ubet63 ph
Guilford Technical Community College to Open Skilled Trades CenterA judge on Monday granted a request by prosecutors to dismiss the election subversion case against Donald Trump because of a Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed to the request by Special Counsel Jack Smith to dismiss the case against the president-elect "without prejudice," meaning it could potentially be revived after Trump leaves the White House four years from now. "Dismissal without prejudice is appropriate here," Chutkan said, adding in the ruling that "the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office." Trump, 78, was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and removing large quantities of top secret documents after leaving the White House, but the cases never came to trial. Smith also moved on Monday to drop his appeal of the dismissal of the documents case filed against the former president in Florida. That case was tossed out earlier this year by a Trump-appointed judge on the grounds that Smith was unlawfully appointed. The special counsel paused the election interference case and the documents case this month after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election. Smith cited the long-standing Justice Department policy of not indicting or prosecuting a sitting president in his motions to have the cases dismissed. "The Government's position on the merits of the defendant's prosecution has not changed," Smith said in the filing with Chutkan. "But the circumstances have." "It has long been the position of the Department of Justice that the United States Constitution forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President," Smith said. "As a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." In a separate filing, Smith said he was withdrawing his appeal of the dismissal of the classified documents case against Trump but pursuing the case against his two co-defendants, Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the cases were "empty and lawless, and should never have been brought." "Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party's fight against their Political Opponent, ME," he said. "Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before." Trump was accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding -- the session of Congress called to certify Biden's win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021 by a mob of the then-president's supporters. Trump was also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election. The former and incoming president also faces two state cases -- in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter. However, Judge Juan Merchan has postponed sentencing while he considers a request from Trump's lawyers that the conviction be thrown out in light of the Supreme Court ruling in July that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution. In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office. cl/sms Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.
Judge grants dismissal of election subversion case against TrumpIs this the time Nebraska gets past Wisconsin? The teams have played three straight one-score games, each won by the Badgers. Amie Just, columnist: Ty Robinson. Luke Mullin, reporter: Robinson spends the whole game in the Wisconsin backfield, finishing with two sacks and even more quarterback pressures. Nate Head, editor: Let's say Isaac Gifford, the Lincoln native, comes down with his first interception of the season. Just: Emmett Johnson. Mullin: It's another week of Johnson leading the way, though Dante Dowdell takes over inside the red zone. Head: Johnson has had two games with at least 10 carries this season. He gets his third Saturday. Just: The final buzzer. Mullin: It'll be a one-score game to the end, but a stop from the Nebraska defense with two minutes left seals the win. Head: Late. Wisconsin scores a go-ahead touchdown with four minutes left in the game, and Nebraska's ensuing drive ends in a turnover. Just: Keelan Smith. Mullin: Freshman wide receiver Quinn Clark gets his shot and records a catch too. Head: Clark seems like the obvious choice so I'll mix it up: Carter Nelson. Just: Under. Mullin: Under. Head: Under. Just: Under. Mullin: Over. Head: Under. Just: Under. Mullin: Over. Head: Over. Just: Over. Mullin: Over. Head: Over. Just: Under. Mullin: Under. Head: Under. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts continue to bear fruit as bay scallops, once under threat of extinction, are making a resurgence. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Underground fire still burning at Williamsburg Premium Outlets; officials advise caution Underground fire still burning at Williamsburg Premium Outlets; officials advise caution 7 people in custody after barricade situation in Norfolk 7 people in custody after barricade situation in Norfolk Underground fire causes partial parking lot collapse at Williamsburg Premium Outlets Underground fire causes partial parking lot collapse at Williamsburg Premium Outlets One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of ‘Love Connection’ and ‘Scrabble,’ dies at 83 Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of ‘Love Connection’ and ‘Scrabble,’ dies at 83 Corey Hairston retires as Warwick football coach; defensive coordinator Thomas Sykes is named successor Corey Hairston retires as Warwick football coach; defensive coordinator Thomas Sykes is named successor Special counsel moves to abandon election interference, classified documents cases against Trump Special counsel moves to abandon election interference, classified documents cases against Trump Virginia live election results Virginia live election results Newport News man dies, 1 seriously injured in Isle of Wight crash Newport News man dies, 1 seriously injured in Isle of Wight crash Trending Nationally Holiday homecoming for 1,300 Camp Pendleton Marines brings smiles One nation, under watch: Flock Safety cameras help the police solve crime. But how much should privacy matter? Lizzo shows off dramatic weight loss in new photos Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Florida. Here’s why After bankruptcy court, Spirit sees future as a higher value airline ‘for years to come’2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animals
Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. American Airlines briefly halts flights nationwide after technical issue American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into high gear. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after the ground stop order was issued Tuesday. Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday. The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street holds near breakeven ahead of Christmas Stock indexes are edging higher in morning trading on Wall Street as gains for some Big Tech stocks make up for weakness elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up 0.4% Tuesday. Chip company Broadcom was again helping to pull the index higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite was up 0.7%. American Airlines fell 1.2% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.NoneEvans 1-7 1-2 3, Diakhate 2-6 0-0 4, Avinger 2-7 1-3 5, Flournoy 3-13 0-0 8, Makolo 2-7 0-0 4, Verse 1-3 2-4 4, Summer Davis 2-5 0-0 4, Indya Davis 0-0 0-0 0, Turner 6-16 0-0 15, Totals 19-64 4-9 47 Hall 2-7 0-0 4, Merkle 6-11 0-0 12, Campbell 7-11 0-0 14, Murray 8-16 1-1 24, Oden 1-6 1-2 3, Johnson 1-4 1-1 3, Elliott 3-8 1-1 7, Jekot 0-0 0-0 0, Walker 0-0 0-0 0, Totals 28-63 4-5 67 3-Point Goals_Georgia 5-18 (Avinger 0-2, Flournoy 2-6, Makolo 0-1, S.Davis 0-2, Turner 3-7), Penn St. 7-17 (Murray 7-14, Oden 0-1, Johnson 0-1, Elliott 0-1). Assists_Georgia 11 (Avinger 5), Penn St. 20 (Campbell 7). Fouled Out_Georgia Turner. Rebounds_Georgia 38 (Verse 9), Penn St. 45 (Merkle 11). Total Fouls_Georgia 17, Penn St. 13. Technical Fouls_Georgia Turner 1, Verse 1, Penn St. Johnson 1, Oden 1. A_735.
2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animals
Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. American Airlines briefly halts flights nationwide after technical issue American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into high gear. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after the ground stop order was issued Tuesday. Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday. The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street holds near breakeven ahead of Christmas Stock indexes are edging higher in morning trading on Wall Street as gains for some Big Tech stocks make up for weakness elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up 0.4% Tuesday. Chip company Broadcom was again helping to pull the index higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite was up 0.7%. American Airlines fell 1.2% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.
Zoom and Agilent Technologies earnings: After-Hours MoversBy Funto Omojola, NerdWallet Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a “state of credit card report” for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it’s not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don’t use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders’ status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted “token” that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn’t require you to have your physical cards present, there’s less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com. The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet .HEICO Corporation ( NYSE: HEI ) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript December 18, 2024 9:00 AM ET Company Participants Laurans Mendelson - Chairman and CEO Eric Mendelson - Co-President & President of Flight Support Group Victor Mendelson - Co-President & President of Electronic Technologies Group Carlos Macau - EVP and CFO Conference Call Participants Larry Solow - CJS Securities Scott Mikus - Melius Research Ken Herbert - RBC Capital Markets Gautam Khanna - TD Cowen Sheila Kahyaoglu - Jefferies Scott Deuschle - Deutsche Bank Noah Poponak - Goldman Sachs Michael Ciarmoli - Truist Securities Pete Skibitski - Alembic Global David Strauss - Barclays Ron Epstein - Bank of America Louis Raffetto - Wolfe Research Operator Welcome to the HEICO Corporation Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results Call. My name is Samara, and I will be your operator for today's call. Certain statements in this conference call will constitute forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and contingencies. HEICO's actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include the severity, magnitude and duration of public health threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; HEICO's liquidity and the amount and timing of cash generation; lower commercial air travel, airline fleet changes or airline purchasing decisions, which could cause lower demand for our goods and services; product specification costs and requirements, which could cause an increase to our costs to complete contracts; governmental and regulatory demands, export policies and restrictions, reductions in defense, space or homeland security spending by US and/or foreign customers or competition from existing and new competitors, which could reduce our sales; our ability to introduce new products and services at profitable pricing levels, which could reduce our sales or sales growth; product development or manufacturing difficulties, which could increase our product development and manufacturing costs and delay sales; cybersecurity events or other disruptions of our information technology systems
APA Corp. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the dayPlayers have mixed feelings about being on the road on Christmas
HARRISBURG — Spending on public education, reforming aspects of health care, loosening regulations on business and strengthening the commonwealth’s workforce were among the legislative wins achieved in 2024 in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly. Lawmakers adopted Pennsylvania’s biggest budget, to date, a $47.6 billion spending plan with a deficit balanced by $3 billion transferred from the commonwealth’s reserves. Gov. Josh Shapiro and his supporters welcomed the move, spending down on what had been a combined $14 billion in savings they viewed as a reinvestment in taxpayers whose money sat dormant. Fiscal conservatives point to a five-year outlook in the budget that forecasts all of that money being spent by 2029, warning that the structural deficit risks fiscal insolvency. The budget included a $1.2 billion increase for public education as the commonwealth grapples with a late-2023 court decision that found its funding system unconstitutional. Schools collectively saw multi-million increases in spending on special education, K-12 classroom subsidies plus additional funds for the poorest districts to backfill an “adequacy gap” identified by the court, plus more funding for mental health initiatives and security. Expect more record requests for spending on education in the immediate budget years to come as the commonwealth upturns its system on how public schools are funded. At the same time, a fight to establish a school voucher system will continue, too. Lifeline Scholarships were shunned two years in a row, however, Republicans remain committed to creating vouchers in the name of school choice. They’re emboldened by shifts in political party registrations and substantial victories in the 2024 election cycle. Budget battles might lead some in Harrisburg and beyond to seek libations for a brief escape and this year in Pennsylvania, those of legal age have a new option. Legislators advanced a bill into law creating a new permit for licensed bars, restaurants, grocery stores and more to sell canned cocktails to-go. The pre-packaged, pre-mixed drinks were only available in state liquor stores prior to the change. Estimates reached $145 million in new tax revenue, however, the gains will be offset to some degree by lost revenue within the state-owned system. Pennsylvania’s bars and restaurants also benefitted from other regulatory changes that expanded aggregate time allowed for happy hours from 14 hours to 24 hours a week and also permitted drink-and-meal combination discounts that were once illegal. Lawmakers approved reforms in health care with a new law that changes how pharmacy benefit managers operate in the commonwealth. The “middle men” are blamed for practices causing smaller pharmacies to close and consumer prices to rise. Pennsylvania’s legislation bars PBMs from lowering reimbursements for unaffiliated pharmacies, prevents them from spiking prices on medications above what customers might pay when using cash out of pocket, ends certain “steering practices” that lead to increased business for affiliated pharmacies and requires certain reporting requirements that will reveal which companies fail to pass on manufacturer rebates to customers. Aside from public education, state lawmakers made big changes in the realm of higher education. They created Pennsylvania’s first State Board of Higher Education directed to coordinate higher-ed across all levels and also develop recommendations to create a performance-based funding system for state-related universities including Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh. Funding for smaller schools, that is, community colleges and state-owned schools, was increased as was funding for student scholarships and grants along with a new program that for the first time will provide stipends to student teachers. A new telemedicine law assures patients that any medically necessary service they’d receive in person that’s covered by their insurance plan would also be covered if administered remotely through telemedicine. Disputes preventing Pennsylvania’s full participation in an interstate healthcare licensure compact were resolved through legislation concerning fingerprinting and background checks. With a resolution in place, nurses and doctors and others from Pennsylvania can now work in cooperating states without obtaining another license. Xylazine is now formally listed as a Schedule III narcotic in the commonwealth. Protections are included for veterinary use of the sedative developed for large animals. Illicit production of the drug led to it being cut into fentanyl and other opioids sold on the streets, greatly enhancing potency and the risk of death by overdose. Distracted driving was addressed with the passage of Paul Miller’s Law, named after a 21-year-old Scranton man killed by a distracted driver in 2010. The measure, building on an existing statute that bans texting while driving, authorizes traffic stops for similar actions on handheld mobile devices including sending an email, posting to social media, snapping a photo and recording a video. The use of hands-free functions, however, remains permissible. New state law also created a Solar for Schools program incentivizing K-12 public schools, career and technical centers and community colleges to pursue state grant funding that can fund half the construction cost of an approved solar energy project. Another law established the framework for carbon dioxide capture, utilization and sequestration toward storing the pollutant below ground, an initiative tied to the multi-billion dollar proposal to open a pair of hydrogen hubs in the Philadelphia region. The 2023-24 Legislative Session is now closed and the 2025-26 session began Dec. 1 with lawmakers already signaling the introduction of new bills and the reintroduction of old bills that haven’t yet cleared the House and Senate. When voting picks up again in January, expect continued debate and formal proposals for legislative initiatives that weren’t successful including legalizing marijuana for recreational use, enacting gun control measures, approving ballot measures for constitutional amendments on universal voter ID and opening a temporary legal window to sue alleged perpetrators or enablers of long-ago sexual abuse, creating Lifeline Scholarships for school choice, regulating skill games, expanding Sunday hunting opportunities and boosting Pennsylvania’s housing stock.By Funto Omojola, NerdWallet Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a “state of credit card report” for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. OK, but let’s start with bonus rewards From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it’s not just about the rewards. Instant credit access Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. Convenience and safety As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Related Articles Business | Event promoters, hotels and lodging sites soon will have to disclose extra fees up front Business | Should you donate your points and miles to charity? Business | Skip the holiday debt by planning before you spend Business | 5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement — and 5 things to do if you need to catch up, according to experts Business | The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don’t use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders’ status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted “token” that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn’t require you to have your physical cards present, there’s less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com. The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet .
Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flightsFiji Pearls climb to 16th in World Netball rankingsSoccer-West Ham win at Newcastle to ease pressure on Lopetegui
Christmas presents donated by the people in the were distributed to young children in state hospitals on Tuesday. The presents were collected around a Christmas tree on Castille Square in the past few days. The prime minister and his wife Lydia Abela were among those who distributed them on Christmas Eve at Mater Dei Hospital and Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre. They were accompanied by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela. The prime minister also met the directors of Puttinu Cares and thanked them for their work for sick children. He promised them the country's support. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.Missile system deployed in Laoag 'alarming'
A voting machine firm suing Fox News now wants to probe Murdoch family trust fightJudge grants dismissal of election subversion case against Trump
The Danish government has unveiled a significant increase in defence spending for Greenland, shortly after US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the Arctic territory. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that the investment, which amounts to a “double-digit billion” figure in kroner, equates to at least $1.5bn (£1.2bn). Poulsen characterised the timing of the announcement as an “irony of fate,” following Trump’s statement on Monday that the ownership and control of Greenland was an “absolute necessity” for the United States. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, hosts a major US space facility and holds strategic importance for the US due to its location on the most direct route to Europe. The island is also rich in mineral and oil reserves. The planned defence package will fund the purchase of two new inspection ships, two long-range drones, and two additional dog sled teams. It will also support the expansion of staffing at Arctic Command in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, and the upgrade of one of the island’s three primary civilian airports to accommodate F-35 fighter jets. Poulsen noted that Denmark had not invested sufficiently in the Arctic in recent years, emphasising that the government is now prioritising a stronger presence in the region. While the precise cost of the package has not been disclosed, Danish media estimates place it at around 12-15bn kroner. The announcement comes just a day after Trump reiterated on his Truth Social platform that the United States deems Greenland’s control essential for national security and global freedom. In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede firmly stated, “we are not for sale,” though he welcomed continued cooperation and trade, particularly with neighbouring countries. Analysts suggest that the defence package had been under discussion for some time and should not be seen as a direct reaction to Trump’s remarks. However, they note that Denmark has been slow to expand its military capacity in Greenland, and should it fail to protect the territory’s waters from encroachments by China and Russia, there could be growing US demands for greater control. Army Major Steen Kjaergaard of the Danish Defence Academy speculated that Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland could have influenced Denmark’s decision. He believes that Trump is using the pressure of international demands to encourage Denmark to enhance its Arctic military capabilities without directly taking control of Greenland, which relies heavily on subsidies from Denmark. Trump’s previous suggestion in 2019 to purchase Greenland was met with a strong rejection from local leaders, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who described the proposal as “absurd.” This led to the cancellation of a planned state visit to Denmark. The idea of acquiring Greenland is not new; it was first proposed during President Andrew Johnson’s administration in the 1860s. Follow us on: