still planning for life after , along with other young talents like could play a pivotal role in shaping the team's next era. With ongoing growth and experience, has the potential to make a lasting impact on the Lakers and the NBA in the years to come.Discover the Hidden Gems of AI Stocks! Why Palantir and Salesforce Are Poised to Skyrocket

AP News Summary at 2:01 p.m. ESTStock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it notches a winning week and another Dow record

 

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2025-01-15
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lodibet 118.com Dan Hurley denies idea that Kansas avoided UConn this season, says home-and-home series could be in worksLaw Minister S. Regupathy said on Saturday that the DMK-led alliance remained strong, and nobody could change its calculations. Stressing that the front would win 200 seats in the 2026 Assembly election, he said nobody could change the alliance’s “plus into minus”. The Law Minister’s comments come in response to TVK president Vijay’s remarks on Friday that the “people of Tamil Nadu will minus the selfish alliance calculations of the ruling party”. As for the speculation on VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan leaving the DMK-led alliance, Mr. Regupathy said, “Mr. Vijay’s remarks reflect his personal wishes. The reality is different.” He dismissed the allegations of dynastic politics in the DMK. “Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin have earned their posts through hard work,” he added. Published - December 07, 2024 11:17 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

BIOVAXYS ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF FIRST TRANCHE OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT AND ANNOUNCES DEBT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTDemocrats flee X for Bluesky amid Musk-Trump alliance



Weather Forecasting Through Machine Learning

How far do Elon Musk and Reform UK share a political vision?Mysterious googly eyes go viral after appearing on public art in OregonPM Trudeau attends Taylor Swift concert with family in Toronto

In a significant diplomatic development, India and Kuwait have elevated their bilateral relationship, marking it as a strategic partnership. This new alignment was solidified by key agreements, notably a memorandum on defence cooperation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions with Kuwaiti leaders, including Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other top officials. The talks, held as part of Modi's first trip to Kuwait in over four decades, focused on trade, investment, and cultural exchange, with four major agreements signed. These agreements include areas like sports, culture, and solar energy, alongside the crucial defense pact to bolster cooperation in defense industries and collaboration on research and development. The strategic partnership aims to enhance India-Kuwait relations across varied domains such as technology, security, and infrastructure. The move is expected to create new opportunities, fostering deeper economic and cultural linkages between the two nations, as India strengthens its ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council through Kuwait's presidency. (With inputs from agencies.)‘The smiling one’ Ruben Amorim says he can be ruthless when he needs to beAP Business SummaryBrief at 4:20 p.m. EST

By DEVNA BOSE One of the country’s largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from “significant widespread misinformation” about the policy. “To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services,” the statement said. “The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.” Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used “physician work time values,” which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said it’s unclear how CMS derives those values. In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to “reverse the proposal immediately,” saying in a news release that the policy would have taken effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. It’s not clear how many states in total would have been affected, as notices also were posted in Virginia and Colorado . Related Articles National News | The next census will gather more racial, ethnic information National News | As data centers proliferate, conflict with local communities follows National News | NASA’s stuck astronauts hit 6 months in space. Just 2 more to go National News | Imprisoned Proud Boys leader balks at answering a prosecutor’s questions about Capitol attack National News | 7.0 earthquake off Northern California prompts brief tsunami warning People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged. Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the “nuanced, unpredictable human element” of surgery and was a clear “money grab.” “It’s incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care,” he said. “If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, we’re delighted that they came to their senses.” Prior to Anthem’s announcement Thursday, Connecticut comptroller Sean Scanlon said the “concerning” policy wouldn’t affect the state after conversations with the insurance company. And New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an emailed statement Thursday that her office had also successfully intervened. The insurance giant’s policy change came one day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare , another major insurance company, was shot and killed in New York City.

Albania bans TikTok for 1 year after stabbing of teenager

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Democratic lawmakers threaten to derail UAE arms sales over support for RSF in Sudan: ReportMysterious googly eyes go viral after appearing on public art in Oregon

Major Drilling Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results, Building on Robust Net Cash PositionSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Marquel Sutton scored 23 points as Omaha beat Sacramento State 70-60 on Saturday night. Sutton added eight rebounds for the Mavericks (4-7). Tony Osburn scored 15 points and added five rebounds and three steals. JJ White had nine points and went 4 of 5 from the field. Jacob Holt led the way for the Hornets (2-7) with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Mike Wilson added nine points and six rebounds for Sacramento State. Chudi Dioramma had seven points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Omaha's next game is Friday against Northern Iowa on the road, and Sacramento State hosts UC Davis on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson sued CNN on Tuesday over its recent report that he made explicit racial and sexual posts on a pornography website’s message board, calling the reporting reckless and defamatory. The lawsuit, filed in Wake County Superior Court, comes less than four weeks after a report that led many fellow GOP elected officials and candidates, including presidential nominee Donald Trump, to distance themselves from Robinson's gubernatorial campaign. Robinson, who announced the lawsuit at a news conference in Raleigh with a Virginia-based attorney, has denied authoring the messages. CNN “chose to publish despite knowing or recklessly disregarding that Lt. Gov. Robinson’s data — including his name, date of birth, passwords, and the email address supposedly associated with the NudeAfrica account — were previously compromised by multiple data breaches,” the lawsuit states, referencing the website. Robinson, who would be the state’s first Black governor if elected, called the report a “high-tech lynching” on a candidate "who has been targeted from Day 1 by folks who disagree with me politically and want to see me destroyed.” CNN declined to comment Tuesday, spokesperson Emily Kuhn said in an email. The CNN report, which first aired Sept. 19, said Robinson left statements over a decade ago on the message board in which, in part, he referred to himself as a “black NAZI,” said he enjoyed transgender pornography, said he preferred Hitler to then-President Barack Obama, and slammed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as “worse than a maggot.” The network report said it matched details of the account on the message board to other online accounts held by Robinson by comparing usernames, a known email address and his full name. CNN reported that details discussed by the account holder matched Robinson’s age, length of marriage and other biographical information. It also compared figures of speech that were used in his public Facebook profile and that appeared in discussions by the account on the pornographic website. Polls at the time of the CNN report already showed Democratic rival Josh Stein, the sitting attorney general, with a lead over Robinson. Early in-person voting begins Thursday statewide, and over 57,000 completed absentee ballots have been received so far. Robinson also in the same defamation lawsuit sued a Greensboro punk rock band singer who alleged in a music video and in an interview with a media outlet that Robinson, in the 1990s and early 2000s, frequented a porn shop the singer once worked at and purchased videos. Louis Love Money, the other named defendant, released the video and spoke with other media outlets before the CNN report. Robinson denies the allegation in the lawsuit, which reads, “Lt. Gov. Robinson was not spending hours at the video store, five nights a week. He was not renting or previewing videos, and he did not purchase ‘bootleg’ or other videos from Defendant Money.” Money said in a phone interview Tuesday that he stands by his statements and the music video's content as truthful: “My story hasn't changed.” The lawsuit, which seeks at least $50 million in damages, says the effort against Robinson “appears to be a coordinated attack aimed at derailing his campaign for governor.” It provides no evidence that the network or Money schemed with outside groups to create what Robinson alleges are false statements. Robinson’s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, said that he expects to find more “bad actors,” and that entities, which he did not identify, have stonewalled his firm's efforts to collect information. “We will use every tool at our disposal now that a lawsuit has been filed, including the subpoena power, in order to continue pursuing the facts,” said Binnall, whose clients have included Trump and his campaign. In North Carolina courts, a public official claiming defamation generally must show a defendant knew a statement was false or recklessly disregarded its untruthfulness. Most of the top staff running Robinson’s campaign and his lieutenant governor’s office quit following the CNN report, and the Republican Governors Association, which had already spent millions of dollars in advertising backing Robinson, stopped supporting his bid. And Democrats from presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris to downballot state candidates began running ads linking their opponents to Robinson. Robinson's campaign isn't running TV commercials now. He said that “we’ve chosen to go in a different direction” and focus on in-person campaign stops. Robinson already had a history of inflammatory comments about topics like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights that Stein and his allies have emphasized in opposing him on TV commercials and online. Stein spokesperson Morgan Hopkins said Tuesday in a statement that “even before the CNN report, North Carolinians have known for a long time that Mark Robinson is completely unfit to be Governor." Hurricane Helene and its aftermath took the CNN report off the front pages. Robinson worked for several days with a central North Carolina sheriff collecting relief supplies and criticized Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper — barred by term limits from seeking reelection — for state government's response in the initial stages of relief. Trump endorsed Robinson before the March gubernatorial primary, calling him “Martin Luther King on steroids” for his speaking ability. Robinson had been a frequent presence at Trump’s North Carolina campaign stops, but he hasn’t participated in such an event since the CNN report. This story was first published on Oct. 15, 2024. It was updated on Nov. 22, 2024 to correct which of Robinson’s social media accounts CNN cited in a comparison to language in messages from a pornographic website message board. CNN cited his public Facebook account, not his Twitter account.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Jamiya Neal's 19 points helped Creighton defeat UNLV 83-65 on Saturday night. Neal had nine rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks for the Bluejays (7-3). Steven Ashworth added 17 points plus seven assists. Isaac Traudt had 15 points and shot 5 for 8, including 5 for 7 from beyond the arc. The Rebels (4-4) were led in scoring by Jailen Bedford, who finished with 20 points and three steals. Dedan Thomas Jr. added 18 points for UNLV. Julian Rishwain finished with 10 points and two steals. Creighton took the lead with 18:48 left in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 39-27 at halftime, with Neal racking up 10 points. Creighton extended its lead to 49-27 during the second half, fueled by a 10-0 scoring run. Ashworth scored a team-high 10 points in the second half as his team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Elon Musk’s future-forward energy is forging a new Trump brand of populismCaprock Group LLC increased its position in Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PNFP – Free Report ) by 2.7% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 5,774 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 154 shares during the period. Caprock Group LLC’s holdings in Pinnacle Financial Partners were worth $566,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC acquired a new position in Pinnacle Financial Partners in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Pinnacle Financial Partners in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its position in Pinnacle Financial Partners by 44.5% during the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 432 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 133 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its position in Pinnacle Financial Partners by 83.4% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 497 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 226 shares during the period. Finally, Values First Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Pinnacle Financial Partners in the 3rd quarter valued at about $49,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.40% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently weighed in on PNFP shares. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Pinnacle Financial Partners from $101.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Pinnacle Financial Partners from $113.00 to $123.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Hovde Group downgraded Pinnacle Financial Partners from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and set a $135.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Monday, November 18th. Stephens lifted their target price on Pinnacle Financial Partners from $108.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Pinnacle Financial Partners from $100.00 to $104.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Pinnacle Financial Partners presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $108.70. Pinnacle Financial Partners Stock Performance Pinnacle Financial Partners stock opened at $126.18 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.75 billion, a PE ratio of 23.99 and a beta of 1.04. Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. has a one year low of $70.23 and a one year high of $129.38. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $105.31 and its 200 day moving average price is $92.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. Pinnacle Financial Partners ( NASDAQ:PNFP – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.79 by $0.07. Pinnacle Financial Partners had a net margin of 13.97% and a return on equity of 8.89%. The business had revenue of $810.11 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $454.18 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.79 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. will post 6.8 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pinnacle Financial Partners Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 1st will be given a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.70%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 1st. Pinnacle Financial Partners’s payout ratio is 16.73%. Pinnacle Financial Partners Profile ( Free Report ) Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as the bank holding company for Pinnacle Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and professional entities in the United States. The company accepts various deposits, including savings, noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing checking, money market, and certificate of deposit accounts; and provides treasury management services, which includes online wire origination, enhanced ACH origination services, positive pay, zero balance and sweep accounts, automated bill pay services, electronic receivables processing, lockbox processing, and merchant card acceptance services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNFP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PNFP – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Pinnacle Financial Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pinnacle Financial Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

BUIES CREEK, N.C. (AP) — Tyrell Greene Jr. ran for three touchdowns, Devin Matthews added 134 yards on the ground with a score and Towson beat Campbell 45-23 on Saturday. Greene scored on a 7-yard run with 12:55 remaining, and after Tigers’ Will Middleton intercepted a Mike Chandler II pass, he broke loose for a 30-yard touchdown that stretched the Towson lead to 35-16 about 30 seconds later. Green also had a 3-yard TD run in the second quarter and finished with 41 yards rushing on nine carries. Matthews carried the ball 15 times and scored on a 54-yard run for Towson (7-5, 5-3 Coastal Athletic Association). Seth Brown completed 10 of 15 passes for 156 yards with a touchdown and Christopher Watkins added a late TD run. Mark Biggins had a 1-yard touchdown run for Campbell (3-9, 1-7). Chandler was 13-of-27 passing for 135 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Connor Lytton made 3 of 5 field goal attempts for the Camels. The Tigers secured their second winning season in three seasons and its first seven-win season since 2019. It was the first meeting between the teams. __ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll 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

 

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2025-01-16
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lodibet 291 com Raiders will start O'Connell at quarterback when they visit the ChiefsWho are the favorites to win Golden Globes? | Streamed & Screened podcastFor much of the NBA season, the Miami Heat have found themselves at the center of the NBA trade rumor mill. At the end of last year, Heat president Pat Riley made it clear they would not extend Jimmy Butler, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency this summer if he opts out of the $52.4 million last year on his contract. If Butler hits the open market, the Heat could try to re-sign him, although they will likely have to compete with 29 other teams. Given that risk, Butler has been included in mock trades, reports and rumors all season long, with the Heat expected to trade him for something rather than let him walk for nothing. However, Riley recently poured cold water on any Butler rumors. “We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Riley announced on social media via the Heat’s X account. “Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler." Why would the Heat want to part ways with their best player? Historically, Riley refuses to tank and always fields a competitive team. The Heat are 14-13 and are very much alive in the postseason picture, and they have won five of their last eight games, suggesting an upward surge. Even if the marriage between Butler and the Heat is on the rocks, expect Riley to stay true to his word and make one last push with “Jimmy Buckets” playing on his team. More NBA: Christmas matchup between Spurs and Knicks personal for All-NBA superstar

Nippon Steel slams ‘inappropriate’ politics in US Steel deal

Ligue 1 club Lille say two of their supporters were stabbed when a group of fans were attacked in a bar ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game at Bologna . Lille issued a statement on social media condemning "this cowardly and intolerable attack," which they said happened on Tuesday. "During the ambush, which is believed to have involved around eighty assailants, two of our supporters sustained stab wounds, among other injuries, and were given medical treatment," Lille said. Lille said Italian police have reinforced the protection of its fans ahead of the game. "However, LOSC calls on their supporters in Bologna to be extremely vigilant, to ensure that the trip takes place in safe conditions," the club said.NEW YORK — A number of President-elect Donald Trump 's most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks," Trump's transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” Leavitt said. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations, Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Susie Wiles, Trump's incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz's replacement, were also targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity amid the ongoing investigation. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees" and was "working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” Stefanik's office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," her office said in a statement. “We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." The New York State Police said a team was dispatched to sweep Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices. A spokesman for the agency directed further questions to the FBI. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.” Police in Suffolk County, Long Island said emergency officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at an address listed in public records as Zeldin’s home and were checking the property. In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9 a.m. this morning.” While a family member resides at the address, they said "former Congressman Gaetz is NOT a resident. The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results.” Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The U.S. Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington, D.C. were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that, “Anytime a Member of Congress is the victim of a 'swatting' incident, we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners. To protect ongoing investigations and to minimize the risk of copy-cats, we cannot provide more details at this time.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump. Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats,” he wrote on X. “It is not who we are in America.” Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York contributed to this report. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Joseph Suaalii, Wallabies centre, may participate in Australia's Dublin match despite his recent arm injury. Initially feared to be a broken wrist, a medical evaluation later confirmed no fracture, and Suaalii's condition is improving. The injury occurred during Sunday's game against Scotland, where Suaalii was substituted after experiencing severe pain and lack of arm function. However, with his arm's condition bettering, he could face Ireland this weekend, according to a team medical update. Adding to the team's roster challenges, Lock Jeremy Williams, absent from the Scotland game due to illness, is reportedly recovering well. On another note, Will Skelton will miss the Ireland game due to club obligations, as it falls outside the international window. (With inputs from agencies.)

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2025-01-16
A plan by Advance Auto Parts to stem deepening losses by closing hundreds of stores will result “in a complete exit of certain markets on the West Coast” as the company shutters California locations, its chief executive said. The national auto supply chain plans to close more than 725 locations around the country as well as four distribution centers on the West Coast, Chief Executive Shane O’Kelly said in an earnings call last week. Although he didn’t specify which stores would close, O’Kelly signaled that the downsizing would focus heavily on California and the Pacific Northwest, saying that stores supplied by the four distribution centers marked for closure will also be shut down. “Our four distribution centers on the West Coast serve a lower concentration of stores,” O’Kelly said in the earnings call. “We believe that investing in other core areas of the business will help deliver stronger profitability.” Advance Auto Parts currently has 139 locations in California, according to its website. The North Carolina-based company operates about 4,700 stores along with 1,100 independently operated locations, which are primarily in the U.S. but also in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands. Operations in Canada will not be affected, O’Kelly said. The automotive aftermarket is about a $300 million annual industry, said Bret Jordan, a research analyst at Jeffries. Supply chain efficiency is key for auto part retailers, he said, something Advance Auto Parts has struggled with. While Advance Auto generally receives shipments from distribution centers about once a week, competitor O’Reilly Auto Parts gets shipments once a day, Jordan said. “What they’re doing on the West Coast is getting out of regional markets where they don’t have an effective supply chain or the density to build an effective supply chain,” he said. “They’re trying to improve company wide profitability by cutting out the least profitable regions.” The reduction in its footprint is part of the company’s “strategic plan to improve business performance,” according to a statement released as part of its recent quarterly earnings report . The company also plans to increase the pace of new store openings in higher-performing regions, the release said. The car parts seller, which stocks batteries, motor oil and more, posted underwhelming third-quarter results this month, reporting a net loss of $6 million on revenue of $2.1 billion. The figures marked an improvement compared with the $62-million loss it posted for the same period last year on $2.2 billion in revenue. The company’s stock closed Thursday at $38.69, down more than 37% this year. Advance Auto Parts closed a $1.5-billion sale of Worldpac, its car parts wholesale distribution business, to investment firm Carlyle this month. O’Kelly did not comment on the number of employees expected to be affected.(LYV) - Analyzing Live Nation Entertainment's Short Interestlodibet 711

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UVALDE, Texas (AP) — A Texas judge on Thursday refused to throw out criminal charges accusing the former Uvalde schools police chief of putting children at risk during the slow response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, while a lawyer for his co-defendant said they want to move the upcoming trial out of the small town where the massacre occurred. At a court hearing in Uvalde, Judge Sid Harle rejected Pete Arredondo's claim that was he improperly charged and that only the shooter was responsible for putting the victims in danger. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in the shooting on May 24, 2022. Harle also set an Oct. 20, 2025, trial date. An attorney for Arredondo's co-defendant, former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzales, said he will ask for the trial to be moved out of Uvalde because his client cannot get a fair trial there. Uvalde County is mostly rural with fewer than 25,000 residents about 85 miles (140 kilometers) west of San Antonio. “Everybody knows everybody,” in Uvalde, Gonzales attorney Nico LaHood said. Both former officers attended the hearing. Nearly 400 law enforcement agents rushed to the school but waited more than 70 minutes to confront and kill the gunman in a fourth-grade classroom. Arredondo and Gonzales are the only two officers facing charges — a fact that has raised complaints from some victims' families. Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of abandoning or endangering a child, each of which carry punishment of up to two years in jail. Gonzales has not asked the judge to dismiss his charges. A federal investigation of the shooting identified Arredondo as the incident commander in charge, although he has argued that state police should have set up a command post outside the school and taken control. Gonzales was among the first officers to arrive on the scene. He was accused of abandoning his training and not confronting the shooter, even after hearing gunshots as he stood in a hallway. Arredondo has said he was scapegoated for the halting police response. The indictment alleges he did not follow his active shooter training and made critical decisions that slowed the police response while the gunman was “hunting” his victims. It alleges that instead of confronting the gunman immediately, Arredondo caused delays by telling officers to evacuate a hallway to wait for a SWAT team, evacuating students from other areas of the building first, and trying to negotiate with the shooter while victims inside the classroom were wounded and dying. Arredondo’s attorneys say the danger that day was not caused by him, but by the shooter. They argued Arredondo was blamed for trying to save the lives of the other children in the building, and have warned that prosecuting him would open many future law enforcement actions to similar charges. “Arredondo did nothing to put those children in the path of a gunman,” said Arredondo attorney Matthew Hefti. Uvalde County prosecutors told the judge Arredondo acted recklessly. “The state has alleged he is absolutely aware of the danger of the children,” said assistant district attorney Bill Turner. Jesse Rizo, the uncle of 9-year-old Jacklyn Cazares who was killed in the shooting, was one of several family members of victims at the hearing. “To me, it’s hurtful and painful to hear Arredondo’s attorneys try to persuade the judge to get the charges dismissed,” Rizo said. He called the wait for a trial exhausting and questioned whether moving the trial would help the defense. “The longer it takes, the longer the agony,” Rizo said. “I think what’s happened in Uvalde ... you’ll probably get a better chance at conviction if it’s moved. To hold their own accountable is going to be very difficult.” The massacre at Robb Elementary was one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history, and the law enforcement response has been widely condemned as a massive failure. Nearly 150 U.S. Border Patrol agents, 91 state police officers, as well and school and city police rushed to the campus. While terrified students and teachers called 911 from inside classrooms, dozens of officers stood in the hallway trying to figure out what to do. More than an hour later, a team of officers breached the classroom and killed the gunman. Within days of the shooting, the focus of the slow response turned on Arredondo, who was described by other responding agencies as the incident commander in charge. Multiple federal and state investigations have laid bare cascading problems in law enforcement training, communication, leadership and technology, and questioned whether officers prioritized their own lives over those of children and teachers. Several victims or their families have filed multiple state and federal lawsuits. Associated Press reporter Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, contributed. Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- FiscalNote Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NOTE) ("FiscalNote"), a leading AI-driven enterprise SaaS technology provider of policy and global intelligence, today announced that Conrad Yiu, a member of its Board of Directors and a member of its Corporate Governance Committee and M&A Committee, will retire from the Board effective December 31, 2024, in-line with the fiscal year end and shortly prior to the scheduled end of his three-year term in May 2025. Yiu is Co-founder and Partner of AS1 Growth Partners (“AS1”), a private multi-family investment office based in Sydney, Australia. AS1 invested in FiscalNote in 2020 when, prior to its public listing, FiscalNote was actively expanding its investor base in Australia. Yiu then joined the Board in October 2020, shortly following AS1’s investment. As FiscalNote’s strategic focus has changed since that time, Yiu has decided to retire early to focus on his Australia-based business interests, family and professional commitments. “I want to thank Tim and my fellow Board members for the opportunity to serve the Company over the past four years. I remain an active, long-term investor and supporter of FiscalNote’s mission and management,” said Yiu. “Given the changes since my firm first invested, now is simply the right time for me to concentrate on my other professional commitments based in and focused on Australia, as well as to make more time for personal and family commitments. While I am retiring from the Board early, I strongly believe the Company has the right strategy and the right leadership to take it to its next phase of growth, and I have great confidence in its ability to deliver results and value for both its customers and its shareholders.” “Throughout the past four years and at pivotal times for our Company, Conrad has been a deeply respected and admired partner on our Board, whose views and guidance were especially valuable during our transition to a publicly traded company,” said Tim Hwang, Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder, FiscalNote. “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I’d like to thank Conrad for his service and contributions, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Following Yiu’s retirement, the composition of FiscalNote’s Board of Directors will be reduced to nine members – reflecting the streamlined structure of the Company following its divestitures of Board.org and Aicel Technologies in 2024. For more information about the Company’s Board of Directors and its members, please visit here . About FiscalNote FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE) is a leader in policy and global intelligence. By uniquely combining data, technology, and insights, FiscalNote empowers customers to manage political and business risk. Since 2013, FiscalNote has pioneered technology that delivers critical insights and the tools to turn them into action. Home to CQ, Dragonfly, Oxford Analytica, VoterVoice, and many other industry-leading brands, FiscalNote serves thousands of customers worldwide with global offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. To learn more about FiscalNote and its family of brands, visit FiscalNote.com and follow @FiscalNote . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219201851/en/ CONTACT: Media Nicholas Graham FiscalNote press@fiscalnote.comInvestor Relations Bob Burrows FiscalNote IR@fiscalnote.com KEYWORD: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT SOFTWARE WHITE HOUSE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STATE/LOCAL PUBLIC POLICY DATA MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: FiscalNote Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219201851/en

Burglars broke into NBA star Luka Doncic's home and stole $30,000 worth of jewelry on Friday. The FBI said it is investigating a series of burglaries at the homes of pro athletes in the US. The NBA said the FBI has connected the break-ins to a "transnational" South American crime group. Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic's home was the latest residence to be burglarized in a monthslong string of break-ins targeting the houses of professional athletes across the country. Advertisement Doncic's business manager, Lara Beth Seager, told reporters on Saturday that Doncic's home was targeted by thieves on Friday, according to The Dallas Morning News. A police report obtained by the outlet said the criminals got away with about $30,000 worth of jewelry. Tyler Seguin, a player for the Dallas Stars hockey team, was also the target of a break-in earlier in the year, sources confirmed to the outlet. Seguin is the highest-paid player for the Stars, signing an eight-year, $78.8 million contract in 2018. Related Video The Dallas sports stars aren't the first professional athletes to face residential burglaries this year. The NFL issued a security alert on November 21 to the player's union and teams' security directors after break-ins at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, who is also Taylor Swift's boyfriend. Sources told NFL.com at the time that the FBI was investigating the break-ins, which the agency believes are connected to a South American crime organization. "It's legit," one source familiar with the situation told NFL.com . "It's a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they've focused on NBA and NFL players, and it's all over the country." Advertisement The NBA also warned players in November to take additional security precautions following break-ins at the houses of Milwaukee Bucks star Bobby Portis and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley. The home of Celtics star Jaylen Brown's mother was also burglarized. The NBA sent a memo to league officials, which The Associated Press obtained, that said the FBI has connected some of the burglaries to "transnational South American Theft Groups" that are "reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices." The FBI and Seager did not immediately return requests for comment from Business Insider.

RBB Bancorp Announces Senior Leadership Succession Plan and Transition TimelineSignificant milestones in life and career of Jimmy CarterTrump, Biden react to death of former President Jimmy Carter

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks closed at more records after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% to reach another all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3% to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.6% as Big Tech stocks helped lead the way. Stock markets abroad saw mostly modest losses, after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office. U.S. automakers and other companies that could be hurt particularly by such tariffs fell. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are rising toward records Tuesday after created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% and was on track to top its set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 81 points, or 0.2%, to set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite was 0.5% higher, with less than an hour remaining in trading. Stock markets abroad were down, but mostly only modestly, after President-elect Trump said he on Mexico, Canada and as soon as he takes office. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada's main index edged down by just 0.1%. Trump has often praised the , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. General Motors sank 8.2%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.9%. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support to the . While lower interest rates can boost the overall economy and prices for investments, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed's earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to released Tuesday afternoon. Unlike tariffs in Trump's first term, his proposal from Monday night would affect products across the board. Trump’s tariff talk came almost immediately after U.S. stocks rose Monday amid excitement about his pick for Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent. The hope was the hedge-fund manager could steer Trump away from policies that balloon the U.S. government deficit, which is how much more it spends than it takes in through taxes and other revenue. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another set of mixed profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates instituted by the Fed to get inflation under control. tumbled 17.6% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. fell 4.7% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. J.M. Smucker jumped 5.4% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500 after topping analysts' expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 2.8% for Amazon and 2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. In the bond market, Treasury yields rose following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.30% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after late last week. It's since dipped back toward $91,600, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.The Sacramento Kings have fired coach Mike Brown less than halfway through his third season with the team mired in a five-game losing streak, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the firing hadn't been announced by the team. ESPN first reported the firing. Brown won NBA Coach of the Year in his first season in 2022-23, when he helped Sacramento end the longest playoff drought in NBA history at 16 seasons. But Sacramento lost in the play-in tournament last year and was off to a 13-18 start this season, leading to the move to fire Brown about six months after he agreed to a contract extension through the 2026-27 season. The Kings have lost an NBA-worst nine games this season after leading in the fourth quarter with the worst one coming in Brown's final game as coach Thursday night against Detroit. Sacramento led by 10 points with less than three minutes to play only to collapse down the stretch. Jaden Ivey converted a four-point play with 3 seconds left when he made a 3-pointer in the right corner and was fouled by De’Aaron Fox. That gave the Pistons a 114-113 win, leaving the Kings in 12th place in the Western Conference. Brown has a 107-88 record in two-plus seasons in Sacramento with a winning record in both of his full seasons. Rick Adelman is the only other coach to post a winning record in a full season since the Kings moved to Sacramento Brown previously had two stints as coach in Cleveland and spent one-plus season as Lakers coach. He has a 455-304 record and has made the playoffs in seven of his nine full seasons. He won Coach of the Year twice, also getting the award in Cleveland in 2008-09. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA Josh Dubow, The Associated PressDec 19 (Reuters) - Walmart (WMT.N) , opens new tab said it is likely to miss its 2025 and 2030 targets for reducing planet-warming emissions due to challenges related to energy policy, infrastructure and availability of cost-effective low-carbon technologies. The U.S.-based retailer had pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 35% in 2025 and 65% in 2030, compared to levels in 2015. Neither of these targets appeared to be in reach and its progress was delayed, the company said in an update published on its website on Wednesday. Despite having a smaller carbon footprint per unit of sales compared to more polluting manufacturers and food processors, Walmart is facing some difficulties in reducing emissions due to the opening of more stores and shipment of goods. Walmart has cited three drivers of the emissions rise in 2023: pollution from aging refrigeration equipment, fuel emissions from transportation and expansion of renewable energy slowing relative to its business growth. Sign up here. Reporting by Pooja Menon in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

A live TV panel discussion over new polling on Anthony Albanese had to be abruptly cut short after a Labor and Liberal politician repeatedly spoke over one another. A survey released on Wednesday found voters appear to be turning on the federal Labor government ahead of the election which must be held by May . Almost half of those polled in the Redbridge questionnaire believe Australia is heading in the wrong direction, while one third argued the country is on the right track. When asked about if the government is focused on the right priorities, only six per cent of respondents agreed compared to 52 per cent who disagree or strongly disagreed. The survey also revealed more voters are coming around to the idea of Peter Dutton becoming the next prime minister, showing Australians want a change of leadership. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth appeared with shadow finance minister Jane Hume for a weekly panel to discuss the topics of the week so far. After talking about inflation pain potentially set to last until 2030 and wages growth, Sunrise host Nat Barr raised the concerning polling on Mr Albanese. "I know not everyone listens to the polls and not everyone looks at it but when you sit around in cabinet... what do you think about the figures?" the Channel 7 star asked. Ms Rishworth said the only thought on her mind was "helping people with the cost of living", giving an example of the government's push to get more housing. Ms Hume interjected saying: "Where have you been for 2.5 years?" "You've voted against our housing bills. Blocking our cost of living measures. Fought against our energy price measures. Everything we've done, the Liberal Party have fought against it," the Social Services Minister hit back. "You spent a year concentrating on the Voice referendum," Ms Hume added. Barr attempted to stop the two politicians from speaking over one another. The Sunrise host tried to ask Ms Hume a question but was interrupted. "When it comes to the next election, Jane and Nat, my focus will be on the future. It will be..." Ms Rishworth continued before the shadow finance minister interjected. "It's been two-and-a-half-years," Ms Hume said. The Social Services Minister claimed the opposition appeared to have a "sense of arrogance", adding "you think you've got it (the federal election) in the bag". Ms Hume then repeated her two earlier remarks. Barr was visibly frustrated with how the chat panned out and ended the interview. "That was feisty," co-host Matt Shirvington said. The Redbridge poll, conducted for News Corp, also asked whether the standard of living would be better or worse than before COVID-19 for families in five years' time. One third of respondents say they are somewhat or much worse off, while a quarter said they felt no difference and 17 per cent indicated they are "somewhat better". Only five per cent said they are "much better" off. Mr Dutton is also being seen more favourably by voters with just months until millions of Australians head to the polls to decide the 32nd prime minister. Forty per cent say the Opposition Leader is ready for government, with 39 per cent disagreeing. However 21 per cent remain unsure if Mr Dutton is ready. The survey questioned 1,506 people and was conducted between November 13 and 20.By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to Kuwait on the invitation of the Emir. It was a historic event inasmuch as the Indian Prime Minister was visiting the country after a long gap of 43 years; Indira Gandhi was in Kuwait in 1981. Second, during this visit, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a strategic partnership. Third, the Indian Prime Minister was conferred with the highest honour of Kuwait, ‘The Order of Mubarak AL-Kabeer’. A visit by the Head of State to a country indicates the importance attached to the host country by the visiting Head. The visit by Modi was significant as it came after 43 years by his predecessor. And it’s like the Prime Minister visiting Poland after a gap of 45 years that showed the priority India attaches to Poland. The strategic heft of Warsaw grew considerably after it joined the European Union and NATO. Poland was under the ‘Soviet/Russian sphere of influence’ and it borders Ukraine and Russia. Now it assumes the Presidency of the European Union, which, of course, is a rotating position. Likewise, Kuwait holds the Chair of six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). India is negotiating an FTA Agreement with GCC. Modi impressed upon the Emir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait for moving towards an early conclusion of an FTA with GCC. Notably, GCC countries hold 1/6th of India’s total trade, one third of India’s Diaspora, about 9 million Indians. A close cooperation with GCC is essential for India’s growth. Among GCC countries, Kuwait has been friendly with India, barring a downturn in ties during the Gulf War, to be more precise, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. More on that, a bit later. Kuwait remains important to India. It has 6.5 per cent of world oil reserve, sixth largest crude oil and LPG supplier to India, meeting 3.5 per cent of India’s energy needs. Indians constitute 21 per cent of Kuwait’s population and 30 per cent of its work force. Indians are the largest expat group in Kuwait. While meeting with the Indian Diaspora in Kuwait, Modi lauded their contribution in talent, technology and traditions to the growth and development of Kuwait. He called them a ‘mini Hindustan’. In addition to one-to-one meeting with the Emir and at a delegation level with the Kuwait Prime Minister, he attended the inauguration of the Arabian Gulf Club football tournament. This was part of a cultural diplomacy allowing time for informal exchange of pleasantries between Heads of States. It is a popular tournament among eight countries, Kuwait having won the trophy more than any other teams. People-to-people exchange and cultural diplomacy enrich bilateral relations. Also, an MoU was signed for 2025-28 to promote cooperation in sports between the two countries. The strategic partnership, signed during the visit, aims at enhancing bilateral relations in all possible and potential sectors. This includes defence, wherein it would translate into joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, and joined development and production of defence equipment. It will also include counter terrorism operations, sharing of intelligence and information, anti-money laundering and drug-trafficking. The cooperation will deepen in pharmaceuticals, IT, Fin-tech, infrastructure, solar energy, health, digital, innovation, and textiles etc. It was decided to gradually move the focus from fossil fuel to trading in renewable energy, wherein it will be easier to step up cooperation as Kuwait is a member of the International Solar Alliance. Prime Minister Modi appreciably noted that ‘Made in India’ products were finding their way into Kuwait including automobiles, electrics, mechanical and telecom etc. He suggested that the petrochemical sector could be another big trade bridge between both countries as it is likely to grow up to 300b USD by 2025. The leadership of both countries agreed to promote business delegations from both countries and greater institutional linkages. Kuwait could explore more opportunities for investment in India. At the same time, Modi stressed that India has the technology and skills to contribute to making of a New Kuwait. On international politics, both leadership discussed Gaza and Ukraine. Modi reiterated his commitment to finding a negotiated solution to the war. On Gaza, he reaffirmed India’s commitment two-state solution by recourse to dialogue and diplomacy. He said ‘No’ to terrorist action that provokes retaliation causing deaths and destruction. It is necessary to recall that relations between India and Kuwait go back to millennia, as evidenced by discovery of the artifacts of pottery and jewellery from the Kuwait Island of Failaka. Before the oil was found in Kuwait, trade between India and Kuwait consisted of dates and pedigreed horses. After trading on horses stopped at the end of the Second World War, Pearls and teak wood were the items traded. As Kuwait got independence in 1961, India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic contacts. In 1962, Kuwait supported India in its war with China. Ever since, the relations between both countries remained friendly. Kuwaitis concentrated in Bombay for their trade and commerce. Emir of Kuwait even had a house in Marine Drive in Mumbai. The bilateral relations plummeted by India’s pro-Iraq stance during Gulf War. New Delhi refused to condemn Iraq for invading and annexing Kuwait. India was the first country to shift her embassy from Kuwait to Basra, Iraq. It was surly bad diplomacy by New Delhi. It has often fumbled in condemning the aggression in balancing the principle of international law and national interest. It faltered in condemning Soviet occupation of Hungary in 1956, Afghanistan in 1979, Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait in 1990 and Ukraine in 2022. New Delhi gets away with such diplomatic faux pas as it has not attacked any country, nor has it incurred into territories of other countries. Talking of Kuwait, New Delhi almost repeated the mistake in Afghanistan. One statement, made during the Gulf War, indicates its confusion, “We regret that it had not been possible for Iraq and Kuwait to resolve their differences, we hope for Iraqi withdrawals (instead of calling for them)”. And in the same sentence, noted Iraqi statements in this connection. There was not a word of disapproval of Iraqi action. It is perhaps India’s policy of non-alignment in the past and strategic autonomy now that makes India tentative and vulnerable and thus New Delhi does not want to provoke enmity with anyone, even if it is an invader. The demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 had thrown another spanner into the fragile relationship. However, that is history. Prime Minister Modi’s visit and Kuwait’s highest honour to him have put those two bad patches into the dustbin of history. Let it be said and realised that India, in quest for a world role and a big power status, should stand up for international law in keeping with her tradition for peace, non-violence, and non-aggression, unless it endorses a Darwinian world and lives by the logic of survival. —INFA

Rare earths: another reason we mustn’t allow Russia to win in Ukraine | LettersJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, contributed. Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-warIBPAP: Philippines must upskill workforce to ride AI wave

Class and control of the pace in decisive moments of the match: was the key man in a great performance in the win against Leipzig. The Polish midfielder was essential, earning him the award of . At the end of the match, Zielinski shared his thought on the game:JOHANNESBURG – Key Republicans are already pressing to kick South Africa out of lucrative trade arrangements, should the South African government not change its position on Russia, China, Iran and Israel. Most at risk is South Africa’s duty-free exports to the U.S. of items such as cars and citrus fruit under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) — and with it the potential loss of tens of thousands of African jobs. South Africa is likely to be under intense scrutiny from the incoming administration. A publication from the in 2023 warned that a country wanting AGOA’s preferential trade agreements “cannot act in a manner that undermines U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.” South Africa joins Russia’s military aircraft and naval vessels on exercises, allowing Pretoria’s naval bases to be used by the Kremlin and Russia’s sanctioned warships. Senior South African military officials have received training in Moscow. At the U.N., South Africa has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. South Africa’s majority ANC party has met with terror group Hamas, and recently one branch of the ANC supported a local Muslim leader who reportedly shouted to a cheering crowd, “I am Hamas, Cape Town is Hamas, Viva Hamas!” The government also issued a statement condemning the killing this year of Hamas leader . The country’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, spoke out against the “assassination” of this designated terrorist leader, saying “such acts of extrajudicial killings violate international law.” South Africa has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. South Africa’s biggest trading partner is China, with the two countries being founder members of the BRICS trade organization. South Africa has welcomed the inclusion now of Iran in BRICS. There have been accusations of deep links between Tehran and Pretoria. “Given the South African positions on the Russia-Ukraine and Mideast conflicts, South Africa is leaning away from American positions in a number of ways, most especially in its vigorous pursuit of Israel and its leaders in the international courts,” J. Brooks Spector told Fox News Digital. Spector, a former U.S. diplomat now based in Johannesburg, and associate editor of the respected Daily Maverick, added that “continuing action and rhetoric by South Africa in its pursuit of Israel in international court efforts will, however, encourage Republicans in Congress (and probably in the administration as well) to strip South Africa of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, assuming the act is renewed next year.” “Such pursuits by the South African government may also lead to efforts to cut back on assistance to important efforts such as PEPFAR — the aid program that, together with the Global Fund and local organizations, has been crucial in the country’s successful efforts combatting HIV and AIDS,” he said. One such leading Republican, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Fox News Digital, “I remain concerned about South Africa’s efforts to cozy up to Russia, China and Iran, including Iran’s terror proxies, and the impact this has on U.S. national security — a vital element in AGOA eligibility. The country’s foreign policy actions will remain a focus of my oversight efforts.” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and member of the Senate Finance Committee, slammed South Africa in 2023: “South Africa has harbored sanctioned Russian ships, expanded relations with Iran and issued statements against Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’ recent terror attacks” Both of these influential Republican leaders are expected to become more powerful when President-elect Trump takes office in January, with Scott’s office staff telling Fox News Digital, “Sen. Scott looks forward to working with the Trump administration to ensure that AGOA participants are not undermining our national security interests.” South Africa’s moves are very definitely in an extremely bright spotlight in Washington. From inside the beltway, Richard Goldberg told Fox News Digital he’s worried particularly over potential links between South Africa and Iran. Goldberg is a former member of the National Security Council, and a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He told Fox News Digital, “The first step is to build the case publicly and give South Africa one last moment of choosing. We should declassify intelligence about South Africa’s deep relationship with Iran, and any other support or partnership with terrorist groups.” Goldberg continued, “And then we need to use our full diplomatic and economic weight to force Pretoria to choose between the United States and our terrorist adversaries. AGOA should be one of several items on the policy menu.” South Africa’s Department of International Relations didn’t respond to several requests for comment, but COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks, did. COSATU is the Confederation of South African Trade Unions, historically aligned with . Parks is highly respected for his meaningful and dignified pursuance of workers’ rights. His members have much to lose, including potentially their jobs, if South Africa is pushed out of AGOA. But he appeared to be cautiously optimistic when talking to Fox News Digital. “We are confident that our relations with the U.S. will continue to grow, including through AGOA, simply because it is to the benefit of both our peoples,” he said. “We’ve been extensively involved in engagements between South Africa and the U.S., on how to deepen our relations and toward the renewal of AGOA,” Parks continued. “We’ve engaged extensively with our colleagues in the U.S. labor movement, business community, Congress (both Republicans and Democrats), the State Department, Department of Labor, NSC and the White House.” As Trump moves into the White House, nearby Ebrahim Rassool will be starting his second term as South African ambassador to the U.S. This month he talked to the Daily Maverick on South Africa’s challenges with the new administration, referring to South Africa’s attack on Israel at the ICJ. “We will stick by the case, but let us now trust our legal team,” he said, “trust the evidence that we have placed in front of the judges of the ICJ, trust the judges of the ICJ to come to a sustainable, just solution — but that we need to put away the megaphone now.” Rassool pointed out that the South African oranges exported to the U.S. under AGOA enabled Americans to drink orange juice all year round, when Florida and California oranges were out of season. Rassool added, “Why would you want to punish America with expensive cars when the BMWs coming from South Africa are going to be much cheaper than getting them from Germany or manufacturing your own? “Likewise, to point out that American cancer patients are receiving medical nuclear isotopes that come from South Africa.” The expulsion of South Africa from AGOA would be “disastrous,” Renai Moothilal, CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component & Allied Manufacturers, wrote last year in the Business Day newspaper. “It will be no surprise if some component manufacturers close their doors. U.S.-headquartered multinational manufacturers with plants here may exit the South African country if there are volume losses linked to our exclusion from AGOA, or other forms of political pressure are brought to bear.” Observers note there are loud threats coming from himself, including a claim that he will slap a 100% import tariff on countries like South Africa if, as members of BRICS, they adopt a new currency to rival the dollar. In the other corner of the ring, South African politicians are taking a more placatory and reserved tone. The Democratic Alliance or DA is South Africa’s main opposition party. But since May, they have also been members of the government of national unity, working in a sometimes noisy coalition with President Ramaphosa’s ANC. Emma Powell, the DA’s national spokesperson for foreign affairs, told Fox News Digital that it’s likely the relationship between Pretoria and Washington “will become increasingly transactional, with greater emphasis placed on equitable reciprocity. This would contrast the Biden administration’s approach to beneficiation-based investment and development. There is also likely to be less tolerance for any action on the part of the South African government that may be perceived as undermining the national security interests of the United States.” Powell added that “the Trump administration is also likely to take a more cautious approach on AGOA eligibility.” Spector told Fox News Digital he could take home one strong positive: “The incoming U.S. president’s often-expressed support for transactional foreign economic policies may possibly be an incentive for Africa’s nations — urged on by South Africa – to come together with initiatives offering trade and market concessions in Africa to America.”