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AP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:43 p.m. ESTAston Villa denied last-gasp winner in Juventus stalemateLOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans' starting job last month. Moss made his announcement on social media Monday.
WATCH: Locals left baffled by ‘fireball’ that fell through north-east skyNEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global fantasy sports market size is estimated to grow by USD 9.72 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period. Launch of various apps for fantasy sports is driving market growth, with a trend towards use of fantasy sports for brand promotion. However, uncertain future of fantasy sports and ill effects of gaming on health poses a challenge. Key market players include APKMozo.com, Blitz Studios Inc., Dream Sports, FantasyPros.com, Fantrax, Flutter Entertainment Plc, Fox Corp., GamesKraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd., GDC Media Ltd., Head Digital Works Pvt. Ltd., i3 Interactive Inc., MyTeam11, NFL Enterprises LLC, Paramount Global, Playerzpot Media Pvt Ltd, Premier League Ltd., RealTime Fantasy Sports Inc., Sachar Gaming Pvt. Ltd., Sorare, and Yahoo. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Product (Fantasy soccer, Fantasy baseball, Fantasy basketball, Fantasy football, and Others), Platform (Mobile application and Website), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled APKMozo.com, Blitz Studios Inc., Dream Sports, FantasyPros.com, Fantrax, Flutter Entertainment Plc, Fox Corp., GamesKraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd., GDC Media Ltd., Head Digital Works Pvt. Ltd., i3 Interactive Inc., MyTeam11, NFL Enterprises LLC, Paramount Global, Playerzpot Media Pvt Ltd, Premier League Ltd., RealTime Fantasy Sports Inc., Sachar Gaming Pvt. Ltd., Sorare, and Yahoo Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Fantasy Sports Market is experiencing significant growth, with popular sports leagues and tournaments like the NFL, Premier League, IPL, and more driving fan engagement. Fantasy sports platforms are thriving in the online gaming sector, thanks to high-speed internet and mobile applications. Football, baseball, basketball, hockey, cricket, and other sports are all represented in this industry. Trends include daily fantasy contests, virtual trading, and fan interaction through social media. New technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also gaining traction. However, online gambling and sports betting remain controversial. Key players include Reignmakers and Fantasy Football, offering NFT-based games and premium subscriptions. The market is expanding into new areas like soccer, FIFA, and various other sports. The mobile application sector is booming, with secure payment methods and blockchain-based apps ensuring safety. Software engineers, data scientists, and cyber security professionals are in demand to develop user-friendly interfaces and ensure fair gameplay. Internet penetration and sports tech are driving growth, with advertising, in-app purchases, and sponsorships providing revenue streams. Despite challenges, the future looks bright for this dynamic industry. Many major brands have adopted fantasy sports as a marketing strategy. Unilever, for example, launched the Dove Men+Care fantasy football hub, offering exclusive football recommendations and advice from ESPN analysts to consumers. Toyota secured advertising space for the Yahoo fantasy football league recaps. Hilton introduced a free-entry fantasy racing contest for members of its hotel chains. These companies utilize fantasy sports to target high-income consumers aged 25 to 50 years. Global brands leverage this platform to boost their brand visibility and customer engagement. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The Fantasy Sports Market is a thriving industry that allows fans to engage with their favorite sports leagues and tournaments, such as the NFL, Premier League, IPL, and more, through fantasy sports platforms. With the rise of high-speed internet and online gaming, fans can now participate in daily fantasy contests for football, baseball, basketball, hockey, cricket, and other sports from anywhere. Fantasy sports platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, social interaction, and virtual trading. The market includes mobile applications, eSports, and even NFT-based games like Reignmakers and Fantasy Football. The online gaming business is growing, with secure payment methods, blockchain-based apps, and fantasy chatbots. However, it's important to note that illegal sports betting and online gambling are not part of this market. The market includes freemium models, in-app purchases, advertising, and premium subscriptions. The sports tech sector is driving innovation with software engineers, data scientists, and cyber security professionals. The market's growth is fueled by increasing sports viewership, sponsorships, and internet penetration. The mobile application sector, including sensor tower, plays a significant role in the market's success. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also emerging trends. The fantasy sports market experiences continuous evolution, with companies like FanDuel and DraftKings emerging as major players, generating substantial revenues. However, their business practices faced scrutiny in 2015 due to allegations of illegal gambling . This incident led regulators and lawmakers to intervene, ensuring consumer protection and fair distribution of profits. It is essential to acknowledge potential health risks associated with fantasy sports, such as gaming addiction causing physical inactivity and related health issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, migraines, sleep disturbances, and chronic back pain. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This fantasy sports market report extensively covers market segmentation by Product 1.1 Fantasy soccer 1.2 Fantasy baseball 1.3 Fantasy basketball 1.4 Fantasy football 1.5 Others Platform 2.1 Mobile application 2.2 Website Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Fantasy soccer- Fantasy soccer is a popular game where participants build teams of real-life soccer players and earn points based on their actual on-field statistics. This game involves selecting eleven players for four positions. Soccer's global appeal fuels the fantasy soccer market's growth. Notable leagues include Draft Fantasy Football, McDonald's FIFA World Cup Fantasy, Fantasy Premier League, and UEFA Champions League Fantasy Football. Players can make transfers before the season, with a cap on the number during the season. Some websites offer unlimited transfers but deduct points. Player performance determines transfer fees. The increasing viewership on various media platforms, such as the internet and mobile, is expected to boost the segment's expansion in the global fantasy sports market during the forecast period. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The Fantasy Sports Market is experiencing exponential growth, fueled by the increasing popularity of sports leagues and tournaments across the globe. NFL, Premier League, IPL, and various other leagues have a massive fan base, driving the demand for fantasy sports platforms. High-speed internet and smartphones have made online gaming more accessible than ever before. The market size is projected to expand significantly due to the rise of the Online gaming business. Secure payment methods and the integration of blockchain-based apps ensure a safe and transparent user experience. Fantasy chatbots offer personalized recommendations and real-time updates, enhancing fan engagement. However, the market faces challenges from illegal sports betting and the need for regulatory frameworks. Sports Tech is revolutionizing the industry, with software engineers and data scientists at the forefront of innovation. Baseball, Cricket, Football (rugby), Volleyball, and other sports continue to captivate audiences worldwide, fueling the growth of the Fantasy Sports Market. Internet penetration is a key factor, with more regions embracing digital platforms for sports consumption. Market Research Overview Fantasy sports market is experiencing exponential growth, fueled by the popularity of sports leagues and tournaments across the NFL, Premier League, IPL, and more. Fan engagement reaches new heights with fantasy sports platforms, enabling high-speed internet users to enjoy online gaming experiences, including eSports, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, cricket, and more. Gameplay is enhanced through user interfaces, social interaction, and daily fantasy contests, as well as virtual trading and NFT-based games like Reignmakers and Fantasy Football. The mobile application sector is a significant driver, with platforms offering mobile applications and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Online gambling and sports betting are also integral parts of the fantasy sports ecosystem. However, it's essential to maintain secure payment methods and adhere to regulations against illegal sports betting . Software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals are crucial in developing these innovative platforms, ensuring seamless user experiences and protecting against potential threats. The online gaming business continues to evolve, with freemium models, in-app purchases, advertising, and premium subscriptions driving revenue. Emerging sports like badminton, football (rugby), volleyball, and others are also gaining traction in the fantasy sports world. Internet penetration and the rise of Sports Tech have played a significant role in the market's growth. As more users access these platforms, the importance of sensor tower data and advertising opportunities increases. The future of fantasy sports lies in the integration of blockchain-based apps, fantasy chatbots, and the potential of in-app advertisements, pay-per-download, and subscription services. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product Fantasy Soccer Fantasy Baseball Fantasy Basketball Fantasy Football Others Platform Mobile Application Website Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio 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. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fantasy-sports-market-to-grow-by-usd-9-72-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-launch-of-fantasy-sports-apps-ai-driving-market-transformation---technavio-302314315.html SOURCE Technavio © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was murdered, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Israeli strikes in central Beirut kill at least 20 as diplomats push for a cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 20 people and injured dozens in central Beirut, as the once-rare attacks on the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but say obstacles still remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. After Trump's Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles WASHINGTON (AP) — During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump had hailed what would become Project 2025 as a conservative roadmap for “exactly what our movement will do." Trump pulled an about-face when Project 2025 became a political liability. He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans, even though some were written by his former aides and many allies. Now, after winning the 2024 election, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the effort he temporarily shunned. Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Trump's Republican Party is increasingly winning union voters. It's a shift seen in his labor pick WASHINGTON (AP) — Working-class voters helped Republicans make steady election gains this year and expanded a coalition that increasingly includes rank-and-file union members. It's a political shift spotlighting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor support, to be his labor secretary. Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her bid for a second term this month, despite strong backing from union members. They're a key part of the Democratic base but are gravitating in the Trump era toward a Republican Party traditionally allied with business interests. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain this weekend while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Saturday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia also began the weekend with heavy precipitation. Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan says it is suspending mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital. The government and Interior Ministry made the announcement on X, which is banned in Pakistan. Sunday's protest is to demand Khan's release. He has been in prison for more than a year but remains popular. His supporters rely heavily on social media and messaging apps to coordinate with each other. Pakistan has already sealed off Islamabad and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with Khan's power bases. Here's what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talks BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. But it’s a far-from-perfect arrangement, with many parties still unsatisfied but hopeful that the deal will be a step in the right direction. Japan holds Sado mines memorial despite South Korean boycott amid lingering historical tensions SADO, Japan (AP) — Japan has held a memorial ceremony near the Sado Island Gold Mines despite a last-minute boycott of the event by South Korea that highlighted tensions between the neighbors over the issue of Korean forced laborers at the site before and during World War II. South Korea’s absence at Sunday’s memorial, to which Seoul government officials and Korean victims’ families were invited, is a major setback in the rapidly improving ties between the two countries, which since last year have set aside their historical disputes to prioritize U.S.-led security cooperation. Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83 NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. He teamed up with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and became a full supporter Donald Trump.Aflac Incorporated to Webcast 2024 Financial Analysts Briefing
LOS ANGELES , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- There is still plenty of time to experience the Los Angeles Auto Show ® ! Open through Sunday, Dec. 1 , including Thanksgiving Day ( Nov. 28 ), visitors of all ages can enjoy special exhibits, major attractions, hundreds of new cars on display, and a thrilling range of test ride and drive opportunities at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Car enthusiasts and shoppers are invited to touch, feel and experience all new car, SUV and truck models, spanning gas, hybrid, and electric options, all in one location from 30 premium brands including Acura, Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, INEOS, Jeep, Kia, Lucid, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche DTLA, RAM, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast, Volkswagen and Volvo. Test drives and rides are the best ways to test out the latest models in a safe and stress-free environment. This year's LA Auto Show offers several indoor and outdoor test track experiences across the LA Convention Center. Included in a ticket purchase: This year's LA Auto Show offers car enthusiasts of all ages and levels of interest an experience they will never forget with the following activations: And so much more with food trucks on weekends, plenty of activities for kids and families, celebrity and sports autograph signings, luxury ride-ons, hard-to-find collectibles and something new around every corner. The Los Angeles Auto Show is open through Sunday, Dec. 1 including Thanksgiving Day. Operating hours are: Wednesday, Nov. 27 , 11AM to 7PM ; Thursday, Nov. 28 , 9AM to 4PM ; Friday, Nov. 29 - Saturday, Nov. 30 , 9AM to 10PM ; and Sunday, Dec. 1, 9AM to 6PM . Tickets Tickets for the Los Angeles Auto Show are on sale now and can be purchased online at laautoshow.com/tickets with a credit card or bank card. Stay up to date with the latest show news, updates, and information, follow the LA Auto Show on X , Facebook , Instagram , or LinkedIn and sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com . About the Los Angeles Auto Show & AutoMobility LA Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto ShowTM is recognized as one of the world's most influential automotive events. The show celebrates the enduring love that Angelenos have for their cars and offers a global platform for industry debuts, technology, and innovation. Doors are open to the public Nov. 22 – Dec. 1 and the show runs for 10 full days, including Thanksgiving Day. It is a must-attend event for prospective car buyers, industry executives, influencers, car enthusiasts, and for families wanting to enjoy an unforgettable day out during the holiday season. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the city's economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the Center. On Nov. 21 , AutoMobility LA 2024 , the show's media and industry day, included a range of groundbreaking debuts and announcements, and a conference program featuring the leading minds in automotive and technology. These experts explored the most pressing industry issues in a series of presentations and panel discussions from AutoMobility LA's main stage. Media Contacts Kat Kirsch kat@katkirsch.com Tania Weinkle tania@taniaweinkle.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/all-roads-lead-to-2024s-los-angeles-auto-show-offering-unmatched-guest-experiences-vehicle-debuts-and-special-exhibits-for-attendees-of-all-ages-302317764.html SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their . The Patriots (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss Sunday, meaning that this week’s bye in many ways will begin the process of the coaching staff and front office evaluating the roster for 2025. The good news is that this group has shown plenty of grit this season, playing seven games that were decided by one score. The bad news is that the Patriots are just 2-5 in those games. Though New England’s bye comes late in the season, coach Jerod Mayo said the timing is perfect for a team that is feeling the . “A much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future,” Mayo said. “That has to be our goal.” Tight end Austin Hooper said the seed that needs to be planted over the final four games is finding a way to limit the mistakes — namely penalties and trouble finishing drives — that have hampered the offense throughout the season. “We’ve got to execute at a higher level. We can’t beat a team before you stop hurting yourself,” Hooper said. “It’s not for lack of effort, just things that happen out there that get you scars in this league.” This was the most balanced performance by the offense this season, with 222 passing yards and a season-high 200 yards rushing. It shows progress under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which is something to build on over the final four games. Red zone efficiency. It continues to be the most glaring deficiency for the Patriots’ offense. They were 2 of 6 on Sunday and rank 30th in the NFL, scoring a touchdown only 44.7% (17 of 38) of the time inside the 20-yard line. TE Hunter Henry. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards, which is his seventh game this season with five or more receptions. He leads the team this season with 58 catches for 610 yards and continues to be a dependable option for quarterback Drake May as he navigates his rookie season. K Joey Slye. He made 3 of his 5 field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder in the second quarter. Most of the conversation following the game was about his NFL record-long 68-yard attempt that came up short as time expired. But because of the 1-point loss, he was lamenting the 25-yard attempt he missed wide left just before halftime. “I take full responsibility for this,” Slye said. “Every point for this team matters with how we play complementary football with offense, defense and special teams. So, whenever I am out there, I have got to score points.” Henry left the game in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was able to return in the second quarter and finished the game. 7 — Number of penalties called on the Patriots, costing them 88 yards. Five penalties (four accepted) were called on the offensive line. That included one for holding on Mike Onwenu that nullified a touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter and forced New England to settle for a field goal. The Patriots have a bye this week. They visit the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15. AP NFL coverage:ATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden’s for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that . That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on , who has argued that were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. “Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said on X: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said Biden “put personal interest ahead of duty” with a decision that “further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters the pardon was “an improper use of power” that erodes faith in government and “emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called the pardon “understandable” if viewed only as the “action of a loving father.” But Biden's status as “our nation's Chief Executive," the senator said, rendered the move “unwise.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump's apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP's pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. “Most people will see that Joe Biden did what was right,” Harrison said. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trump’s sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trump’s victory on Nov. 5, forcing Democrats to to the president-elect. President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trump’s victory, Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” The president’s about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 — a month after his father’s 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing , prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigor as was directed against Hunter Biden. “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in his statement. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. ... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” Associated Press journalists Will Weissert aboard Air Force One and Darlene Superville, Mary Claire Jalonick and Michael Tackett in Washington contributed to this report.
B.C. Premier David Eby is promising to seek new export opportunities for the province after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25-per-cent tariff on all Mexican and Canadian goods. British Columbia exports billions of dollars’ worth of commodities and products – coal and lumber, plastics and machinery – every month, with just over half bound for the United States. It could be worse. Canada as a whole sends three-quarters of its exports to the U.S. B.C. has less exposure to that single market thanks to a long-running policy, embraced by political parties of every stripe, of maintaining a diversified trade portfolio. “We’re going to continue to do our work to expand those trading opportunities,” Mr. Eby told reporters Wednesday. In the 1980s, B.C.’s political leaders set their economic sights on Asia, opening trade offices in Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan with the intent of reducing the province’s dependence on its dominant customer to the south. The province has bankrolled countless trade missions and now maintains 19 overseas trade offices. Yet the U.S. has consistently remained its most important trading partner over the past four decades. At best, the diversification strategy has dampened the siren call of the behemoth at its doorstep. “Canada is so privileged to be next door to this giant economic engine of the United States,” noted former B.C. premier Glen Clark in an interview. “We understand the laws there, we understand the language, we understand the people, and it’s very close, so it’s a natural.” But too much dependence on a single market – no matter how big, no matter how easy – comes with risk. Mr. Trump’s tariff threat should be a catalyst for a fresh commitment to cultivate new markets, said Mr. Clark, who led 13 trade missions to China alone during his term as premier, from 1996 to 1999. “Reviving that trade policy, only with different focus on parts of the world, makes a lot of sense as we move forward in this kind of dangerous time.” In 1987, Mike Harcourt, then the NDP opposition leader, stood up in the legislature and endorsed the Social Credit government’s early trade missions. Even as some Socred backbenchers dismissed the trips as “boondoggles,” Mr. Harcourt pressed for a more aggressive strategy. “We support those initiatives, but we’re not bold enough,” he said, insisting that the province needed to establish outposts in China and India. At the time, the Canada-U.S. softwood lumber dispute was demonstrating the ability of the U.S. to cripple the province’s forest sector. That conflict continues today – a textbook example for Canada of how U.S. protectionism can supersede good trade relations. British Columbia’s position as a trade gateway for Pacific Rim countries was already a reality before politicians tried to help. The year Mr. Harcourt was calling for trade offices in China, just 46 per cent of the province’s exports went to the United States. When he became Premier in 1991, Mr. Harcourt took the opportunity to pursue new markets aggressively. “I started talking about Vancouver being, not the last stop of the CPR railway, but the front door to Asia for Canada,” he said in an interview. But today he believes the province’s trade strategy needs an urgent update to prepare for 2025, when Mr. Trump returns to office. B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy was updated in 2023, but much has changed since. The value of softwood lumber exports has stagnated and is now rivalled by sales of machinery and equipment. Meanwhile, energy exports – especially coal – are climbing in value. Mr. Trump’s tariff threats aside, global trade relations are also more complex, particularly with China and India. The two countries are host to almost half of B.C.’s international trade offices outside the U.S. David Emerson helped steer Canada toward trade diversification. As deputy finance minister under then-Premier Bill Bennett and deputy minister to Premier Bill Vander Zalm, he crafted B.C.’s Asian Pacific trade strategy and later introduced the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative as the federal Minister of International Trade. He also was the minister who negotiated the one and only settlement on softwood lumber, in 2006. That agreement expired in 2015. Mr. Emerson says this is not a good time for British Columbia – and Canada – to face a strong protectionist leader in the U.S., because the alternatives are limited. “I do believe we need to grow market penetration in markets other than the U.S., but the greatest potential is in markets where we now have terrible relations,” he said. “Today, relations with China and India are a mess, and the great trade diversification strategy has run into serious trouble.” China is B.C.’s second-largest export destination – one that is growing in value. But Canada and China are in the midst of a trade spat. In August, Ottawa announced a 100-per-cent import tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25-per-cent tariff on steel and aluminum products from China, after the U.S. and the European Union introduced similar measures. The following month, Beijing launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of rapeseed from Canada. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump has signalled he is prepared to reignite trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which could put other trading partners in the crossfire. Canada’s relations with India soured after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last year that there were credible allegations the Indian government had links to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canada has since alleged that India’s Home Affairs Minister, Amit Shah, ordered the targeting of Sikh activists in Canada. Both countries have now expelled each other’s top diplomatic officials. Mr. Trump’s rationale for slapping tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports is to punish both countries for lax border security, allowing illegal migrants and illicit drugs to slip through into the U.S. On Wednesday, Mr. Trudeau met with the premiers to strategize and emerged with a promise to strengthen border security by pumping more money into the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP. Mr. Eby, who advocated for that investment as an answer to Mr. Trump’s complaints, said Canada should put up a united front to take on the U.S. trade threat. But in the meantime, he said, he’ll renew his government’s commitment to diversification. “This was definitely the right direction, obviously, in hindsight, and we do have to redouble those efforts, given the instability south of the border.” The decades of previous efforts have shown, however, that changing those trade patterns will be exceptionally difficult.