Virginia Beach police last week arrested a 17-year-old in the killing of another teen. Our region must act to break the cycle of violence involving our youth.wowjili me 。

* Synopsys falls after forecasting FY25 revenue below estimates * Focus on Friday's payrolls data * Indexes: Dow down 0.4%, S&P 500 off 0.1%, Nasdaq down 0.01% (Updates to afternoon trading) By Caroline Valetkevitch NEW YORK, Dec 5 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were little changed on Thursday, with technology shares easing after recent sharp gains and investors bracing for Friday's jobs report, but all three indexes remained close to the previous session's closing high. The S&P 500 technology index was down 0.3% from the record closing high on Wednesday, when both other major U.S. stock indexes also notched closing highs. Shares of UnitedHealth were down 4.7% and the stock the biggest weight on the Dow and S&P 500. On Wednesday , Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance unit, was killed outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in what police described as a targeted attack. Forecasters believe Friday's employment report will show nonfarm payrolls increased by 200,000 jobs in November, a Reuters survey showed. In October, payrolls rose 12,000, the smallest rise since December 2020. Data earlier in the day showed the number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week. Daniel Morgan, portfolio manager at Synovus Trust in Atlanta, Georgia, said investors are digesting economic data and looking ahead to Friday's employment report. "Obviously the Street is going to be trading on what the Fed is going to do," he said. "Also, there is a new administration coming in that's going to be friendly to the stock market and the economy." On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the U.S. economy is stronger now than the central bank had expected when it started cutting rates in September, and he appeared to signal support for a slower pace of reductions. Markets are pricing in about a 70% chance of a 25-bp rate cut this month, and a 30% chance of a pause. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 174.96 points, or 0.39%, to 44,839.08, the S&P 500 lost 4.55 points, or 0.07%, to 6,081.94 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 1.93 points, or 0.01%, to 19,733.18. Former U.S. President Donald Trump's win in the Nov. 5 elections helped to lift stocks in November as investors cheered his talk of tax cuts and looser regulation. Shares of Synopsys fell 12.2% after the chip design software firm forecast fiscal 2025 revenue below Wall Street expectations, in part due to a slump in China sales. Cryptocurrency and blockchain-related stocks lost steam after surging earlier in the day when bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, stormed above the $100,000 mark for the first time. MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of bitcoin, was down 3.9%. Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 1.14-to-1 ratio on the NYSE. There were 330 new highs and 65 new lows on the NYSE. On the Nasdaq, 1,592 stocks rose and 2,684 fell as declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 1.69-to-1 ratio. (Additional reporting by Shashwat Chauhan and Purvi Agarwal in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai and Maju Samuel)The Filin Sukuwa Community in Jos North Local Government Area, Thursday, expressed dismay over the halting of construction of a primary school in their locality by the Chairman of the local council, John Kyohroh Christopher. Malam Rabiu Isyaka, a residents of the community, told journalists that while they were pleased with the construction of the only primary school, initiated by their representative at the Plateau State House of Assembly, the directive by the LGC chairman to halt the work was disappointing. The Council’s Assistant Chief Information Officer, Philip Eplong, in a statement said the council chairman, John Kyohroh Christopher, had issued a; “stern warning to individuals and organisations constructing structures on the council’s land (Filin Sukuwa) at Pama Motor Adjacent Bauchi Junction to immediately halt further development.” However, residents of the community argued that the chairman’s actions were detrimental to their overriding public interest. “We are a community with a vast population, without a single public primary school. Our leaders sought the support of the member representing us at the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Adamu Aliyu, to help build the school on the land allocated to the community by the state government. “Unfortunately, the new LGC chairman, rather than supporting the work, has halted its construction,” Malam Rabiu Isyaka explained. He emphasised that the halting of the building was unjustifiable and urged the council chairman to reconsider his stance, “if he truly supports the overall development of all communities within Jos North LGA.” Another resident, Abdullahi Usman, pointed out that they acquired the land through lawful means, and there was a supporting court order in favour of the community. “We have yet to see or hear any court order directing the stoppage of the building of a public primary school or any other important project that would develop our community. “We are indeed surprised to hear that the LGC chairman has ordered the stoppage, and we see his action as detrimental to the overriding public interest. We call on him to consider the pressing needs of the school for the entire population of surrounding communities, not just ours,” he said.Syria’s prime minister said that most cabinet ministers were back at work on Monday after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad. However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.Stock market today: Wall Street drifts lower after weak signals on the economy

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump was on the verge of backing a 16-week federal abortion ban earlier this year when aides staged an intervention. According to Time magazine's cover story on his selection as its 2024 Person of the Year, Trump's aides first raised concerns in mid-March that the abortion cutoff being pushed by some allies would be stricter than existing law in numerous states. It was seen as a potential political liability amid ongoing fallout over the overturning of Roe v. Wade by a conservative majority on the Supreme Court that includes three justices nominated by Trump in his first term. Trump political director James Blair went to work assembling a slide deck — eventually titled “How a national abortion ban will cost Trump the election" — that argued a 16-week ban would hurt the Republican candidate in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, the magazine reported. “After flipping through Blair’s presentation" on a flight to a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in April, Trump dropped the idea, according to the report. "So we leave it to the states, right?" Trump was quoted as saying. He soon released a video articulating that position. At the time, Trump’s campaign denied that he was considering supporting the 16-week ban, calling it “fake news” and saying Trump planned to “negotiate a deal” on abortion if elected to the White House. Here are other highlights from the story and the president-elect's 65-minute interview with the magazine: Trump reaffirmed his plans to pardon most of those convicted for their actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. “It’s going to start in the first hour,” he said of the pardons. “Maybe the first nine minutes.” Trump said he would look at individuals on a “case-by-case" basis, but that “a vast majority of them should not be in jail.” More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot that left more than 100 police officers injured and sent lawmakers running into hiding as they met to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory . More than 1,000 defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial of charges, including misdemeanor trespassing offenses, assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy. Trump insisted he has the authority to use the military to assist with his promised mass deportations , even though, as his interviewers noted, the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. “It doesn’t stop the military if it’s an invasion of our country, and I consider it an invasion of our country," he said. “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows. And I think in many cases, the sheriffs and law enforcement is going to need help." Trump did not deny that camps would be needed to hold detained migrants as they are processed for deportation. “Whatever it takes to get them out. I don’t care," he said. “I hope we’re not going to need too many because I want to get them out and I don’t want them sitting in camp for the next 20 years.” Trump told Time he does not plan to restore the policy of separating children from their families to deter border crossings, but he did not rule it out. The practice led to thousands of children being separated from their parents and was condemned around the globe as inhumane. “I don’t believe we’ll have to because we will send the whole family back,” he said. “I would much rather deport them together, yes, than separate.” Trump dismissed the idea that Elon Musk will face conflicts of interest as he takes the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency , an advisory group that Trump has selected him to lead. The panel is supposed to find waste and cut regulations, including many that could affect Musk's wide-ranging interests , which include electric cars, rockets and telecommunications. “I don’t think so," Trump said. “I think that Elon puts the country long before his company. ... He considers this to be his most important project." Trump lowered expectations about his ability to drive down grocery prices. “I’d like to bring them down. It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard. But I think that they will,” he said. Trump said he is planning “a virtual closure" of the "Department of Education in Washington.” “You’re going to need some people just to make sure they’re teaching English in the schools," he said. “But we want to move education back to the states.” Yet Trump has proposed exerting enormous influence over schools. He has threatened to cut funding for schools with vaccine mandates while forcing them to “teach students to love their country" and promote “the nuclear family,” including “the roles of mothers and fathers” and the “things that make men and women different and unique.” Asked to clarify whether he was committed to preventing the Food and Drug Administration from stripping access to abortion pills , Trump replied, “It’s always been my commitment.” But Trump has offered numerous conflicting stances on the issue, including to Time. Earlier in the interview, he was asked whether he would promise that his FDA would not do anything to limit access to medication abortion or abortion pills. "We’re going to take a look at all of that,” he said, before calling the prospect “very unlikely.” “Look, I’ve stated it very clearly and I just stated it again very clearly. I think it would be highly unlikely. I can’t imagine, but with, you know, we’re looking at everything, but highly unlikely. I guess I could say probably as close to ruling it out as possible, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to do anything now.” Pressed on whether he would abandon Ukraine in its efforts to stave off Russia's invasion , Trump said he would use U.S. support for Kyiv as leverage against Moscow in negotiating an end to the war. “I want to reach an agreement,” he said, “and the only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon.” Trump would not commit to supporting a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel, as he had previously. “I support whatever solution we can do to get peace," he said. "There are other ideas other than two state, but I support whatever, whatever is necessary to get not just peace, a lasting peace. It can’t go on where every five years you end up in tragedy. There are other alternatives.” Asked whether he trusted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , he told Time: “I don’t trust anybody.” Trump would not rule out the possibility of war with Iran during his second term. “Anything can happen. It’s a very volatile situation," he said. Asked if he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since the Nov. 5 election, Trump continued to play coy: "I can’t tell you. It’s just inappropriate.” Trump insisted that his bid to install Matt Gaetz as attorney general ”wasn’t blocked. I had the votes (in the Senate) if I needed them, but I had to work very hard.” When the scope of resistance to the former Republican congressman from Florida became clear, Trump said, “I talked to him, and I said, ‘You know, Matt, I don’t think this is worth the fight.'" Gaetz pulled out amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations, and Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the Cabinet post. Trump, who has named anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, did not rule out the possibility of eliminating some childhood vaccinations even though they have been proved safe in extensive studies and real world use in hundreds of millions of people over decades and are considered among the most effective public health measures in modern history. Pressed on whether “getting rid of some vaccinations” — neither Trump nor the interviewers specified which ones — might be part of the plan to improve the health of the country, Trump responded: “It could if I think it’s dangerous, if I think they are not beneficial, but I don’t think it’s going to be very controversial in the end.” “I think there could be, yeah," Trump said of the prospect of others in his family continuing in his footsteps. He pointed to daughter-in-law Lara Trump , who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and is now being talked about as a potential replacement for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, whom Trump has chosen for secretary of state. Trump said the former and soon-to-be first lady Melania Trump will be joining him at the White House during second term and will "be active, when she needs to be.” “Oh yes,” he said. “She’s very beloved by the people, Melania. And they like the fact that she’s not out there in your face all the time for many reasons.”

One Liberty Properties Announces 128th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend

GLEN ALLEN, Va. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (NYSE: HBB) (the Company) today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.115 per share. The dividend is payable on both the Class A and Class B Common Stock and will be paid December 13, 2024 , to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024 . About Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company is a leading designer, marketer, and distributor of a wide range of branded small electric household and specialty housewares appliances, as well as commercial products for restaurants, fast food chains, bars, and hotels. The Company's owned consumer brands include Hamilton Beach ® , Proctor Silex ® , Hamilton Beach Professional ® , Weston ® , and TrueAir ® . The Company's owned commercial brands include Hamilton Beach Commercial ® and Proctor Silex Commercial ® . The Company licenses the brands for Wolf Gourmet ® countertop appliances, CHI ® premium garment care products, CloroxTM True HEPA air purifiers, and Brita HubTM countertop electric water filtration appliances. The Company has exclusive multiyear agreements to design, sell, market, and distribute Bartesian ® cocktail makers and Numilk ® plant-based milk makers. The Company's Hamilton Beach Health subsidiary is focused on expanding the Company's participation in the home health market. In February 2024 , Hamilton Beach Health acquired HealthBeacon, a medical technology firm that specializes in developing connected devices. For more information about Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, visit www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hamilton-beach-brands-holding-company-declares-quarterly-dividend-302313651.html SOURCE Hamilton Beach Brands Holding CompanySuspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing charged with murder in New York, court records show

How COP29 outcome may impact countries most affected by climate changeElon Musk aimed at bending the universe

(The Center Square) – Adoption of institutional neutrality is supported by better than 6 in 10 tenured and nontenured faculty at the University of North Carolina, Wake Forest University and Duke University, a report says. Nationally, 66% of faculty say “colleges and universities should not take positions on political and social issues,” says Silence in the Classroom, the 2024 FIRE Faculty Survey Report. At Duke, the percentage is 71%, at Carolina 65%, and at Wake 64%. Higher education is facing mounting challenges, from the costs to the positions it favors. Silencing students or faculty has drawn sharp criticism from Capitol Hill to every corner of the nation sending people to the ballot box. Carolina, established in 1789, is the nation’s oldest public university. It also earlier this year became embattled in free speech controversy tied to the war between Hamas and Israel. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression , as FIRE is more formally known, is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization billing itself as “defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought.” Surveys on topics related to free expression and academic freedom were made of 6,269 tenured, tenure-track and nontenure faculty at 55 four-year colleges and universities in America. In North Carolina, the sampling was of 145 at Carolina, 80 at Duke, and 55 at Wake Forest. For each campus, respondents said the top “difficult issue to discuss” is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Asked for top three issues, the Middle East saga was 79% at Carolina, 71% at Wake Forest and 68% at Duke. Each campus was split on the second and third choices. At Duke, 57% said affirmative action and 51% transgender rights. At Carolina, 54% said affirmative action and 53% racial inequality. And at Wake, 63% said racial inequality and 55% transgender rights. All were talking points of various candidates, particularly the presidential race, in the election cycle climaxing last month. In response to faculty feeling “they could not express their opinion because of how others would respond,” the choices of “occasionally,” “fairly often” and “very often” drew a combined 69% at Wake Forest, 69% at Duke and 67% at Carolina. Fairly often and very often were 35% at Duke. Statements pledging commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rarely or never justified of faculty job candidates, said 61% at Duke, 44% at Carolina and 42% at Wake Forest. Nationally, the response was 50%. Academic freedom leaned more toward secure than not at all three institutions on a split of about 60%-40%. As for faculty feeling a need to “hide their political beliefs from other faculty in an attempt to keep their job,” answers of “never” were chosen by 43% at Duke, 42% at Carolina and 36% at Wake Forest. Among the national findings of the FIRE survey: • More faculty (35%) than during the McCarthy era (9%) say they toned down their writing for fear of controversy. • Threats of discipline for teaching, research, academic talks or other off-campus speech was incurred by 14%. • Faculty feeling unable to speak freely for fear of how others would respond was 27%. • Fear of damaged reputations because of misunderstandings with something said or done was 40%. • Fear of losing jobs because of misunderstandings with something said or done was 23%.12 Information Technology Stocks Moving In Thursday's Pre-Market Session

Juan Soto introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15-year deal NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. He said at his introductory news conference on Thursday that the Mets “showed me a lot of love." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, Soto was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.” Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Hojlund scores twice for Man United to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in Europa League, Tottenham held 1-1 Rasmus Hojlund scored twice after coming off the bench and Manchester United rallied to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League. The Denmark striker netted in the 88th minute after collecting Bruno Fernandes’ pass off a free kick to seal the victory. Hojlund came on in the 56th and scored an equalizer six minutes later. Totenham was held 1-1 at Rangers and Lazio tops the standings after a 3-1 win at Ajax. In the Conference League a youthful Chelsea lineup made the most of a long trip to Kazakhstan by beating Astana 3-1 to stay perfect in the third-tier competition. NFL world reacts with excitement, surprise, questions after Bill Belichick is hired to coach UNC Bill Belichick is already the most decorated coach in NFL history. His next challenge is college football after he agreed to a five-year deal to coach at North Carolina. The reaction around the NFL ranged from excitement at seeing him back on the sideline to disbelief. Some of his former players believe his skill set will work at any level. Others caution that the players he brings into UNC should prepare to have their limits tested.Freudenberg strengthens commitment to India with new product launches at CPhI & PMEC 2024

Illinois better prepared for recession than in 2007 or 2020, study finds (copy)SAN DIEGO, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired ASP Isotopes Inc. ASPI securities between October 30, 2024 and November 26, 2024. ASP Isotopes is a development stage advanced materials company focused on the production, enrichment, and sale of isotopes. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that ASP Isotopes Inc. (ASPI) Misled Investors Regarding its Uranium Enrichment Technology and Facility According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that the Company: (1) overstated the potential effectiveness of its enrichment technology; (2) overstated the development potential of its high assay low-enriched uranium facility; and (3) overstated the Company's nuclear fuels operating segment results. Plaintiff alleges that on November 26, 2024, market research firm Fuzzy Panda Research published a report that alleged the Company is "using old, disregarded laser enrichment technology to masquerade as a new, cutting-edge Uranium enrichment." The report revealed a series of experts interviewed stated the Company's reported cost estimates and timeline for building its HALEU uranium facilities was misleading to the point of being "delusional." The report further alleged the Company had significantly overstated the significance of its agreement with TerraPower, which was only a "non-binding" memorandum of understanding entered into to "put pressure on [TerraPower's] real suppliers." The report quoted a former TerraPower executives as stating that ASP Isotopes was "missing the manufacturing; They are missing the processes as well; They still have to develop the HALEU...the most important part." On this news, the Company's stock price fell $1.80 or 23.53%, to close at $5.85 per share on November 26, 2024, and continued to fall on the subsequent trading date, falling $0.83 or 14.19%, to close at $5.02 per share on November 27, 2024. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against ASP Isotopes Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by February 3, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against ASP Isotopes Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact: Aaron Dumas, Jr. Robbins LLP 5060 Shoreham Pl., Ste. 300 San Diego, CA 92122 adumas@robbinsllp.com (800) 350-6003 www.robbinsllp.com https://www.facebook.com/RobbinsLLP/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/robbins-llp/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af960bd5-1ae2-4ed3-afe3-591b09ab920b © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

MOSCA, Colorado — A handmade sign at the start of a long dirt road in the rural San Luis Valley indicates to visitors that they’ve arrived at the future site of Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa . The peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains barely make a dent in the big blue skies above the 40 acres purchased by founder and CEO Gamal Jadue Zalaquett. He aims to transform the land into a resort featuring 20 villas, a spa, a restaurant and a planetarium. “It’s a place of alignment. Kosmos is a place of connection,” Jadue Zalaquett said. “Kosmos, in a way, is a place to heal, and the San Luis Valley has a lot to do with healing.” He bought the property for $11,000 in December 2020. But with glass domes for stargazing and expensive price tags to stay the night, Jadue Zalaquett’s ambitious brainchild falls snugly into the category of “luxury ecotourism.” His site is an ideal spot for admiring constellations and distant galaxies. According to the National Park Service, the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is considered an International Dark Sky Park. Jadue Zalaquett said the area is a class two location on the Bortle dark-sky scale, which translates to “ truly dark ” skies. The resort’s planetarium will include a 1-meter telescope. In terms of getting visitors to Kosmos, “that’s gonna be the biggest attractor,” Jadue Zalaquett said. Development is still in the early stages, but it’s already garnering attention from the public: More than 12,000 Instagram users follow the resort’s page where project renderings and updates are shared. Kosmos plans to open its first villa early next year, said marketing operations manager Jennifer Geerlings. Although it’s still under construction, the resort has already booked more than 2,000 reservations, she added. “A lot of it, for some people, is the excitement of being the first to be able to stay in an experience like this,” Geerlings said in a phone interview. “There’s really no other resort that’s doing this.” While Jadue Zalaquett put about $500,000 toward getting the project off the ground, a crowdfunding campaign raised $1.9 million, Geerlings said. Donors paid a one-time fee to receive 50% discounts off their reservations for early 2025. So instead of paying the usual $700 nightly rate, they booked at $350 per night, Geerlings said. And after the campaign’s end, people continued to contribute directly via Stripe, which put total revenue from crowdfunding at more than $2 million, Jadue Zalaquett added. So why is it worth it to stay at Kosmos? For Geerlings, the answer is a combination of the villas — with their jacuzzis nestled in glass domes under the stars — and amenities like the planetarium. “You’re able to experience some of the best stargazing. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye,” Geerlings said. “A planetarium is something that’s never been at a resort before.” In November, director of field operations Auston Duncan stepped over sagebrush and loose hardware to outline the state of construction on the project. An unfinished villa offered a hint of what’s to come. The rectangular building with exposed wooden rafters and newly-installed glass sliding doors will soon house a bedroom and a bathroom. Jeremy Stephen, the founder of Steamboat Springs-based Evolve Construction , built the villa out of hempcrete , which is made of hemp, water and lime. It works as an eco-friendly insulator, helping to mitigate heating and cooling costs and lending itself to the vision of Kosmos as a resort with sustainability in mind. On one side of the villa, a hot tub will be installed. On the other, a dome made out of glass and wood from Ekodome will cover the kitchen and loft area. The development will occur in phases. Next year, 16 stargazing villas (which hold up to four guests) and 4 galaxy villas (which hold up to eight guests) will be constructed, Geerlings said. Every stay includes an hour of a guided stargazing experience and telescope training. In 2026, the amenities will be built out. Those include the Mediterranean-style restaurant and the wellness center with spa features like hyperbaric chambers, a sauna and a cold plunge. In 2027, the planetarium will be added to the resort. To ensure dark skies, guests will park their cars and use electric golf carts to navigate the resort, Jadue Zalaquett said. He mentioned that discussions with consultants on the stargazing center included a NASA representative, who was interested in hosting a mission workshop at Kosmos next year. Both the planetarium and the spa will be open to the public, Geerlings added. All in all, it’s a bold plan. And Kosmos is looking to hire to make it happen. Right now, the business is in search of employees to lead their stargazing experiences. So far, it’s recruited a former Great Sand Dunes ranger, Geerlings said. The team is considering college students from Adams State University in Alamosa as interns. Kosmos will also need to staff resort operations, including housekeeping, security and front desk workers. “We’re gonna try and hire pretty much everyone locally,” Geerlings said. For Jadue Zalaquett, taking on an endeavor like this runs in his blood. He currently lives between Alamosa and Boulder, but Jadue Zalaquett was born in Chile and grew up in Miami. When his family migrated to Chile, they ran hotels. Several paternal relatives work as architects. However, Jadue Zalaquett didn’t initially follow the family business. Instead, he worked in technology startups for almost a decade. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he visited the San Luis Valley. He realized that, although the Great Sand Dunes were located less than a half hour away, tourists could only choose from a few lodging options. So came the idea for Kosmos. And “here I am, back at my roots,” Jadue Zalaquett said.Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is due to release on 31st January 2025. The sequel to the sci-fi dice-driven RPG will release across PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on this date, and will be available day one on Game Pass. For a taste of what's to come, developer Jump Over The Age is bringing back the Hexport demo for the game, which was previously released for a limited time during Steam Next Fest. It will be playable once again from today until 8th December. The first Citizen Sleeper , released in 2022, won multiple awards and was nominated for four BAFTAs including British Game and Game for Impact. It's a phenomenal tabletop-inspired game, exploring political themes with evocative writing and a beautiful electronic score. The sequel, announced in June 2023 , will stick to a similar template to the first as it follows a new Sleeper android protagonist out in the stars and uses the same dice-throwing mechanics. Creator Gareth Damian Martin stated the central theme was "crisis", with the pandemic and invasion of Ukraine being influential. Eurogamer's Katharine Castle went hands-on with Citizen Sleeper 2 earlier this year. "There may be a different set of machines powering this ambitious RPG, but deep down, it still has the same gooey, human heart we know and love," she wrote.

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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift having been going quite strong for the last few months, and the couple have been seen in public multiple times. Moreover, their chemistry also appears quite good whenever they are seen on social media posts or in public, for that matter. However, if there is one thing that is driving both celebs' fans crazy is the fact that the couple are this far from getting engaged but there are still no definitive reports about someone actually popping the question, or proposing. Swift and Kelce fans excited after Josh Allen's engagement Moreover, now that Buffalo Bills quarterback Allen announced his engagement to pop star Hailee Steinfeld, Swifties took up this opportunity to urge Swift and Kelce to propose, through their tons of post on social media. Allen and Steinfeld are now the latest couple to get engaged, with the onus now on Kelce and Swift to get ahead in this race, as fans of theirs, a getting overexcited now. Moreover, Kelce congratulated the Allen-Steinfeld duo on social media, where the newly-engaged coupled shared a collaborated post. This excited fans even more, who began asking right away when the couple were planning on tying the knot, or proposing to each other. FAQs: Who is Josh Allen? Josh Allen is an American professional football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected seventh overall by the Bills in the 2018 NFL draft. Who is Travis Kelce dating? Travis Kelce is currently dating Taylor Swift, a popular pop star and singer from America. Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )The novichok poisonings were the result of an “abject failure” by the British government to protect Sergei Skripal and the wider public, an inquiry has been told. The nerve agent attack in 2018, which left one person dead, several severely ill and more than 80 in hospital, was described as “preventable” because the authorities did not set up basic security measures to safeguard the former Russian spy. Vladimir Putin’s henchmen are said to have had “alarming access” to Skripal, allowing them to launch a reckless assassination attempt that put other members of the public in danger. • ‘Putin authorised this’ — untold story of the Salisbury poisonings On the final day of public hearings into the death of Dawn Sturgess , who was exposed to

Police are seeking public help to locate an elderly man living with dementia missing from Splitters Creek. or signup to continue reading Ian Spencer, 84, was last seen on a property at Splitters Creek about 4pm on Saturday, December 7. When he could not be located or contacted, police commenced a search. His family and police hold serious concerns for his welfare due to his medical condition. Ian is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 183cm tall, with a thin build and short grey hair. He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt and light pink pants. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call Albury Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In other news, a North East couple who escaped the big smoke for a tree change Also, on East Street, East Albury. Layton is a journalist at The Border Mail. He is interested in profiles, features, and hard news. If you have a story please reach out to him at layton.holley@austcommunitymedia.com.au Layton is a journalist at The Border Mail. He is interested in profiles, features, and hard news. If you have a story please reach out to him at layton.holley@austcommunitymedia.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementJimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’

PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Newly married and sworn as a Naval officer, Jimmy Carter left his tiny hometown in 1946 hoping to climb the ranks and see the world. Less than a decade later, the death of his father and namesake, a merchant farmer and local politician who went by “Mr. Earl,” prompted the submariner and his wife, Rosalynn, to return to the rural life of Plains, Georgia, they thought they’d escaped. The lieutenant never would be an admiral. Instead, he became commander in chief. Years after his presidency ended in humbling defeat, he would add a Nobel Peace Prize, awarded not for his White House accomplishments but “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” The life of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, ended Sunday at the age of 100 where it began: Plains, the town of 600 that fueled his political rise, welcomed him after his fall and sustained him during 40 years of service that redefined what it means to be a former president. With the stubborn confidence of an engineer and an optimism rooted in his Baptist faith, Carter described his motivations in politics and beyond in the same way: an almost missionary zeal to solve problems and improve lives. Carter was raised amid racism, abject poverty and hard rural living — realities that shaped both his deliberate politics and emphasis on human rights. “He always felt a responsibility to help people,” said Jill Stuckey, a longtime friend of Carter's in Plains. “And when he couldn’t make change wherever he was, he decided he had to go higher.” Carter's path, a mix of happenstance and calculation , pitted moral imperatives against political pragmatism; and it defied typical labels of American politics, especially caricatures of one-term presidents as failures. “We shouldn’t judge presidents by how popular they are in their day. That's a very narrow way of assessing them," Carter biographer Jonathan Alter told the Associated Press. “We should judge them by how they changed the country and the world for the better. On that score, Jimmy Carter is not in the first rank of American presidents, but he stands up quite well.” Later in life, Carter conceded that many Americans, even those too young to remember his tenure, judged him ineffective for failing to contain inflation or interest rates, end the energy crisis or quickly bring home American hostages in Iran. He gained admirers instead for his work at The Carter Center — advocating globally for public health, human rights and democracy since 1982 — and the decades he and Rosalynn wore hardhats and swung hammers with Habitat for Humanity. Yet the common view that he was better after the Oval Office than in it annoyed Carter, and his allies relished him living long enough to see historians reassess his presidency. “He doesn’t quite fit in today’s terms” of a left-right, red-blue scoreboard, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who visited the former president multiple times during his own White House bid. At various points in his political career, Carter labeled himself “progressive” or “conservative” — sometimes both at once. His most ambitious health care bill failed — perhaps one of his biggest legislative disappointments — because it didn’t go far enough to suit liberals. Republicans, especially after his 1980 defeat, cast him as a left-wing cartoon. It would be easiest to classify Carter as a centrist, Buttigieg said, “but there’s also something radical about the depth of his commitment to looking after those who are left out of society and out of the economy.” Indeed, Carter’s legacy is stitched with complexities, contradictions and evolutions — personal and political. The self-styled peacemaker was a war-trained Naval Academy graduate who promised Democratic challenger Ted Kennedy that he’d “kick his ass.” But he campaigned with a call to treat everyone with “respect and compassion and with love.” Carter vowed to restore America’s virtue after the shame of Vietnam and Watergate, and his technocratic, good-government approach didn't suit Republicans who tagged government itself as the problem. It also sometimes put Carter at odds with fellow Democrats. The result still was a notable legislative record, with wins on the environment, education, and mental health care. He dramatically expanded federally protected lands, began deregulating air travel, railroads and trucking, and he put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy. As a fiscal hawk, Carter added a relative pittance to the national debt, unlike successors from both parties. Carter nonetheless struggled to make his achievements resonate with the electorate he charmed in 1976. Quoting Bob Dylan and grinning enthusiastically, he had promised voters he would “never tell a lie.” Once in Washington, though, he led like a joyless engineer, insisting his ideas would become reality and he'd be rewarded politically if only he could convince enough people with facts and logic. This served him well at Camp David, where he brokered peace between Israel’s Menachem Begin and Epypt’s Anwar Sadat, an experience that later sparked the idea of The Carter Center in Atlanta. Carter's tenacity helped the center grow to a global force that monitored elections across five continents, enabled his freelance diplomacy and sent public health experts across the developing world. The center’s wins were personal for Carter, who hoped to outlive the last Guinea worm parasite, and nearly did. As president, though, the approach fell short when he urged consumers beleaguered by energy costs to turn down their thermostats. Or when he tried to be the nation’s cheerleader, beseeching Americans to overcome a collective “crisis of confidence.” Republican Ronald Reagan exploited Carter's lecturing tone with a belittling quip in their lone 1980 debate. “There you go again,” the former Hollywood actor said in response to a wonky answer from the sitting president. “The Great Communicator” outpaced Carter in all but six states. Carter later suggested he “tried to do too much, too soon” and mused that he was incompatible with Washington culture: media figures, lobbyists and Georgetown social elites who looked down on the Georgians and their inner circle as “country come to town.” Carter carefully navigated divides on race and class on his way to the Oval Office. Born Oct. 1, 1924 , Carter was raised in the mostly Black community of Archery, just outside Plains, by a progressive mother and white supremacist father. Their home had no running water or electricity but the future president still grew up with the relative advantages of a locally prominent, land-owning family in a system of Jim Crow segregation. He wrote of President Franklin Roosevelt’s towering presence and his family’s Democratic Party roots, but his father soured on FDR, and Jimmy Carter never campaigned or governed as a New Deal liberal. He offered himself as a small-town peanut farmer with an understated style, carrying his own luggage, bunking with supporters during his first presidential campaign and always using his nickname. And he began his political career in a whites-only Democratic Party. As private citizens, he and Rosalynn supported integration as early as the 1950s and believed it inevitable. Carter refused to join the White Citizens Council in Plains and spoke out in his Baptist church against denying Black people access to worship services. “This is not my house; this is not your house,” he said in a churchwide meeting, reminding fellow parishioners their sanctuary belonged to God. Yet as the appointed chairman of Sumter County schools he never pushed to desegregate, thinking it impractical after the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board decision. And while presidential candidate Carter would hail the 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by fellow Democrat Lyndon Johnson when Carter was a state senator, there is no record of Carter publicly supporting it at the time. Carter overcame a ballot-stuffing opponent to win his legislative seat, then lost the 1966 governor's race to an arch-segregationist. He won four years later by avoiding explicit mentions of race and campaigning to the right of his rival, who he mocked as “Cufflinks Carl” — the insult of an ascendant politician who never saw himself as part the establishment. Carter’s rural and small-town coalition in 1970 would match any victorious Republican electoral map in 2024. Once elected, though, Carter shocked his white conservative supporters — and landed on the cover of Time magazine — by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Before making the jump to Washington, Carter befriended the family of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., whom he’d never sought out as he eyed the governor’s office. Carter lamented his foot-dragging on school integration as a “mistake.” But he also met, conspicuously, with Alabama's segregationist Gov. George Wallace to accept his primary rival's endorsement ahead of the 1976 Democratic convention. “He very shrewdly took advantage of his own Southerness,” said Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee professor and expert on Carter’s campaigns. A coalition of Black voters and white moderate Democrats ultimately made Carter the last Democratic presidential nominee to sweep the Deep South. Then, just as he did in Georgia, he used his power in office to appoint more non-whites than all his predecessors had, combined. He once acknowledged “the secret shame” of white Americans who didn’t fight segregation. But he also told Alter that doing more would have sacrificed his political viability – and thus everything he accomplished in office and after. King's daughter, Bernice King, described Carter as wisely “strategic” in winning higher offices to enact change. “He was a leader of conscience,” she said in an interview. Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19 at the age of 96, was identified by both husband and wife as the “more political” of the pair; she sat in on Cabinet meetings and urged him to postpone certain priorities, like pressing the Senate to relinquish control of the Panama Canal. “Let that go until the second term,” she would sometimes say. The president, recalled her former aide Kathy Cade, retorted that he was “going to do what’s right” even if “it might cut short the time I have.” Rosalynn held firm, Cade said: “She’d remind him you have to win to govern.” Carter also was the first president to appoint multiple women as Cabinet officers. Yet by his own telling, his career sprouted from chauvinism in the Carters' early marriage: He did not consult Rosalynn when deciding to move back to Plains in 1953 or before launching his state Senate bid a decade later. Many years later, he called it “inconceivable” that he didn’t confer with the woman he described as his “full partner,” at home, in government and at The Carter Center. “We developed a partnership when we were working in the farm supply business, and it continued when Jimmy got involved in politics,” Rosalynn Carter told AP in 2021. So deep was their trust that when Carter remained tethered to the White House in 1980 as 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran, it was Rosalynn who campaigned on her husband’s behalf. “I just loved it,” she said, despite the bitterness of defeat. Fair or not, the label of a disastrous presidency had leading Democrats keep their distance, at least publicly, for many years, but Carter managed to remain relevant, writing books and weighing in on societal challenges. He lamented widening wealth gaps and the influence of money in politics. He voted for democratic socialist Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in 2016, and later declared that America had devolved from fully functioning democracy to “oligarchy.” Yet looking ahead to 2020, with Sanders running again, Carter warned Democrats not to “move to a very liberal program,” lest they help re-elect President Donald Trump. Carter scolded the Republican for his serial lies and threats to democracy, and chided the U.S. establishment for misunderstanding Trump’s populist appeal. He delighted in yearly convocations with Emory University freshmen, often asking them to guess how much he’d raised in his two general election campaigns. “Zero,” he’d gesture with a smile, explaining the public financing system candidates now avoid so they can raise billions. Carter still remained quite practical in partnering with wealthy corporations and foundations to advance Carter Center programs. Carter recognized that economic woes and the Iran crisis doomed his presidency, but offered no apologies for appointing Paul Volcker as the Federal Reserve chairman whose interest rate hikes would not curb inflation until Reagan's presidency. He was proud of getting all the hostages home without starting a shooting war, even though Tehran would not free them until Reagan's Inauguration Day. “Carter didn’t look at it” as a failure, Alter emphasized. “He said, ‘They came home safely.’ And that’s what he wanted.” Well into their 90s, the Carters greeted visitors at Plains’ Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and where he will have his last funeral before being buried on family property alongside Rosalynn . Carter, who made the congregation’s collection plates in his woodworking shop, still garnered headlines there, calling for women’s rights within religious institutions, many of which, he said, “subjugate” women in church and society. Carter was not one to dwell on regrets. “I am at peace with the accomplishments, regret the unrealized goals and utilize my former political position to enhance everything we do,” he wrote around his 90th birthday. The politician who had supposedly hated Washington politics also enjoyed hosting Democratic presidential contenders as public pilgrimages to Plains became advantageous again. Carter sat with Buttigieg for the final time March 1, 2020, hours before the Indiana mayor ended his campaign and endorsed eventual winner Joe Biden. “He asked me how I thought the campaign was going,” Buttigieg said, recalling that Carter flashed his signature grin and nodded along as the young candidate, born a year after Carter left office, “put the best face” on the walloping he endured the day before in South Carolina. Never breaking his smile, the 95-year-old host fired back, “I think you ought to drop out.” “So matter of fact,” Buttigieg said with a laugh. “It was somehow encouraging.” Carter had lived enough, won plenty and lost enough to take the long view. “He talked a lot about coming from nowhere,” Buttigieg said, not just to attain the presidency but to leverage “all of the instruments you have in life” and “make the world more peaceful.” In his farewell address as president, Carter said as much to the country that had embraced and rejected him. “The struggle for human rights overrides all differences of color, nation or language,” he declared. “Those who hunger for freedom, who thirst for human dignity and who suffer for the sake of justice — they are the patriots of this cause.” Carter pledged to remain engaged with and for them as he returned “home to the South where I was born and raised,” home to Plains, where that young lieutenant had indeed become “a fellow citizen of the world.” —- Bill Barrow, based in Atlanta, has covered national politics including multiple presidential campaigns for the AP since 2012.NoneKylian Mbappe’s spot-kick woe goes on as Real Madrid lose at Athletic Bilbao

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PULLMAN — In a matter of hours, Washington State lost both its coordinators. Cougars offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle is leaving for the same job at SEC school Oklahoma, according to multiple reports, which comes hours after the school announced it’s parting ways with defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding . Arbuckle coached two seasons at WSU, which finished the regular season No. 12 nationally in scoring offense, putting up 37 points per game. The Cougars averaged 269 passing yards per game, No. 24 nationally, and 172 rushing yards per game, No. 55. Quarterback John Mateer leads the country with 44 total touchdowns, including 29 through the air and 15 on the ground. Arbuckle, 29, came to WSU by way of Western Kentucky , where he worked two seasons, one as an offensive quality control coach and the second as co-offensive coordinator and QBs coach. At 27, he was the youngest Power Five offensive coordinator in the country when he was hired by WSU in January 2023. In Arbuckle’s offense this season, senior receiver Kyle Williams cleared the 1,000-yard receiving mark, becoming the first WSU receiver to do so since Brandon Arconado in 2019. Transfer receiver Kris Hutson also piled up 683 yards and two scores on 54 catches. In recent games, though, Arbuckle and the Cougars’ offense scuffled at times. In WSU’s 15-14 loss to Wyoming last weekend, the Cougs didn’t score in the second half, recording just 57 yards of offense in the second half. Thanks to a late fumble against Oregon State, WSU missed a chance to tie that game up, and the Cougars were prone to third-quarter lulls, especially away from home. In fact, when Williams scored on a long touchdown reception against Oregon State on Nov. 23, it was WSU’s first third-quarter touchdown away from home since a win over Washington on Sept. 14. It underscores a bit of inconsistency that the Cougs’ offense couldn’t shake this season, particularly in road games. But Arbuckle and WSU’s offense also racked up 70 points against FCS Portland State, 37 against Texas Tech, 54 in a double-overtime win over San Jose State, 42 against Hawaii and 49 against Utah State. The Cougs played eight Mountain West schools this season as part of a Pac-12/MWC scheduling agreement that provided WSU and OSU games for this season.We’ve got our Chelsea back – Enzo Maresca loving chants from fans after winCommentary: Ukraine's consent to being partly conquered would be bad for humanity

Nine arrests at Liverpool v Manchester City after reports of tragedy chanting - The GuardianImagine you're standing at the crossroads of the financial revolution, where innovation meets opportunity. Every cryptocurrency on this list is like a bright star in a constellation, each shining uniquely. Bitcoin Cash is all about lightning-fast transactions. Avalanche offers mind-blowing scalability. Polkadot? It's the glue binding the blockchain universe. Cardano takes a scientific approach to decentralisation, while Tron revolutionises content sharing. Toncoin boasts cutting-edge security, and Tether brings stability to the chaos. XRP makes cross-border payments effortless, and Qubetics ($TICS)? It's shaking up the scene with its trailblazing $TICS token. Each of these cryptos is a ticket to a transformative journey in the crypto space, but Qubetics stands out as the user-friendly powerhouse, especially with its innovative wallet and a red-hot presale that's got everyone talking. Let’s dive deeper into why Qubetics and these other cryptos are the best cryptos to buy now. 1. Qubetics: Redefining Blockchain Accessibility Qubetics is rewriting the rules of blockchain with one goal: making cryptocurrency management as easy as ordering a coffee. The Qubetics Wallet is thecore of its ecosystem, giving users a seamless way to handle their $TICS tokens and other assets. Designed for accessibility, it’s set to launch on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, ensuring everyone—no matter their tech preference—gets a slice of the crypto pie. It’s not just another wallet; it’s a user-focused gateway to a decentralised financial future. But what’s stealing the spotlight right now is the Qubetics presale. Phase 9 is live, and it’s buzzing with action! At just $0.023 per $TICS token, early investors are snapping them up, with over 3200 holders and $2.7M already raised. The kicker? Prices jump 10% every week, and the final phase shoots up by 20%. A $200 investment today buys about 8,696 $TICS, and post-presale, the price is projected to hit $0.25—a jaw-dropping 986.95% ROI! If you’re scouting the best cryptos to buy now , this presale is the golden ticket. 2. Bitcoin Cash Bitcoin Cash was born to solve Bitcoin's scalability problem, making transactions faster and more affordable. It increased the block size to process more transactions in less time, which is a game-changer for everyday use. Merchants and consumers alike love its practicality, offering a seamless way to exchange value without long waits or high fees. Its decentralised nature ensures that no single entity can control it, keeping the system fair for all. Cryptocurrency is widely adopted across industries, from e-commerce to travel, for quick and low-cost payments. 3. Avalanche Avalanche has carved out its spot as a leader in blockchain scalability. Its consensus mechanism is designed to handle thousands of transactions per second, making it incredibly fast and efficient. This speed doesn’t compromise security, as Avalanche boasts one of the most robust protocols in the industry. Developers love its support for building decentralised apps (dApps) and custom blockchain networks, offering unmatched versatility. 4. Polkadot Polkadot is the master connector of the crypto world, uniting different blockchains into one interoperable ecosystem. Its unique para chains allow blockchains to operate independently while still communicating seamlessly. This interoperability opens doors for developers to create more versatile and complex solutions. Polkadot is known for its ability to handle multiple transactions across various chains simultaneously, making it highly scalable. Security is a top priority, with a shared system that protects all connected networks from attacks. 5. Cardano Cardano is a blockchain built with a scientific approach, focusing on security, scalability, and sustainability. It uses a unique proof-of-stake system, which is more energy-efficient than traditional mining-based mechanisms. The platform’s layered architecture separates transactions and computations, improving network efficiency. Its peer-reviewed foundation ensures that every update is well-tested before implementation, making it incredibly reliable. Developers can use Cardano to build decentralised applications that are both secure and scalable. 6. Tron Tron is revolutionising content sharing by putting power back in the hands of creators. Its blockchain allows content creators to publish their work directly to audiences without middlemen taking a cut. This decentralisation ensures that creators keep the majority of their earnings, which is a game-changer in industries like media and entertainment. Tron’s speed is another standout feature, with the ability to handle over 2,000 transactions per second. Its low transaction costs make it accessible for both small and large-scale projects. 7. Toncoin Toncoin, created by the developers behind Telegram, focuses on security and privacy. Its blockchain supports fast, low-cost transactions, making it ideal for everyday use. The network uses advanced encryption to ensure user data and transactions are always protected. Toncoin integrates seamlessly with messaging platforms, bringing crypto to the masses in a user-friendly way. Its decentralised approach ensures that no single entity has control, aligning with the principles of blockchain. 8. Tether Tether is the go-to stablecoin for traders and investors seeking stability in a volatile market. Pegged to the US dollar, it offers a consistent value, making it ideal for hedging during market swings. Its primary use is as a bridge between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, simplifying transactions. Tether is supported on multiple blockchain networks, enhancing its accessibility and utility. Its speed and low transaction fees make it popular for quick transfers and trading. The stablecoin is widely accepted across exchanges, making it a key player in liquidity management. 9. XRP XRP is transforming global payments with its lightning-fast transaction speeds and minimal fees. Its blockchain, RippleNet, is designed to work seamlessly with financial institutions for cross-border payments. Unlike traditional methods, XRP settles transactions in seconds, saving time and costs for businesses and individuals. The network’s liquidity solutions help reduce the capital tied up in payment systems. XRP’s decentralised nature ensures that no single entity can control the network. It’s also environmentally friendly, with a minimal carbon footprint compared to other cryptocurrencies. Conclusion: The Best Cryptos to Buy Now Based on the latest research, the best cryptos to buy now are Qubetics, Bitcoin Cash, Avalanche, Polkadot, Cardano, Tron, Toncoin, Tether, and XRP. Each brings something unique to the table, but Qubetics is a standout with its innovative wallet and red-hot presale. With prices climbing every week, now’s the perfect time to jump on the $TICS train before the rocket takes off. Ready to dive in? Start with Qubetics—it’s not just an investment; it’s your gateway to a financial revolution. Don’t miss your shot! Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks took a bumpy path to sole possession of first place in the NFC West. Sunday's 26-21 win over the Jets featured several special teams miscues, including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by New York. On the flip side, the Seahawks got their second pick-6 in as many weeks and just enough production by Geno Smith and the offense. The Seahawks' uneven performance was characteristic of a season in which they started 3-0, then lost five of six before winning another three in a row to take command of their underachieving division. Seattle (7-5) leads Arizona by one game, with a matchup against the Cardinals looming next weekend. Zach Charbonnet gave Seattle its first lead of the day on an 8-yard touchdown run with 5:37 to go, and the Seahawks' defense capped another strong outing with a game-sealing stop on fourth down. After a sack by Leonard Williams gave the Jets a fourth-and-15 at the 34-yard line, Aaron Rodgers threw a desperation pass to Garrett Wilson that fell incomplete, giving Seattle the ball with 33 seconds left. Williams is on a tear. After losing out on NFC defensive player of the week honors last week to teammate Coby Bryant despite 2 1/2 sacks and four quarterback hits, “Big Cat” had an even better game. Williams finished with two sacks, three tackles for loss, a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown that was the longest pick-6 in NFL history by a defensive lineman, and a blocked extra point. The touchdown was the first of Williams’ career. He became the first player since 1982 with multiple sacks, an interception return for a touchdown and a blocked kick in a game. Maybe this week the league will agree he was the NFC's best defender. The special teams could not have been much worse in the first half. The Seahawks fumbled three kickoffs, losing two, and allowed Kene Nwangwu's 99-yard kickoff return for a TD. Dee Williams fumbled on a kickoff in the first quarter to give New York the ball at the 27-yard line, and four plays later, Rodgers hit Isaiah Davis for a touchdown to give the Jets a 14-0 lead. Laviska Shenault Jr. muffed two kicks and fumbled at the Seattle 38-yard line in the second quarter. Seattle also had an extra point blocked. Smith led his third game-winning drive of the season and his 11th since he became Seattle’s starting quarterback in 2022. Facing the team that drafted him in 2013, Smith went 20 of 31 for 206 yards and a touchdown. For the first time in five weeks, he was not intercepted. The Seahawks trailed by 14 points on two occasions, but Smith brought Seattle back while avoiding the untimely picks that dogged him recently. He threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Barner in the second quarter, and led the Seahawks on a go-ahead nine-play, 71-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter. Coach Mike Macdonald and his staff have to address the problem with their kick returners, Shenault and Dee Williams. Two lost fumbles and several muffs could have easily cost Seattle the game. WR DK Metcalf left the game briefly with a knee issue but returned. ... P Michael Dickson was unavailable in the fourth quarter because of back spasms. 38 — The Seahawks decided to go for it on fourth-and-6 at their own 33-yard line with 9:34 left in the game. A primary reason was that Dickson was unavailable to punt because of back spasms. The Jets were flagged for having 12 men on the field after sending a punt returner out, which gave Seattle fourth-and-1 at the 38. The Seahawks got a first down after Jets cornerback Quantez Stiggers was flagged for pass interference on Metcalf, and eight players later, Charbonnet scored to put Seattle ahead. Without going for it on fourth down from their own 38, the Seahawks likely would’ve lost. The Seahawks will seek a season sweep of the Cardinals. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Marrakech Film Festival bestows Palestinian film ‘Happy Holidays’ with top award

Another month is here, and that means Amazon's Prime gaming program has returned with a whole lot more games for Prime members to claim. The December drops have everything from classics like and to indie hits such as . All in all, the latest lineup contains 18 PC games to claim in December for no extra cost to members. Depending on the game, the available key can be redeemed on the DRM-free GOG store, the Epic Games Store, or the Amazon Games App. From the bunch, five titles are already available for claiming too. Here are all the games announced by Amazon today, plus their claiming platforms: Unlike the giveaways that usually pop up on the Epic Games Store or Steam, Amazon Prime members do not need to stress too much about claiming the games on time, as the expiry dates for newly added games are rather long. Check out all the currently available games on .

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Top 25 College Hoops Picks Against the Spread – Wednesday, November 27( MENAFN - Asia Times) This article was originally published by Pacific Forum. It is republished with permission. Vietnam's maritime security is shaped by its geographic position, strategic interests, and the pressing need to safeguard its territorial waters. The South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the East Sea) serves as a crucial route for international trade. It is also marked by intricate territorial disputes, highlighting the importance of Vietnam's naval and coast guard forces. China's growing fleet of unmanned air, surface, and underwater systems poses a serious security threat to Hanoi. In August 2024, a Chinese WZ-10 drone entered Vietnam's airspace 160 to 170 kilometers from Cam Ranh, a vital naval base. The Chinese have raised the temperature in the South China Sea by using unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), gliders and Argo floats , which are dual-use. This has prompted Vietnam to seek measures to enhance its monitoring, patrolling, and response capabilities without overcommitting its limited conventional forces. A key opportunity to bolster these efforts is integrating unmanned systems into Vietnam's defense arsenal. Given the existing capacity shortfalls, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (“Quad”) nations, which have a plan to support capacity-building for regional navies in Southeast Asia, are well-positioned to enhance Vietnam's capabilities in this area. The Vietnamese People's Army (VPA) has extensive experience operating UAVs to augment its maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. These UAVs are either domestically developed with foreign assistance or imported from abroad. Vietnam also showcased its larger class of UAVs, conceivably a medium-altitude long-endurance system, during its first international defense expo in 2022. However, Vietnam's focus on unmanned maritime vehicles, both surface and underwater, is still in a nascent stage. As tensions in the maritime domain with China escalate, the VPA seeks advanced unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and UUVs to bolster its maritime security and protect critical maritime infrastructure in the Vietnamese EEZs. These systems not only are cost-effective but they also play a crucial role in ISR capabilities. The Quad is now more strategically aligned and is recognized as a valuable platform for fostering regional cooperation that aims to enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The September 2024 Quad joint statement explicitly highlights the importance of strengthening maritime security capabilities of Southeast Asian nations. Vietnam, given its robust ties with the Quad countries, has much to gain from partnering with the Quad, particularly in improving its technological and operational prowess in maritime security. The Quad nations have expertise in developing and operating unmanned maritime systems. Sharing technological knowledge or co-developing specialized systems tailored to Vietnam's requirements would substantially help its ISR capabilities. In particular, India and Vietnam maintain close defense ties, given that both use Soviet weapon systems. During Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's state visit to India in August 2024, both nations reiterated their commitment to strengthening mutual relations. India has provided a $300 million loan to Hanoi for acquiring two types of patrol vessels. In addition, the US has supplied the Vietnam Coast Guard with 18“Metal Shark” patrol boats, while Japan is offering a $348 million loan to Hanoi for constructing six patrol boats, set to be operational by 2025. There is potential for industrial collaboration, which could lead to a joint venture in constructing UUVs or USVs that would be advantageous for both nations. Defense industry cooperation to develop unmanned maritime systems presents a significant opportunity for the Quad nations to collaborate with Hanoi. This can include building or upgrading command-and-control infrastructure to ensure seamless operation and coordination. Additionally, supporting Vietnam in building a domestic unmanned maritime systems industry, potentially through technology transfers and specialized human resource training, could foster greater autonomy and capability in Vietnam's defense sector. While the potential benefits of unmanned systems are clear, they are not without challenges. Vietnam's approach to security partnerships is carefully balanced to avoid over-reliance on any one partner. Vietnam aims to engage with the Quad, ensuring its non-alignment policy remains intact while maximizing cooperation benefits. Although unmanned systems are more cost-effective than manned alternatives, acquiring and maintaining these still entails significant investment. Vietnam may need to explore financing options with the assistance of Quad nations. Additional challenges include the absence of a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for unmanned systems development and deployment in Vietnam. The collaboration in unmanned maritime systems may represent a significant advancement for Vietnam and the Quad. In conclusion, Vietnam's maritime security is a linchpin for regional stability and economic prosperity. As maritime threats grow more sophisticated, integrating unmanned maritime systems into its strategy will provide a critical edge for VPA. With its collective technological expertise and strategic interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Quad can play a pivotal role. By focusing on technology transfer, training, infrastructure support, and joint exercises, the Quad can help build Vietnam's capacity to protect its waters. While Vietnam maintains a non-aligned stance, its advocacy for a rule-based order and its reliance on international law to safeguard its maritime interests make it a natural partner for the Quad. Strengthening Vietnam's maritime capabilities will therefore greatly enhance regional security and also underscore the Quad's commitment to safeguarding the shared interests of Southeast Asian countries. Prakash Panneerselvam, PhD, (... ) is a Japan Foundation Indo-Pacific Partnership (JFIPP) research fellow and an assistant professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru. Van T. Pham, rer, (... ) is founding director of the South China Sea Chronicle Initiative in Vietnam. Thank you for registering! An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. MENAFN19122024000159011032ID1109014646 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won't apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith's move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump's presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it's possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith's team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump's presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump's 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump's argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith's team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump's two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump's second term, while Trump's lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. ____ Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed. Alanna Durkin Richer, The Associated Press

Harris has ‘no knowledge’ anyone tried to get RTE to take down viral clipZimbabwe is exploring the possibility of generating electricity at multiple points along the Zambezi River, using the same water at different points as it flows down, instead of relying solely on the Kariba Dam, a Cabinet Minister has said. Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo told delegates at the ongoing Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit about Harare's intentions. He said Zimbabwe envisions universal access to modern, reliable, and affordable energy services, while promoting economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. "As we gather here today, our two countries share a very important resource, which is the Zambezi River. Of greater importance is the potential of power generation that lies along the river," said Minister Moyo. "To date, we have managed to harness the hydropower of the waters at the Kariba Dam, which is our largest. This resource has been hard hit by the effects of climate change which has resulted in less rainfall in Zambia and Zimbabwe," said the Minister. Because of the droughts, the hydropower plants in Kariba Dam have been operating below capacity, but the Zambezi River, on its course, still has immense potential. "We can use the same water to generate power on multiple points along the river's length and thus fully use the hydropower resource. I would encourage you all to explore the possibility of investing in the potential of the river," said Minister Moyo. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Water Submit By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy . Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. _ready.push(function($) {if ( ! loadjs.isDefined( 'newsletter-signup-assets' ) ) { loadjs( ["https://cdn01.allafrica.com/static/js/jquery/jquery.serialize-object.min.js?v=2024110900","https://cdn05.allafrica.com/static/js/newsletter-signup.min.js?v=2024110900","https://cdn05.allafrica.com/static/css/newsletter-signup.min.css?v=2024110900"], 'newsletter-signup-assets', { async: true, });} // the newsletter widget calls storageAllowed(), which is imported with // the cmp bundle. passing an array of bundle names to loadjs triggers // the callback only after all of the listed bundles have fired. loadjs.ready( [ 'cmp', 'js-cookie', 'events', 'newsletter-signup-assets' ], function() { $('.newsletter-signup.inread.collapse.w-background.w-background-color.blue').newsletterInRead({ maxShowCount: 10, maxCloseCount: 3, maxSuccessCount: 1, alternateCallback: function() { activateAdSenseSlots( [ 'responsive-aans-view-b-container' ] ); }, }); }); }); He said Zimbabwe is an attractive investment destination, leveraging innovative and profitable renewable energy solutions. Minister Moyo said Government is focusing on expanding solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy capacity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He also called for increased energy access through enhancing electrification rates, particularly in rural areas. "We recognise the critical role of the private sector in driving energy development and invite investors to partner with us in unlocking Zimbabwe's energy potential," said Minister Moyo. "Together, let us harness the power of renewable energy to fuel our economic growth, improve livelihoods, and protect our environment. We also intend to ensure that all appliances bought, built and used in the country, adhere to minimum energy performance standards as stipulated by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe." All these policies, said the Minister, support the country's National Energy Policy of 2012 which is currently under review. Read the original article on The Herald .

Israeli warplanes bombed the Lebanese capital of Beirut and its southern suburbs on Tuesday — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on the militant group Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in a crowded neighborhood near downtown, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has resumed its rocket fire into Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country's north. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was meeting with his security Cabinet on Tuesday evening to discuss a proposed ceasefire, and he has scheduled a statement on national TV. Among the remaining issues is Israel's demand to reserve the right to take military action should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. 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: 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. 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.” 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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)

Raiders owner offers update on head coach’s status

2 wives what a life ‘Let’s not panic’: Canada picks up the pieces after Latvia loss at world juniors

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the leaders of President-elect Donald Trump's new "Department of Government Efficiency," have found themselves at odds with some of Trump's far-right supporters over their support for H-1B visas, which allow foreign skilled professionals to work in America. The debate was sparked over the Christmas holiday when Laura Loomer , a conservative social media figure who faced criticism when she traveled with Trump on some campaign stops, criticized Trump's appointment of Silicon Valley entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as his senior policy adviser for artificial intelligence. Criticizing a post from Krishnan where he advocated the removal of country caps for green cards, Loomer called the appointment "deeply disturbing," prompting an online battle between the business leaders who say the work visas are essential to employing high-qualified foreign workers and Trump supporters who argued it was a way for business leaders to have cheap labor rather than provide job opportunities for Americans. Both Ramaswamy and Musk made numerous posts on X claiming H-1B visas are essential because American culture doesn't prioritize success in science and engineering careers compared to other countries. "Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). That doesn't start in college, it starts YOUNG," Ramaswamy posted on X. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he added. MORE: As Trump returns to the border, a closer look at what he's pledging to do on immigration if elected Musk, who has said he once worked in the United States on an H-1B visa, said he has depended on these work visas for the operation of his tech companies and that they are essential due to the number of skilled workers needed to handle the rise of new technologies. "OF COURSE my companies and I would prefer to hire Americans and we DO, as that is MUCH easier than going through the incredibly painful and slow work visa process," he posted. "HOWEVER, there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America." Loomer and other far-right conservatives have also argued that the expansions of such programs would go against Trump's immigration crackdown. While she and others have accused Musk and Ramaswamy of hindering Trump's aggressive immigration proposals, the business leaders have argued that any such reforms would not hinder the program's extensive vetting process. "Maybe this is a helpful clarification: I am referring to bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of engineering talent as being essential for America to keep winning," Musk wrote on X. "This is like bringing in the Jokic's or Wemby's of the world to help your whole team (which is mostly Americans!) win the NBA," he said, referencing two foreign-born basketball stars. Now, the business leaders are being accused of using Trump for their own personal gain. "We are substituting a third world migrant invasion for a third world tech invasion. Same shit," Loomer posted on X. "Except this invasion won't be done by rapist foreigners who look and smell like garbage. It will be done by career leftist tech billionaires who hate Trump deep down inside." MORE: How Democrats are planning to fight Trump's mass deportation plan Further showing a divide among conservatives over the issue, former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley also weighed in, pushing back on a post from Ramaswamy and arguing American workers should be prioritized over foreigners . "There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture," she said. "All you have to do is look at the border and see how many want what we have. We should be investing and prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers." In an interview with the New York Post on Saturday , Trump called H-1B work visas a "great" program that he has used for employment on his properties. "I’ve always liked the visas," he said. "I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them. I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program." In June, David Sacks, who will be the president-elect's AI and crypto czar, interviewed Trump for his "All In" podcast and asked Trump if he would expand H-1B work visas for tech workers after fixing the border -- to which Trump said "yes." In that same episode, Trump also promised to award all international graduates with green cards, saying, "I want to do, and what I will do, is you graduate from a college, I think you should get, automatically as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country. That includes junior colleges, too." His campaign later walked back that promise, saying there would be a vetting process. "He believes, only after such vetting has taken place, we ought to keep the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America," Karoline Leavitt, incoming White House press secretary, said in a statement to ABC News at the time. "This would only apply to the most thoroughly vetted college graduates who would never undercut American wages or workers." ABC News' Zohreen Shah contributed to this report.Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson's contract to create cap space, flexibility, AP source says

‘Let’s not panic’: Canada picks up the pieces after Latvia loss at world juniorsSports Buildings Market Size, Latest Trends, Growth Status, Top Major Players And Forecast To 2033

The Weakest Link fans slam Christine McGuinness as she makes bold statement on celebrity specialORONO, Maine (AP) — Caleb Mead ran for 113 yards and a touchdown and New Hampshire beat Maine 27-9 on Saturday in a season-ending contest for both teams. The Wildcats (8-4, 6-2 Coastal Athletic Association) spotted Maine to a 9-0 lead when Joey Bryson kicked a 39-yard field and Carter Peevy threw an 8-yard touchdown to Montigo Moss, all in the first quarter. But midway through the second, the Wildcats took control and proceeded to score 27-straight points to clinch the win. Denzell Gibson ran it in from the 1 to end a 13-play, 81-yard drive that lasted 6:08 to reduce the deficit to 9-7 with 11 seconds left before halftime. On the first play from scrimmage after the break, Mead ran for a 57-yard touchdown for a 14-9 lead. Nick Mazzie kicked field goals of 21 and 22 yards and Seth Morgan ran it in from the 7 with 2:03 left to end it. Peevy threw for 168 yards for Maine (5-7, 3-5). ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballBroncos’ inside-out build has worked so far, but playoff hopes ride on leaning in further: “It always comes down to blocking”World Leaders Split As ICC Issues Arrest Warrant For Netanyahu

Colts QB Anthony Richardson ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants

Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada’s new border plan with Donald Trump’s transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Both Trudeau and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who Trudeau has been courting to become Canada’s next finance minister, shared posts on X Thursday, a day after Trump’s latest jab at Canada in his Christmas Day message. It isn’t clear if Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has repeatedly insisted Trump’s 51st state references are a joke, will raise the issue with Trump’s team when he and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly meet with them in Palm Beach. The two are there to discuss Canada’s new $1.3 billion border plan with just under four weeks left before Trump is sworn in again as president. He has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada and Mexico the same day over concerns about a trade imbalance, as well as illegal drugs and migration issues at the borders. The broad strokes of Canada’s plan were made public Dec. 17, including a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the border, and improved efforts using technology and canine teams to seek out drugs in shipments leaving Canada LeBlanc’s spokesman, Jean-Sébastien Comeau, said the ministers will also emphasize the negative impacts of Trump’s threatened tariffs on both Canada and the U.S. Comeau said the ministers will build on the discussions that took place last month when Trudeau and LeBlanc met Trump at Mar-a-Lago just days after Trump first made his tariff threat. It was at that dinner on Nov. 29 when Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, a comment LeBlanc has repeatedly since insisted was just a joke. But Trump has continued the quip repeatedly in various social media posts, including in his Christmas Day message when he said Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better military protection if they became Americans. He has taken to calling Trudeau “governor” instead of prime minister. Trudeau had not directly responded to any of the jabs, but on Thursday posted a link to a six-minute long video on YouTube from 2010 in which American journalist Tom Brokaw “explains Canada to Americans.” The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, including their founding based on immigration, their trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian Army in World War 2 and other modern conflicts. “In the long history of sovereign neighbours there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada,” Brokaw says in the video. Trudeau did not expand about why he posted a link to the video, posting it only with the words “some information about Canada for Americans.” Carney, who is at the centre of some of Trudeau’s recent domestic political troubles, also called out Trump’s antics on X Thursday, calling it “casual disrespect” and “carrying the ‘joke’ too far.” “Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership,” said Carney, who Trudeau was courting to join his cabinet before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister last week. Freeland’s sudden departure, three days after Trudeau informed her he would be firing her as finance minister in favour of Carney, left Trudeau’s leadership even more bruised than it already was. Despite the expectation Carney would assume the role, he did not and has not made any statements about it. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister instead the same day Freeland quit. More than two dozen Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign as leader, and Trudeau is said to be taking the holidays to think about his next steps. He is currently vacationing in British Columbia.

ORONO, Maine (AP) — Caleb Mead ran for 113 yards and a touchdown and New Hampshire beat Maine 27-9 on Saturday in a season-ending contest for both teams. The Wildcats (8-4, 6-2 Coastal Athletic Association) spotted Maine to a 9-0 lead when Joey Bryson kicked a 39-yard field and Carter Peevy threw an 8-yard touchdown to Montigo Moss, all in the first quarter. But midway through the second, the Wildcats took control and proceeded to score 27-straight points to clinch the win. Denzell Gibson ran it in from the 1 to end a 13-play, 81-yard drive that lasted 6:08 to reduce the deficit to 9-7 with 11 seconds left before halftime. On the first play from scrimmage after the break, Mead ran for a 57-yard touchdown for a 14-9 lead. Nick Mazzie kicked field goals of 21 and 22 yards and Seth Morgan ran it in from the 7 with 2:03 left to end it. Peevy threw for 168 yards for Maine (5-7, 3-5). ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

It was no different for Jimmy Carter in the early 1970s. It took meeting several presidential candidates and then encouragement from an esteemed elder statesman before the young governor, who had never met a president himself, saw himself as something bigger. He announced his White House bid on December 12 1974, amid fallout from the Vietnam War and the resignation of Richard Nixon. Then he leveraged his unknown, and politically untainted, status to become the 39th president. That whirlwind path has been a model, explicit and otherwise, for would-be contenders ever since. “Jimmy Carter’s example absolutely created a 50-year window of people saying, ‘Why not me?’” said Steve Schale, who worked on President Barack Obama’s campaigns and is a long-time supporter of President Joe Biden. Mr Carter’s journey to high office began in Plains, Georgia where he received end-of-life care decades after serving as president. David Axelrod, who helped to engineer Mr Obama’s four-year ascent from state senator to the Oval Office, said Mr Carter’s model is about more than how his grassroots strategy turned the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary into his springboard. “There was a moral stain on the country, and this was a guy of deep faith,” Mr Axelrod said. “He seemed like a fresh start, and I think he understood that he could offer something different that might be able to meet the moment.” Donna Brazile, who managed Democrat Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign, got her start on Mr Carter’s two national campaigns. “In 1976, it was just Jimmy Carter’s time,” she said. Of course, the seeds of his presidential run sprouted even before Mr Nixon won a second term and certainly before his resignation in August 1974. In Mr Carter’s telling, he did not run for governor in 1966, he lost, or in 1970 thinking about Washington. Even when he announced his presidential bid, neither he nor those closest to him were completely confident. “President of what?” his mother, Lillian, replied when he told her his plans. But soon after he became governor in 1971, Mr Carter’s team envisioned him as a national player. They were encouraged in part by the May 31 Time magazine cover depicting Mr Carter alongside the headline “Dixie Whistles a Different Tune”. Inside, a flattering profile framed Mr Carter as a model “New South” governor. In October 1971, Carter ally Dr Peter Bourne, an Atlanta physician who would become US drug tsar, sent his politician friend an unsolicited memo outlining how he could be elected president. On October 17, a wider circle of advisers sat with Mr Carter at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss it. Mr Carter, then 47, wore blue jeans and a T-shirt, according to biographer Jonathan Alter. The team, including Mr Carter’s wife Rosalynn, who died aged 96 in November 2023, began considering the idea seriously. “We never used the word ‘president’,” Mr Carter recalled upon his 90th birthday, “but just referred to national office”. Mr Carter invited high-profile Democrats and Washington players who were running or considering running in 1972, to one-on-one meetings at the mansion. He jumped at the chance to lead the Democratic National Committee’s national campaign that year. The position allowed him to travel the country helping candidates up and down the ballot. Along the way, he was among the Southern governors who angled to be George McGovern’s running mate. Mr Alter said Mr Carter was never seriously considered. Still, Mr Carter got to know, among others, former vice president Hubert Humphrey and senators Henry Jackson of Washington, Eugene McCarthy of Maine and Mr McGovern of South Dakota, the eventual nominee who lost a landslide to Mr Nixon. Mr Carter later explained he had previously defined the nation’s highest office by its occupants immortalised by monuments. “For the first time,” Mr Carter told The New York Times, “I started comparing my own experiences and knowledge of government with the candidates, not against ‘the presidency’ and not against Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. It made it a whole lot easier”. Adviser Hamilton Jordan crafted a detailed campaign plan calling for matching Mr Carter’s outsider, good-government credentials to voters’ general disillusionment, even before Watergate. But the team still spoke and wrote in code, as if the “higher office” were not obvious. It was reported during his campaign that Mr Carter told family members around Christmas 1972 that he would run in 1976. Mr Carter later wrote in a memoir that a visit from former secretary of state Dean Rusk in early 1973 affirmed his leanings. During another private confab in Atlanta, Mr Rusk told Mr Carter plainly: “Governor, I think you should run for president in 1976.” That, Mr Carter wrote, “removed our remaining doubts.” Mr Schale said the process is not always so involved. “These are intensely competitive people already,” he said of governors, senators and others in high office. “If you’re wired in that capacity, it’s hard to step away from it.” “Jimmy Carter showed us that you can go from a no-name to president in the span of 18 or 24 months,” said Jared Leopold, a top aide in Washington governor Jay Inslee’s unsuccessful bid for Democrats’ 2020 nomination. “For people deciding whether to get in, it’s a real inspiration,” Mr Leopold continued, “and that’s a real success of American democracy”.Oklahoma Democrats mourn Fred Harris, former US senator and presidential candidate

Middle East latest: ICC issues warrant for Israel's Netanyahu as Gaza death toll soars past 44,000Locomotive Market Tracking Industry Trends and Rising Popularity in the Industry 11-26-2024 08:05 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Pro Market Reports Locomotive Market Global Locomotive Market Report from Pro Market Reports highlights deep analysis on market characteristics, sizing, estimates and growth by segmentation, regional breakdowns & country along with competitive landscape, player's market shares, and strategies that are key in the market. The exploration provides a 360° view and insights, highlighting major outcomes of the industry. These insights help the business decision-makers to formulate better business plans and make informed decisions to improved profitability. In addition, the study helps venture or private players in understanding the companies in more detail to make better informed decisions. Major Players in This Report Include, CRRC Corporation Limited, AEG Power Solutions, Siemens AG, Alstom S.A, GE Transportation, Transmashholding, EMD Caterpillar, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries , Hitachi Rail Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @: https://promarketreports.com/report/locomotive-market-1326/sample-report?utm_source=OpenPR/utm_medium=Rahul The size of the Locomotive Market was valued at USD 52.48 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 113.22 Billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 11.61% during the forecast period. Market Drivers •Growing demand for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions • Government initiatives promoting railway infrastructure development Market Trend •Hybrid locomotives combining diesel and electric power for enhanced efficiency • Digitalization and IoT for locomotive monitoring and predictive maintenance Enquire for customization in Report @: https://promarketreports.com/report/locomotive-market-1326/enquiry-before-buy?utm_source=OpenPR/utm_medium=Rahul In this research study, the prime factors that are impelling the growth of the Global Locomotive market report have been studied thoroughly in a bid to estimate the overall value and the size of this market by the end of the forecast period. The impact of the driving forces, limitations, challenges, and opportunities has been examined extensively. The key trends that manage the interest of the customers have also been interpreted accurately for the benefit of the readers. The Locomotive market study is being classified Type: Diesel, Electric and Others, Technology: IGBT Module, GTO Thyristor and SiC Module, Component: Rectifier, Inverter, Traction Motor, Alternator and Others The report concludes with in-depth details on the business operations and financial structure of leading vendors in the Global Locomotive market report, Overview of Key trends in the past and present are in reports that are reported to be beneficial for companies looking for venture businesses in this market. Information about the various marketing channels and well-known distributors in this market was also provided here. This study serves as a rich guide for established players and new players in this market. Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://promarketreports.com/report/locomotive-market-1326/checkout?type=corporate?utm_source=OpenPR/utm_medium=Rahul Extracts from Table of Contents Locomotive Market Research Report Chapter 1 Locomotive Market Overview Chapter 2 Global Economic Impact on Industry Chapter 3 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Global Revenue (Value, Volume*) by Region Chapter 5 Global Supplies (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Chapter 6 Global Revenue (Value, Volume*), Price* Trend by Type Chapter 7 Global Market Analysis by Application ......................continued This report also analyzes the regulatory framework of the Global Markets Locomotive Market Report to inform stakeholders about the various norms, regulations, this can have an impact. It also collects in-depth information from the detailed primary and secondary research techniques analyzed using the most efficient analysis tools. Based on the statistics gained from this systematic study, market research provides estimates for market participants and readers. Contact Us: Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager) Pro Market Reports Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ New Jersey USA - 08837 Phone: +1(201) 7937323, +1(201) 7937193 mailto:sales@archivemarketresearch.com sales@marketresearchforecast.com About Author: Pro Market Reports is Global leaders of Market Research Industry provides the quantified B2B research to Fortune 500 companies on high growth emerging opportunities which will impact more than 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Our Analyst is tracking high growth study with detailed statistical and in-depth analysis of market trends & dynamics that provide a complete overview of the industry. We follow an extensive research methodology coupled with critical insights related industry factors and market forces to generate the best value for our clients. We Provides reliable primary and secondary data sources, our analysts and consultants derive informative and usable data suited for our clients business needs. The research study enables clients to meet varied market objectives a from global footprint expansion to supply chain optimization and from competitor profiling to M&As. This release was published on openPR.

Big Ten slate features Indiana-Ohio State showdown and Penn State-Minnesota matchup Things to watch this week in the Big Ten Conference: No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP ) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1, No. 2 CFP), Saturday, noon ET (Fox) This marks the 98th matchup between these two teams, but it's only the fourth time both teams have been ranked. Although Indiana is unbeaten, its soft schedule means the Hoosiers aren't assured of making the 12-team field if they lose this game. The only team with a winning record that Indiana has beaten is Washington (6-5). Ohio State needs a win to have a realistic shot at a rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 straight times since the Hoosiers posted back-to-back victories in 1987-88. No. 4 Penn State (9-1, 6-1, No. 4 CFP) at Minnesota (6-4, 4-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS) This is likely Penn State's biggest obstacle on its way to a potential playoff berth. The Nittany Lions' lone remaining regular-season game is a Nov. 30 home matchup with Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Minnesota has had an extra week to prepare this game since its 26-19 loss at Rutgers on Nov. 9, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Penn State and Minnesota have split their last four meetings, with the home team winning each time. Penn State DE Abdul Carter has multiple tackles for loss in each of his last three games. He ranks second among all Bowl Subdivision players in tackles for loss (17 1⁄2). Southern California RB Woody Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards in a 28-20 win over Nebraska. Marks has six 100-yard rushing performances this season. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is the first Scarlet Knight to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Ray Rice did it three straight years from 2005-07. Monangai has run for 1,028 yards this season and rushed for 1,262 yards last year. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a sack and had a game-clinching interception as the top-ranked Ducks won 16-13 at Wisconsin last week. He has 8 1⁄2 sacks this season to rank second in the Big Ten. Four of the top seven Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in passer rating are from the Big Ten. Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is second, Ohio State's Will Howard is third, Penn State's Drew Allar is fifth and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is seventh. ... Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has thrown 18 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. The only Power Four quarterback with a better touchdown/interception ratio while throwing at least 10 touchdown passes is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who has 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. ... Rutgers' three Big Ten wins matches its largest total since joining the league in 2014. Rutgers also had three conference wins in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. A victory Saturday over No. 24 Illinois would give Rutgers three straight Big Ten wins for the first time. ... Washington's 31-19 win over UCLA was its 20th straight home victory, representing its second-longest such streak in school history. The Huskies won 45 straight home games from 1908-17. ... Wisconsin heads to Nebraska this week having won its last 10 matchups with the Cornhuskers. Penn State justifiably is favored on the road against Minnesota, but Bet MGM's 12 1⁄2-point spread seems way too big. Expect this game to have a single-digit margin.Attempted bank robber hands teller note, but handwriting can't be deciphered

Cubs acquire star OF Kyle Tucker from AstrosWeather Radar Market Size & Trends To 2030Homogenizer Machine Market Size 2024: Global Share, Industry And Report Analysis By 2031 | Linde Material Handling GmbH Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd. Motrec International Inc. 12-28-2024 10:58 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: orion market research Homogenizer Machine Market Homogenizer machine market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period (2024-2031) owing to the increasing demand from various end-user industries such as food & dairy, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, biotechnologies, and chemical industries. Due to its application in the reduction of particle size and disintegration of fat globules, the food and dairy processing industries are driving significant development in the market. Homogenizers provide excellent texture and viscosity to dairy and non-alcoholic beverages. The shelf life of the food products is low, which results in rapid deterioration of the food quality, thus, the homogenizers help to extend the shelf life of perishable food products, which is crucial for food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Get Free Sample link @ https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/homogenizer-machine-market Among the types, the ultrasonic sub-segment is expected to hold a considerable share of the homogenizer machine market. Ultrasonic homogenizers, also known as ultrasonic processors or sonicators, are devices that use high-frequency sound waves to disrupt cells and tissues. Ultrasonic homogenizers are generally used for processing small samples that are in suspension and which do not require any pre-grinding or cutting. They can be used to speed up chemical processes, and produce emulsions, for cell lysis, mixing, and dissolving purposes. A growing number of food and dairy enterprises with technological improvements are also predicted to increase the demand for ultrasonic homogenizer machines market across the globe. Companies have been making technological advancements and launching new homogenizer machines for laboratory testing, dispersing, mixing, extraction, chemical response, and length elimination for businesses. For instance, in August 2021, GEA Group AG, a Germany-based supplier of systems and components, expanded its range of homogenizer with the launch of GEA TriplexPanda Lab Homogenizer and the GEA Ariete Homogenizer 3160 for the cosmetics, dairy, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industries. The new GEA TriplexPanda is a three-piston tabletop unit for the treatment of nanoparticles, nanodispersions, and nanoemulsions. The easy-to-use, plug-and-play unit has been specially designed to meet the demands of laboratory testing as well as small-scale batches. full report of Homogenizer Machine Market available @ https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/homogenizer-machine-market •Market Coverage •Market number available for - 2024-2031 •Base year- 2024 •Forecast period- 2024-2031 •Segment Covered- By Source, By Product Type, By Applications •Competitive Landscape- Archer Daniels Midland Co., Ingredion Inc., Kerry Group Plc, Cargill •Inc., and others Global Homogenizer Machine Testing Market Report Segment By Type •Ultrasonic •Pressure •Mechanical •Bead Mill By Application •Food and Dairy •Pharmaceuticals •Cosmetics •Biotechnology •Chemical Processing By Technology •Single-Valve •Two-Valve Global Homogenizer Machine Testing Market Report Segment by Region North America •United States •Canada Europe •UK •Germany •Italy •Spain •France •Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific •China •India •Japan •South Korea •Rest of Asia-Pacific Rest of the World •Latin America •Middle East & Africa The Report Covers •Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031. •Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment. •Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions. •Key companies operating in the global homogenizer machine market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report. •Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future. •Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies. •Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market. For More Customized Data, Request for Report Customization @ https://www.omrglobal.com/report-customization/homogenizer-machine-market About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offer Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies. Media Contact: Company Name: Orion Market Research Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari Email: info@omrglobal.com Contact no: +91 780-304-0404 This release was published on openPR.

TSB investigating rough plane landing in Halifax, passenger says flames were visible( MENAFN - media OutReach Newswire) SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 December 2024 - BEST Inc. Malaysia, a trailblazer in the logistics and supply chain industry, celebrates its incredible journey from its inception in 2020 to stepping into 2025 as a powerhouse of innovation and growth. In just five years, BEST Inc Malaysia has expanded its operations into five thriving business verticals, establishing itself as a cornerstone of efficiency and excellence in Malaysia's logistics ecosystem. In just five years, the company has expanded its operations into five thriving business verticals, establishing itself as a cornerstone of efficiency and excellence in Malaysia's logistics ecosystem. A Remarkable Growth Story Launched in 2020, BEST Inc. Malaysia entered the market with a vision to redefine logistics through technology-driven solutions. By 2024, the company has achieved remarkable milestones, handling 500,000 parcels daily, operating 10 strategically located hubs, and overseeing 300 stations nationwide with a dedicated fleet of 1,500 riders. Now, as BEST Inc. Malaysia enters 2025, its operations span five dynamic business verticals: MENAFN29122024003551001712ID1109040286 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Share Tweet Share Share Email Looking for the ultimate flying spinner? Verified Review Pro just spent 3 months testing the viral Cosmic Globe against other popular galaxy balls . Our galaxy ball reviews reveal exactly how to spot the real deal and avoid getting tricked by fakes. After investigating hundreds of customer experiences and conducting rigorous hands-on testing, we’re exposing the truth about these trending toys. The Hard Truth About Galaxy Balls in 2025 Let’s be real: the market is flooded with Galaxy Ball Reviews praising various flying orbs, but here’s what you need to know – not all of these toys are created equal. While testing dozens of models, we discovered something shocking: over 80% of the galaxy balls being sold online are dangerous knockoffs that break within days. Why Most Galaxy Ball Reviews Miss the Mark Many online Galaxy Ball Reviews focus on initial impressions without long-term testing. That’s why we spent three full months putting these flying orbs through their paces. Here’s what makes our testing different: Purchased all units secretly (no free review samples) Tested each device for 500+ hours Documented every crash, charge, and flight Measured exact flight times with stopwatches Verified all manufacturer claims The Knockoff Crisis: What You Need to Know Recent galaxy ball reviews on Amazon paint a painful picture of counterfeit products. Here are real customer experiences we’ve verified: “ 30 minutes of joy, a lifetime of heartache ” – One parent reported their child’s knockoff dying after just half an hour of Christmas morning play. “ Battery lasted 5 minutes max ” – Multiple users found fake units spending more time charging than flying. “ Poorly constructed ” – Reports of loose blades, failing motors, and units that “kamikaze” themselves into walls are common with counterfeits. These horror stories match our testing of fake units, which revealed: Dangerous battery issues Sharp edges on cheap plastic Motor failures within hours No real safety features Zero customer support How the Real Cosmic Globe Stands Apart While testing authentic Cosmic Globe units alongside knockoffs, the differences were stunning. Here’s what legitimate galaxy ball reviews consistently confirm about genuine products: Battery Life and Charging True 45-minute flight time (we tested this 100+ times) 15-minute rapid charging actually works Battery health maintained after 500+ charges Smart power management prevents crashes Low battery warning system Safety Features Missing in Knockoffs Impact-resistant outer shell Protected blade design Certified non-toxic materials Automatic obstacle detection Emergency shutdown system Quality Construction Premium flex-resistant materials Professional-grade LED system Precise weight distribution Durable charging port Weather-resistant design The Real Learning Journey Many galaxy ball reviews ignore the learning curve, but we’re giving you the full story. Here’s what to expect: Day 1-3: Basic Skills Learning the perfect launch angle Understanding height control Mastering the catch technique Getting comfortable with basic movements Week 1: Building Confidence Practicing steady hovering Basic directional control Simple passing games Understanding wind effects Week 2-3: Intermediate Moves Figure-eight patterns Height transitions Basic trick combinations Multiple-person games Month 1+: Advanced Techniques Complex flight patterns Synchronized movements Precision landing Custom trick creation Indoor vs Outdoor Performance Our galaxy ball reviews testing covered both environments extensively: Indoor Excellence Silent operation (45 decibels – quieter than a computer fan) Perfect for 10×10 foot spaces Safe around furniture No wall marking Reliable obstacle avoidance Outdoor Capabilities Handles 8 mph winds 45-meter range (verified) Visible in daylight Weather-resistant Automatic return features Real vs Fake: Essential Spotting Guide After analyzing hundreds of galaxy ball reviews and testing multiple units, here’s your definitive guide to avoiding fakes: Authentic Cosmic Globe Signs Holographic security sticker with unique code Premium packaging with safety certifications Professional grade instruction manual High-quality USB-C charging port Registered serial number Official warranty card Professional quality control sticker Knockoff Red Flags Missing security features Cheap, lightweight feel Blurry packaging text Generic instructions Poor quality USB port No registration capability Missing safety certifications Long-Term Value Analysis Looking at thousands of galaxy ball reviews and our extensive testing data: Authentic Cosmic Globe Lasts 6+ months with regular use Maintains performance over time Free firmware updates Professional customer support Comprehensive warranty Typical Knockoffs Break within days or weeks Rapid performance decline No software updates Zero customer support No real warranty Essential Maintenance Tips Based on our long-term testing and analysis of galaxy ball reviews from experienced users: Weekly Care Clean sensors with microfiber cloth Check charging port condition Inspect for any loose parts Test all control functions Monthly Maintenance Full calibration check Firmware update check Deep cleaning of all sensors Battery health verification Impact resistance testing Price vs. Value: The Real Story While authentic units cost more initially, our galaxy ball reviews research shows why it’s worth it: Cost Breakdown Genuine Cosmic Globe: Higher upfront cost but lasts 6+ months Knockoffs: Need replacing 3-4 times to match lifespan Current holiday discount makes authentic units more accessible Free shipping and warranty included Common Problems (And Solutions) Based on analyzing thousands of galaxy ball reviews: If Your Unit Won’t Fly Straight Check for recent impacts Verify sensor cleanliness Run calibration sequence Update firmware if needed For Battery Issues Use official charging cable Clean charging port Check for firmware updates Contact customer support Final Verdict Here’s what we discovered after spending three months testing these flying orbs and analyzing hundreds of Galaxy Ball Reviews and Cosmic Globe Reviews : when you buy the real thing from authorized sellers, it’s absolutely amazing. But there’s a serious problem – the market is swimming with dangerous knockoffs that not only waste your money but could actually put your kids at risk. Pros of Authentic Units Verified 45-minute flight time Premium construction quality Comprehensive safety features Professional support team Regular feature updates Real money-back guarantee Cons to Consider Higher initial investment Learning curve requires patience Limited availability during holidays Shipping times vary by region Verified Review Pro: The Ultimate Authority in Product Reviews When it comes to finding the Best Review Sites , Verified Review Pro stands head and shoulders above the competition, earning their prestigious title as 2025’s most trusted destination for Product Reviews . Their commitment to uncompromising authenticity sets a new gold standard in the industry. What truly distinguishes their product reviews is their undercover approach – secretly purchasing items just like any other consumer, ensuring completely unbiased testing. Their state-of-the-art laboratory subjects each product to rigorous real-world challenges, examining everything from initial performance to long-term durability. Frequently Asked Questions Q: How does a Galaxy Ball actually work? A: The authentic Cosmic Globe uses advanced sensor technology and smart gyroscopes to detect hand movements and maintain stability. Inside, there’s a carefully balanced motor system that creates lift, while built-in obstacle detection helps prevent crashes. Think of it like a mini helicopter that responds to your gestures instead of a remote control. Q: Will I really get 45 minutes of flight time from Cosmic Globe? A: Yes, authentic units consistently deliver 45-minute flights. We’ve verified this hundreds of times during testing. Keep in mind that knockoffs typically only last 5-10 minutes – that’s a huge red flag if you see short flight times. Q: What’s inside a Galaxy Ball that makes it fly? A: The genuine Cosmic Globe contains several key components: a precision-balanced motor, smart sensors that detect movement and obstacles, a high-capacity lithium battery, and a specialized flight control chip. Cheaper knockoffs often skip crucial safety components and use low-quality parts that fail quickly. Q: Can I fly my Galaxy Ball in the rain? A: While authentic Cosmic Globe units are splash-resistant, they’re not designed for wet weather. For best results, use them in dry conditions, whether indoors or outside. If your unit gets wet, dry it thoroughly before charging or flying. Q: How high can a Galaxy Ball fly? A: The authentic Cosmic Globe has a built-in height limiter for safety, keeping it at a manageable height of about 15 feet maximum. This is intentional – it keeps the unit within easy control range and prevents accidents. Q: How long does it take to learn? A: Basic flights take about an hour to master – most people can get the hang of simple up-and-down movements pretty quickly. For fancy tricks and precise control, expect 2-3 weeks of regular practice. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not a pro right away! Q: What age is appropriate for a Galaxy Ball? A: The authentic Cosmic Globe is recommended for ages 8 and up with adult supervision. Younger children can enjoy it too, but they should always have a grown-up helping them, especially while learning the basic controls. Q: What if my unit stops working? A: If you’ve got a genuine Cosmic Globe, you’re covered by their comprehensive warranty and can reach their responsive customer service team through the official website. They typically reply within 24 hours and can help with troubleshooting or replacement if needed. Q: How do I know if the battery is getting low? A: The authentic Cosmic Globe has a smart battery indicator system: green means full power, yellow means you’ve got about 15 minutes left, and red means it’s time to charge. It’ll also give you a gentle warning by slightly lowering its flight height when the battery gets low. Q: Do I need a lot of space to use it? A: For indoor use, you’ll want at least a 10×10 foot clear area. Outdoors, more space is better, but the built-in sensors help prevent it from flying too far away. The authorized instruction manual includes a helpful space setup guide. Q: Is it noisy? A: The genuine Cosmic Globe operates at about 45 decibels – that’s quieter than a normal conversation. If your unit is making loud or harsh noises, that’s usually a sign something’s wrong or you might have a counterfeit. Q: Can I use it outdoors on a windy day? A: The authentic Cosmic Globe can handle light breezes up to 8 mph. However, for safety and best performance, we recommend using it when the wind is calm or flying it indoors if it’s breezy outside. Q: Is it safe for kids? A: Yes, genuine units feature multiple safety systems including impact-resistant materials, protected blades, obstacle detection, and non-toxic construction. However, adult supervision is essential, especially for younger users who are still learning the controls. Q: Why are there such big price differences in galaxy ball reviews? A: We’ve noticed a huge price range because of counterfeits flooding the market. Authentic Cosmic Globes maintain steady pricing through authorized sellers, while knockoffs try to attract buyers with suspiciously low prices. Remember – if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Q: What’s the biggest red flag in galaxy ball reviews about fake units? A: After analyzing thousands of customer experiences, the most common warning sign is very short battery life. While real units consistently fly for 45 minutes, knockoffs often die within minutes and may never charge properly again. We’ve verified this pattern in our own testing. Q: How does customer service compare in recent galaxy ball reviews? A: The difference is night and day. Authentic Cosmic Globe support team typically responds within 24 hours and provides genuine help with everything from basic setup to advanced tricks. Meanwhile, knockoff brands usually offer zero support when things go wrong. Q: What are beginners saying in their Galaxy Ball experiences? A: Looking through verified reviews, there’s a clear pattern – people who buy authentic units have a much better learning experience. While there’s still a learning curve, genuine products give users time to practice without frustrating technical issues that plague counterfeits. Q: What surface do experienced users recommend for practice? A: Based on our testing and thousands of real user experiences, carpeted areas work best for beginners. This softer surface protects your unit during those early learning days. Many expert users in their reviews suggest mastering basic moves over carpet before trying other environments. Remember: While many galaxy ball reviews focus on instant gratification, our testing reveals that investing in an authentic Cosmic Globe provides better value, safer operation, and a more enjoyable experience in the long run. Don’t fall for cheap knockoffs – they’ll cost you more in frustration than you’ll save in dollars. Related Items: Galaxy Ball , Galaxy Ball Reviews Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best Flying Orb Balls: What Our Galaxy Ball Reviews Showed Us Comments

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INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton looked and sounded more like himself Monday night. He made one 3-pointer after another, found open teammates with nifty passes and, yes, was smiling again. Celebrating a second-straight win certainly helped matters, too. For the usually unflappable two-time All-Star, the bounce back game came as he finally started letting go of his pent-up frustration by speaking freely about what he's learned over the first two months of this NBA season — and why he needs to stop blaming his early season struggles for Indiana's slow start. “Everybody wants to say be happy, have fun. That's hard to do when you're not playing well or you're losing,” Haliburton said after the 114-110 victory over New Orleans. “But differentiating the difference between happiness and joy — I've always had a joy for the game of basketball and love and appreciation for what I do. So I think I just got caught in becoming frustrated with myself and this kind of creeped into like job territory, you know what I mean? That's not me.” Haliburton has displayed an unusual edginess since training camp began in late September. On media day, he talked about disproving the critics who claimed last season's Eastern Conference finals run was more about luck than skill. He also found motivation in being deep on the bench during the U.S. Olympic basketball team's gold-medal winning run. He thought it could propel himself and his team to even greater successes. Instead, a series of injuries have severely thinned the Pacers once-deep roster, Haliburton's shots stopped falling, the losses piled up and suddenly the straight-talking guy who inspired so many with his beaming, trademark smile didn't look or sound like himself. Others noticed. “I've got people sending me clips of how I've looked in the media and how I looked on the court and my body language sucks, my attitude sucks,” Haliburton said. “It's hard to get out of what's going on if you're that way. I've been told my whole life to control what I can control and I can't control if the ball goes in every time. But I can control my body language, I can control my energy and I can control my effort.” RELATED: Haliburton scores 34, delivers key plays in the clutch to send Pacers past Pelicans 114-110 Whether it was the short conversation between Haliburton and All-Star forward Pascal Siakam after Sunday's victory over Washington or something else, Haliburton looked like a different player Monday. He was 12 of 23 from the field, both season highs, made a season best nine 3s and produced his eighth double-double of the season. Haliburton finished with his second-highest point total (34), matched a season-high with 13 assists and made all the big plays down the stretch — the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3:06 remaining, driving for a layup that gave Indiana a five-point lead and finding Bennedict Mathurin for an alley-oop dunk that brought the crowd to its feet with a minute to play. He believes it's just a start. “I think people look at the Indiana Pacers and they're like ‘Man, their pace is down, the energy of the team isn't very good.' Put that on me," Haliburton said. “That's where I've been, and I got caught up in myself. I think for us to go back to playing Pacers basketball, playing the right way, (it's) how can I internalize whatever I've got going on and then put that into the group and our guys? We've got to get back to having the right energy.” How did Haliburton get to this point? The 24-year-old has shot 45% or better in just five of 18 games this season, and the NBA's defending assists champ has seen that average drop to his lowest point (8.8) since he was traded from Sacramento to Indiana during the 2021-22 season. Plus, the Pacers are 8-10. Yes, Haliburton understands Indiana's early woes are not entirely his fault. Indiana lost two key backup centers, James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson, with torn Achilles tendons just six games into the season. Starting forward Aaron Nesmith hasn't played since Nov. 1 because of an injured left knee and starting guard Andrew Nembhard hasn't played since Nov. 6 because of a sprained left ankle. But after last season's playoff run, Haliburton is no longer motivated merely making the postseason — something he didn't do at Iowa State or in his first three pro seasons. He wants to win a championship, something he didn't do as a Wisconsin prep star. And Haliburton knows there's only one way to achieve that goal — by being himself. “You guys watch us every game and you wouldn't say right now we're playing with a joy, with a passion, with an energy,” he said. “Our energy is up and down and that starts with me. So I can make that promise — that will be there moving forward. Put that on me because when my energy is good and we're holding each other accountable, things are going to go well. That starts with me at the top and it trickles down to everybody else.”The senior cross country runner led the Mustangs to the Division 1 title by claiming the individual race in the fastest time for any division.

7 w 7 LIVERPOOL (AFP) – Premier League leaders Liverpool’s Merseyside derby trip to Everton yesterday was postponed due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh. High winds and heavy rain have battered western parts of the United Kingdom, causing widespread travel disruption. In a statement, Everton said the fixture had been postponed on safety grounds following a meeting between both clubs, local police and Liverpool City Council. “While we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” Everton’s statement added. The fixture will be the final Merseyside derby in the league at Everton’s Goodison Park, home to the club since 1892, before they move to a new 53,000 capacity stadium next season. Liverpool lead the Premier League by seven points after 14 games of the 38-match season. Manchester United said their match later at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest (1730GMT) is still scheduled to go ahead. “The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes,” United said in a statement. Three other Premier League games are also due to go ahead at 1500GMT, including Manchester City’s trip to Crystal Palace.

If the U.S. allows unconstrained growth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, there will be significant costs to both consumers and the climate, according to a new government report. The Department of Energy (DOE) analysis, published Dec. 17, warns that “unfettered exports of LNG would increase wholesale domestic natural gas prices by over 30 per cent” by 2050. More demand for gas to export overseas, it expects, would drive up domestic prices. Higher natural gas prices will also increase costs for manufacturers, which are then passed on to consumers, and cause electricity price hikes because gas is a key part of the power mix in many regions of the U.S., it noted. While LNG companies and exporters get wealthy, consumers (from households to farmers to heavy industry) will face price hikes: costs for the average American household will increase “well over $100 more per year by 2050,” wrote Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Granholm’s report dug into the climate impacts of LNG exports exceeding global demand for U.S. LNG. Natural gas is largely methane, which is responsible for roughly a quarter of global heating. Methane leaks into the atmosphere during gas production and transportation and when the gas is burned it releases plant-warming CO2. Gas is less emissions-intensive than coal, and a common industry and political argument for increasing LNG production and export is that it can displace dirtier energy sources, like coal, overseas. Granholm tackles this issue in the analysis, finding that it would be more likely that renewables, rather than coal, would be displaced in the future. “[T]he study put forward today shows a world in which additional U.S. LNG exports displace more renewables than coal globally,” she wrote. In four of the five scenarios modelled in the report, currently approved levels of U.S. LNG exports are “already more than enough to meet global demand” and exceeding that demand will have climate impacts. The DOE’s recent findings mirror the situation in Canada, where industry is pushing hard for major LNG expansion in British Columbia, said Climate Action Network Canada strategist John Young in an emailed statement. “Asian LNG markets are declining and LNG is headed for massive oversupply by the time LNG from Canada might be ready for market,” Young said. The U.S. analysis noted demand for LNG imports is high in China and expected to increase, while demand has already peaked in Japan (a key market for Canadian LNG exporters). The DOE is far from the first organization to flag the pending oversupply of LNG in global markets. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis reported Japan’s LNG demand has dropped by 25 per cent in the last decade, and is projected to fall by another 25 per cent by 2030, as nuclear power and renewables displace gas. An October analysis from U.K.-based Carbon Tracker found global markets for LNG are likely to be oversupplied by the end of the decade, and B.C. LNG production is expected to ramp up at precisely the same time global production plateaus. “On every front, the case for LNG falls apart in the face of comprehensive economic, human health, energy market and climate analysis,” Young said. “Canada needs to take a big step toward the renewable energy transition and away from LNG.” The Pembina Institute projects the combined emissions from a suite of LNG projects in B.C. — LNG Canada Phase 1 and 2, Cedar LNG, and Woodfibre LNG — will far exceed the province’s emission reduction target for the oil and gas sector sector. According to the DOE analysis, every scenario shows increases in LNG exports cause increases in global net emissions despite “very aggressive assumptions” about the use of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology. In the scenario where U.S. LNG exports exceed currently authorized levels, the annual emissions from production, transportation and burning the gas would be a staggering 1.5 gigatons of CO2 equivalent, or just over 25 per cent of the U.S.’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis called the pace of growth of U.S. LNG exports “truly astounding”: exports have already tripled over the past five years, are set to double again by 2030, and could still double again. Granholm’s overarching message is that “a business-as-usual approach is neither sustainable nor advisable” and the “public interest” should inform whether future LNG export authorizations go forward. — With files from John Woodside

Who’s Who in Trump’s New Silicon Valley Entourage“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz's nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump's desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It's unclear what's next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he's done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress," he said.None

NEW YORK (AP) — The huge rally for U.S. stocks lost momentum on Thursday as Wall Street counted down to a big jobs report that’s coming on Friday. The crypto market had more action, and bitcoin briefly burst to a record above $103,000 before pulling back. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% from the all-time high it had set the day before, its 56th of the year so far, to shave a bit off what’s set to be one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 248 points, or 0.6%, while the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.2% from its own record set the day before. Bitcoin powered above $100,000 for the first time the night before, after President-elect Donald Trump chose Paul Atkins, who's seen as a crypto advocate, as his nominee to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. The cryptocurrency has climbed dramatically from less than $70,000 on Election Day, but it fell back as Thursday progressed toward $99,000, according to CoinDesk. Sharp swings for bitcoin are nothing new, and they took stocks of companies enmeshed in the crypto world on a similar ride. After rising as much as 9% in early trading, MicroStrategy, a company that’s been raising cash just to buy bitcoin, swung to a loss of 4.8%. Crypto exchange Coinbase Global fell 3.1% after likewise erasing a big early gain. Elsewhere on Wall Street, stocks of airlines helped lead the way following the latest bumps up to financial forecasts from carriers. American Airlines Group soared 16.8% after saying it’s making more in revenue during the last three months of 2024 than it expected, and it will likely make a bigger profit than it had earlier forecast. The airline also chose Citi to be its exclusive partner for credit cards that give miles in its loyalty program. That should help its cash coming in from co-branded credit card and other partners grow by about 10% annually. Southwest Airlines climbed 2% after saying it’s seeing stronger demand from leisure travelers than it expected. It also raised its forecast for revenue for the holiday traveling season. On the losing end of Wall Street was Synposys, which tumbled 12.4%. The supplier for the semiconductor industry reported better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it also warned of “continued macro uncertainties” and gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that fell short of some analysts’ estimates. American Eagle Outfitters fell even more, 14.3%, after the retailer said it’s preparing for “potential choppiness” outside of peak selling periods. It was reminiscent of a warning from Foot Locker earlier in the week and raised more concerns about how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain. Solid spending by U.S. consumers has been one of the main reasons the U.S. economy has avoided a recession that earlier seemed inevitable after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to crush inflation. But shoppers are now contending with still-high prices and a slowing job market . This week’s highlight for Wall Street will be Friday’s jobs report from the U.S. government, which will show how many people employers hired and fired last month. A report on Thursday said the number of U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but remains at historically healthy levels. Expectations are high that the Fed will cut its main interest rate again when it meets in two weeks. The Fed began easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high in September, hoping to offer more support for the job market. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.17% from 4.18% late Wednesday. The S&P 500 fell 11.38 points to 6,075.11. The Dow sank 248.33 to 44,765.71, and the Nasdaq composite lost 34.86 to 19,700.26. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mostly calm in Europe after far-right and left-wing lawmakers in France joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion that will force Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The CAC 40 index in Paris added 0.4%. In South Korea, the Kospi fell 0.9% to compound its 1.4% decline from the day before. President Yoon Suk Yeol was facing possible impeachment after he suddenly declared martial law on Tuesday night. He revoked the martial law declaration six hours later. Crude oil prices slipped after eight members of the OPEC+ alliance of oil exporting countries decided to put off increasing oil production. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of the Phoenix Xcelerator, a pioneering program designed to empower & grow startups across the defense and aerospace sectors. Through structured programming—including a rigorous high-quality curriculum, personalized mentorship, and coaching—the Phoenix Xcelerator advances industry-informed and mission-led innovation. The program is funded in-part through a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). is home to over 178 aerospace and defense companies employing more than 10,900 people. Reports from federal sources highlight a decline in defense contractors, with the Department of Defense (DoD) vendors shrinking by 27.6% in the past decade. The Phoenix Xcelerator aims to reverse this trend, empowering startups to address defense challenges and reinforcing leadership in the sector. aerospace and defense exports, valued at over in 2023, represent 13% of the state's total exports, making them the top export category. Furthermore, the Air Force Base reported a economic impact in 2023. Major players like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Dassault Falcon Jet have positioned the state as a hub for defense innovation, with the Phoenix Xcelerator serving as a launchpad for the next wave of industry leaders. The Phoenix Xcelerator offers a 12-week intensive program, guiding participants through business validation, go-to-market strategies, and development of minimum viable products (MVPs) or prototypes. Participants gain expertise in non-dilutive funding opportunities such as SBIR/STTR and other grant programs, as well as access to capital networks for sustained growth. Established companies receive support in maximizing intellectual property and evaluating dual-use markets. Key features include: The program emphasizes emerging technologies like directed energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drones, ISR and other technologies, ensuring readiness for critical defense challenges. The Phoenix Xcelerator team brings decades of expertise to guide startups toward impactful, scalable growth. Entrepreneurs and companies working on dual-use technologies are encouraged to apply, gaining unparalleled resources and opportunities to innovate within the defense sector. To apply now, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Forge Institute

Mohamed Salah's new Liverpool contract 'announced' after club 'caved to demands'

Burnaby, BC-based legaltech company Clio made Canadian tech history this year when it $1.24-billion CAD ($900-million USD) Series F round at a $4-billion CAD ($3-billion USD) pre-money valuation. The fundraising itself is one of Canadian tech’s biggest stories of 2024. After all, the round dethroned 1Password’s $744-million CAD in 2022 to become the largest-ever raise in Canadian tech history, and accounted for nearly half of all dollars raised in the country during Q3 2024. More important than what the round achieved is what it represented: a private company expertly navigating market demands while public market contemporaries floundered or fled. . Clio CEO Jack Newton said at in October that he felt the weight of demand to exit via IPO or a sale from existing investors aging out of their funds. So Newton used the round, which was “substantially secondary,” to release the pressure and avoid entering a hostile IPO market that forced many in Canadian tech to go private this year. “You don’t need to sell,” Newton said on stage, adding that founders can look at the private markets as a way of “letting your existing investors punch out.” Clio’s desire to stay private helps explain why so many publicly traded Canadian tech companies returned to the private markets this year, ultimately taking buyouts from deep-pocketed private equity firms. According to a September report from , 20 tech IPOs occurred during the 2020 IPO boom, and almost half of those have since gone private, delisted, or been taken over. “Maybe you go public again in a few years but, you know, it’s tiring being public. It’s brutal.” Some of this year’s go-private transactions came from , , ., , , and . One of the largest was Montréal-based payments company , which was acquired by Boston-based private equity Advent International for $6.3 billion USD about three and a half years after it first went public during the IPO wave of 2020. After of Montréal-based payments company Lightspeed Commerce, Dax Dasilva , initiating a of the business that could result in a similar go-private move. That review led to Lightspeed its Capital Markets Day last month. So why did the great go-private wave of 2024 (which we began to see in 2023) happen? According to Thomson Reuters Ventures managing director Tamara Steffens, going private means less scrutiny for companies at a time when they can’t put together the results needed in the public markets. “If you don’t have the financial stability to continue to pull together quarter after quarter after quarter, you may be better off pulling in private [and] cleaning it up behind closed doors, from a cost basis perspective, which you can do less visibly than if you’re a publicly traded company,” Steffens told BetaKit in an interview. “Maybe you go public again in a few years but, you know, it’s tiring being public. It’s brutal.” Steffens said that valuations have gotten more realistic since the boom of 2021, and a number of companies will opt for an exit rather than a down round. Since valuations have become “much more realistic,” the companies that did jump through the wide-open IPO window a few years ago now suddenly pine for greener grass. It’s also why Clio, which in 2022 as it prepared to go public, still hasn’t pulled the trigger. Newton said at BetaKit Town Hall: Vancouver that Clio’s $200 million USD ARR, larger than Shopify’s at the time of its IPO, needs to reach $500 million to entertain the current IPO market. Steffens noted that while it’s not any harder to IPO than it was last year, the choice to do so (or dip) will stem from the investor pressure Clio deftly defied. “If there’s less funding happening, there’s going to be a natural progression to either exit via sale to another company or to go IPO,” Steffens said. “There hasn’t been as much return [to LPs in recent years], and [investors] are going to have to make some decisions and push some companies in one direction the other.” While it’s all about timing, many Canadian tech companies say they’re ready for when the time comes. recently compiled a list of 71 privately held technology companies that have reached $100-million USD in annual recurring revenue (ARR), a milestone indicating maturity and sustainability. We have profitability, we have a strong team, we have all of the attributes [of a good public company]. It’s just a matter of when.” One of the companies is travel app , which has exceeded $300-million ARR. When BetaKit spoke with Brightspark Ventures managing partner and Hopper board member Sophie Forest in September, she said that the company will tackle an IPO when it makes sense, but there’s no urgency to do so. In the meantime, Hopper to follow Clio and raise a large secondary round to quell investors, just like San Francisco-based artificial intelligence data company Databricks did with its staggering $10-billion Series J round. When BetaKit spoke with Fullscript CEO Kyle Braatz last month, whose company has nearly achieved $1 billion in ARR, he also indicated that he’s just waiting for the right time to test the markets. “I would say we’ve got the market tailwind. We’ve got recurring revenue that’s very predictable,” Braatz told BetaKit. “We have profitability, we have a strong team, we have all of the attributes that a good public company has. It’s just a matter of when.” According to Steffens, the “when” might be just around the corner. She predicts the IPO market will open up “a little bit” in 2025, and even more so in 2026.

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In addition, the impact of the water tax extends beyond individual consumers to industries and businesses. Companies that rely heavily on water for their operations may face higher operational costs due to the implementation of this tax. However, this can also serve as a catalyst for innovation and the development of more water-efficient technologies and practices within these sectors.

OTTAWA — Billionaire Elon Musk called Canada’s prime minister an “insufferable tool” on his social media platform today. Musk’s comments were in response to Justin Trudeau likening Kamala Harris’s defeat in the U.S. presidential election to an attack on women’s rights and progress. This afternoon, Trudeau met with provincial and territorial premiers to discuss Canada’s approach to negotiations with the U.S. Canada is facing a threat of a 25 per cent tariff hike from incoming president Donald Trump, who defeated Harris in the November election. Earlier this week, Trump taunted Trudeau on social media, referring to the prime minister as the governor of what he called the “Great State of Canada.” The post was an apparent reference to a joke Trump cracked at his dinner with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago estate nearly two weeks ago, where the president-elect teased that Canada could join the U.S. as its 51st state. Speaking on Tuesday night at an event hosted by the Equal Voice Foundation — an organization dedicated to improving gender representation in Canadian politics — Trudeau said there are regressive forces fighting against women’s progress. “It shouldn’t be that way. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. We were supposed to be on a steady, if difficult sometimes, march towards progress,” Trudeau said, adding he is a proud feminist and will always be an ally. “And yet, just a few weeks ago, the United States voted for a second time to not elect its first woman president. Everywhere, women’s rights and women’s progress is under attack. Overtly, and subtly.” In a post on X on Wednesday, Musk responded to a clip of Trudeau’s remarks, saying, “He’s such an insufferable tool. Won’t be in power for much longer.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2024. Nick Murray, The Canadian PressThe controversy began when a distributor was found to be circulating what appeared to be compromising photos of the company's chairman. The distributor has since been identified and penalized for disseminating false and defamatory information. The swift action taken by the authorities to address this issue demonstrates the seriousness with which such incidents are treated.The news of her untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the online community, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow influencers expressing their grief and outrage at the senseless act of violence. Many have taken to social media platforms to demand justice for the victim and to call for stricter measures to combat the growing trend of online harassment and abuse targeting influencers and content creators.Chelsea's rise to the top of the Premier League table has been a story of hard work, determination, and attacking flair. The team's ability to score goals at will and break down even the toughest defenses has made them a force to be reckoned with this season. With a solid defense to complement their potent attack, Chelsea has become a well-rounded team that is capable of competing at the highest level.

As news of the study spread, farmers and agricultural experts around the world began to take notice. Many saw the potential for straw to revolutionize corn production, potentially increasing yields, reducing costs, and improving sustainability. In a market already struggling with fluctuating prices and unpredictable weather patterns, the idea of a new, reliable method of boosting crop yields was met with both excitement and skepticism.

Electric vehicle industry at crossroads, not a dead end

Islanders: Patrick Roy apologizes to the fans present at the training session.

But the ET9's interior is not just about aesthetics - it's also packed with advanced technology features that promise to elevate the driving experience to new heights. A large, curved display screen dominates the dashboard, seamlessly integrating the infotainment system, navigation, and vehicle controls into a single cohesive interface. This innovative approach not only enhances user convenience but also adds a futuristic touch to the overall cabin design.

Hisense's statement emphasized that, as a responsible employer, the company values its employees as one of its most important assets. Hisense expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication of its staff and reaffirmed its dedication to providing a positive and secure working environment for all employees.

Govt school teacher ends life over land sale fraudAs we prepare for the final season of "Suicide Squad," anticipation runs high among the player base. Many are speculating on what the conclusion of the game will bring - will there be a climactic showdown with the game's ultimate villain? What fate awaits our beloved characters as the story reaches its conclusion? Fans are eager to see how the developers will tie up loose ends and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the saga.

Benitez's journey at Chelsea began amidst skepticism and doubt from fans and pundits alike. Many questioned his appointment following the departure of Roberto Di Matteo, who had guided the team to Champions League glory just months earlier. However, Benitez quickly silenced his critics with a series of positive results on the pitch.The left-back position has been a revolving door for Arsenal in recent seasons, with a lack of a consistent and reliable option. Kieran Tierney, when fit, has shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries have limited his impact and availability. As a result, makeshift solutions have been used, with players like Granit Xhaka and Cedric Soares filling in at left-back, but lacking the natural attacking instincts and defensive solidity required in that role.

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In conclusion, the expulsion of Wu Yingjie and the investigation into his subordinates highlight the ongoing challenges of corruption in the Chinese political system. It is crucial for the government to remain vigilant in its efforts to root out corruption, punish wrongdoers, and uphold the rule of law. Only through sustained and comprehensive anti-corruption measures can the party and state restore their legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the public.In addition to individual behavior, the media is also highlighting the broader economic implications of the end of the "lying flat" era. As consumer spending plays a vital role in driving economic growth, a shift towards more active consumption patterns is expected to stimulate demand and boost overall economic activity. By encouraging people to loosen their purse strings and support businesses, the media is advocating for a more sustainable and vibrant economy.3. **Desirable Location and Quality**: Beijing continues to attract buyers due to its status as the political, cultural, and economic center of China. Properties located in prime areas with good infrastructure, amenities, and accessibility to schools, offices, and transportation hubs are in high demand. Additionally, with a focus on quality and modern amenities, both new and old properties are appealing to buyers looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

As bystanders rushed to the scene to assist the injured homeowner, the boy, in a state of shock and disbelief, attempted to flee from the unfolding chaos. Tragically, as he tried to navigate the busy street, he was struck by a speeding delivery truck, causing catastrophic injuries. Despite the swift response of emergency services, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving a community devastated by the loss of such a young life.As the last group of Chinese citizens crossed the border to safety, a collective sigh of relief echoed through the air, mingled with a sense of gratitude for the safe passage provided by the green corridor. The evacuation of Chinese nationals from Syria serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in times of crisis, and the unwavering commitment of governments to protect the lives and well-being of their citizens, no matter the challenges they may face.

a whole new world philippines Recently, an incident at Shanxi University has sparked controversy and concern within the academic community. Reports emerged that an international student at the university had allegedly touched a female student inappropriately by placing his hand on her buttocks. The incident has raised questions about campus safety, cultural differences, and the rights and responsibilities of both domestic and international students. In response to the incident, Shanxi University has issued a statement addressing the situation and reaffirming its commitment to creating a safe and respectful campus environment.

The Syrian government has accused foreign powers of carrying out the airstrikes in an attempt to destabilize the country and weaken its grip on power. In response, Syrian officials have vowed to retaliate against the aggressors and defend their sovereignty.This Might Just Be Rivian's Best Decision YetNEW YORK (AP) — Stocks wavered in afternoon trading on Wall Street Monday at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. A handful of technology companies helped support the gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 63 points, or 0.2% as of 1:18 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3%. Broadcom jumped 5.2% to also help support the broader market. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. Honda rose 3.8% and Nissan rose 1.6% in Tokyo. Eli Lilly rose 3% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.7% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a 24% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.58% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets were mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close early on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.OP Chautala: Haryana veteran who played a risky game of thrones

The primary aim behind this unexpected change in the monetary policy tone seems to be twofold - to stimulate economic growth and to provide relief to borrowers amid challenging times. With the global economy facing uncertainty and domestic demand showing signs of weakening, authorities have been compelled to rethink their strategies.COLUMBIA, South Carolina — Victims’ families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences. Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof, convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 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. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they’d long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump, a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move as an assault to common decency just weeks before the president-elect takes office. Related Story: Victims’ Families and Former Colleagues Share Relief and Anger Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden’s commutation of the killer’s sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent sitting in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.” “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” Decision to Leave Roof on Death Row Met With Conflicting Emotions There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Related Story: Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people,” Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims’ families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement. Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday. “The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?” Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director. “These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Related Story: One Inmate’s Attorney Expresses Thanks — and His Remorse Two of the men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.”

Salah's impact on Liverpool's fortunes cannot be overstated. Since joining the club, he has been a key player in their resurgence as a footballing powerhouse. His goals have helped secure vital wins, key assists have set up important goals, and his presence on the field has inspired his teammates to new heights. It is no wonder that Liverpool was quick to offer him a new contract, ensuring that Salah will continue to wear the famous red shirt for years to come.The proposed highway, which will connect key cities and regions in Jiangxi Province, is designed to alleviate traffic congestion, promote economic development, and enhance connectivity within the region. With the increasing demand for efficient transportation networks, the new highway is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating smoother and faster travel for both commuters and goods.

Wabash Announces Quarterly DividendThe "lying flat" mentality has often been associated with a lack of motivation to work hard or strive for financial stability. Many individuals who subscribe to this mindset believe that it is futile to accumulate wealth and instead prefer to live a minimalist lifestyle with minimal financial obligations. Consequently, saving money has become a less prominent priority for those who adhere to the principles of the "lying flat" movement.

In conclusion, the recent airstrikes in Syria by Israel have once again underscored the fragility of the situation in the region and the urgent need for all parties to work together towards a peaceful and sustainable solution. The international community must prioritize diplomacy and dialogue in order to prevent further escalation and to address the root causes of the conflicts that continue to plague Syria and the wider Middle East.In addition to service provision, the power transition will also focus on establishing mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation. This includes addressing past grievances, ensuring justice for victims of the conflict, and promoting national unity and cohesion. By addressing these issues, the transition process seeks to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and peaceful Syria, where all communities can coexist harmoniously.Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona

The CPI(M) on Monday backed politburo member A Vijayaraghavan’s controversial remarks on Muslim fundamentalists’ support behind the victories of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. The party defended his remarks, stating that they were aimed at exposing the “unholy alliance” between Congress and “communal” outfits like the SDPI, the political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Welfare Party of India, the branch of Jamaat-e-Islami. CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan told reporters, “Both majority and minority communal forces have strengthened their attacks on our party over the years. But we are not ready to make any compromises with them. SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami are among the tiny communal forces within the Muslim community.” “Congress is an ally of those communal forces. We saw both in the Lok Sabha elections and the Palakkad assembly bypoll that the two parties worked just as an ally of the Congress and UDF. It will have far-reaching consequences,” he said. He emphasised that a majority of the people in that community stand for secularism. The consequences of allying with such “extremist” outfits will be disastrous for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a long-standing ally of the Congress, as well, he said, adding that Vijayaraghavan’s position was correct and that the party stood with it. While the SDPI and Welfare Party are not part of the UDF in Kerala, in recent elections, they have pitched support for the Congress-led alliance. LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan too supported the politburo member. “He has only criticised the move of the Congress and the IUML to seek support from extremist outfits like SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami. Didn’t the SDPI hold a victory celebration after the win of the UDF candidate in the Palakkad bypoll? There is nothing ‘communal’ about Vijayaraghavan’s remarks. His words are only aimed at protecting the society from communal forces,” he said. The LDF support for Vijayaraghavan came days after the Congress and IUML slammed his remarks, calling them “cruel” and “unbecoming” of a senior Left leader. Vijayaraghavan was quoted saying at the party’s district conference in Wayanad last week, “Two people had recent back-to-back victories here (Wayanad). With whose support did Rahul Gandhi win? Without the support of the Muslim fundamentalist elements, would Rahul Gandhi have entered Parliament? He is the leader of opposition there. Then Priyanka Gandhi came. Who were at the front and back of her roadshows? Weren’t there members of minority extremist elements there? Didn’t they support her?” Meanwhile,leader of opposition in the Kerala assembly VD Satheesan on Monday accused the CPI(M) of moving towards a position that aligns with the Sangh Parivar’s agenda of creating communal divisions in the state. He further said that CPI(M) leaders made made their stance clear that, after the parliamentary elections, the Left party’s agenda has changed, and “it has emerged with a majority communal appeasement that even shames the Sangh Parivar”. “CPI(M) is moving towards a position that aligns with the Sangh Parivar agenda of creating communal divisions in the state. To say that Priyanka Gandhi’s victory in Wayanad was due to the support of extremists is an insult to the people of Wayanad,” the LoP said. He said the people voted for Rahul and Priyanka without any caste or religious differences.”Attempting to create communalism in the name of that victory shows that the distance between CPI(M) and the Sangh Parivar is not very far,” he said. With PTI inputs

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DENVER — Amid renewed interest in the killing of JonBenet Ramsey triggered in part by a new Netflix documentary, police in Boulder, Colorado, refuted assertions this week that there is viable evidence and leads about the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old girl that they are not pursuing. JonBenet Ramsey, who competed in beauty pageants, was found dead in the basement of her family's home in the college town of Boulder the day after Christmas in 1996. Her body was found several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note was left behind. The gravesite of JonBenet Ramsey is covered with flowers Jan. 8, 1997, at St. James Episcopal Cemetery in Marietta, Ga. JonBenet was bludgeoned and strangled. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted. The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet competing in pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States. The police comments came as part of their annual update on the investigation, a month before the 28th anniversary of JonBenet's killing. Police said they released it a little earlier due to the increased attention on the case, apparently referring to the three-part Netflix series "Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey." In a video statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the department welcomes news coverage and documentaries about the killing of JonBenet, who would have been 34 this year, as a way to generate possible new leads. He said the department is committed to solving the case but needs to be careful about what it shares about the investigation to protect a possible future prosecution. "What I can tell you though, is we have thoroughly investigated multiple people as suspects throughout the years and we continue to be open-minded about what occurred as we investigate the tips that come in to detectives," he said. The Netflix documentary focuses on the mistakes made by police and the "media circus" surrounding the case. A police officer sits in her cruiser Jan. 3, 1997, outside the home in which 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered Dec. 26, 1996, in Boulder, Colo. Police were widely criticized for mishandling the early investigation into her death amid speculation that her family was responsible. However, a prosecutor cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and brother Burke in 2008 based on new DNA evidence from JonBenet's clothing that pointed to the involvement of an "unexplained third party" in her slaying. The announcement by former district attorney Mary Lacy came two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. Lacy called the Ramseys "victims of this crime." John Ramsey continued to speak out for the case to be solved. In 2022, he supported an online petition asking Colorado's governor to intervene in the investigation by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case. In the Netflix documentary, he said he advocated for several items that were not prepared for DNA testing to be tested and for other items to be retested. He said the results should be put through a genealogy database. In recent years, investigators identified suspects in unsolved cases by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes and to DNA testing results shared online by people researching their family trees. In 2021, police said in their annual update that DNA hadn't been ruled out to help solve the case, and in 2022 noted that some evidence could be "consumed" if DNA testing is done on it. Last year, police said they convened a panel of outside experts to review the investigation to give recommendations and determine if updated technologies or forensic testing might produce new leads. In the latest update, Redfearn said that review ended but police continue to work through and evaluate a "lengthy list of recommendations" from the panel. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

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NoneSINGAPORE: The deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban is Jan 19, 2025 – one day before Donald Trump’s inauguration. Having vowed to “save TikTok” on the campaign trail, the big question now is how the next United States president might do it and if he can. Many in Singapore will recall TikTok’s CEO Chew Shou Zi facing off with Republic senator Tom Cotton earlier this year. “I’m Singaporean,” he repeatedly answered, when asked if he holds a Chinese passport or is a member of the Communist Party of China. A concern widely shared among American lawmakers is that ByteDance is subject to Chinese law requiring cooperation on intelligence and national security matters and could be forced to use its popular video app and user data for nefarious purposes. In April, President Joe Biden signed a law that bans TikTok if ByteDance does not sell its American operations to a company that is not controlled by a nation deemed a “foreign adversary”. Legislation that Congress passes is, of course, still binding even if there’s a change in the presidency. But TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, with several possible scenarios. SCENARIO 1: A PARTIAL SALE WITHOUT TIKTOK ALGORITHM Beijing has said it would oppose a forced sale, which it characterised as “bullying”. Recently passed Chinese export controls restrict the transfer of technology like the algorithm that powers the social media platform. Assuming the sale of the TikTok algorithm is off the table, an alternative deal could entail selling other assets, including user data, but not the core technology. This may be the least likely scenario. TikTok without the algorithm is like a sports car without an engine – a far less attractive investment. TikTok’s likely price tag would put it beyond the reach of all but a few potential buyers, and those like Meta, which already own related businesses, could face antitrust challenges. SCENARIO 2: COURTS OVERTURN BAN ON FIRST AMENDMENT GROUNDS It’s possible that Trump may not need to act to get his preferred outcome. TikTok has challenged the ban’s constitutionality in an appeals court – on the basis that it infringes on free expression. It’s an unusual case: A company with Chinese roots arguing for Americans’ First Amendment rights , with the US Department of Justice defending the potential ban of an app that half of Americans use. Government lawyers have asked the court for a December decision to allow time for appeals before the January deadline. If litigation drags on past Trump’s inauguration, the Justice Department under the new administration could drop its defence of the law. If the legal challenge lands at the US Supreme Court, there’s no need to invoke accusations that the conservative majority may overturn the ban based on political considerations. Plenty of free speech jurisprudence supports a sceptical view of the ban. SCENARIO 3: REPEAL OF THE “SALE-OR-BAN” LAW If TikTok’s legal challenges fail, a ban is still far from inevitable. The Trump administration could attempt to rally lawmakers to amend or repeal the law. Overturning legislation isn’t a trivial matter. Both houses of Congress would have to pass any changes. Though Republican majorities will control both the Senate and the House of Representatives come January, and deference to Trump is high, a repeal could create an awkward test of loyalty. Ardent Trump supporters, including his choice for Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, were outspoken in arguing for the law. Trump enters office constitutionally limited to one final four-year term. In contrast, lawmakers seeking re-election in the years ahead may suffer for flip-flopping at Trump’s whim. SCENARIO 4: NON-ENFORCEMENT President Trump could instruct the Justice Department to hold off on enforcement of the ban. Although a presidential administration has broad discretion to set federal law enforcement priorities, ignoring recently passed legislation – with robust bipartisan support – would be a controversial move. The ban would prohibit app stores from allowing users to download the app. So a non-enforcement policy would create legal uncertainty for stakeholders like Apple and Alphabet. The law appears to allow some leeway to delay or avoid enforcement. Trump’s team could exploit an apparent loophole and argue that TikTok’s efforts to insulate Americans’ user data from ByteDance’s control mean it is no longer “controlled” by a foreign adversary. CHANGING TIDES What happens next is difficult to predict. But the political will to enact a TikTok ban appears to have waned. In August, a Pew opinion poll showed support for a ban has fallen to around one-third of Americans, down from a peak of one-half over a year before. Since then, TikTok has become more ingrained in Americans’ lives. Biden’s campaign had an account even as the president was signing the legislation. Vice President Kamala Harris’s and Trump’s campaigns were both active on the platform. Though it was a divisive election, so far, there have been fewer criticisms of social media platforms for failing to curb misinformation compared to previous years. During his first term, Trump issued an executive order that would have banned the app, but the courts blocked it. He has reversed his position since March, charging that a ban would help the platforms of TikTok’s competitor Meta, which he called an “enemy of the people”. Meta’s Facebook had restricted Trump’s account for two years after the Jan 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. Observers noted that his opposition to a ban came after a meeting with a Republican Party mega-donor who has a substantial investment in ByteDance. After his election, Trump spokespersons have said he would keep his promise to prevent a ban. NO SMOKING GUN Are Americans right not to worry about TikTok? Those with concerns appear to focus less on what TikTok has done than what it could do. Indeed, we all intuitively understand that digital data is easily transferred or manipulated. Before the bill’s passage, US intelligence officials briefed senators on the threat that TikTok poses. Some lawmakers called for the public release of some of the content, but it remains classified. TikTok had been working behind the scenes to address concerns about its corporate structure and data storage with a secretive US government committee that deals with foreign investments with national security implications. Government officials backed away from negotiations, saying any breaches of an agreement would be difficult to detect. Given the scarcity of public evidence that TikTok has systematically misused user data or shared it with Chinese authorities, scrutiny has focused on hypotheticals – whether Chinese authorities could gain access to information about individual users, tweak its algorithm to paint a distorted picture of news events, or use insights about users’ interests to shape public opinion. During the court hearings this year, appellate judges asked what could happen if US-China tensions escalated into military action. Escalation – intentional or not – doesn’t seem out of the question, given Trump’s hawkish Cabinet appointments. It’s worth noting that just this month, Canada, a nation generally less confrontational on the world stage than its southern neighbour, ordered TikTok to shutter its Canadian offices due to “national security risks”. The authorities did not, however, restrict Canadians’ use of the app. Though the authorities did not reveal the intelligence behind their decision, the former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, David Vigneault, said it’s “very clear” that because of the app’s design, Canadians’ user data “is available to the government of China”. Given that American political will to implement a ban appears to be faltering and possibilities to manoeuvre around it are still alive, I wouldn’t count on a ban materialising any time soon. For better or worse, our feeds may continue to feature videos made in the USA, including those that president-elect Trump posts for his 14 million followers. Dr Mark Cenite is Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education) at Nanyang Technological University’s College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. He teaches media law and artificial intelligence law at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

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