Musk causes uproar by backing German far-right party ahead of key electionsPanamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with US President-elect Donald Trump over control of the Panama Canal, denying that China was interfering in its operation. Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for US vessels in response to Trump's threat to demand control of the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans be returned to Washington. "There's nothing to talk about," Mulino told a press conference. "The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There's no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat and tears," he added. The canal, inaugurated in 1914, was built by the United States but handed to Panama on December 31, 1999, under treaties signed some two decades earlier by then-US president Jimmy Carter and Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos. Trump on Saturday slammed what he called "ridiculous" fees for US ships passing through the canal and hinted at China's growing influence. "It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. "We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!" If Panama could not ensure "the secure, efficient and reliable operation" of the channel, "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question," he said. An estimated five percent of global maritime traffic passes through the Panama Canal, which allows ships traveling between Asia and the US East Coast to avoid the long, hazardous route around the southern tip of South America. The United States is its main user, accounting for 74 percent of cargo, followed by China with 21 percent. Mulino said the canal's usage fees were "not set at the whim of the president or the administrator" of the interoceanic waterway, but under a long-established "public and open process." "There is absolutely no Chinese interference or participation in anything to do with the Panama Canal," Mulino said. On Wednesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social alleged, without evidence, that Chinese soldiers were "lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal." Mulino denied that allegation, too. "There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God," he added. Panama established diplomatic relations with China in 2017, after breaking off ties with Taiwan -- a decision criticized by Trump's first administration. On Tuesday, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Panama City chanting "Trump, animal, leave the canal alone" and burning an image of the incoming US president. jjr/fj/dr/ahaLINT TOP: Earning Trust from South American Clients with Our Outstanding Reputation 12-26-2024 07:16 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire In the South American market, LINT TOP [ https://www.linttop.com/ ] has become the preferred equipment supplier for wire and cable manufacturers, backed by 15 years of extensive experience. Our success is not only attributed to high-quality products and innovative solutions but also to the word-of-mouth referrals and strong reputation we've built within the industry. 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Prince Louis' sweet request to Prince William sparks frenzy Prince William surprisingly reacts to Prince Louis' request during outing on Christmas Day Prince William and Kate Middleton's youngest child Prince Louis received dozens of gifts from well-wishers after attending the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on December 25. Louis “looked visibly excited” by the gifts he received, including a box of Cadbury chocolates, Christmas crackers, bouquets of flowers and an assortment of stuffed toys, according to The Daily Mail . One, from the crowed, offered him a Father Christmas headband, which the little Prince happily accepted and “politely thanked the person who gifted it and returned to his father and siblings.” Prince William, who was also enthusiastically greeting members of the public, appeared amused by his son Louis’ haul of goodies and told him, “You’ve got that as well.” In fact, the Prince and Princess of Wales's child's hands were so full of presents that he “appeared to struggle to keep hold of everything he had received” and turned to his father and sweetly asked, “Papa, can you carry some?” Louis's sweet request sent royal fans wild, with many showing love to the young boy for his innocence. Per Newsweek , at one point, Prince Louis was spotted telling his mother Princess Kate, “We’re looking out for each other.” Blake Lively reveals secret behind her and Ryan Reynolds 'happy marriage' Beyoncé ignites outrage with controversial gesture Keira Knightley reveals real reason why she’ll never watch ‘Love Actually’ Brad Pitt wraps up shoot for highly anticipated movie
The winners and losers of the Liberals' holiday tax break and cash giveawaySeahawks place running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserveQatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The Al Jazeera Media Institute(AJMI)has announced the dates for the launch of the second edition of the Al Jazeera Artificial Intelligence in Media Conference, which will be held on Januray 11 and 12, 2025, at the Sheraton Doha Hotel. The conference is organised as part of the Institute’s commitment to its pioneering role in anticipating the future of media. Its aim is to discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence and their impact on the media industry. Additionally, the conference aims to showcase advanced applications that contribute to verifying news, analysing data, and enhancing media production. This reflects the important role of technology in shaping the contours of modern journalism. Through this conference, the Institute aims to create a space for meaningful dialogue between technology experts and media organisations on the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence, ensuring that core journalistic values are preserved while adapting to technological advancements. Eman Al Amri, director of the Al Jazeera Media Institute, emphasised that through organising this conference, the Institute aims to create a space for serious dialogue between technology experts and media organisations on the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence. Al Amri stated, “We want to ensure the preservation of core journalistic values and adapt to technological developments.” Al Amri further added that the conference provides an opportunity to blend in-depth discussions with practical application. It features scientific sessions and debates on the ethical and professional challenges related to the use of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the event includes practical workshops that allow participants to explore the latest developments in this field. The conference aims to explore advanced applications of artificial intelligence in media, address the ethical and legal challenges posed by these technologies, and facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise between media organisations to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Al Jazeera is consistently at the forefront of institutions that proactively anticipate the future and invest in modern technologies to enhance journalistic work, improve content quality, and elevate media practices. The Artificial Intelligence in Media Conference includes dialogue sessions and specialised workshops, bringing together global experts, along with speakers from leading technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Cisco. Conference sessions will focus on exploring the latest intelligent tools used in news gathering and verification, detecting deepfakes, and presenting successful Arab and global experiences in employing artificial intelligence in journalism. These case studies include those of Al Jazeera, Reuters, the Washington Post, the Associated Press, and No Border News. The conference will discuss issues with future dimensions, such as algorithmic bias and its impact on the integrity of media content, the impact of artificial intelligence on media professionals, and ways to build trust between the public and content produced using intelligent tools. Attendees will have the opportunity to benefit from workshops that highlight the uses of artificial intelligence in developing the journalism profession. The Al Jazeera Media Institute has invited journalists, academics, and all those interested in modern technologies to participate in this distinguished event, which represents a unique platform for exploring the latest technological innovations and an opportunity to learn about successful global experiences in integrating artificial intelligence into journalism, and to exchange ideas and perspectives on the future of media in light of rapid technological transformations. Copy 24/12/2024 10
CHICAGO (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks placed running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve prior to their game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday because of an ankle injury. Walker hurt his ankle in last week's loss to Minnesota and left that game after sitting out the previous two because of a calf problem. He also missed two weeks in September with an oblique issue. Walker has run for 573 yards and seven touchdowns on 153 carries. A second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2022, he has 2,528 yards rushing and 24 TDs in his career. Walker could, in theory, return if the Seahawks win two playoff games, though their postseason hopes were slim entering the game against Chicago. Seattle (8-7) trailed the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams (9-6) by one game with two to play. The Seahawks' best path to the postseason was to win the final two regular-season games and have Los Angeles lose to Arizona on Saturday. Seattle visits the Rams to close the regular season. With Walker out, Seattle signed rookie running back George Holani off the practice squad. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
PANAMA CITY – Teddy Roosevelt once declared the Panama Canal “one of the feats to which the people of this republic will look back with the highest pride.” More than a century later, Donald Trump is threatening to take back the waterway for the same republic. The president-elect is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He says if things don't change after he takes office next month, "We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.” Recommended Videos Trump has long threatened allies with punitive action in hopes of winning concessions. But experts in both countries are clear: Unless he goes to war with Panama, Trump can't reassert control over a canal the U.S. agreed to cede in the 1970s. Here's a look at how we got here: What is the canal? It is a man-made waterway that uses a series of locks and reservoirs over 51 miles (82 kilometers) to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. It spares ships having to go an additional roughly 7,000 miles (more than 11,000 kilometers) to sail around Cape Horn at South America's southern tip. The U.S. International Trade Administration says the canal saves American business interests “considerable time and fuel costs” and enables faster delivery of goods, which is “particularly significant for time sensitive cargoes, perishable goods, and industries with just-in-time supply chains.” Who built it? An effort to establish a canal through Panama led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built Egypt's Suez Canal, began in 1880 but progressed little over nine years before going bankrupt. Malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases devastated a workforce already struggling with especially dangerous terrain and harsh working conditions in the jungle, eventually costing more than 20,000 lives, by some estimates. Panama was then a province of Colombia, which refused to ratify a subsequent 1901 treaty licensing U.S. interests to build the canal. Roosevelt responded by dispatching U.S. warships to Panama's Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. also prewrote a constitution that would be ready after Panamanian independence, giving American forces “the right to intervene in any part of Panama, to re-establish public peace and constitutional order.” In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903. It soon signed a treaty allowing a U.S.-led team to begin construction . Some 5,600 workers died later during the U.S.-led construction project, according to one study. Why doesn't the US control the canal anymore? The waterway opened in 1914, but almost immediately some Panamanians began questioning the validity of U.S. control, leading to what became known in the country as the “generational struggle” to take it over. The U.S. abrogated its right to intervene in Panama in the 1930s. By the 1970s, with its administrative costs sharply increasing, Washington spent years negotiating with Panama to cede control of the waterway. The Carter administration worked with the government of Omar Torrijos. The two sides eventually decided that their best chance for ratification was to submit two treaties to the U.S. Senate, the “Permanent Neutrality Treaty" and the “Panama Canal Treaty." The first, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. The second stated that the U.S. would turn over the canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, and was terminated then. Both were signed in 1977 and ratified the following year. The agreements held even after 1989, when President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. In the late 1970s, as the handover treaties were being discussed and ratified, polls found that about half of Americans opposed the decision to cede canal control to Panama. However, by the time ownership actually changed in 1999, public opinion had shifted, with about half of Americans in favor. What's happened since then? Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004 . Panama's voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a video Sunday that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” He added that, while his country's people are divided on some key issues, “when it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.” Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic through the canal and raise rates to use it. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama says future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs. Mulino said fees to use the canal are “not set on a whim.” Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the waterway’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, said all canal users are subject to the same fees, though they vary by ship size and other factors. “I can accept that the canal’s customers may complain about any price increase,” Quijano said. “But that does not give them reason to consider taking it back.” Why has Trump raised this? The president-elect says the U.S. is getting “ripped off" and “I’m not going to stand for it.” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions — you’ve got to treat us fairly. And they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said of the 1977 treaty that he said “foolishly” gave the canal away. The neutrality treaty does give the U.S. the right to act if the canal's operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control. “There's no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said. “Legally, there's no way, under normal circumstances, to recover territory that was used previously." Trump, meanwhile, hasn't said how he might make good on his threat. “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms," said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Gedan said Trump’s stance is especially baffling given that Mulino is a pro-business conservative who has “made lots of other overtures to show that he would prefer a special relationship with the United States.” He also noted that Panama in recent years has moved closer to China, meaning the U.S. has strategic reasons to keep its relationship with the Central American nation friendly. Panama is also a U.S. partner on stopping illegal immigration from South America — perhaps Trump’s biggest policy priority. “If you’re going to pick a fight with Panama on an issue,” Gedan said, “you could not find a worse one than the canal.” ___ Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and Fields from Washington. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux contributed to this report from Washington.Freeman added three steals for the Wildcats (2-4). Tre Thomas added 17 points while shooting 4 for 12 (4 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line while he also had six rebounds. Daniel Rouzan went 5 of 10 from the field to finish with 10 points. The Fightin' Hawks (3-3) were led in scoring by Treysen Eaglestaff, who finished with 20 points. Mier Panoam added 19 points for North Dakota. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Germany is to vote in an early election on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalise the country’s stagnant economy. Mr Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag – a sister publication of Politico owned by the Axel Springer Group – published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month that he has supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” he wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say that the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality”. The Tesla Motors chief executive also wrote that his investment in Germany gives him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. Billionaire Mr Musk, an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, challenged in his opinion piece the party’s public image. “The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party’s leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” Mr Musk’s commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper’s own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Mr Musk’s social media platform, X. Eva Marie Kogel wrote: “I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print.” A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Mr Musk’s opinion piece. “Musk’s diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong,” he wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Mr Burgard – who is due to take over on January 1 – said in a joint statement that the discussion over Mr Musk’s piece was “very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.” “This will continue to determine the compass of the ‘world’ in the future. We will develop ‘Die Welt’ even more decisively as a forum for such debates,” they wrote to dpa.Cooper, Batcho lead Louisiana Tech past Richmond 65-62
The BGL Automotive Aftermarket Insider – AAPEX/SEMA Show Recap CHICAGO , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Investor interest in automotive aftermarket M&A will remain high in 2025 as favorable tailwinds, including an increasingly aging car parc, more miles traveled, and the proliferation of new technologies, continue to drive the industry forward, according to an industry report released by the Automotive Aftermarket investment banking team at Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL). Download and read the latest BGL Automotive Aftermarket Insider : https://bit.ly/BGLAutomotiveAftermarketInsider Inside the report, BGL shares its annual recap of the 2024 AAPEX and SEMA Shows in Las Vegas . The automotive aftermarket M&A environment and strategies impacting current and future deal activity are discussed, and optimism and interest in the sector remain high. Political discussion pervaded conversations more than ever before among company owners and investors, largely due to the unique timing of the show and our U.S. Presidential Election. Through discussions with owners and other industry leaders, BGL identified key strategies that companies are employing to navigate uncertainty and challenges facing the industry. Key takeaways include: How the scarcity of quality assets in 2023 and 2024 has sparked fierce competition among buyers Why owners and investors should act soon to seize the opportunities in the non-discretionary aftermarket segment The factors behind a surging M&A interest in suppliers of replacement parts and mission-critical services Why more miles, older vehicles, and a growing car parc are creating continued value of non-discretionary parts and service providers BGL's Automotive & Aftermarket investment banking team maintains coverage of the broad automotive sector, including the automotive supply chain, automotive aftermarket, and the on- and off-highway commercial vehicle sectors. Our team has executed numerous transactions for private, public, or institutionally-backed companies in the automotive industry, including M&A sell-side advisory, financial restructuring advisory, and capital markets advisory. About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions , capital markets , financial restructurings , business valuations and opinions , and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Boston , Chicago , Cleveland , Los Angeles , and New York , and real estate offices in Chicago , Cleveland , and San Antonio . The firm is also a founding member of REACH Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC . For more information, please visit www.bglco.com . SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & CompanyRemembering Jimmy Carter: Maryland leaders react to the death of the country’s 39th president
CONNECTICUT (WABC) -- This time of the year can be dangerous on the roads. Accidents are bound to happen with people visiting from out of town who don't always know the lay of the land. In Connecticut, there's a safety system in place to prevent drivers from making a deadly mistake. The red wrong-way signs on highway entrance ramps have gotten a technology upgrade with flashing lights that alert the driver, allowing them to turn around before getting on the wrong way. The Connecticut Department of Transportation calls it a self-correction. "The technology works, this technology saves lives and it's why we're committed to putting this on as many ramps as we possibly can here in Connecticut," said Josh Morgan, with the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The state has been on a mission to reduce the number of wrong-way collisions, which are usually head-on and often result in fatalities. Drivers admit it's a concern. "We see all the signs on 95, 299 crashes, some of them have been terrible. How can you not?" Stamford resident Joyce Fubini said. "Both ongoing and oncoming are on the same ramp. There's one, it makes me nervous," resident Mary Thies said. This year 13 people have been killed in wrong-way crashes, which is down from 23 deaths in 2022. That's when the State Legislature allocated $40 million to upgrade its warning system. Sensors trigger flashing lights which notify an operations center and mounted cameras record the activity. Because nearly every wrong-way accident involved an impaired driver, specific locations have been targeted. "We charted out a map, if the ramp is within a certain distance of a bar, restaurant, hotel, someplace that's going to be service alcohol, that was a sign of pretty high score," Morgan said. Connecticut officials are warning motorists since Thanksgiving weekend is busy and deadly. "These are probably the most dangerous four days of the year on our Connecticut highways and usually 10-20 serious injuries, fatalities many of them alcohol-related," Governor Ned Lamont said. 135 of these sensors have been installed throughout the state this year. 100 more are planned for next year. * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * Follow us on YouTube * More local news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Published 5:41 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By Data Skrive The injury report for the Charlotte Hornets (6-11) ahead of their game against the Miami Heat (7-7) currently features six players. The Heat have two injured players listed on the report. The matchup is slated for 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, November 27. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. The Hornets are coming off of a 95-84 loss to the Magic in their last game on Monday. LaMelo Ball’s team-high 44 points paced the Hornets in the loss. The Heat’s last contest on Sunday ended in a 123-118 win against the Mavericks in overtime. Jimmy Butler scored 33 points in the Heat’s victory, leading the team. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .T-Mobile US Inc. stock rises Thursday, still underperforms market