winner 777 login
OTTAWA ’s comment to Prime Minister about Canada becoming “a 51st state” was a “joke” made in a good-humoured social context and not a serious comment, says Dominic LeBlanc, the only cabinet minister at a Mar-a-Lago dinner Friday night. Citing two unnamed sources, Fox News reported Monday night that Trump said he would levy his threatened 25 per cent tariffs against Canadian products if his concern about border security and trade deficits isn’t resolved. Fox News further reported that when Trudeau replied it would kill the Canadian economy, Trump said if Canada can’t survive unless it is ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion, it could become “the 51st state” and Trudeau could become governor. Fox News also reported that so-called nervous laughter ensued with someone at the table saying Canada would be a very liberal state, and Trump suggesting it could become two — one conservative and one liberal. The details reported by Fox News report were not confirmed by the Canadian government, but nor was the statement attributed to Trump denied. Before a cabinet meeting Tuesday, LeBlanc was asked if it shows Trump thinks Canada is a joke. He responded defensively, saying, “Not at all, not at all. That was not the context at all. In a three-hour social evening at the president’s residence in Florida on a long weekend of American Thanksgiving, the conversation was going to be lighthearted. The President was telling jokes. The President was teasing us. It was, of course, on that issue, in no way a serious comment we had.” LeBlanc repeated the government’s lines since Saturday that the two leaders and a handful of advisers had a wide-ranging conversation about trade and border security issues “that was very productive.” “But the fact that there’s a warm, cordial relationship between the two leaders and the President is able to joke like that for us was a — we don’t have a transcript. Nobody, if you look carefully at the picture, nobody had pads that were taking notes. It was a social evening,” LeBlanc insisted. “It wasn’t a meeting in a boardroom with 10 bureaucrats keeping notes ... And there were moments where it was entertaining and funny, and there were moments where we were able to do, we think, some good work for Canada.” On Tuesday, Trump posted a photoshopped image on his Truth Social platform, of him standing next to a large Canadian flag overlooking a mountain range, dominated by what looked to be (and Google Lens said was) the Matterhorn in Switzerland, with the message: “Oh Canada!” It was not clear what Trump’s intention was. Neither Trudeau nor Chrystia Freeland, his deputy and finance minister who was not on the trip, commented to reporters Tuesday about the so-called joke about the 51st state. Former Conservative interim leader Rona Ambrose in an interview with the CBC said while it’s not clear exactly what was said, she didn’t take it as a joke. “It’s not funny, and it’s not funny to be threatened with a 25 per cent tariff across the board for a country that is so dependent on trade with the U.S.,” said Ambrose. Ambrose previously sat on Trudeau’s outside advisory council during the renegotiation of NAFTA, and doesn’t believe that Trudeau and Trump have the kind of rapport that will exempt Canada from tariffs. “I don’t think that there’s a special relationship between the two leaders, and that’s unfortunate, because I think relationships do make a difference.” But she said the “saving grace” may be that many premiers and U.S. governors, and business leaders do have the ability to “bring to bear some pressure on President Trump.” No Canadian media were at Mar-a-Lago or even aware of the trip before internet flight trackers published the prime minister’s plane was en route to Florida. The prime minister’s team said Trump’s advisers had insisted the meeting remain confidential until the dinner started. Canadian accounts of what was said after their meeting, including the Star’s, relied on brief comments by LeBlanc over the weekend, and on confidential sources — who spoke on condition they not be identified in order to talk about the private discussions. The Star reported on what Trump and Trudeau discussed, and on Monday, the Star reported Trudeau’s team believes it may be to get a reprieve on the threatened tariffs if it addresses the border concerns of the incoming Trump Administration. A senior Canadian official said Trump was clear his focus is on stopping illegal immigration, any flow of illegal drugs — especially fentanyl — and also that he likes tariffs and dislikes trade deficits. But sources did not reveal Trump’s 51st-state comment before Fox News published it. Several Canadian cabinet ministers declined comment Tuesday. “I’ll pass, thank you,” said Jenna Sudds, the minister of families, children and social development. “I think he was trying to joke, but I wasn’t there,” said International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen. J Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne insisted the meeting itself is important. “The one thing that you should take note is that Prime Minister Trudeau was the first leader of the G7 to be hosted by President Trump. I think that is really significant. That is a testament to the strategic nature of our relationship.”An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eGain (Nasdaq: EGAN), the AI Knowledge Management platform for business, announced today that its Board of Directors approved an extension to the stock repurchase program from November 14, 2024, until the earlier of (i) the date the aggregate amount of shares that can be repurchased under the stock repurchase program have been repurchased and (ii) November 14, 2025. "This extension underscores our belief that our shares are undervalued and reinforces our confidence in the significant growth potential of the AI knowledge market. With our strong balance sheet, we believe we are well-positioned to expand our market presence in knowledge management while delivering value to shareholders through our ongoing buyback program," said Ashu Roy, eGain’s CEO. As of November 15, 2024, eGain has repurchased approximately $27.6 million of shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program, leaving approximately $12.4 million of shares of its common stock available for repurchase after the increase. Under the stock repurchase program, eGain may purchase shares of common stock on a discretionary basis from time to time through open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at prices deemed appropriate by eGain. In addition, at the discretion of eGain, open market repurchase of common stock may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit common stock to be repurchased when eGain might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws or self-imposed trading restrictions. The timing and number of shares repurchased will be determined based on an evaluation of market conditions and other factors, including stock price, trading volume, general business and market conditions, and capital availability. The stock repurchase program does not obligate eGain to acquire a specified number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time at eGain’s discretion without notice. The stock repurchase program will be funded using existing cash or future cash flows. About eGain eGain AI Knowledge Hub helps businesses improve experience and reduce cost by delivering trusted, consumable answers. Visit www.egain.com for more info. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation: statements regarding the timing, scope, and funding of our stock repurchase program; our belief that our shares are undervalued; our belief that we are well-positioned to expand our market presence; our focus, growth potential and market opportunity; and the expected benefits of our products. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: risks to our business, operating results, and financial condition; the pace of technological advancements in generative AI and the adaptability of our services to incorporate these advancements; market demand for AI-enabled solutions; risks associated with new product releases and new services and products features; risks that customer demand may fluctuate or decrease; risks that we are unable to collect unbilled contractual commitments, particularly in the current economic environment; risks that our lengthy sales cycles may negatively affect our operating results; currency risks; our ability to capitalize on customer engagement; risks related to our reliance on a relatively small number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue; our ability to compete successfully and manage growth; our ability to develop and expand strategic and third party distribution channels; risks related to our international operations; our ability to continue to innovate; our strategy of making investments in sales to drive growth; general political or destabilizing events, including war, intensified international hostilities, conflict or acts of terrorism; the effect of legislative initiatives or proposals, statutory changes, governmental or other applicable regulations and/or changes in industry requirements, including those addressing data privacy, cyber-security and cross-border data transfers; and other risks detailed from time to time in eGain’s public filings, including eGain’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. eGain, the eGain logo, and all other eGain product names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of eGain Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company names and products mentioned in this release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. MKR Investor Relations Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers Phone: 323-468-2300 Email: egan@mkr-group.comYou are reading the Morning Briefing newsletter. Get the news that prepares you for the day ahead, delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter. DFI Singapore reshuffles Giant, Cold Storage supermarkets as competition rises Despite soft consumer sentiment and a string of Giant store closures in 2024, DFI Singapore’s Q3 profit rose. READ MORE HERE First 2 new trains for Sengkang-Punggol LRT arrive in S'pore, to enter service in Q3 2025 The remaining 23 new two-carriage trains will arrive in Singapore progressively. READ MORE HERE When moving house sometimes means supporting those who need help to resettle When some rental flat residents are relocated, they are uprooted from their support networks, writes Wong Yang. READ MORE HERE Global airfares set to rise yet again in 2025, Amex report says Asia and Australasia are set to see fare rises of close to 14 per cent. READ MORE HERE Judge tosses Trump 2020 election case after prosecutors’ request Trump spokesman Steven Cheung hailed what he called ‘a major victory for the rule of law’. READ MORE HERE Sumiko At 60: From pushchairs to drug lists – a guide to travelling with ageing parents Multi-generational holidays need not be stressful if you cover these bases, writes executive editor Sumiko Tan. READ MORE HERE Quiet ballroom, phone depositories, one-way glass panels: Welcome to the World Chess Championship Ding Liren started his title defence with a win over challenger Gukesh Dommaraju in the first of 14 games at the World Chess Championship. READ MORE HERE Could India’s multi-billion-dollar dream to host the 2036 Olympic Games become a nightmare? India’s attempt to host the Olympics has drawn polarised reactions. READ MORE HERE Lawyer disbarred over using injured worker’s settlement sum to pay his own fees Lawyer Joseph Chen has been struck off the rolls for professional misconduct relating to two separate cases. READ MORE HERE 5 best rock-climbing destinations in South-east Asia More in Singapore are taking courses that allow them to climb outdoors, say industry players. READ MORE HERE Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
Man City stumble again while Arsenal and Bayern Munich earn dominant winsJanuary 05 . The U.S. government again included Cuba, along with countries such as Russia, China, and Nicaragua, on its blacklist on religious freedom . Other nations such as Burma, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Tajikistan, and Vietnam appear on the list. 05. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected the inclusion of Cuba on United States “unilateral” lists hours after the island was again placed by Washington among the countries that, in its opinion, violate religious freedom. In the opinion of the foreign minister, this decision by the United States “responds to (the) need to justify its inhuman measures of siege and economic warfare against (the) Cuban people.” 05. The Cornell University Symphonic Wind Band , from the United States, under the direction of James Spinazzola, performed in the Che Guevara Hall of Casa de las Américas. The performance of the U.S. ensemble is part of a ten-day tour of Cuba with community presentations. 18. The U.S. government confirmed that it does not plan for now to allow Cuban micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) access to the U.S. banking system. Eric Jacobstein Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department, said during a hearing in Congress that at the moment he did not have information about specific regulatory changes. Related Posts Humanitarian parole: Only 50 arrive in U.S. in November, none of them Cuban December 23, 2024 D-17 ten years later: hope, frustration and legacy December 17, 2024 Nymphs also take a look in the mirror December 10, 2024 Carlos Gutiérrez: “There are people all over the U.S. who want better relations with Cuba” October 30, 2024 var jnews_module_315585_0_676f3101e452f = {"header_icon":"","first_title":"Related Posts","second_title":"","url":"","header_type":"heading_1","header_background":"","header_secondary_background":"","header_text_color":"","header_line_color":"","header_accent_color":"","header_filter_category":"","header_filter_author":"","header_filter_tag":"","header_filter_text":"All","post_type":"post","content_type":"all","number_post":"4","post_offset":0,"unique_content":"disable","include_post":"","exclude_post":315585,"include_category":"13944","exclude_category":"","include_author":"","include_tag":"","exclude_tag":"","sort_by":"latest","date_format":"default","date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","force_normal_image_load":"","pagination_mode":"nextprev","pagination_nextprev_showtext":"","pagination_number_post":"4","pagination_scroll_limit":0,"boxed":"","boxed_shadow":"","el_id":"","el_class":"","scheme":"","column_width":"auto","title_color":"","accent_color":"","alt_color":"","excerpt_color":"","css":"","paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_21"}; This Thursday, the federal official was questioned about rumors that the Biden administration would be considering allowing Cuban entrepreneurs to open accounts in U.S. banks. However, Jacobstein assured during his speech that the White House is committed to “supporting the Cuban people” and facilitating “the growth of the private sector” on the island, which, he said, “sees the United States as a source of inspiration,” said an EFE report. 28. Cuba received 28 irregular migrants returned by the United States, bringing the total number of Cubans deported by sea to 91 so far in 2024. This new group, made up of 23 men and 3 women, tried to reach the United States illegally and was intercepted at sea by the Coast Guard, detailed a note from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). 29. Between January 29 and 31, Sara Minkara , U.S. Department of State Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. (SAIDR), visited Havana, the United States Embassy reported. Minkara met with representatives of the Cuban government, independent entrepreneurs, former students of programs sponsored by the Embassy, and students of educational institutions in Havana, according to a press release . February 01. The U.S. writer Alice Walker received the Haydée Santamaría medal in Havana, during an event held at Casa de las Américas. The award was given to her in recognition of her support and deepening of U.S. ties with Cuba. 07. Cuban and U.S. authorities held talks in Washington on security and law enforcement. The Cuban representatives provided their U.S. counterparts with information on people “identified for their links to terrorism.” The meeting was the sixth on this topic since 2015 intending to promote “cooperation to combat terrorism, illegal trafficking of migrants and immigration fraud, drug trafficking, among other scourges that threaten the security of the two countries,” according to the Cuban Foreign Ministry. According to a note published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), the exchange “took place in a climate of respect and professionalism.” 10. An alliance of U.S. and Cuban-American groups and activists published an open letter to President Joe Biden encouraging him to change the course of his policy towards Cuba. United Voice for Change: A Call to Review U.S.-Cuba Policy is the title of the appeal sponsored by ACERE. 22. Representatives of the U.S. agricultural sector expressed their “optimism” about future collaboration with Cuba but stressed that the exchange must be on both sides. “There may be new opportunities and we are optimistic about the possibility of future cooperation with Cuba,” Ted A. MCKinney, president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), told the press. 23. Scientists and researchers from Cuba and the United States discussed in Havana’s preparation for pandemic situations, cancer, and other health issues, reported the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). The exchanges occurred within the 2nd Joint Scientific Meeting Cuba-United States held last week. 24. During the visit to Cuba, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy Kerri S. Hannan met with private businesspeople and representatives of civil society, as well as with government officials. According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy, Hannan exchanged with Cuban entrepreneurs “to learn about the challenges they face and to demonstrate the continued support of the United States to the Cuban people and the Cuban private sector.” In addition, she “learned firsthand how they provide food, supplies, employment and economic opportunities to the Cuban people,” and “explored with them how the U.S. government can strengthen the independent Cuban private sector with exchanges and other aid.” March 01. Ilham Omar, a U.S. House of Representatives member, joined the demands for a change in the White House policy towards Cuba. Omar expressed her frustration at the continuity of policies strengthened by the Trump administration and called on President Biden to make a substantial change. “For 65 long years the Cuban people have suffered from the U.S. embargo,” said the representative from Minnesota. 02. The Cuban Consular Office in the United States announced that it will resume in-person services starting Monday, March 4, according to a statement from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). 08. A group of Republican congresspeople asked President Biden to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The legislators made this request amid the controversy over the trip two congresspeople from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party made to Cuba at the end of February. Republicans María Elvira Salazar, Nicole Malliotakis, Carlos Giménez, and Mario Díaz-Balart, all of Cuban origin, gave a press conference in front of Congress to make public their request to Biden and to attack the socialist system that, in their opinion, “has destroyed Cuba.” These legislators are trying to promote the so-called Force Acts, which would prevent the United States from normalizing relations with Cuba until “freedom and democracy are restored” on the island. In addition, it would prohibit the State Department from removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism if those conditions are not met. 09. A U.S. federal court dismissed a lawsuit to stop the humanitarian parole program that allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to request emergency entry into the country. According to the decision of federal judge Drew B. Tipton, the government of Democrat Joe Biden will be able to continue implementing this initiative, which had been opposed by several states in the union led by Texas. 18. The U.S. government expressed its support for the protesters in Cuba while denying being behind this Sunday’s protests in different localities. “The United States supports the Cuban people exercising their right to assemble peacefully,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols on social media. Nichols also said that “the Cuban government will not be able to meet the needs of its people until it adopts democracy and the rule of law and respects the rights of Cuban citizens.” 18. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) summoned United States Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Ziff regarding the U.S. statements following the protests that took place on Sunday in several towns on the island. Ziff was summoned by Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, who “formally conveyed to him the firm rejection of the interventionist conduct and the slanderous messages of the U.S. government and its embassy in Cuba” in light of these events, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . 23. The U.S. House of Representatives, dominated by Republicans, approved a bill containing specific restrictions on transferring government funds to promote entrepreneurship in Cuba. The financing package also includes the approval of economic assistance to U.S. allies and funds for the “promotion of democracy” in countries such as Cuba and Nicaragua. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart highlighted the allocation of 25 million dollars (an increase of 5% compared to 2023) destined for the work of the Cuba Broadcasting Office, in charge of Radio and TV Martí, in 2024. 29. Cuba received a flight from the United States on Thursday in which 61 irregular migrants were deported, including one who “was escaping from a penitentiary where he was serving a sentence for human trafficking,” according to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). The group was made up of 52 men, seven women and two minors. With their arrival, 340 people have been returned in 26 operations from various countries in the region so far this year, official media reported cited by EFE. April 02 . The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) considered the new press reports on the so-called “Havana Syndrome” released in recent days to be a “political propaganda operation.” These reports came to light as a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. network CBS, the Russian exile media outlet The Insider, and the German magazine Der Spiegel , according to which the mysterious health incidents reported by some 200 United States officials in Cuba and other countries would be the result of deliberate attacks and Russia would be behind them. “This is not an investigation, it is another political propaganda operation that does not provide any evidence and hides from the public the conclusions of important scientific studies that show that the ‘Havana Syndrome’ does not exist,” said Johana Tablada, deputy director for the United States of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, on X. U.S.: Coercion of patients closes investigation into “Havana Syndrome” in health institutes 03. The U.S. government believes that Cuba is at “a key moment” after the recent protests in several localities of the island, which motivated responses from the Cuban Foreign Ministry. The U.S. statements were made by Under Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, who also estimated that “there are reasons for hope” because “the people are protesting in the streets with courage.” For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) this consideration by the United States is an admission “with total shamelessness” of Washington’s intentions to bet on a “regime change.” 12 . Thanks to an educational exchange program, children from the Harriet Tubman Elementary School in Washington learned about the history and culture of Cuba . The Embassy Adoption Program is the public project that promotes cultural ties and unites the embassies accredited in the capital of the United States, including the Cuban one, reported Prensa Latina (PL) news agency. 12 . More than 3,000 applications for humanitarian parole for Cubans were rejected in a single day this week, according to sources and media outlets in South Florida. The rejections amounted to 3,482 and occurred on April 9, causing a stir among those who aspired to emigrate to the United States by this means. This is a record number of denials, since until then the highest number of rejections in one day was 20, on April 3, according to Angel Baullosa, co-founder of the company Immigrate, which monitors requests for humanitarian parole. 12. Former U.S. diplomat Victor Manuel Rocha was sentenced in a federal court in Miami to 15 years in prison on charges related to spying for Cuba for 40 years after pleading guilty during a hearing held by Judge Beth Bloom. Former U.S. ambassador to plead guilty to charges of espionage for Cuba Rocha, 73 years old and former U.S. ambassador to several Latin American countries, was accused of “acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government (Cuba)” and of conspiracy to commit the same crime and disappointing the United States. 14 . The Cuban government accused U.S. intelligence agencies of “mounting an operation” to “provoke a social explosion” taking advantage of the “complex economic situation” that the island is going through. “They hope to heat up the Cuban streets during the summer, taking advantage of the complex economic situation that the country is experiencing,” according to the Granma newspaper. 17 . Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said that the delegations from Cuba and the United States held a “frank discussion” on migration issues during the bilateral dialogue held in Washington. “It was a frank discussion. We cannot say that we agreed exactly on everything we discussed, but we had the opportunity to make proposals on each side based on how they believe the agreements are being fulfilled,” the diplomat commented after the talks. 23 . A report updated to April 15 reveals that 1,314,330 Cubans live in the United States , which makes the island the seventh country with the most residents in that nation. The document on Washington’s Nationalization Policy, from the Congressional Research Service, also states that 64% already have nationality. The report indicates that Cuba is preceded by citizens of Mexico, India, China, the Philippines, El Salvador and Vietnam, out of a total of 25 countries included in the ranking. May 04 . The Cuban drug Heberprot-P for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, used successfully in several countries, will have a clinical trial in the United States. The news was confirmed by the U.S. company Discovery Therapeutics Caribe (DTC), which was authorized to carry out the study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 09 . With “immediate effect,” Western Union announced the resumption of remittances to Cuba from the United States, suspended since February due to “technical problems with the processing of transactions” on the island. The money sent through this channel is processed through Orbit S.A., an entity operated by the Cuban government legally established in 2020. 10 . The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) expressed its “deep concern” over the recent acquittal of the attacker of the island’s Embassy in Washington in 2020, and considered that this decision sends “a dangerous message of impunity.” The aggressor, named Alexander Alazo Baró, was acquitted of the four charges by a judge of the Court for the District of Columbia. In his decision, issued on May 1, the magistrate “alleged conditions of insanity of the perpetrator,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The MINREX recalled that Alazo Baró, who has lived in the United States since 2010, “fired 32 bullets from a magazine of an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle against the Cuban diplomatic headquarters in Washington, causing extensive material damage to the exterior and interior of the building and endangering the lives of several people who were inside the building.” 13 . Businesspeople, politicians and farmers began the 5th United States-Cuba Agricultural Conference in Havana. In the opinion of Congressman Rick Crawford, holding these types of meetings on a regular basis constitutes “progress,” although “we are still not where we would like to be,” according to Prensa Latina (PL) news agency. 13. The United States removed Cuba from its list of countries that “do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorist efforts,” according to a new report from the State Department. The new document states that “the circumstances that led to certifying that Havana was not fully cooperating with these efforts had changed from 2022 to 2023 and that therefore it could no longer certify that the island was not fully cooperating with the anti-terrorism issue under the Arms Export Control Act in calendar year 2023.” U.S. law establishes specific legal criteria for rescinding a designation of a nation as a sponsor of terrorism and therefore “any review of Cuba’s status on that blacklist would be based on the law and criteria established by the United States Congress.” For three consecutive years until the report referring to 2022, Washington has kept Cuba on the list. 16 . Businesspeople, producers, and authorities from the agricultural sector of the United States highlighted the “advances” and the “potential” of trade between both countries in this area. After three days of activities as part of the 5th United States-Cuba Agricultural Conference, held in Havana, the visitors confirmed their desire to continue these meetings and working to increase the bilateral relationship at a time when the country is suffering from a severe economic crisis that has agriculture as one of the most depressed sectors. “We have made great progress to strengthen ties and we will work step by step to achieve our objectives,” said Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture Mike Strain at the close of the event. 16 . Responding to a journalist about the reasons why Cuba was removed from the aforementioned list, the deputy spokesperson for the State Department, Vedant Patel, acknowledged the validity and breadth of the embargo. “Cuba remains subject to an incredibly comprehensive embargo,” Patel admitted, as can be read in the transcript of the press briefing of the State Department. 17 . The U.S. government confirmed that it maintains Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The decision was ratified after the island’s removal from the list of “countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorist efforts” was announced, and Washington admitted that it cooperates with Havana in some activities to combat terrorism. 20 . Democratic members of Congress reacted positively to the step taken by the Biden administration, which admitted Cuba’s cooperation in the fight against terrorism. House members Jim McGovern, ranking member of the House Rules Committee , and Barbara Lee, ranking member of the House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, welcomed the State Department’s move. 20 . An official Cuban delegation visited Miami International Airport, U.S. officials confirmed. According to the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department, the visit lasted about five hours, during which time the Cuban delegation was able to observe a security checkpoint and a baggage checkpoint inside the airport. The authorization was provided by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. A spokesman for the State Department, under which the TSA operates, said the visit is similar to others made in past years by Cuban officials, in the interest of cooperation on civil aviation security. 22 . Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended before the House of Representatives having removed Cuba from the list of countries that “do not fully cooperate” against terrorism because circumstances have changed. The US removes Cuba from the list of “countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorism efforts”. The United States keeps Cuba on another list, that of countries that sponsor terrorism, a measure that entails economic sanctions. 23 . A group of 31 rafters was returned to Cuba by the U.S. Coast Guard. The migrants had been intercepted days ago at sea after making two illegal exits from the island, one through Havana and another through Matanzas, according to official sources. 28 . The United States announced that it allows Cuban entrepreneurs to open and use U.S. bank accounts over the Internet to carry out financial transactions from the island. The Treasury Department explained in a press release that this announcement, along with other measures, seeks to “promote internet freedom in Cuba, support independent Cuban private sector entrepreneurs, and expand access to certain financial services for the Cuban people.” U.S. authorizes Cuban entrepreneurs to open U.S. bank accounts through Internet The Treasury said that since May 28, Cuban entrepreneurs are authorized to “open, maintain, and remotely use U.S. bank accounts, including through online payment platforms, to conduct authorized transactions” whether from the United States, Cuba, or any other country. The United States also updated its definition of Cuban entrepreneur to include not only self-employed workers but also cooperatives and small private enterprises with up to 100 employees, which will be able to access the U.S. banking system. The U.S. also lifted the blockade on fund transfers originating and ending outside the United States, a measure that seeks to facilitate the sending of remittances to Cuba. “The measures announced today by the U.S. government are limited,” wrote Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez on X. 29 . The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum of the University of Arkansas and the National Council of Cultural Heritage signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Havana. The document “will allow for intensified contributions” in academic matters between the U.S. institution and the Ernest Hemingway Museum Finca Vigía, as shared on social media by the island’s cultural institution. 30 . The Harvard University Jazz Orchestra performed at the Casa de las Américas. It is directed by Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry, who has lived in the United States for decades and is linked to jazz and Cuban roots. June 02. Pánfilo, Chequera and Isidoro, popular characters from the comedy show Vivir del cuento , are the protagonists of a campaign by the United States Embassy in Cuba. The campaign is called “Migra legally to the United States” and will address the procedures and other topics of interest for those who wish to do so. According to the diplomatic headquarters on its social media, the three characters — played by actors Luis Silva , Mario Sardiñas and Marlon Pijuan — will discuss these aspects with “someone with very good knowledge.” 08 . The United States ruled out that the arrival in the port of Havana of three Russian ships and a nuclear submarine, between June 12 and 17, constituted a direct threat to its security, considering that they are part of regular Russian military maneuvers. “Russia’s deployments are part of a routine naval activity and do not worry us, since they do not represent a direct threat to the United States,” official sources stated. The Department of Defense has previewed for Russia to carry out “intense naval activity near the United States” in the summer, which could culminate in a global exercise in the fall. 12. U.S. military authorities denied that an air strike by the United States against the jihadist group Al-Shabaab killed two Cuban doctors kidnapped five years ago in Somalia on February 15. The Al-Shabaab terrorists and the two Cuban doctors: a chronology The news of their death had been given by the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, as a result of a bombing in an area of the African country where the doctors were supposedly being held. However, a report from the U.S. Military Command in Africa (AFRICOM) sent to the EFE news agency on Wednesday, although it confirms the attack, denies the death of the doctors. 13 . Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez considered that the report from the U.S. Military Command in Africa (AFRICOM) on the alleged death in Somalia of the two Cuban doctors kidnapped by the group Al-Shabaab “does not provide anything new.” The Foreign Minister said he was “surprised” by the military entity’s report , which denied that Cuban doctors Assel Herrera and Landy Rodríguez were among the victims of a U.S. air attack against the jihadist organization in February. “Since April we have been waiting, without response, for the investigations that Cuba officially requested regarding the AFRICOM attacks in another town in Somalia,” said the island’s Foreign Minister on X. 12 . “There is a new revolution that has taken root in Cuba. That is the revolution of young entrepreneurs who are taking charge of their situation, who are transforming their country, who are improving, growing, expanding, learning, despite the obstacles of the United States or their own country.” Paul Johnson, leader of the US-Cuba Agricultural Coalition: “The private sector is the new revolution in Cuba” “And that is the new revolution that we have to understand, instead of speaking in terms of the 1959 revolution, communism, socialism, capitalism, and those restrictive categories of how we see Cuba today. We have to educate our side about those realities. And frankly, we are behind. Our side doesn’t understand it,” said in Havana Paul Johnson, leader of the United States-Cuba Agricultural Coalition. 13 . The U.S. government reiterated its intention to support the growing private sector in Cuba as a factor in containing the historical influence of Moscow and Beijing on the island for more than six decades. At a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols said the United States remains concerned about attempts by Russia and China to “shape the nature of Cuba’s future.” The event inquired about the topic entitled “Competition among great powers in the Western Hemisphere,” two hundred years after the implementation of the Monroe Doctrine, a key strategy of U.S. foreign policy to defend its interests in Latin America and the Caribbean, then from colonial European powers. 15 . The Cuban government declared its displeasure at the presence of a U.S. war submarine in Guantanamo Bay because visits by naval means are “an invitation, and this is not the case.” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío said: “We obviously do not like the presence in our territory and transiting through our waters of a medium of that nature, belonging to a power that maintains an official and practical policy that is hostile against Cuba.” 21 . The number of Cubans with humanitarian parole continued to grow, although not at the same rate as the high number of applications. More than 100,000 Cubans born on the island had received this immigration benefit from the U.S. authorities by May, according to official data. Of these, approximately 98,200 had already entered the country, the CBP said in its report . 21. Some 56 Cubans were returned to the island in what was the 15th deportation flight from the United States this year, according to the U.S. Embassy in Havana. This group brought the total to 48 operations of this type, involving 744 irregular migrants returned from different countries in the region, both by air and sea, the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) detailed. 23. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is seeking to resume direct deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants to their country and to increase repatriations of Cubans, which was restarted this year after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. 25 . The U.S. government again included Cuba on its human trafficking blacklist, an issue on which Washington and Havana have openly opposing interpretations. U.S. once again includes Cuba on its human trafficking blacklist As last year, the island was placed on the most serious level of the annual report on the subject, published by the State Department, which includes countries that, in the opinion of the U.S. authorities, do not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of this scourge and do not make significant efforts to do so. 30. Wayne Smith , former U.S. diplomat and academic and former head of the Interests Section in Cuba between 1979 and 1982, died at the age of 92. He worked for decades to normalize relations between Cuba and the United States, advocated for the elimination of the embargo/blockade, for the return of the territory occupied by the Guantanamo Naval Base, and condemned terrorism and hostile policies. “The idea that by maintaining the embargo and a hostile environment we could overthrow the Castro government was absurd. It was a delusion on the part of the United States and U.S. leaders,” he said in an interview with AFP in 2015, more than thirty years after finishing his diplomatic mission in Havana. July 10 . The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the Joe Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism and begin the path of mutual understanding. In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the president of the Justice and Peace Committee, Bishop Elías Zaidan, reaffirmed the position of the Conference, which together with the Holy See and governments and international organizations, have also called for the lifting of the embargo/blockade by Washington. 31 . Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez considered recent accusations from the United States that Cuba seeks to influence the electoral process in that country to be “unfounded.” “Accusations about Cuba’s influence in U.S. elections are unfounded. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,” the Cuban Foreign Minister said on X. The publication responds to statements by an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, according to whom the Cuban government carries out “influence operations” in U.S. elections. August 01 . A total of 46 congresspeople urged President Biden to reverse the designation that weighs on Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and recognized its participation in the peace process and agreements in Colombia. 07 . The United States Mint announced that Celia Cruz was chosen, along with four other exemplary women in history, to appear on the 25-cent coin. The Cuban star will be immortalized on the new commemorative quarter as part of the U.S. Women’s 25-cent Coin Program this 2024, Billboard magazine reported . 10. Chicken exports from the United States to Cuba fell in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. However, the value of chicken imported by the island from the neighboring country was now higher. Between January and June, exports of this product to Cuba were 127,000 tons ― equivalent to about 5,000 containers ― while in those same months of 2023, they had been a bit over 139,000. 14 . The United States Embassy in Havana announced the expansion of its services with the purpose of including “certain categories of temporary work visas and exchange programs.” Cubans with temporary work petitions approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be able to schedule a visa interview in Havana. Likewise, participants in exchange visit programs with an approved Certificate of Eligibility will be able to do so. 20. With the humanitarian parole program on hold due to irregularities and cases of fraud detected by the authorities, the number of approved Cubans reached 110,000. By the end of July, that was the number of Cubans examined and authorized to travel to U.S. territory, something that some 109,000 had already done at that time. The number represented a growth of more than 3,000 compared to June when 106,757 had already been approved. Adding the year 2023 and the seven months of 2024, Cubans continued to be third in the number of approved people among the four nations that make up the program. 29 . The U.S. government resumed the allocation of humanitarian permits for emigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela in a number of up to 360,000 people per year. U.S. resumes humanitarian parole for immigrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the resumption of the process after a pause of almost four weeks. A statement from the entity explained that the selection process has been improved, especially that of the sponsors of the people who apply for parole. September 13. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez called on the U.S. government to respond to the questions of Cuban entrepreneurs about the application of the measures announced by the Biden administration last May . He said that the possibility of opening bank accounts in dollars in the United States is inapplicable and that “so far no movement has occurred.” Bruno Rodríguez: “The U.S. measures for Cuban entrepreneurs are inapplicable” “They have not been applied because the oppressive and suffocating framework of the blockade prevents it. You have to be crazy to interact with Cuban entities under that oppressive circumstance. The risks for U.S. banks, for example, are very great,” he said. The Foreign Ministry also questioned how technology companies could discern between state and private enterprises to offer Internet services that are currently blocked, another of the measures that the Biden administration announced in May. 19 . President Biden has extended for another year the Trading with the Enemy Act, a 1917 regulation under which the embargo/blockade on Cuba was imposed. “I hereby determine that the continued exercise of such authorities with respect to Cuba for one year is in the national interest of the United States,” Biden said in the brief memorandum sent to the Treasury Department, published in the Federal Register . 20. Cuban pianist Jesús Chucho Valdés and saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera already have a commemorative date on the calendar. The city of Saint Louis, in the southern state of Missouri, declared that every September 19 will be the day of both Cuban musicians in the United States. 22 . The 5th Meeting of Residents in the United States that took place at the Cuban mission to the United Nations in New York, reaffirmed the government’s will to promote relations with its compatriots in that country, according to a note from the Prensa Latina news agency. Among the main concerns, the diaspora learned in depth about the recently approved laws on migration, nationality and aliens, which are about to come into force. According to Ana Teresita González, head of the General Department of Consular Affairs and Assistance to Cubans Living Abroad (DGACCRE), “we are willing to analyze any project or business.” The DGACCRE will support initiatives promoted by Cubans residing outside the national territory. October 02 . The children’s theater company La Colmenita concluded its tour of the United States in Washington DC, which included visits and performances in Tampa and New York. The presentation in the U.S. capital took place at the Imagination Stage theater with the staging of Cinderella according to The Beatles , a free version in English by the founder and director of the group Carlos Alberto Cremata of the popular fairytale “Cinderella.” 02 . In recent years, Cuba has faced “a growing open incitement to violence from the United States,” said Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Josefina Vidal Ferreiro. The Cuban government has repeatedly notified the authorities of these events, she said at the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism organized by the UN and the government of Spain in the city of Vitoria. 12 . The famous filmmaker and activist Michael Moore asked Joe Biden, in his last 100 days in office as president, to lift the embargo on Cuba and close the Guantanamo naval base. 12 . Cuba imported 46 times more used cars from the United States than food in August, according to a report published by the Economic Eye On Cuba (EEOC) blog , which uses official data provided by various U.S. agencies, including the Department of Commerce. The purchases, which must be paid in cash because Washington does not extend commercial credits to Cuba due to sanctions, do not take into account the sectors, state or private, responsible for the acquisitions. 17 . The Cuban government denounced the “lack of will” that in its opinion the U.S. authorities demonstrate in the face of the attacks suffered by the embassy in Washington. There is “a lack of will and to a certain extent complicity on the part of the federal agencies of the United States that are in charge of preventing terrorist actions,” said Johana Tablada, deputy director for the United States of the Cuban Foreign Ministry. 22 . The U.S. government said it is following “closely” the blackouts that Cuba has suffered in recent days and assured that it does not rule out providing aid to the island. 23 . The ruling of a federal appeals court in the United States on Tuesday overturned the judicial decision that forced several cruise companies to pay fines of more than 400 million dollars for having carried out operations using properties confiscated by the Cuban government after 1959, without compensation to their owners. 24. The Court of Appeals of the 11th Circuit based in the city of Atlanta backed the claim of Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, affected by the verdict issued at the end of 2022 by U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom, by a 2-1 vote, the Miami Herald reported . 24. “If the U.S. government is truly willing to help, it knows and clearly understands where it can make a difference and what needs to be done. There is no need for too many explanations or specific requests,” responded Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. The New York Times publishes letter to Biden demanding end to “brutal” policy on Cuba 30 . With 187 votes in favor, one abstention and two votes against, the United Nations General Assembly once again supported the Cuban government’s resolution on “the need to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.” The votes against were from the United States and Israel, and Moldova abstained. November 10. According to the New York-based U.S. Trade & Economic Council, Inc., U.S. agricultural and food exports to Cuba increased by 53.3% in September 2024. They were $31,150,492, compared to $20,317,573 in September 2023 and $38,167,679 in September 2022. All of this is taking place within the framework of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000, the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992, and regulations implemented (1992 to date) for other products by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. 16. The U.S. Embassy in Havana announced the arrival of a new Chief of Mission (Chargé d’Affaires): career diplomat Mike Hammer, 60 years old and with more than three decades of service. Hammer, who recently served as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, has a diplomatic career as ambassador to Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in addition to working as a diplomat in Bolivia, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. 20 . A group of 18 congresspeople urged President Biden to ease sanctions against Cuba and eliminate its designation among the nations sponsoring terrorism . The letter is driven by a “deep sense of urgency” and requests “immediate actions to stabilize Cuba’s energy infrastructure and provide critical humanitarian assistance.” 28. The Cuban government referred for the first time to Donald Trump ’s victory in the elections and assured that “the country is prepared” for a new term of the Republicans. President Miguel Díaz-Canel said that the election results “are not new” and were a “scenario predicted” by the Cuban authorities. He reiterated his criticism of the U.S. sanctions, a package he described as “perverse and genocidal.” He recalled that the last series of sanctions was imposed during the first term of Republican Trump and that the current U.S. president has maintained “the same position of hostility.” “The Cuban people are currently facing widespread blackouts and a growing energy crisis, exacerbated by the impact of Hurricane Rafael. The situation is not only causing immense suffering to the Cuban people but also poses serious risks to the national security interests of the United States.” 29 . The private MSME Danaus SRL won a victory in a U.S. court against the company Overseas of the Americas Corp., as reported by Univision. The ruling responds to a lawsuit for breach of a contract for the sale of a load of chicken for a total value of 84,000 dollars. Danaus SRL is a company based in Havana that is dedicated to the distribution of wholesale products throughout Cuba, according to its social networks. Meanwhile, Overseas of the Americas Corp. is based in the state of Florida and was created on July 6, 2021. The case creates a precedent for businesspeople to be able to file lawsuits from Cuba against U.S. entities. December 05 . The Cuban government estimated that it is “not realistic” for the next Republican administration of Donald Trump to deport the “hundreds of thousands” of Cubans currently living illegally in the United States. Given the imminent arrival of Trump to the White House on January 20, and the promises of the president-elect to carry out mass deportations from the first day of his mandate, the Cuban authorities assured that any proposal of this type would have to be examined within the limits of the existing agreements between Washington and Havana. “In that context, it is not realistic to think that there will be mass deportations from the United States to Cuba,” said Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío, cited by the Reuters news agency. 06 . A foreign adversary of the United States is likely responsible for some of the Havana Syndrome incidents, a House of Representatives investigative committee has concluded, debunking the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) version and accusing it of withholding valuable information. Representative Rick Crawford, chairman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee that oversees the CIA, released an interim report that castigates the U.S. intelligence community for “attempting to frustrate” the investigation and producing a “dubious or misleading” prior assessment that dismissed the incidents, reported an article published in El Nuevo Herald , Miami. “It seems increasingly likely and the chairman [of the subcommittee] is convinced that a foreign adversary is behind some” of these incidents, the report said. 11 . U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that he “does not anticipate” any change in Cuba policy before outgoing President Joe Biden leaves power on January 20, 2025. “I do not anticipate any change in our policy toward Cuba by this administration,” said the head of U.S. diplomacy during an appearance before a parliamentary committee. 11 . The Cuban Foreign Ministry responded to the approval of the “No Recognized Stolen Brands” law, recently signed by President Joe Biden, with a strong condemnation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) considers it a “unilateral coercive” measure that reinforces Washington’s embargo against the island’s economy, which is going through the worst moment of its prolonged economic crisis. 13. The U.S. government decided to keep Cuba for another year on the list of countries that in its opinion sponsor terrorism , which entails a series of sanctions for the island. This is stated in the 2023 report on terrorism in the world published this Thursday by the State Department. Cuba shares a category with North Korea, Iran and Syria, countries that Washington accuses of “providing repeated support to acts of international terrorism.” 17. The Cuban government denied that it is uncomfortable with the political rapprochement with the United States and acknowledged that it is “concerned” about the economic effect that a second Donald Trump term may have. “Of course, we are concerned about the effect that greater hostility from the United States, which has proven to be very powerful and to have a very effective destructive capacity to cause damage, may have on our economy, and in particular, the effect it may have on the standard of living of the population,” said Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Fernández de Cossío. Tags: Cuba-USA Relations featured
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer has warned Donald Trump that he could be impeached if he allows tech billionaire Elon Musk to continue influencing future policy decisions, amid an online debate about visas for foreign workers. Loomer and other conservative commenters claimed on Thursday that they were stripped of their verification badges on X after they criticized Musk’s support of H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. In an X post, Loomer wrote that there was a "full censorship of my account simply because I called out H-1B visas. This is anti-American behavior by tech oligarchs. What happened to free speech?" Vivek Ramaswamy called 'con man' after H1-B backlash as he fails to deflect Trump stays silent as MAGA implodes over Musk and Vivek's immigration stance In an interview with Steve Bannon, Loomer added that she believed Donald Trump ’s affiliation with Musk would threaten his second term in office. "If he [Musk] is a free speech absolutist, why was my account suspended? I lost my verification, my blue check because Elon Musk does not like what I said,” she said. Laura Loomer on her X suspension: "If he's a free speech absolutist, why was my account suspended? ... I am simply trying to warn the Trump administration about something that's going to blow up in their face, & it has the risk of potentially getting President Trump impeached" pic.twitter.com/jBhxc33KIN — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 27, 2024 “I am simply trying to warn the Trump administration about something that's going to blow up in their face, and it actually has the risk of potentially getting President Trump impeached in his second term if the Democrats take back the House and are successfully able to spin and create a narrative that Big Tech is trying to buy influence and enriching themselves in the Trump administration." The debate about H-1B visas began this week when Loomer criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the US. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy,” adding that tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Musk weighed in on Wednesday, saying America had too few "talented" and "motivated" engineers and needed "to recruit top talent wherever they may be." "Loomer is trolling for attention. Ignore," Musk posted on X. Donald Trump hits back at claims Elon Musk is running the US WNBA star tells Elon Musk to 'go back to Africa' after Donald Trump failure Musk warned he's 'making enemies and will get hurt' if he doesn't quit politics The debate enraged MAGA supporters, with figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire US workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers in the industry are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut American citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated. Trump has not yet weighed in on the debate.Brazilian police indict Bolsonaro and accomplices for 2022 coup attempt, alleged plot to kill Lula
The General Services Administration has made official its first batch of winners for the general small business track of OASIS+, the recompete of a massive government-wide professional services contract vehicle. Back in July, GSA posted a list of 1,383 small businesses that it deemed “apparent winners” of a position on the vehicle. Those awards were subject to protests over whether companies on that list were small businesses or not. Now the number stands at 1,373 final winners in new information posted Thursday to the Federal Procurement Data System. . These companies have received notices-to-proceed, but do keep in mind that this is not the end of the line to find out who wins a seat on OASIS+. GSA’s posting of the newest award batch reiterates what it has said before about the rolling process: “If, following award announcements, an offeror has not been notified of their award status, their offer as part of the rolling awards process. This cycle of rolling awards will continue until all awards are made.” The new One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus vehicle has four other small business groups that are reserved for individual socioeconomic labels, in addition to the general SB track just awarded. GSA has made initial batches of awards for the 8(a), woman-owned, HUBZone and service-disabled/veteran-owned groups. More awards for those are due to fall during January and February. Related articles GSA apparently was able to move on, what it hopes are, its final selections for the OASIS+ Total Small Business Set-Aside track. Companies of any socioeconomic distinction and those with only an SB labeling were eligible to bid for the vehicle. One protest from Q2 Impact, a bidder GSA eliminated because the company’s proposal evidently involves the use of banned communications equipment. Q2 believes its waiver to use Huawei Technologies equipment on a U.S. Agency for International Development contract should apply for OASIS+, but GSA’s position is that the waiver only applies to USAID and not across government. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 29, while all motions and responses to them have a Jan. 17 deadline. In the meantime, GSA also is moving ahead with its awards for the unrestricted portion of OASIS+. GSA added , bringing the total number of winners there to 588 so far. OASIS+ has no ceiling and a potential duration of 10 years, which includes an initial five-year base period and a single five-year option. Agencies use OASIS+ to acquire professional services that are not tech-centric in nature.Dutton promises teen ban won’t mean people need passports to log on
Homeland Security agent pleads not guilty to drug distribution conspiracy chargeSince the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903, aviation has evolved at a breathtaking pace, shaping human history and technology. From pioneering innovations to game-changing milestones, these aircraft represent the pinnacle of ingenuity, transforming how we travel, defend, and explore. Let us explore the most important aircrafts that changed the world forever. 1. The Wright Flyer kicked it all off Undoubtedly, the most important aircraft of all time was the 1903 “ Wright Flyer ” or “Kitty Hawk.” Developed in the opening years of the 20th century, this aircraft completed the world’s first-ever sustained flight by a manned, heavier-than-air powered, and controlled aircraft. During this historic event, the flyer could travel some 120 feet and reach a top speed of 6.8 mph (10.94 kph). This incredible feat was achieved on December 17, 1903, and would prove to be one of human history’s most pivotal technological developments. Practically prehistoric compared to modern aircraft, the Wright Flyer was powered by a 12-horsepower (9 kilowatts) gasoline engine. This engine turned a pair of push wooden propellers hand-carved by the Wright brothers. Its wings and fuselage were made of wood and canvas and lacked any moveable wing surfaces for maneuverability and attitude control. The Wright brothers conducted four flights in an area now part of Kill Devil Hills, approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. During its fourth and final flight, the airplane flew a distance of 852 feet (260 meters) but was damaged upon landing. Shortly thereafter, it was wrecked when strong gusts of wind caused it to overturn. 2. The Spirit of St. Louis completed the first transatlantic flight Following the pioneering work of the Wright Brothers, the world of aviation exploded onto the world, changing many aspects of our world forever. One of the next major advancements was the world’s first-ever transatlantic flight by Charles Lindbergh. Flown solo in 1927 aboard the Spirit of St. Louis , this feat proved to the world that long-distance air travel was possible. This aircraft was custom-built for the task and featured a single engine and just a single seat. The aircraft was a high-wing (mounted on top of the body) monoplane that first took to the air in May of 1927. Lindbergh and his incredible aircraft took off from Long Island in New York and landed in Paris, France, 33 hours and 30 minutes later. The aircraft flew 3,600 miles (5,800 km), and Lindbergh won his place in history and was handsomely rewarded with the $25,000 Orteig Prize. That might not sound like a lot, but that would be around $453,295 in today’s money. Not too shabby. This event would inspire generations of aircraft makers and pilots, eventually leading to modern commercial aviation as we know it. 3. The Douglas DC-3: the first bona fide commercial aircraft No doubt, inspired by the achievements of Lindbergh and his Spirit of St. Louis, Douglas Aircraft Company would go on to design the world’s first true commercial airliner. Called the DC-3 , this aircraft would serve with distinction throughout the 1930s and 1940s in commercial and military service. Initially developed as a 14-bed sleeper variant of its predecessor, the DC-3 would take the world of aviation by storm. Powered by powerful engines, the DC-3 had a cruising speed of 207 mph (333 km/h) and a later capacity of 21 to 32 passengers. It had a total range of 1,500 mi (2,400 km) and, importantly, could operate from short runways. However, foremost amongst this incredible aircraft design was its relative speed, reliability, and, ultimately, comfort. The aircraft pioneered many air travel routes thanks to becoming one of the first to transport just passengers over long distances profitably. Following WW2, the advent of larger aircraft and jet engines ultimately did for this incredible piece of aviation history. 4. The De Havilland 82 Queen Bee was the first-ever drone Drones have revolutionized aviation, marking a pivotal shift toward unmanned systems. From military applications like the MQ-9 Reaper in surveillance and precision strikes to civilian uses in logistics, agriculture, and disaster response, drones showcase the evolution of autonomy and versatility in flight. Their innovation shapes the future of aerospace and reshapes global industries. But they arguably wouldn’t exist without the de Havilland DH82B Queen Bee . This aircraft is officially recognized as the world’s first returnable and reusable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A low-cost, radio-controlled drone target plane, the Queen Bee was designed to provide realistic anti-aircraft (AA) gunnery training. Based on the Tiger Moth, this aircraft flew in 1935, and 412 were built between 1935 and 1943. 380 Queen Bees served as target drones in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy until they were retired in 1947. 4. The ME-262: the world’s first operational jet aircraft Speaking of jet engines, any list of this kind would not be completed without the granddaddy of all jet aircraft , the Messerschmitt Me-262. Developed early during the Second World War, it would only see actual combat from the dying months of 1944 onwards. Equipped with two Junkers Jumo 004B-1 turbojets, the Me-262 operated as a fighter bomber and reconnaissance aircraft throughout its short service life. During its initial months of active service, the Me-262 proved its worth, scoring huge kill tallies among Allied fighters and bombers over Germany. However, despite the clear advantages of piston-engined aircraft of its time, the Me-262 was not invulnerable in the air. Allied pilots soon developed tactics to nullify the aircraft’s advantages, with America P-51 squadrons, in particular, taking a heavy toll on inexperienced Me-262 pilots. The Me-262 suffered heavily from reliability issues and low production numbers, meaning this incredible aircraft had little impact on the war’s outcome. Post-WW2, captured Me-262s would be used to develop other jet-engined aircraft worldwide and would even continue to serve in some airforces like the fledgling Israeli Airforce in the early 1950s. 5. The Bell X-1 broke the sound barrier for the first time The 1940s saw the first operational jet and the decade in which the sound barrier was first breached, thanks to the Bell X-1 . Piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, the experimental aircraft, managed to reach a speed of 700 mph (1,127 kph), Mach 1.06, in level-flight at an altitude of 13,000 meters (43,000 feet). This remarkable feat was achieved on October 14, 1947, and would ultimately prove that supersonic speeds were possible. A rocket engine powered the Bell X-1, and later variants could go even faster, with one, the Bell X-1A, exceeding 1,600 mph (2,600 kph) in 1954. The Bell X-1 and other X-planes she inspired would break other aviation records and ultimately paved the way for more famous aircraft like the world’s first (and currently only) operational supersonic airliner, the Concorde . 6. F-117 Nighthawk: the first stealth aircraft Jumping forward several decades and skipping other great leaps in technology like the SR-71 Blackbird (first Mach 3+, high altitude aircraft) and Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (longest-serving aircraft in history), arguably the next most important aircraft is the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk. Oddly shaped and deadly black, this alien-looking aircraft is the world’s first-ever operational stealth aircraft. Her sharp lines and mean look made her as close to radar-invisible as possible for her time, reshaping air combat forever. First introduced in the early 1980s, she would serve with distinction until she was retired in 2008 . However, F117 airframes are still used for training purposes for the United States Air Force (USAF). Around 64 aircraft were built, with officially only one ever being lost in battle over the skies of Yugoslavia in 1999. She has since been replaced by the more advanced F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. 7. Space Shuttle: the first reusable spaceplane It developed around the same time as the F117, the Space shuttle, the first-ever reusable spaceplane, this incredible feat of engineering was used to deliver gear and people into orbit over several decades. The Space Shuttle was launched into orbit piggybacking a large rocket-booster launch vehicle and would perform its duties in Earth orbit before entry and landing like a regular aircraft. This spaceplane would advance space exploration and satellite delivery until ultimately being retired following a series of high-profile and tragic catastrophes. Her unique abilities would go unchallenged for many decades until the advent of other reusable spacecraft like SpaceX’s impressive range of reusable rockets and spacecraft. Since the Wright Brothers’ groundbreaking flight at the dawn of the 20th century, aviation has advanced at a pace that surpasses even the wildest dreams of its pioneers. Over the decades, countless remarkable aircraft have taken to the skies, but the ones highlighted above stand out as true milestones that redefined what is possible in flight.
Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election, according to a federal police report unsealed on Tuesday. Brazil’s federal police last Thursday formally accused Mr Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. “The evidence collected throughout the investigation shows unequivocally that then-president Jair Messias Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organisation aiming to launch a coup d’etat and eliminate the democratic rule of law, which did not take place due to reasons unrelated to his desire,” the document said. At another point, it says: “Bolsonaro had full awareness and active participation.” Mr Bolsonaro, who had repeatedly alleged without evidence that the country’s electronic voting system was prone to fraud, called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, according to the police report, signed by four investigators. The decree would have launched an investigation into suspicions of fraud and crimes related to the October 2022 vote, and suspended the powers of the nation’s electoral court. The navy’s commander stood ready to comply, but those from the army and air force objected to any plan that prevented Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Mr Bolsonaro never signed the decree to set the final stage of the alleged plan into action. Mr Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or awareness of any plot to keep him in power or oust his leftist rival and successor. “No one is going to do a coup with a reserve general and half a dozen other officers. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup,” Mr Bolsonaro told journalists in the capital Brasilia on Monday. “If someone came to discuss a coup with me, I’d say, that’s fine, but the day after, how does the world view us?” he added. “The word ‘coup’ has never been in my dictionary.” The top court has passed the report on to prosecutor-general Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Mr Bolsonaro. Rodrigo Rios, a law professor at the PUC university in the city of Curitiba, said Mr Bolsonaro could face up to a minimum of 11 years in prison if convicted on all charges. “A woman involved in the January 8 attack on the Supreme Court received a 17-year prison sentence,” Mr Rios told the Associated Press, noting that the former president is more likely to receive 15 years or more if convicted. “Bolsonaro’s future looks dark.” Ahead of the 2022 election, Mr Bolsonaro repeatedly alleged that the election system, which does not use paper ballots, could be tampered with. The top electoral court later ruled that he had abused his power to cast unfounded doubt on the voting system, and ruled him ineligible for office until 2030. Still, he has maintained that he will stand as a candidate in the 2026 race. Since Mr Bolsonaro left office, he has been targeted by several investigations, all of which he has chalked up to political persecution. Federal police have accused him of smuggling diamond jewellery into Brazil without properly declaring them and directing a subordinate to falsify his and others’ Covid-19 vaccination statuses. Authorities are also investigating whether he incited the riot on January 8 2022 in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in Brasilia, seeking to prompt intervention by the army that would oust Mr Lula from power. Mr Bolsonaro had left for the United States days before Mr Lula’s inauguration on January 1 2023 and stayed there for three months, keeping a low profile. The police report unsealed on Tuesday alleges he was seeking to avoid possible imprisonment related to the coup plot, and also await the uprising that took place a week later.1stdibs.com chief commercial officer sells $47,290 in stock
Trump team signs agreement with Justice Department for background checks for administration picksOTTAWA ’s comment to Prime Minister about Canada becoming “a 51st state” was a “joke” made in a good-humoured social context and not a serious comment, says Dominic LeBlanc, the only cabinet minister at a Mar-a-Lago dinner Friday night. Citing two unnamed sources, Fox News reported Monday night that Trump said he would levy his threatened 25 per cent tariffs against Canadian products if his concern about border security and trade deficits isn’t resolved. Fox News further reported that when Trudeau replied it would kill the Canadian economy, Trump said if Canada can’t survive unless it is ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion, it could become “the 51st state” and Trudeau could become governor. Fox News also reported that so-called nervous laughter ensued with someone at the table saying Canada would be a very liberal state, and Trump suggesting it could become two — one conservative and one liberal. The details reported by Fox News report were not confirmed by the Canadian government, but nor was the statement attributed to Trump denied. Before a cabinet meeting Tuesday, LeBlanc was asked if it shows Trump thinks Canada is a joke. He responded defensively, saying, “Not at all, not at all. That was not the context at all. In a three-hour social evening at the president’s residence in Florida on a long weekend of American Thanksgiving, the conversation was going to be lighthearted. The President was telling jokes. The President was teasing us. It was, of course, on that issue, in no way a serious comment we had.” LeBlanc repeated the government’s lines since Saturday that the two leaders and a handful of advisers had a wide-ranging conversation about trade and border security issues “that was very productive.” “But the fact that there’s a warm, cordial relationship between the two leaders and the President is able to joke like that for us was a — we don’t have a transcript. Nobody, if you look carefully at the picture, nobody had pads that were taking notes. It was a social evening,” LeBlanc insisted. “It wasn’t a meeting in a boardroom with 10 bureaucrats keeping notes ... And there were moments where it was entertaining and funny, and there were moments where we were able to do, we think, some good work for Canada.” On Tuesday, Trump posted a photoshopped image on his Truth Social platform, of him standing next to a large Canadian flag overlooking a mountain range, dominated by what looked to be (and Google Lens said was) the Matterhorn in Switzerland, with the message: “Oh Canada!” It was not clear what Trump’s intention was. Neither Trudeau nor Chrystia Freeland, his deputy and finance minister who was not on the trip, commented to reporters Tuesday about the so-called joke about the 51st state. Former Conservative interim leader Rona Ambrose in an interview with the CBC said while it’s not clear exactly what was said, she didn’t take it as a joke. “It’s not funny, and it’s not funny to be threatened with a 25 per cent tariff across the board for a country that is so dependent on trade with the U.S.,” said Ambrose. Ambrose previously sat on Trudeau’s outside advisory council during the renegotiation of NAFTA, and doesn’t believe that Trudeau and Trump have the kind of rapport that will exempt Canada from tariffs. “I don’t think that there’s a special relationship between the two leaders, and that’s unfortunate, because I think relationships do make a difference.” But she said the “saving grace” may be that many premiers and U.S. governors, and business leaders do have the ability to “bring to bear some pressure on President Trump.” No Canadian media were at Mar-a-Lago or even aware of the trip before internet flight trackers published the prime minister’s plane was en route to Florida. The prime minister’s team said Trump’s advisers had insisted the meeting remain confidential until the dinner started. Canadian accounts of what was said after their meeting, including the Star’s, relied on brief comments by LeBlanc over the weekend, and on confidential sources — who spoke on condition they not be identified in order to talk about the private discussions. The Star reported on what Trump and Trudeau discussed, and on Monday, the Star reported Trudeau’s team believes it may be to get a reprieve on the threatened tariffs if it addresses the border concerns of the incoming Trump Administration. A senior Canadian official said Trump was clear his focus is on stopping illegal immigration, any flow of illegal drugs — especially fentanyl — and also that he likes tariffs and dislikes trade deficits. But sources did not reveal Trump’s 51st-state comment before Fox News published it. Several Canadian cabinet ministers declined comment Tuesday. “I’ll pass, thank you,” said Jenna Sudds, the minister of families, children and social development. “I think he was trying to joke, but I wasn’t there,” said International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen. J Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne insisted the meeting itself is important. “The one thing that you should take note is that Prime Minister Trudeau was the first leader of the G7 to be hosted by President Trump. I think that is really significant. That is a testament to the strategic nature of our relationship.”
Hyundai offers free Tesla adapters to its U.S. customers8 ASX All Ords shares upgraded to 'strong buy' ratings in November
ChatGPT explores ads as it works toward 1 billion usersWatch Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks: NBA Cup free live stream
MIAMI , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami is proud to announce the completion of its highly anticipated renovations, redefining luxury and sophistication in the heart of South Beach at 1600 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Designed by Lang & Schwander to embody the vibrant energy and upscale charm of Miami , the updates include newly reimagined rooms and suites, check-in lobby, inclusivity spaces, from food and beverage and communal lounge areas that celebrate the hotel's commitment to connecting guests to the pulse of the city. Elevated Rooms and Suites The newly renovated 105 guest rooms and suites blend modern design with thoughtful functionality. Each space is adorned with sleek furnishings, neutral tones, and vibrant accents inspired by Miami's art scene. Enhanced amenities include plush bedding, state-of-the-art technology, and expansive windows offering stunning views of South Beach's iconic skyline and coastline. Enhanced Check-In Lobby and Inclusivity Spaces Guests are greeted with an upgraded check-in lobby on the third floor that exudes warmth and style. Featuring contemporary decor and comfortable seating, the space serves as an inviting prelude to their South Beach experience. Communal areas have also been reimagined to foster connection, offering vibrant social spaces. From a chic full bar serving classic and unique cocktails, to indoor communal lounge area to serene outdoor terraces, Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami provides the perfect setting to connect and recharge with fellow travelers. Unparalleled Amenities Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami continues to deliver exceptional amenities that cater to modern travelers. Guests can enjoy: "Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami has always been envisioned as a destination where the vibrant spirit of South Beach meets unparalleled hospitality. Our recent renovations mark the next chapter in our dedication to elevating guest experiences and showcasing the beauty and culture of Miami Beach ," said Robert Finvarb , Founder of Robert Finvarb Companies. Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami serves as the ultimate launchpad for adventure, offering guests access to the city's finest attractions, including Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road Mall, and the Art Deco Historic District. About Hyatt Centric Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created to connect guests to the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery so they never miss a moment of adventure. Each hotel offers social spaces to connect with others in the lobby, meanwhile the bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they don't. A passionately engaged team is there to provide local expertise on the best food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. For more information, please visit hyattcentric.com . Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram , and tag photos with #HyattCentric. About Robert Finvarb Companies Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created to connect guests to the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery so they never miss a moment of adventure. Each hotel offers social spaces to connect with others in the lobby, meanwhile the bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they don't. A passionately engaged team is there to provide local expertise on the best food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. For more information, please visit hyattcentric.com . Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram , and tag photos with #HyattCentric. About Robert Finvarb Companies Robert Finvarb Companies (RFC) is a private real estate investment and development company based in Miami, Florida . Robert Finvarb , founder of the company, started his development career in 2002. Since then, RFC has developed nineteen hotels containing an excess of 3,500 guestrooms that operate under various Marriott and Hyatt brands and are located in seven states and the District of Columbia . RFC has a reputation for developing high-quality assets and possesses a track record of success in all market cycles. As a private company, the principals invest their own equity in all projects and are personally involved in all phases of development and operations. For more than 20 years, RFC has carefully cultivated its reputation of excellence in the hospitality industry. RFC's team of development and lodging specialists have a wide-ranging expertise in real estate and capital markets that is applied in identifying accretive investment opportunities to maximize the financial performance of such projects. CONTACT: Jacqueline Mercado Hyatt Hotels Corporation + 1 786 578 6886 jacqueline@identitymediapr.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-year-new-look-hyatt-centric-south-beach-miami-debuts-elevated-style-and-luxury-302337669.html SOURCE Hyatt Centric South Beach MiamiNEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7”, which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. The S&P 500 fell 66.75 points, or 1.1%, to 5,970.84. Roughly 90% of stocks in the benchmark index lost ground, but it managed to hold onto a modest gain of 0.7% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 333.59 points, or 0.8%, to 42,992.21. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 298.33 points, or 1.5%, to 19,722.03. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.1%. Microsoft declined 1.7%. Each has a market value above $3 trillion, giving the companies outsized sway on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.5% and Best Buy slipped 1.5%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of less than 0.1% as crude oil prices rose. “There’s just some uncertainty over this relief rally we’ve witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns the combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury remained at 4.33% from late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.